Interview – On Board the Narvik Stockholm Night Train with Discovery Trains

Yulia aboard the Stockholm Narvik night train  ©  Discovery Trains

Can you tell us about this Scandinavian train and its route?

The Narvik Stockholm night train, officially known as Nattåg 94 (NT 94), is operated by the Swedish railway company SJ. It connects Stockholm with Narvik in Norway, covering more than 1,500 kilometers each day. Departing from Stockholm Central Station in the early evening, it takes about 18 hours to complete the trip—making it one of the longest night train journeys in Europe.

Yulia aboard the Stockholm Narvik night train  ©  Discovery Trains

The train travels north through Sweden, passing towns like Boden, Kiruna, and Abisko, before crossing into Norway. The final part of the route follows the shores of Rombakfjord and Ofotfjord, ending in Narvik, a port town north of the Arctic Circle.

The NT 94 usually leaves Stockholm Central at 6:08 PM and arrives in Narvik around 12:40 PM the next day, though schedules can shift slightly depending on the season or day of the week. It’s best to check SJ’s website before planning your journey.

the Stockholm Narvik night train  ©  Discovery Trains

Instead of following the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia, the train takes an inland route through Swedish forests and flatlands. The scenery becomes more varied after Kiruna, the northernmost city in Sweden, as the train enters a higher-altitude area with open views.

After Bjørnfjell, a small village near the border and the first stop in Norway, the train begins a gradual descent toward sea level. It runs through a narrow glacial valley with rocky slopes and streams, and eventually reaches Rombakfjord and Ofotfjord shortly before arriving in Narvik. The combination of mountains and fjords creates a striking natural setting, with curves, bridges, and tunnels adding interest to the ride. This section is especially appreciated when the weather is clear.

Yulia in Kiruna ©  Discovery Trains

What are the accommodations like on the Narvik Stockholm night train?

This Scandinavian night train doesn’t have a first-class section. If you want a private space, you’ll need to book an entire second-class compartment. There are several coach types: cars with reclining seats, 6-berth couchettes with curtains, and 3-berth sleeper cabins that include a sink. The 3-berth cabins are the most comfortable, especially because they come with access to shared showers.

This is actually one of the benefits of the Narvik Stockholm night train: the 3-berth second-class cabins come with nearby showers that are clean and convenient. Towels, shower gel, and even a hair dryer are included. A card provided in your cabin unlocks the shower, and a light outside shows if it’s in use. Beds are ready-made when you board, which adds to the comfort.

Yulia aboard the Stockholm Narvik night train  ©  Discovery Trains

What about food on board?

Meal service is simple but practical. Before reaching Boden—where the train splits, with one part heading to Luleå and the other to Narvik—there’s a dining car at the front. It offers ready-made meals (both hot and cold) that passengers can heat up in a microwave. There’s no onboard kitchen, and tables can't be reserved. Most travelers eat quickly or share tables. The good news is that you're welcome to bring your own food and drinks, and some passengers even enjoy their own meals in the dining car.

After Boden, the dining car goes in the opposite direction. The part of the train heading to Narvik keeps only a small bar car, where you’ll find coffee, tea, and snacks—enough for a light bite, but not a full lunch. Since the train gets to Narvik around 12:45 PM, it’s a good idea to bring food or plan a meal after arrival.

the Stockholm Narvik night train  ©  Discovery Trains

Is there staff available on board?

There isn’t a dedicated staff member for each car, and crew members are mostly present at the start of the journey for ticket checks. If needed, passengers can call for help using a button in the hallway—or, in some cabins, inside the compartment itself. This setup explains why some cabins stay open longer in the evening to welcome late boarders.

Stops are usually very short—just a couple of minutes. SJ staff quickly assists passengers boarding or exiting and signals the conductor when it's time to go. It’s a good idea to stay prepared, especially for scheduled stops in places like Boden, Kiruna, or Abisko. Onboard announcements are minimal, so checking the schedule in advance on SJ’s site is recommended.

shower in  the Stockholm Narvik night train  ©  Discovery Trains

Any stories from your night on the train?

Yes! What really stood out to me was the quiet. It was noticeably calmer than other night trains I’ve taken—like the Canadian. Once everyone settled in on the Narvik Stockholm night train, you could barely hear a thing in the hallways or between cabins. It made for a peaceful, restful night.

And then there was an unexpected moment: around 2 AM, my cabin mate briefly woke me up. I didn’t think much of it and fell right back asleep. The next morning, she told me she’d seen northern lights outside the window. I missed them! But it was a reminder that even during the night, this route can surprise you. I’ll have another chance—next time on the Arctic train.

scenery from the Stockholm Narvik night train  ©  Discovery Trains

So overall, how would you describe the experience?

It’s a rewarding trip. The comfort is simple but well designed. The relaxed pace, the chance to rest or look out the window, and the overall feel of the journey make it a pleasant experience. In summer, you can enjoy the views well into the evening thanks to the long daylight hours. In winter, snow-covered landscapes—and maybe even the northern lights—make the route special in a different way.

The Narvik Stockholm night train is a great option for travelers who enjoy a practical, immersive way to explore northern Scandinavia. It’s also a popular choice for hikers heading to places like Abisko.

 Yulia in Narvik  ©  Discovery Trains 

narvik stockholm night train (ref.)