How the Norwegian Railway is Organised

The government, represented by the Ministry of Transport, holds overall responsibility for the transport sector in Norway. It is responsible for managing the railway in line with the decisions made by the elected representatives in the Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget). In this way, the people, through elections, have a say in rail transport.

Funding for the operation, maintenance, and expansion of the railway is intended to benefit society. A strong, climate-friendly transport system brings substantial gains, both in terms of socioeconomic benefits and a more sustainable future.

The Ministry of Transport sets long-term goals for the railway and defines the framework conditions for the sector.

We are multiple organisations that together make up the Norwegian railway.

These are the government entities:

The Railway Directorate (Jernbanedirektoratet) provides input to policymakers on ways to enhance and develop rail services. The directorate commissions Bane NOR to expand and improve the railway network and arranges passenger services from companies like Vy, SJ, Flytoget, and Go Ahead.
Read more about the Norwegian Railway Directorate (opens in a new tab)

The Norwegian Railway Authority (Statens jernbantilsyn) ensures the safety of the railway network, enforces railway legislation, and supervises the network. The Authority issues licences for railway operations.
Read more about the Norwegian Railway Authority (opens in a new tab)

Bane NOR operates and maintains today’s railway and undertakes new construction and modernisation projects as commissioned by the Norwegian Railway Directorate. We are responsible for 4,200 kilometres of track, 335 stations and stops, and 4,360 properties.
Read more about Bane NOR

Norske tog purchases trains and leases them to passenger train companies (Vy, SJ, Flytoget, Go Ahead).
Read more about Norske tog(opens in a new tab)

Entur is a national travel planner covering trains, buses, and ferries, where you can also purchase tickets for all passenger train companies.
Read more about Entur(opens in a new tab)

Mantena operates a range of workshops for train maintenance and repair.
Read more about Mantena(opens in a new tab)

Baneservice is among the companies that carry out work to maintain and renew the railway. The company is owned by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.
Read more about Baneservice (opens in a new tab)

Private Entities in the Railway Sector:

These are the passenger train companies operating on Norway’s railway network:

• Vy
• SJ
• Flytoget
• Go Ahead

These are the licensed freight companies operating on Norway’s railway network:

• CargoNet AS
• Green Cargo AB
• Grenland Rail AS
• Hector Rail AB
• LKAB Malmtrafik AB
• Tågåkeriet i Bergslagen AB
• BLS Rail AB
• Pro Train AB
• Arctic Train AS/TM Togdrift
• Onrail AS
• Mantena AS (state-owned company)
• Railcare Tog