Direct Oslo – Berlin Train Will Be Back in 2028 After 20-Year Hiatus

Why It Matters

The new corridor deepens Norway’s rail integration with mainland Europe and taps a surge in sustainable, cross‑border travel, potentially shifting passenger share from air to rail.

Key Takeaways

• Oslo‑Berlin route resumes in 2028 after 20‑year pause
• Talgo ICE L trains offer restaurant, family, and first‑class sections
• Two daily departures cover 14‑15 hours across 13 intermediate stops
• Fehmarn Belt tunnel will shave 1.5 hours from Copenhagen‑Hamburg leg after 2029
• DB reports 33% rise in international rail passengers since 2019

Pulse Analysis

The reintroduction of a direct Oslo‑Berlin rail line marks a strategic win for Scandinavian connectivity. By pooling resources, Vy, DSB and Deutsche Bahn have created a service that not only restores a historic corridor but also introduces modern Talgo ICE L trainsets equipped for diverse passenger needs. The 14‑15‑hour journey, with two daily departures, will stitch together major northern capitals and a string of mid‑size cities, offering a viable alternative to short‑haul flights and road trips.

Across Europe, rail operators are capitalising on a post‑pandemic shift toward greener mobility. Deutsche Bahn reports a one‑third increase in international rail passengers since 2019, driven by higher fuel costs, stricter emissions regulations and a growing preference for hassle‑free city‑center arrivals. Routes such as Stuttgart‑Paris already outpace air travel on total door‑to‑door time, reinforcing the competitive edge of high‑speed and conventional rail. The Oslo‑Berlin line taps into this momentum, promising seamless travel across Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Germany.

Looking ahead, the upcoming Fehmarn Belt tunnel—expected to be operational by the early 2030s—will further compress travel times, shaving roughly 1.5 hours from the Copenhagen‑Hamburg segment. This infrastructure boost could make the entire Oslo‑Berlin corridor comparable to a short‑haul flight in total journey duration, while delivering lower carbon emissions. As European rail networks become more interlinked, the Oslo‑Berlin service may serve as a template for future north‑south connections, expanding the market for cross‑border rail and reinforcing the continent’s commitment to sustainable transport.