Snälltåget will introduce a new open-access rail service connecting Oslo with Gothenburg and Malmö from 15 June 2026, adding commercial cross-border capacity between Norway and Sweden.
Summary: Snälltåget will begin a commercial open-access daytime rail service linking Oslo with Gothenburg and Malmö from 15 June 2026, expanding cross-border capacity between Norway and Sweden without public subsidies.
Independent operator Snälltåget has announced plans to start a new open-access rail service connecting Oslo in Norway with Gothenburg and Malmö in Sweden. The direct daytime connection is scheduled to begin on 15 June 2026 and will be run commercially, adding cross-border capacity between the two countries without relying on public funding.
Route and launch date
From 15 June 2026, Snälltåget will operate a direct daytime service running Oslo–Gothenburg–Malmö. The new link connects Norwegian and Swedish markets and provides an additional travel option for passengers moving between the two countries during daytime hours.
Commercial model and funding
The service will operate on an open-access basis, meaning Snälltåget is offering the connection commercially and without direct public subsidies. This approach increases cross-border capacity through private investment and ticket revenues rather than taxpayer support.
By contrast, the same Oslo–Malmö connection provided by Norwegian state-owned operator Vy uses rolling stock supplied under its contract with the Norwegian state and benefits from taxpayer subsidy in Norway. The announcement highlights the different funding and operational models used by independent and state-backed operators and raises questions about market fairness and subsidy practices in the European single market.
Industry reaction
The announcement drew a positive response from competition advocates. The Alliance of Passenger Rail New Entrants (ALLRAIL) welcomed the move as evidence that independent operators can expand service choice across borders.
This is a great initiative by Snälltåget – and clear proof that independent operators can bring lower fares and more choice in cross-border rail – while reducing the burden on the taxpayer.
- Operator: Snälltåget (independent)
- Route: Oslo – Gothenburg – Malmö
- Start date: 15 June 2026
- Service type: Daytime, direct
- Funding: Commercial open-access (no public subsidy)
- Comparison: Vy operates a subsidised Oslo–Malmö service using state-supplied rolling stock
What this means for cross-border rail travel
The new route increases competition on a busy corridor and offers passengers another commercial option for daytime travel between Norway and Sweden. Independent operators running on an open-access basis can pressure incumbents on price, frequency and service features, potentially improving choice for travellers.
For the Nordic rail market, the launch represents further expansion of independent cross-border services and highlights different policy and funding models across operators and states. Observers will be watching how schedules, fares and load factors compare between the commercially run Snälltåget service and the state-supported offering from Vy.
Why this matters: The Snälltåget open-access service could lower fares and broaden travel choices on the Oslo–Sweden corridor. For travellers, that can mean more departures, competitive pricing and alternative travel times without relying on state-funded services.
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