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A well-planned train holiday through Scandinavia is often cheaper than flying, thanks to smart choices such as an Interrail pass and using night trains. The total cost of a train holiday in Scandinavia depends on the choices you make, but with good preparation you can keep your budget under control. Discover how to cut costs and still enjoy an unforgettable trip.
An overview of the total costs
The total costs for a train holiday in Scandinavia are on average between €1,200 and €4,200 per person for a trip of 8 to 18 days. This is a broad estimate, because the final price depends heavily on a range of factors. Think of the length of your trip, the type of accommodation you choose and the extra activities you undertake. A trip in the high season (June to August inclusive) is more expensive than in the shoulder seasons (May or September).
The biggest cost items are the rail passes or separate tickets, the overnight stays and the daily expenses for food and drink. Scandinavia is known as an expensive region, Norway in particular. Daily expenses in those countries can run up to €50 to €100 per person, even if you make simple choices. By planning your trip well, you can make substantial savings on every cost category.
‘ Despite the extra reservation fees, a rail pass often offers better value than separate tickets, especially if you plan to cover longer distances. ’
The prices of Interrail passes
For those looking for flexibility, an Interrail pass is a good choice. With a pass you can travel for a fixed amount for a certain number of days without limit within one or more countries. An Interrail One Country Pass for Norway or Sweden is already available from around €200. The price depends on the number of travel days you choose within a certain period.
An Interrail pass gives you a lot of freedom, but be aware of any additional costs. For some popular routes, such as the high-speed trains between the capitals or the famous Bergen Line in Norway, a seat reservation is compulsory. These reservation fees are added to the price of your pass and range from a few euros to sometimes several tens of euros. You also pay a supplement for a seat, couchette or private compartment on night trains.
The advantages of a rail pass
Despite the extra reservation fees, a rail pass often offers better value than separate tickets, especially if you plan to cover longer distances. With the pass you can spontaneously choose a different route and see more of the country. There are often discounts available for young people and seniors, which makes the pass even more attractive.
Budget tips for train travel in Scandinavia
Good planning is the key to an affordable and comfortable trip. With a few well-considered choices you can significantly lower the costs without sacrificing the travel experience. Here are some practical tips to optimise your budget.
Combine travelling and sleeping with the night train
One of the best ways to save money is by using night trains. On routes such as Stockholm to Narvik or Oslo to Bergen you can travel overnight. You do pay a supplement for a sleeping place, but you save the cost of a full hotel night. A hotel room in a Scandinavian city will easily cost you €100 to €200 per night. The supplement for a berth in a shared compartment is considerably lower. You wake up at your next destination, giving you an extra full day to explore the surroundings.
Smart choices for food and drink
Food and drink in Scandinavia can take a big bite out of your budget. The restaurant cars on the train are convenient but also pricey. So take some snacks and drinks with you for the journey. Do some shopping in a local supermarket and prepare a packed lunch before you leave. This is not only cheaper, but also gives you more choice. That way you keep money aside for a local dinner at your destination.
Other practical money-saving tips
- Travel outside the high season: The months of May, June and September often offer more pleasant weather than the peak months of July and August, but are quieter and cheaper.
- Book reservations early: Especially for popular routes and night trains it is wise to reserve your seat or berth as early as possible. This not only guarantees you a place, but also helps you avoid higher last-minute prices.
- Choose comfort, not luxury: A second-class ticket already offers a lot of comfort on Scandinavian trains. The extra cost of a first-class ticket often does not outweigh the benefits.
- Make use of child discounts: Travelling with children can be cheaper. Check what specific discounts apply in each country or with each rail company.
Costs of iconic train routes in Scandinavia
A train journey through Scandinavia is more than just transport; it is part of the experience. Famous routes such as the Flåm Railway and the Bergen Line in Norway are known as some of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. The train winds its way through deep fjords, past waterfalls and across desolate plateaus. Although reservations are often required for these routes, the experience is more than worth the money. You see landscapes that remain out of reach by car or plane.
Travelling by train has the advantage that you do not have transfer costs to and from airports. You get off in the heart of the city, ready to start exploring straight away. It is a sustainable and relaxed way of travelling that allows you to really take in the landscape.
Plan your train journey through Scandinavia with the extensive articles and guides on the Traveler Tips website. Find more detailed route descriptions, tips for the most beautiful destinations and practical information about travelling by train in Europe. Start planning your next trip now.
Frequently asked questions
A train holiday to and through Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark) costs on average between €1,200 and €4,200 per person for 8–18 days. This price includes 3–4 star hotels or overnight train stays, reservations and sometimes meals, but excludes booking fees (€20–35 per person), tourist taxes and any flights. Factors such as the length of the trip, the chosen accommodation, the season and extras such as boat trips all influence the total costs. Allow for single-room supplements of €500–700. For current prices it is advisable to book early and check flight availability.
To save on train tickets and accommodation without compromising on comfort or experience, you could consider travelling in the shoulder season (May/June/September), which often means lower prices and fewer crowds. Book early, as this can be cheaper, especially for package trips. Combine train journeys with boat trips or overnight train journeys where possible if these are included in packages. Take snacks with you for the journey to save on expensive restaurant cars and download local apps for train tickets.
Interrail passes can be cost-effective for a train holiday in Scandinavia, with flex fares of €200–€400 per country. For beginners, however, package holidays are often more economical, with an average price of €1,200 to €4,200 per person for 8–18 days. An Interrail pass generally covers the train travel costs, but accommodation, meals, reservations and extras such as boat trips and local transfers are often not included. Allow for supplements for first class and single rooms.
A train holiday to Scandinavia costs on average €1,200–€4,200 per person for 8–18 days, while a road trip in total costs (hire/own car, fuel, tolls, overnight stays, parking) is often similar or more expensive, especially with high fuel prices. Travelling by train is financially more predictable because many routes, reservations and sometimes hotels are already included in packages, while car costs vary greatly depending on route, driving style and unexpected expenses. In terms of travel time, a train holiday is usually more efficient for long distances (for example Oslo–Bergen or Oslo–Stockholm in one go), but with a car you can drive shorter stretches and take breaks whenever and wherever you want. A car therefore offers more spontaneous flexibility and access to remote places, while the train mainly offers flexibility in relaxed travelling and in planning a clear budget in advance.
For a train holiday in Scandinavia you should budget for separate costs such as train tickets (standard second class, first-class supplement of €129), accommodation (€100–200 per night for 3/4* hotels), and extras such as boat trips (€200–500) and local transport. Although breakfast is often included, dinner via the restaurant car is limited and it is recommended to bring snacks. Reserve seats for specific Norwegian routes such as the Bergen Line, Dovre Line and Flåm Railway. Bear in mind that prices in Norway are generally high, so budget €50–100 per day for food.
