20-05-2025
The train services in Norway that will be replaced by buses this summer
Bane Nor, the government agency responsible for Norway's railway infrastructure, has announced its annual construction and upgrade plan.
This means commuters and travellers alike will once again rely on buses replacing trains on key routes.
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Why the summer shutdown?
While many Norwegians take time off during the warmer months, Bane Nor makes the most of the quieter period on the rails.
With 83 million travellers recorded in 2024 – 5 million more than the year before – the wear and tear on railway infrastructure is increasingly evident.
"Maintenance work helps reduce the risk of acute failures," Victor Hansen of Bane Nor told the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (
NRK
).
"Simply because newer infrastructure is less vulnerable than old, worn-out rails and facilities."
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Where you'll see bus replacements in 2025
Drammen, Vestfold and Sørlandsbanen Lines
June 28th – July 16th: Between Brakerøya and Stokke/Mjøndalen
July 17th – August 5th: Between Asker and Stokke/Mjøndalen
August 6th – August 10th: Between Asker and Skien/Mjøndalen
Affected lines: F5 (Sørtoget), FLY1 (Flytoget), F4 (Bergensbanen), R12, R13, R14, RE10, RE11
Expect full replacement by bus on these stretches and longer travel times.
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Østfold Line
June 28th – August 3rd: Between Oslo S and Ski (note: Follobanen remains open)
July 12th – August 1st: Eidsberg and Heia stations closed
August 4th – Autumn 2026: Only one track operational at Kolbotn station
August 4th – December 13th: Nordstrand station closed
Affected lines: L2, R22
While Follobanen will remain open for express travel, local stations will see reduced access and longer transfer times.
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Oslo S – Lillestrøm (Trunk Line)
July 5th – July 27th: Buses replace trains on this busy commuter route
Post-work period: Trains may run at reduced speed for a few days
Affected line: L1
Allow for delays and altered schedules even after train service resumes.
Spikkestad Line
July 12th – July 27th: Buses will operate between Asker and Spikkestad
Affected line: L1
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Nationaltheatret Station
July 14th – July 27th: One track out of service
Expect some platform changes and minor delays due to reduced capacity.
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What travellers should know
Bane Nor offered several travel tips to help make the seasonal switch smoother.
Travellers in the affected parts of Norway are encouraged to plan ahead by using railway apps or the websites of train companies for real-time updates and scheduling information.
It's also important to be aware that replacement buses may stop at different locations from the train stations, so checking stop details in advance is advised.
Furthermore, since journeys by bus can take longer than by train, and connections between buses and trains may not be immediate, some flexibility with travel time is recommended.
Passengers should also remember to purchase their tickets before boarding, as onboard ticket sales may not always be available.
Lastly, summer schedules typically feature fewer departures, so travellers should expect reduced service frequency on many routes.
