From Flam to Bergen Guide: A Scenic Journey via Nærøyfjord Cruise and Bergen Railway

In Norway and wondering how to get from Flam to Bergen? Check out my guide on how to get from Flam to Bergen by taking a scenic cruise through the Naeroyfjord and a famous railway through Norway’s landscape. I also provide tips to help make the most out of your adventure.

Intro

Traveling from Flam to Bergen is an unforgettable journey through some of Norway’s most stunning landscapes. You can combine a serene Naeroyfjord cruise with a scenic train ride on the Bergen Railway. This journey is a one-way route between two beautiful destinations. This post goes over my experience traveling from Flam to Bergen by taking the Naeroyfjord Cruise and Bergen Railway so you can do the same.

Step 1: Flam to Gudvangen by Naeroyfjord Cruise

Your journey begins by taking the Naeroyfjord Cruise in Flam. This two-hour serene journey will take you through one of Norway’s most iconic UNESCO-listed fjords. It departs from Flam’s harbor at Pier 1 and is a one-way trip to Gudvangen. I had boarded the Naeroyfjord Cruise for the 3:00 PM departure with an arrival at Gudvangen at 5:00 PM.

Tickets

You can book tickets here, but if you do want to book while in Flam, you can definitely do so. When in Flam, you can purchase tickets at the Flam Visitor Center. In here, there’s a hanging board that shows the different cruise departure times and how many available spots are left. There’s also a QR code on The Fjords sign at Pier 1 where the boat is docked. You can scan the code and it will direct you to the website to book tickets.

There are a few departures throughout the day and the cruise lasts 2 hours one-way.

I recommend booking in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee a spot on the cruise. Booking in advance also allows you to cruise at a desired time that fits your schedule.

What to expect on the Naeroyfjord Cruise

• The cruise is an ecological hybrid-powered vessel that provides a smooth and tranquil ride
• The vessel has both indoor and outdoor decks that maximizes the panoramic views from every angle
• There is an onboard cafe for snacks and a drink, as well as restrooms
• During the journey, you’ll glide between towering dramatic cliffs and narrow fjords
• You’ll spot cliffside waterfalls and charming traditional villages

The Naeroyfjord Cruise was hands-down one of my favorite activities (that also acted as a mode of transportation!) during my time in Norway. It’s not to be missed while in Flam even if you’re not continuing on to Bergen from Gudvangen.

For additional details, check out my Naeroyfjord Cruise Guide.

Naeroyfjord Cruise • photos by Jeanie A

Arrival in Gudvangen

As the cruise approaches the end of the fjord, you’ll see Gudvangen. It will look like a tiny village with massive mountains towering all around it. Here, you’ll disembark the cruise and make your way to your next destination, Voss. Depending on what time you took the cruise and if you don’t have a time-sensitive connecting bus ride, then try exploring Gudvangen!

There is a souvenir shop and restaurant building right at the port where you can browse, shop, or eat. If you have a time-sensitive connecting bus ride, then the bus stops are to the right of this building along the road. There are about 3 or 4 bus stops where either a large coach bus or a public bus will stop to pick up passengers heading to Voss.

Step 2: Gudvangen to Voss by Bus

The next step is to take a bus transfer from Gudvangen to Voss. This will wind through the scenic Naeroyfjord Valley where you can admire the views from the comfort of the bus. You’ll pass green landscapes and winding rivers on this 1.5 hour leg of the journey.

Tickets

You can purchase your Gudvangen to Voss tickets on the norwaysbest.com website. On the right-hand side of the website, select your date, number of persons, the “Gudvangen-Voss” route, and desired departure time. Then proceed to pay and book!

What to Expect on the Gudvangen Bus

• The bus can store your large bags and luggage in the bottom compartment
• You may either board a large coach bus or a bus similar to a public city bus
• The bus driver checks tickets prior to boarding
• Seating is first-come first-serve

Upon my arrival in Gudvangen, I had an immediate bus transfer at 5:25 PM to get to Voss. There was one bus already at the most-front bus stop that wasn’t open yet, so people started to crowd around it. I wasn’t sure if that was my bus since there weren’t any signs, but the second stop behind this one had a Bus Stop sign stating “Bus 950”, which matched the bus I needed to get on, so I lined up and waited at this stop instead.

I didn’t wait for too long before a public city-looking bus came by. It had a different city on the marquee, but the Bus Number matched. The Bus Driver checked for everyone’s Bus ticket which confirmed I was on the right bus.

After spending the entire time standing on the Naeroyfjord cruise to admire the views, this bus ride was very relaxing for me. It did have one brief stop for anyone who needed a short break where we also picked up some other passengers. Not sure if every bus 950 makes a stop here though.

Arrival in Voss

Once the bus arrives in Voss, it will stop right in front of the Voss Train Station, where the next transport mode awaits. My bus arrived at the Voss Train Station around 6:50 PM.

Step 3: Voss to Bergen by Train

The next step is to switch to a train aboard the Bergen Railway, a famous Norwegian route that connects Oslo and Bergen. Once arriving at the Voss Train Station, you will make your way to the train platform where the Bergen Railway train boards. This last leg of the journey will take 1.5 hours long to get from Voss to Bergen. I had boarded the 7:13 PM train and arrived in Bergen at 8:40 PM at night.

Train Tickets from Voss to Bergen

You can book your ticket for the Voss to Bergen routes on the official Norway train vy.no site. On this site, simply enter in the From: “Voss Stasjon” & To: “Bergen Stasjon”, your travel date, and how many persons. A long list of transport options will appear so you will have to filter it to get the appropriate train routes.

To filter the list down to the Bergen Railway (F4), then simply click the “Train” filter/image above the list, select your preferred departure time, and purchase your Bergen Railway (F4) ticket.

What to Expect on the Bergen Railway Train

• The Bergen Railway goes through more of Norway’s beautiful landscapes
• For the best view, the best side to sit on is the right side facing in the forward direction
• During the ride, a train attendant will walk through each car and ask for train tickets
• The train has restrooms onboard

I had tickets for the 7:13 PM train where it had stopped on train platform track 2 about 15 minutes before its scheduled departure time.

I had a pre-paid assigned seat but the train was far from being packed. I was satisfied with my window seat but there was a couple facing me that chose to change seats facing in the forward direction. They did this only after the train attendant came by to check our train tickets not too long after we departed from the station.

This leg of the journey is about 1.5 hrs. I arrived in Bergen around 8:40 PM.

Arrival in Bergen

The last stop of this Norwegian journey ends at Bergen, considered to be the “Gateway to the Fjords”. Continue your Norwegian adventure exploring this charming city and the surrounding areas full of natural beauty.

Tips to Make the Most of Your Adventure

1. Arrive at the Pier Early if You Want a Good Spot on The Boat

If you want a good spot on the fjord cruise for optimal views, then aim to be at Pier 1 about 30 minutes before departure time to start lining up. There should be plenty of space but when I went, I wanted indoor seats at the front and bottom deck of the boat so that I can easily go out onto the front exterior deck and back inside to protect from the rain and cold. When boarding the boat, the front of the boat is to the right facing towards Flam (the boat will eventually turn around towards the fjord).

2. Dress Comfortably & Bring A Jacket

When I took the Naeroyfjord cruise, the weather was unexpectedly cloudy and rainy. Because of this, it’s best to dress comfortably and in layers in case it’s colder (or even warmer) than expected. A waterproof jacket and gloves are also a great idea in case of unexpected rains like I had experienced. Not only that, but a jacket will also be useful if you like to be outside during the journey where the winds can be strong or chilly.

I had worn a hoodie and a waterproof/windproof jacket and this worked to keep my torso dry. But I do wish I brought two extra things with me to be truly comfortable on the cruise. 1) A waterproof beanie to keep my hair covered and dry (the strong winds were blowing my hoodie off). And 2) a pair of waterproof gloves since my hands were getting wet and cold from the rain and winds while I was taking photos outside.

3. Prepare To Take Pictures

If you’re like me and love to capture memories to look back at, then prepare to take pictures and videos! The cruise and train pass so many beautiful views that it’s hard to not want to re-live them later. Of course, have a balance between looking at the scenery from behind a phone screen and admiring them with your own eyes as well.

4. Book in Tickets Advance

Cruise

The Naeoryfjord cruise is a popular cruise and is considered to be one of the most beautiful journeys in Norway. To guarantee a spot on a cruise and to select your desired time that fits your schedule, then it’s best to book your tickets in advance. If you prefer to book in Flam though, then you are able to do so. The Flam Visitor Center will detail how many available spots there are on each Naeroyfjord cruise.

Bus

Although I’ve read you can purchase tickets at a ticket machine in Gudvangen, or even with the bus driver since there are multiple buses that come, I still think purchasing tickets in advance is the way to go. Especially if you also have a Bergen Railway ticket that depends on your timely arrival in Voss. Purchase your Bus ticket on the norwaysbest.com website for the Gudvangen to Voss bus route.

Train

Doing this will bring peace of mind and ensure you have a guaranteed spot on the train. This is especially helpful during peak tourist season where the trains may get full and sell out for your desired date. Purchase your Bergen Railway train ticket on the vy.no website for the Voss to Bergen train route.

5. Seasonal Changes

Based on which season you ride these Railways, the scenery will change drastically with the season. In winter, the landscape will be covered in snow, making a beautiful winter wonderland. In autumn, the landscape and tree foliage will turn to beautiful colors of red, orange, and yellow. I rode the train in the month of September, and the trees were green and yellow, and beginning to orange and red. It was so beautiful!

6. Sit on the “good” Side of the Train

To maximize scenic opportunities then sit on the good side of the train for the best views:

• Best side to sit on the Bergen Railway train from Voss to Bergen: RIGHT-HAND SIDE facing the forward direction.

7. Brings Snacks For the Bus/Train

Bring your own snacks you can enjoy on the 1.5 hour bus ride and 1.5 hour train ride. You can purchase something on the Naeroyfjord Cruise onboard cafe before hopping on the bus and train.

Where To Stay in Bergen

In Bergen, I stayed at the Bergen Børs Hotel, which is centrally located and within walking distance to central Bergen and the main harbor. Book your stay by clicking here , or check availability for your dates below and click “Search”:

Final Words

The journey from Flam to Bergen via the Naeroyfjord Cruise and the Bergen Railway is an adventure worth taking. You’ll witness Norway’s natural beauty first-hand by cruising through fjords, passing dramatic mountains, and traveling through amazing landscapes. This trip is a must-do experience if you’re trying to find your way between two of Norway’s iconic cities.

Have you taken the Flam to Bergen Route?
What was your experience like – I’d love to hear your thoughts!