Guide2026-03-01· 6 min read

How to Book the Flåm Railway Without Your Cruise Line (And Save $100)

Step-by-step guide to booking the Flåmsbana direct at vy.no and skipping the cruise ship markup. The train is a 5-minute walk from the pier — you do not need a tour.

Step-by-step guide to booking the Flåmsbana direct at vy.no and skipping the cruise ship markup. The train is a 5-minute walk from the pier — you do not need a tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Flåm Railway cost to book independently?

A return ticket on the Flåmsbana costs NOK 730 (approximately $65–70 USD) when booked at vy.no or purchased at Flåm station. Cruise lines charge $150–200 per person for the same journey. A couple saves roughly $170–270 by booking direct.

Can you just walk up and buy a Flåm Railway ticket on the day?

Sometimes, but it is risky. Walk-up tickets are often available on early morning and late afternoon departures. Midday trains — which is exactly when cruise ship passengers arrive — frequently sell out, especially in peak season (June–August). Book at vy.no at least a few days in advance to guarantee your spot.

Which side of the train is best on the Flåm Railway?

For the journey from Flåm up to Myrdal: sit on the left side for the best views of the valley and waterfalls. The Kjosfossen waterfall stop is on the right side of the train on the ascent, so right-side passengers get a slightly closer view at that stop. Most people move between sides at the Kjosfossen stop anyway.

How far is Flåm station from the cruise pier?

Flåm train station is approximately a 5-minute walk from the main cruise pier. Walk straight from the ship toward the village — the station is signposted and impossible to miss. There is no need for a taxi or shuttle.

What is there to do at Myrdal (the top of the Flåm Railway)?

Myrdal is a mountain railway junction, not a tourist village. There is a small café, stunning mountain views, and connections to the Bergen Railway toward Bergen or Oslo. Most visitors spend 20–40 minutes at the top before returning to Flåm. If you have extra time and are interested in a longer trip, you can continue by train to Voss and take the bus back to Flåm, but this requires 5–6 hours and is only feasible for very long port days.