New direct rail route to connect Oslo and Berlin from 2028

International train connection aims to strengthen rail travel between Scandinavia and mainland Europe

A new direct train connection between Oslo and Berlin is set to launch in summer 2028, linking the Norwegian and German capitals via Gothenburg, Malmö, Copenhagen and Hamburg. The route will be operated jointly by Vy, DSB and Deutsche Bahn, with two daily departures planned throughout the year. Deutsche Bahn’s new ICE L trains will be used on the route, offering a restaurant car, family section and first-class seating. For travellers, the new service marks an important step towards easier and more comfortable rail travel between Scandinavia and continental Europe.

Growing opportunities for sustainable travel

The new connection could also create fresh opportunities for tour operators and destinations across the Nordic region. Demand for sustainable travel, fly-and-rail combinations and multi-country itineraries has grown steadily in recent years, especially among European travelers looking for slower and more connected travel experiences.

With the new route, cities such as Oslo, Gothenburg and Copenhagen become more closely integrated into the wider European rail network, while Berlin may strengthen its role as an international gateway for Nordic travel. The full journey between Oslo and Berlin is expected to take approximately 14 to 15 hours.

Travel time between Oslo and Copenhagen will be around seven hours, while Gothenburg to Copenhagen will take roughly three hours.

Rail travel continues to gain momentum 

According to Vy, interest in international rail travel has increased significantly in recent years. The company doubled its departures to Gothenburg in 2024 and tested services onwards to Malmö during summer 2025.

The new route will also mark the return of a direct rail connection between Oslo and Copenhagen for the first time in more than 20 years. In the longer term, the railway companies also see potential for additional direct train connections between Scandinavia and other major European cities.

More on the new train connection..

Header: © Deutsche Bahn AG / Dominic Dupont