SJ Nord night trains connect important long-distance routes in Norway overnight. The most relevant connections are between Oslo and Trondheim on the Dovre Line and between Trondheim and Bodø on the Nordland Line. For travellers, this is very practical: you board in the evening, sleep or rest on the way and arrive the next morning much farther north or south.
The product is clear and simple. There are regular Standard seats, more comfortable Premium Pluss reclining seats and private sleeping compartments. The sleeping compartments are the most comfortable category: your own compartment, two made-up single beds, washbasin, towels and water bottles. If you really want to sleep, you should choose this category.
The SJ Nord night train is not a luxury train, but it is a very useful and pleasant night train product for long distances in Norway. The combination of private sleeping compartment, 24-hour café on board and the possibility of discounted breakfast or shower at partner hotels at the destination is especially attractive.
Comfort & classes
On the SJ Nord night train there are three important travel categories: Standard Seat, Premium Pluss and Sleeping Compartment. The Standard Seat is the cheapest category. It is mainly suitable for budget-conscious travellers, short overnight sections or if you simply want to travel overnight as cheaply as possible.
Premium Pluss is the more comfortable seating category. The seats are designed as reclining seats and offer more comfort than regular Standard seats. Depending on the carriage, this includes adjustable footrests, neck pillows, folding table, reading light and power socket. On certain connections, snacks, water and hot drinks may be included.
The sleeping compartment is the best category for a restful night. You book your own compartment with two made-up single beds, washbasin, towels and water bottles. Toilets are located at the end of the carriage. There is no private shower in the compartment. For long distances, the sleeping compartment is still clearly the most pleasant choice.
Tickets & notes
Tickets for SJ Nord are usually booked via Entur or through SJ Nord’s booking channels. On the night train, one thing is important: the sleeping compartment is booked as an add-on to the standard ticket. So you do not simply buy a bed, but book your own sleeping compartment in addition to the regular travel ticket.
If you want a sleeping compartment, you should book early. There is only a limited number of sleeping compartments, and on popular travel days they can sell out quickly. Especially on long routes, the difference in comfort between a seat and a sleeping compartment is significant.
For special needs, you should check carefully before booking: bicycle, pram, pet, wheelchair, assistance needs and larger luggage have their own rules. Pets, for example, are not allowed in the sleeping compartment. Bicycles can be reserved on certain night train routes, but they must meet the requirements.
Travel tips
Pack a small bag separately for the night: toothbrush, sleepwear, charging cable, earplugs, water bottle, medication and everything you need directly in the morning. Large luggage should be stored so that you do not have to move it during the night.
In the sleeping compartment you already get made-up beds, towels and water bottles. Even so, it is worth bringing your own small water bottle and everything you need for the night. If you travel in the seating coach or Premium Pluss, earplugs, warm clothing and a neck pillow are especially useful.
For families with small children, the sleeping compartment is practical. According to SJ Nord, two adults and two children under 6 can travel together in one sleeping compartment. For children over 6, SJ Nord recommends their own bed. Families should book early so that the right category is available.
Food & drinks on board
On the SJ Nord night train there is a café which, according to SJ Nord, is open around the clock. You can buy food, snacks, hot and cold drinks there during the journey. This is a big advantage because you can still get something late in the evening or early in the morning.
Even so, bring your own water and a small snack for the night, especially if you have specific preferences or board late.
In addition, SJ Nord offers discounted services at partner hotels in several destinations for night train travellers. In Oslo, according to SJ Nord, a shower with towel costs 125 NOK per person; breakfast costs 195 NOK per adult and 90 NOK per child up to 12 years. In Trondheim, SJ Nord lists breakfast for 225 NOK per adult and 115 NOK per child. In Bodø, breakfast costs 195 NOK per adult and 95 NOK per child; there is also a day room for families for 500 NOK, subject to availability.
WiFi on board
SJ Nord mentions free Wi-Fi on the Oslo–Trondheim route. Nevertheless, on long night journeys you should not blindly rely on being online with a stable connection for the whole route. Especially in Norway, mountains, valleys, tunnels and sparsely populated regions can affect the connection.
In the Premium Pluss seat, SJ Nord mentions an individual power socket. For night train travel, however, it is still sensible to fully charge devices before departure and bring a power bank. This is especially true if you use your smartphone for tickets, alarm, navigation, entertainment or communication.
If you need films, series, music or maps on the way, download them before the journey. That way you are independent of how good the connection actually is during the trip.
Bicycle transport
Bicycles can be taken on certain SJ Nord routes. For trains on the Dovre Line between Oslo and Trondheim and on the Nordland Line between Trondheim and Bodø, SJ Nord mentions the option of booking a bicycle space in advance. The bicycle is selected as an add-on when booking the ticket.
Important: bicycle spaces are limited. If you want to take your bicycle, you should reserve the bicycle space directly when booking if possible. If you want to add the bicycle space later, SJ Nord refers you to customer service.
The bicycle must also meet the requirements. SJ Nord states, among other things, that bicycles must be able to be hung on the hooks in the luggage area. Folding bikes count as luggage and can be taken without an extra charge if they can be stored accordingly.
Pets
Pets can generally travel with SJ Nord, but not everywhere. Important for the night train template: according to SJ Nord, pets are not allowed in sleeping compartments. If you travel with a dog or another animal, you must book the correct pet option or the suitable area.
Animals must remain either on the floor or on the traveller’s lap. For hygiene reasons, they are not allowed to lie directly on seats. They must also not block aisles or disturb other travellers. Service dogs on duty are exempt from certain restrictions.
According to SJ Nord, only one pet is allowed as an add-on per traveller. SJ Nord also points out that children under 6 cannot be assigned extras such as a pet or pram. If you travel with a pet, you should therefore check the booking carefully and not simply assume that every compartment is suitable.
Car transport
SJ Nord night trains are not car trains. Cars and motorcycles are not transported. The connection is intended for passenger travel.
If you need a vehicle at your destination, you should check rental cars, car sharing, local buses or further rail connections. Especially in northern Norway, a rental car can be useful if you want to reach remote places, national parks or coastal regions.