View source for Flytoget

{{Short description|Express train from Oslo to Oslo Airport, Gardermoen}}
{{Infobox company
| name             = Flytoget AS
| logo             = Flytoget logo.svg
| type             = [[Public property|State owned]]
| foundation       =  24 November 1992<ref name=brreg>{{Cite web|url=http://w2.brreg.no/enhet/sok/detalj.jsp?orgnr=965694404 |title=Nøkkelopplysninger Flytoget AS |author=[[Brønnøysund Register Centre]] |access-date=2008-05-20 |language=no}}</ref>
| founder          = [[Vy|Norges Statsbaner]]<ref name=history>{{Cite web |url=http://www.flytoget.no/eng/About-Flytoget/History |title=History |author=Flytoget AS |access-date=2008-05-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707110914/http://www.flytoget.no/eng/About-Flytoget/History |archive-date=2011-07-07 }}</ref>
| location         = [[Oslo]], Norway<ref name=brreg />
| key_people       = [[Philipp Engedal]] <small>([[Chief executive officer|CEO]])</small><br />[[Endre Skjørestad]] <small>([[Chairman|Chair]])</small><ref name=ar07>{{Cite web |url=http://www.flytoget.no/nor/content/download/348/2505/file/Flytogets%20%C3%A5rsrapport%202007.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721200925/http://www.flytoget.no/nor/content/download/348/2505/file/Flytogets%20%C3%A5rsrapport%202007.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-07-21 |title=Annual Report 2007 |author=Flytoget AS |year=2008 |access-date=2008-09-13 |language=no }}</ref>
| area_served      = [[Greater Oslo]]
| industry         = [[Rail transport]]
| products         = [[Airport rail link]]
| revenue             = [[Norwegian krone|NOK]]&nbsp;1,019.1&nbsp;million (2024)<ref name=ar24>{{Cite web |title=Flytoget Annual Report 2024 |author=Flytoget AS |year=2025 |language=no |url=https://flytoget.no/globalassets/rapporter/kvartals--og-arsrapporter/2024/arsrapport-2024.pdf |access-date=May 15, 2025 }}</ref>
| operating_income = {{profit}} [[Norwegian krone|NOK]]&nbsp;65.1&nbsp;million (2024)<ref name=ar24 />
| net_income          = {{profit}} [[Norwegian krone|NOK]]&nbsp;34.6&nbsp;million (2024)<ref name=ar24 />
| num_employees       = 343 (end of 2024)<ref name=ar24 />
| parent           = [[Vy|Vygruppen AS]]<ref name="vygruppen">{{Cite web |author=Flytoget AS |title=Sammenslåingen av Vy og Flytoget er vedtatt |url=https://flytoget.no/nyheter-og-presse/nyhetsarkiv/25-04-01-sammenslaingen-av-vy-og-flytoget-endelig-vedtatt/ |lang=no |date=2025-04-01 |access-date=2025-05-04}}</ref>
| subsid           =
| homepage         = {{url|https://flytoget.no/en/|flytoget.no}}
| footnotes        =
}}
[[File:Flytoget AS logo.svg|thumb|Previous logo]]
'''Flytoget''' (''{{langx|en|The Airport Express Train}}'') is a [[high-speed rail|high-speed]] [[airport rail link|airport railway service]] connecting [[Oslo Airport, Gardermoen|Oslo Airport]] to [[Oslo Central Station]]. Run by '''Flytoget AS''' (formerly NSB Gardermobanen AS), it operates on the high-speed [[Gardermoen Line]] using sixteen [[GMB Class 71]] electric trains.  Normal service frequency is once every ten minutes, with five of the services each hour continuing westwards beyond Oslo Central. The journey takes nineteen minutes,<ref name="about">{{Cite web |author=Flytoget AS |title=About Flytoget, the Airport Express Train |url=http://www.flytoget.no/eng/About-Flytoget |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071117030413/http://www.flytoget.no/eng/About-Flytoget |archive-date=2007-11-17 |access-date=2008-05-24}}</ref> with extended services serving nine stops within Greater Oslo and taking up to 60&nbsp;minutes.

Flytoget transported 5.4&nbsp;million passengers in 2007,<ref name=ar07 /> a 34-percent market share of airport ground transport.<ref name=utbytte>{{Cite web |url=http://www.flytoget.no/eng/About-Flytoget/Press/Pressemeldinger/Rekordresultat-gir-utbytte |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090703015921/http://www.flytoget.no/eng/About-Flytoget/Press/Pressemeldinger/Rekordresultat-gir-utbytte |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-07-03 |title=Rekordresultat gir utbytte |author=Flytoget AS |date=2007-10-21 |access-date=2008-09-13 |language=no }}</ref> The service, which has a top speed of {{convert|210|km/h|mph}}, is the only high-speed rail service in [[Norway]]. Construction started in 1994 and high-speed trains began serving Gardermoen Airport from the date of its opening on 8 October 1998, although full operation using the {{convert|14.5|km|mi|adj=mid|-long}} [[Romerike Tunnel]] had to wait another ten and a half months after severe leaks caused by the tunnel's construction led to the partial depletion of two lakes.

Formed in 1992 as a subsidiary of [[Norwegian State Railways]], the company has been owned since 2001 by the [[Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry]].

==History==

===Decision for a new airport connection===
When the [[Parliament of Norway]] on 8 October 1992 decided to build a new central airport for [[Eastern Norway]], they also decided that the main mode of ground transport should be by rail. While the previous airport, [[Oslo Airport, Fornebu]], was located just outside the city limits, the new airport, Oslo Airport, Gardermoen, would be located {{convert|50|km|mi}} north of the city, outside the reach of existing [[public transport]]. The principle of the airport construction was that it was not to be footed by the tax payers; the entire airport would be built with [[debt|borrowed money]] through [[Oslo Airport, Gardermoen|Oslo Lufthavn AS]], a subsidiary of the [[Avinor|Norwegian Airport Administration]]. The same principle was chosen for the airport rail link—the Norwegian State Railways (NSB) creating the [[aksjeselskap|limited company]] subsidiary '''NSB Gardermobanen AS''', founded on 24 November 1992, to perform the construction of the line. It would be able to charge train operators using the line, channeling the payments to cover down payments and interest of the debt used to build the railway. [[Profit margin]] was estimated to 7.5%.<ref name=history />

===Construction===
{{Main|Gardermoen Line}}
Oslo Airport, Gardermoen, is not on the [[Hoved Line|Trunk Line]] that runs north from Oslo. With heavy traffic and many small stops until [[Lillestrøm Station|Lillestrøm]], and continuing north as [[single track (rail)|single track]],<ref name=jbvstat45>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/multimedia/archive/01821/Jernbanestatistikk_1821829a.pdf |author=[[Norwegian National Rail Administration]] |title=Jernbanestatistikk 2007 |year=2008 |access-date=2008-09-13 |page=45 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217042116/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/multimedia/archive/01821/Jernbanestatistikk_1821829a.pdf |archive-date=December 17, 2008 }}</ref> the Trunk Line would have to be supplemented by a parallel [[double track]] from Oslo, with a new route north of [[Kløfta Station|Kløfta]] to [[Eidsvoll Station|Eidsvoll]], the {{convert|16|km|mi|0}} north of the airport allowing trains operating on the [[Dovre Line]] to [[Lillehammer Station|Lillehammer]] and [[Trondheim Central Station|Trondheim]] to access the airport. The {{convert|64|km|mi|adj=on}} line was named the Gardermo Line.<ref name=jbvstat6>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/multimedia/archive/01821/Jernbanestatistikk_1821829a.pdf |author=[[Norwegian National Rail Administration]] |title=Jernbanestatistikk 2007 |year=2008 |access-date=2008-09-13 |page=6 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217042116/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/multimedia/archive/01821/Jernbanestatistikk_1821829a.pdf |archive-date=December 17, 2008 }}</ref>

The Gardermo Line was the second attempt to build high-speed rail in Norway, after the {{convert|35|km|mi|adj=on}} line from [[Ski Station|Ski]] to [[Moss Station|Moss]] on the [[Østfold Line]]. But no operation speeds exceeding {{convert|160|km/h|mph}} are achieved there due to short distances and limitations to rolling stock, making Gardermobanen the first real high-speed railway line in Norway. Due to the domination of single track in Norway, the opening of the Gardermo Line increased the total length of [[double track]] in the kingdom by two-thirds.<ref name=jbvstat6 />

Construction started in 1994.<ref name=history /> An agreement for purchase of sixteen three-car [[electric multiple unit]]s was signed with [[Adtranz]] on 23 February 1995. Parliament decided on 1 October 1996 that the construction company would also operate the new train service. The trains were delivered between 19 September 1997 and 30 January 1998,<ref name=elektrolok /> costing [[Norwegian krone|NOK]]&nbsp;1.4&nbsp;billion.<ref name=history />

===Challenges===
{{Main|Romerike Tunnel}}
[[Image:Lutvann.jpg|thumb|Lake [[Lutvann]] was partially drained due to construction problems during the digging of the [[Romerike Tunnel]]]]
The greatest challenge was the need to build the {{convert|14580|m|ft|adj=on}} [[Romerike Tunnel|Romerike railway tunnel]] – Norway's longest – beneath the geologically highly unstable [[Østmarka]] area between [[Etterstad]], close to Oslo Central Station, and Lillestrøm.<ref name=jbvstat45 /> During construction, in 1997, the water level in some lakes above the tunnel, including [[Lutvann]] and [[Nordre Puttjern]], sank dramatically. After the leaks were discovered on 3 February 1997, sanctions were imposed by the [[Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate]] requiring the elimination of all leakages. At its worst, the tunnel was leaking {{convert|3000|L|impgal}} of water per minute.<ref name=romeriksporten>{{Cite web |url=http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/sd/dok/NOUer/1999/NOU-1999-28/4/2/6.html?id=355320 |title=Særskilt om Romeriksporten |author=[[Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications]] |year=1999 |access-date=2008-09-13 |language=no |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329010543/http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/sd/dok/NOUer/1999/NOU-1999-28/4/2/6.html?id=355320 |archive-date=2012-03-29 }}</ref>

[[Rhoca-Gil]] sealant was used in an attempt to fix the leaks, but failed to work properly. Not only did it not polymerise, and therefore failed to staunch the leaks, but it also poisoned its surroundings with [[acrylamide]]. Manual fixing with concrete became necessary; the fixing and cleaning up of the toxin delayed the building of the tunnel by one year.<ref name=romeriksporten /> Further complications arose due to conflicts between NSB Gardermobanen and the construction company, Scandinavian Rock Group, with the latter at one instance stopping work for three weeks while the parties quarrelled in court.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://tekst.aftenposten.no/tekstcgi/tekst.cgi?stdsok=atekst&base=AFT97&q1=AFT9704140240 |title=NSB og SRG barket sammen i namsretten |author=[[Aftenposten]] |date=1997-04-14 |language=no }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Reports have shown a lack of inspection and reporting procedures during incidents that should have been addressed – but were never taken seriously – in 1995. Construction of the tunnel caused damage to around sixty houses and an evaluation by the [[Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications|Ministry of Transport and Communications]] showed that NOK 500&nbsp;million was spent on fixing the leaks and claimed that this was to a large extent an unnecessary expenditure which  more efficient engineering procedures would have avoided. The report also criticised the administrative planning and organisation of the overall construction of the railway.<ref name=romeriksporten />

Airport Express Trains began operating as soon as the new airport (and the Lillestrøm to Gardermoen stretch of the new high-speed line) opened on 8 October 1998; however, for more than ten months they had to use the old Hovedbane (Trunk Line) between Oslo S and Lillestrøm, which restricted their frequency to just two trains per hour. Regular operations at full capacity, using the Romerike Tunnel, did not commence until 22 August 1999.<ref name=history />

===Reorganisation===
[[Image:IC-tog til Larvik og Flytoget på Asker stasjon TRS 061028 027.jpg|thumb|A Class 71 unit beside a [[NSB Class 70|Class 70]] unit at [[Asker Station]]]]
Estimates for the project costs were NOK&nbsp;4.3&nbsp;billion, ±20%, but by completion they had ended at NOK&nbsp;7.7&nbsp;billion, of which NOK&nbsp;1.3&nbsp;billion were related to the leakages. The rest of the line had a cost exceedings of NOK&nbsp;0.4&nbsp;billion. The company had acquired [[interest|financial costs]] of NOK&nbsp;0.9&nbsp;billion, so the company owed NOK&nbsp;10.0&nbsp;billion by 1999, including money spent on the new trains.<ref name=history />

The first steps of organisational restructure were taken 29 June 2000, when the [[Chief executive officer|CEO]] of NSB, [[Osmund Ueland]], was fired due to several incidents related to the operations of NSB—not just the Gardermo Line.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=7694863 |title=Ueland fikk sparken i NSB |author=Norsk Telegrambyrå |publisher=[[Verdens Gang]] |date=2000-06-29 |access-date=2008-09-13 |language=no |author-link=Norwegian News Agency}}</ref> [[Einar Enger]] took over as new CEO on 26 February 2001.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/meninger/artikkel.php?artid=1515882 |title=Ny mann på nytt spor? |author=Verdens Gang |date=2001-02-26 |access-date=2008-09-13 |language=no}}</ref>

The debt in NSB Gardermobanen had become unmanageable, and in April 2000 parliament accepted that it would not be possible to make the Gardermo Line—with the current structure—the profitable venture predicted in 1992. From 1 January 2001, the company changed name to Flytoget AS, retaining ownership of the trains and operations and kept as a subsidiary of NSB. The tracks and infrastructure were transferred to the [[Norwegian National Rail Administration]] ({{lang|no|Jernbaneverket}}), who owns the rest of the [[rail transport in Norway|Norwegian railway network]]. All debt was restored and covered by the state, and a vehicle excise duty was implemented on the Gardermo Line to cover the management and maintenance of the line, to be paid by all users.<ref name=history />

On 9 December 2002, parliament decided that Flytoget AS would become a separate [[railway company]] from 1 January 2003, owned directly by the Ministry of Transport and Communications.<ref name=history /> One year later the ownership was transferred to the Ministry of Trade and Industry as part of a cleanup of political overhaul between the departments.<ref name=boarding04>{{Cite web |url=http://www.boarding.no/art.asp?id=11101 |title=Flytoget til Nærings- og handelsdepartementet |author=Boarding |date=2004-02-12 |access-date=2008-09-13 |language=no |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090703063119/http://www.boarding.no/art.asp?id=11101 |archive-date=2009-07-03 }}</ref> As part of the process, a new CEO, [[Thomas Havnegjerde]], was appointed in June 2002,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.flytoget.no/eng/About-Flytoget/About-the-Organisation |title=About the Organisation |author=Flytoget |access-date=2008-05-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527230937/http://www.flytoget.no/eng/About-Flytoget/About-the-Organisation |archive-date=2008-05-27 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and in January 2003 the new chair, [[Endre Skjørestad]]—who took over the position form NSB's director Einar Enger.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.boarding.no/art.asp?art=6296 |title=Endre Skjørestad ny styreleder |author=Boarding |access-date=2008-09-13 |date=2003-01-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090703071007/http://www.boarding.no/art.asp?art=6296 |archive-date=2009-07-03 }}</ref> Havnegjerde announced on 6 August 2008 that he would retire from his job before the end of the year.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.na24.no/article2113616.ece |title=Toppsjef begynneri barnehage |author=Lorentzen, Magdalena |publisher=[[NA24]] |date=2008-08-06 |access-date=2008-09-14 |language=no |archive-date=2009-07-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090703064903/http://www.na24.no/article2113616.ece |url-status=dead }}</ref> He was replaced by Linda Bernander Silseth on 10 November 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.flytoget.no/eng/About-Flytoget/Press/Pressemeldinger/Linda-Bernander-Silseth-ny-administrerende-direkt%C3%B8r-i-Flytoget |title=Linda Bernander Silseth ny administrerende direktør i Flytoget |author=Flytoget |date=2008-10-24 |language=no |access-date=2008-05-24}} {{Dead link|date=June 2010| bot=DASHBot}}</ref> On 30 August 2009, two of three services to Asker were extended to Drammen.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.flytoget.no/nor/content/view/full/448 |title=2 Flytog i timen fra Drammen |author=Flytoget |date=2009-06-23 |language=no |access-date=2009-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090907045152/http://www.flytoget.no/nor/content/view/full/448 |archive-date=2009-09-07 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This followed upgrades to the Drammen Line, including the [[Lieråsen Tunnel]], and a new parking lot at [[Drammen Station]], in total costing NOK&nbsp;20&nbsp;million.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/sd/Press-Centre/Press-releases/2007/Flytoget--til-Drammen-fra-juni-2008.html?id=460936 |author=[[Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications]] |title=Flytoget- til Drammen frå juni 2008 |date=2007-03-27 |access-date=2008-09-13 |language=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/incoming/article.jhtml?articleID=1693207 |title=Flytoget til Drammen |author=Norwegian National Rail Administration |date=2007-03-23 |access-date=2008-09-13 |language=no|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070811104140/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/incoming/article.jhtml?articleID=1693207 |archive-date = August 11, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Operations==
{{Flytoget map}}
Departures operate every ten minutes from Oslo Central Station (Oslo&nbsp;S) to the airport - i.e. six trains per hour. Half of the trains originate in Drammen, making five intermediate stops before Oslo&nbsp;S, and again at Lillestrøm. One starts from Oslo&nbsp;S and goes directly to Gardermoen without intermediate stops. Two start from Stabekk with stops at Lysaker, Skøyen, Nationaltheateret and Oslo S. On Saturdays, Sunday mornings and during most of July, Flytoget does not operate the direct trains from Oslo&nbsp;S or Stabekk — only the 20-minute [[headway]] all-stop trains.<ref name=time>{{Cite web|url=http://www.flytoget.no/nor/content/download/395/2899/version/2/file/FLY+infokort+No+Fra_+Jun.08_.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124021620/https://www.flytoget.no/nor/content/download/395/2899/version/2/file/FLY+infokort+No+Fra_+Jun.08_.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2020-01-24 |title=From Oslo Airport |author=Flytoget AS |date=2008-01-06 |access-date=2008-09-13  }}</ref> While the services northeast from Oslo&nbsp;S to the airport use the high-speed Gardermo Line, those westwards towards Asker use the [[Drammen Line]] built in 1870–72<ref name=jbvstat45 /> and the [[Asker Line]]; so while the {{convert|48|km|mi}} from Oslo&nbsp;S to the airport can be done in 19&nbsp;minutes, the {{convert|24|km|mi}} from Asker to Oslo&nbsp;S takes 26&nbsp;minutes. The latter does however include stops at five stations: [[Nationaltheatret Station|Nationaltheatret]], [[Skøyen Station|Skøyen]], [[Lysaker Station|Lysaker]], [[Sandvika Station|Sandvika]] and [[Asker Station|Asker]].<ref name=time />

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Service !! From !! To !! Trains pr. hour
|-
| FLY1 ||[[Drammen Station|Drammen]]|| [[Oslo Airport, Gardermoen]]|| align="center" | 3
|-
| FLY2 ||[[Stabekk Station|Stabekk]]/[[Oslo Central Station|Oslo S]]|| [[Oslo Airport, Gardermoen]]|| align="center" | 3
|}

Competition is offered from other means of ground transport and by Vy who operate trains from and to the airport. This includes one hourly departure with line R12 of the [[Oslo Commuter Rail]] north to [[Eidsvoll Station|Eidsvoll]] and south to Oslo, [[Drammen Station|Drammen]] and [[Kongsberg Station|Kongsberg]];<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.nsb.no/getfile.php/www.nsb.no/nsb.no/Bilder/Rutetabeller/450-Kongsberg-Eidsvoll-2008.pdf |title=Kongsberg-Eidsvoll |author=NSB |date=2008-01-06 |access-date=2008-09-13 |author-link=Vy |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091007104734/http://www.nsb.no/getfile.php/www.nsb.no/nsb.no/Bilder/Rutetabeller/450-Kongsberg-Eidsvoll-2008.pdf |archive-date=2009-10-07 }}</ref> two regional trains (line RE10 and RE11) hourly north to [[Eidsvoll Station|Eidsvoll]] and [[Lillehammer Station|Lillehammer]] and south to Drammen and [[Vestfold]];<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nsb.no/getfile.php/www.nsb.no/nsb.no/PDF/Rutetabeller/Norsk/2008/020___Skien-Lillehammer__2008.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612101804/http://www.nsb.no/getfile.php/www.nsb.no/nsb.no/PDF/Rutetabeller/Norsk/2008/020___Skien-Lillehammer__2008.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-06-12 |title=Skien-Lillehammer |author=Norges Statsbaner |date=2008-01-06 |access-date=2008-09-13 }}</ref> and five daily express trains to Dombås and Trondheim calling Oslo Airport Station, including one [[Night trains of Norway|night train]] (although the express trains to Trondheim do not accept passengers only travelling between Oslo and Gardermoen).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nsb.no/getfile.php/www.nsb.no/nsb.no/PDF/Rutetabeller/Norsk/2008/021-Oslo-Trondheimdovre-2008.pdf |title=Oslo-Trondheim |author=Norges Statsbaner |date=2008-01-06 |access-date=2008-09-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612110033/http://www.nsb.no/getfile.php/www.nsb.no/nsb.no/PDF/Rutetabeller/Norsk/2008/021-Oslo-Trondheimdovre-2008.pdf |archive-date=2011-06-12 }}</ref>

The price of a ticket to Oslo is NOK&nbsp;230, though higher if departing from Sandvika, Asker and Drammen. Reduced fares with 50% discount are offered to senior citizens, children, youth under 21 years, students, benefit recipients and military personnel.<ref name=fares>{{Cite web |url=http://www.flytoget.no/eng/Travel-info/Fares |title=Fares |author=Flytoget AS |access-date=2009-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704203925/http://www.flytoget.no/eng/Travel-info/Fares |archive-date=2010-07-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Flytoget tickets are not valid on Vy trains, and vice versa. Vy tickets are generally cheaper, though not for some groups with reduced fare; for instance students are granted a greater discount with Flytoget than with Vy.<ref name=fares /><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.nsb.no/billetter_og_betingelser/rabatter/article24536-2655.html |title=Studentrabatt |author=Norges Statsbaner |access-date=2008-05-24 |language=no |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071022023554/http://www.nsb.no/billetter_og_betingelser/rabatter/article24536-2655.html |archive-date=October 22, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Ticket can either be bought at [[vending machine]]s or as [[electronic ticket|e-ticket]]s; there is no seat reservation.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.flytoget.no/eng/Travel-info/Tickets |title=Tickets |author=Flytoget AS |access-date=2008-05-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080421025906/http://www.flytoget.no/eng/Travel-info/Tickets |archive-date=2008-04-21 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Flytoget transported 5.4&nbsp;million passengers in 2007,<ref name=ar07 /> a 34% market share of airport ground transport.<ref name=utbytte /> Flytoget boasts a high service quality, with 96% of departures arriving within 3&nbsp;minutes of schedule and only 0.4% of departures canceled.<ref name=about /> Part of this is due to the airport express trains receiving priority over other trains in the limited capacity around Oslo.<ref name=boarding04 /> Flytoget was announced to have the most satisfied, and the fourth most loyal customers of all Norwegian companies in 2008, by the customer satisfaction survey conducted by the [[Norwegian School of Management]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kundebarometer.com/ |title=Flytoget vinner kundetilfredshetsprisen 2008 |author=[[Norwegian School of Management]]. |date=2008-05-07 |access-date=2008-09-13 |language=no}}</ref> The same year Flytoget was declared the best place of work in Norway by ''Great Place to Work''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.greatplacetowork.no/best/list-no.htm |title=Norges Beste Arbeidsplasser 2008 |author=Great Place to Work |year=2008 |access-date=2008-09-13 |language=no |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204064240/http://www.greatplacetowork.no/best/list-no.htm |archive-date=2008-12-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref> During the 2007 recruitment half of the newly educated train drivers chose Flytoget over Vy, mostly due to higher wages.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/article1967049.ece |title=Halve kullet gikk til Flytoget |author=Aftenposten |date=2007-08-31 |access-date=2008-06-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071106054946/http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/article1967049.ece |archive-date=2007-11-06 }}</ref>

===Stations===
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto;"
|-
!
!Station
!Distance<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/jernbanenettet/stasjonssok/stasjonsoversikt/Kongsberg_-_Oslo_-_Eidsvoll/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20080208141000/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/jernbanenettet/stasjonssok/stasjonsoversikt/Kongsberg_-_Oslo_-_Eidsvoll/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2008-02-08 |title=Stasjonsoversikt Kongsberg – Oslo – Eidsvoll from Oslo Airport |author=Norwegian National Rail Administration |access-date=2008-05-24 |language=no}}</ref>
!Time<ref name=time />
!Fare<ref name=fares />
!Reduced fare<ref name=fares />
|-
|[[File:Flytoget at Gardermoen.jpg|100px]]
|[[Oslo Airport Station|Oslo Airport]]
|align="right"|0.00&nbsp;km
|align="right"|0 min
|n/a
|n/a
|-
|[[File:Flytoget Lillestrøm stasjon.jpg|100px]]
|[[Lillestrøm Station|Lillestrøm]]
|align="right"|30.90&nbsp;km
|align="right"|12 min
|NOK 140
|NOK 70
|-
|[[File:Flytoget Oslo S.jpg|100px]]
|[[Oslo Central Station]]
|align="right"|48.07&nbsp;km
|align="right"|19 / 22 min
|NOK 180
|NOK 90
|-
|[[File:Flytoget nationalteateret1.jpg|100px]]
|[[Nationaltheatret Station|Nationaltheatret]]
|align="right"|49.50&nbsp;km
|align="right"|27 min
|NOK 180
|NOK 90
|-
|[[File:Skøyen Station.jpg|100px]]
|[[Skøyen Station|Skøyen]]
|align="right"|52.43&nbsp;km
|align="right"|32 min
|NOK 180
|NOK 90
|-
|[[File:Graphics of Lysaker Station.jpg|100px]]
|[[Lysaker Station|Lysaker]]
|align="right"|55.07&nbsp;km
|align="right"|34 min
|NOK 180
|NOK 90
|-
|[[File:Stabekk stasjon.JPG|100px]]
|[[Stabekk Station|Stabekk]]
|align="right"|57.06&nbsp;km
|align="right"|32 min
|NOK 180
|NOK 90
|-
|[[File:Sandvika Railway station TRS 070407 001.jpg|100px]]
|[[Sandvika Station|Sandvika]]
|align="right"|62.24&nbsp;km
|align="right"|42 min
|NOK 210
|NOK 105
|-
|[[File:IC-tog til Larvik og Flytoget på Asker stasjon TRS 061028 027.jpg|100px]]
|[[Asker Station|Asker]]
|align="right"|71.93&nbsp;km
|align="right"|48 min
|NOK 210
|NOK 105
|-
|[[File:Drammen Railway Station TRS 061216 008.jpg|100px]]
|[[Drammen Station|Drammen]]
|align="right"|100.96&nbsp;km
|align="right"|60 min
|NOK 260
|NOK 130
|}

===Incidents===
[[Image:Flytoget at Gardermoen.jpg|thumb|Train awaiting departure from [[Oslo Airport Station]]]]
Several deaths have taken place on the route, but only one due to an accident. In 1999, an employee of the National Rail Administration was killed by a train because it was operating at {{convert|160|km/h|mph}} instead of the temporarily reduced limit of {{convert|80|km/h|mph}}; Flytoget was fined for not informing the engineer of the speed limit reduction.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=169292 |title=Flytoget bøtelagt etter dødsulykke |author=Norsk Telegrambyrå |publisher=Verdens Gang |date=2001-02-21 |access-date=2008-06-30 |language=no |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611220145/http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=169292 |archive-date=2011-06-11 }}</ref> Several other deaths on the line have been classified as [[suicide]]s, and so are not in the accident statistics;<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jernbanetilsynet.no/upload/documents/Publikasjoner/Statisitikk/rsstatistikk_ulykker/Ulykkesstatistikk_2002.pdf |title=Ulykkesstatisktikk 2002 |author=[[Norwegian Railway Inspectorate]] |access-date=2008-06-30 |language=no |pages=4 }}{{dead link|date=January 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=3893031 |title=- Satt i skinnegangen da toget kom |author=Verdens Gang |date=2001-01-26 |access-date=2008-06-30 |language=no |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611220115/http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=3893031 |archive-date=2011-06-11 }}</ref> they do however cause delays on all services for hours after the incident takes place.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/article2136315.ece |title=Fullt tog-kaos på Romerike |author1=Ihlebæk, Jostein |author2=Holm, Per Annar |publisher=Aftenposten |date=2007-12-04 |access-date=2008-06-30 |language=no |pages=4 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604105522/http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/article2136315.ece |archive-date=2011-06-04 }}</ref>

In 2000–01, Flytoget experienced three derailments with empty trains at Gardermoen; one caused by the engineer falling asleep and two by the train passing a red light.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jernbanetilsynet.no/Publikasjoner/Ulykkesstatistikk/Arleg-ulykkesstatistikk/Ulykkesstatistikk-2000/ |title=Ulykkesstatisktikk 2000 |author=Norwegian Railway Inspectorate |access-date=2008-06-30 |language=no }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=8573837 |title=Flytoget sporet av |author=Norsk Telegrambyrå |publisher=Verdens Gang |date=2001-01-03 |access-date=2008-06-30 |language=no |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611220523/http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=8573837 |archive-date=2011-06-11 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=2880460 |title=Sovnet - kræsjet flytoget |author=Verdens Gang |date=2000-06-20 |access-date=2008-06-30 |language=no |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611220605/http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=2880460 |archive-date=2011-06-11 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=104861 |title=Flytoget kjørte mot stoppsignal |author=Verdens Gang |date=2000-06-14 |access-date=2008-06-30 |language=no |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611220804/http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=104861 |archive-date=2011-06-11 }}</ref> No more such accidents occurred after [[automatic Train Control]] was installed in 2001.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jernbanetilsynet.no/Publikasjoner/Ulykkesstatistikk/Arleg-ulykkesstatistikk/Ulykkesstatistikk-for-2001/ |title=Ulykkesstatisktikk 2001 |author=Norwegian Railway Inspectorate |access-date=2008-06-30 |language=no }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

Delays have been experienced many times by travelers due to technical problems on the infrastructure. In particular the old line west of Oslo causes much delay,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/article2184993.ece |title=Ny stans for flytoget |author=Tonstad, Hans Marius |publisher=Aftenposten |date=2008-01-08 |access-date=2008-06-30 |language=no |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080309200536/http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/article2184993.ece |archive-date=March 9, 2008 }}</ref> and the National Rail Administration performed during 2008 a NOK&nbsp;100&nbsp;million upgrade to the [[Oslo Tunnel]] to ensure better performance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/incoming/Presse/article.jhtml?articleID=1894032 |title=100 millioner sikrer full fart på oppgradering av Oslotunnelen |author=Norwegian National Rail Administration |date=2008-05-15 |access-date=2008-06-30 |language=no|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080519221416/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/incoming/Presse/article.jhtml?articleID=1894032 |archive-date = May 19, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> But problems also incur on the new sections, regularly delaying service or capacity, and forcing Flytoget to operate fewer departures.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=504596 |title=Feil forsinker flytogene |author=Norsk Telegrambyrå |publisher=Verdens Gang |date=2008-03-14 |access-date=2008-06-30 |language=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=8283581 |title=Flytoget fast i tunnel i én time i Oslo |author=Norsk Telegrambyrå |publisher=Verdens Gang |date=2001-03-22 |access-date=2008-06-30 |language=no}}</ref> In total 96% of departures arrived within 3&nbsp;minutes of schedule and 0.4% of departures were canceled in 2007.<ref name=about />

[[Pickpocketing]] has been a problem since the start; even the Chief of Police in Oslo has been robbed on the train.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=38897 |title=Velstelte tyver på flytoget |author=Verdens Gang |date=1998-12-12 |access-date=2008-06-30 |language=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=188570 |title=Oslos politimester rundstjålet |author=Norsk Telegrambyrå |publisher=Verdens Gang |date=2007-05-25 |access-date=2008-06-30 |language=no}}</ref> The train has also been the target of sabotage,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=82305 |title=Livsfarlig sabotasje mot flytog |author=Norsk Telegrambyrå |publisher=Verdens Gang |date=2003-10-27 |access-date=2008-06-30 |language=no}}</ref> and embezzlement for NOK&nbsp;1&nbsp;million by an employed ticket salesman, who found a way to print two tickets with the system only charging for one, by turning off and on the ticket printer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=2241947 |title=Svindlet Flytoget med printer-triks |author=Verdens Gang |date=2001-08-17 |access-date=2008-06-30 |language=no}}</ref>

When [[Al Gore]] came to Oslo to receive his [[Nobel Peace Prize]] on 7 December 2007, he used the Airport Express Train to make his journey as environmentally friendly as possible.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dagsavisen.no/innenriks/article326557.ece |title=Optimistisk Gore håper på ny klimaavtale i 2010 |author=Hauge, Linus |publisher=[[Dagsavisen]] |date=2007-12-07 |access-date=2008-06-30 |language=no |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080206220316/http://www.dagsavisen.no/innenriks/article326557.ece |archive-date=February 6, 2008 }}</ref> The company has initiated a program to ensure better diet for the employees; this had made several lose weight and has reduced the level of sick leave from 12 to 8%.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dagsavisen.no/innenriks/article356929.ece |title=Flytoget slanker staben |author=Sandberg, Tor |publisher=Dagsavisen |date=2008-06-26 |access-date=2008-06-30 |language=no |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090703021936/http://www.dagsavisen.no/innenriks/article356929.ece |archive-date=July 3, 2009 }}</ref> In 2005–07, a program to reduce the energy use of the trains through smarter operation reduced energy consumption by 15%.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/article2008397.ece |title=Energi på banen |author=Aftenposten |date=2007-10-18 |access-date=2007-06-30 |language=no |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013130700/http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/article2008397.ece |archive-date=2007-10-13 }}</ref>

During the [[Air travel disruption after the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption|2010 volcano air travel disruption]], the Gardermoen airport was closed for a period, and the Flytoget trains were used by NSB instead, to give extra train capacity for long-distance routes.<ref>[http://www.nsb.no/aktuelt/flytog-paa-strekningen-oslo-halden-article35410-2707.html Flytog på strekningen Oslo - Halden] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100418193141/http://www.nsb.no/aktuelt/flytog-paa-strekningen-oslo-halden-article35410-2707.html |date=April 18, 2010 }}</ref>

==Rolling stock==
===Class 71===
[[File:GMB BFM 71104 1.jpg|thumb|A [[GMB Class 71|Class 71]] Airport Express Train ready for departure from [[Oslo Central Station|Oslo S]]]]
[[File:Flytoget innvendig.jpg|thumb|Interior of the [[GMB Class 71|Class 71]] Airport Express Train]]
{{Main|GMB Class 71}}
The company operates sixteen [[GMB Class 71|Class 71]] three-car [[electric multiple unit]]s delivered in 1997–98, and built domestically by [[Adtranz]] at [[Strømmens Værksted|Strømmen]] based on carbodies built in [[Adtranz]] factory in [[Kalmar]]. They are based on the Swedish [[SJ X2|X2]] operated by [[SJ AB|SJ]] in their [[X 2000]] intercity service, and developed by [[Kalmar Verkstad]] during the 1980s. The Class 71 are nearly identical to the [[NSB Class 73]], save the 71-series lacking one car and [[tilting train|tilting mechanism]], and a different interior. Both have chosen to not use the original [[locomotive]] design, instead installing one powered [[bogie]] in each car. The 71-series is built for a maximum operating speed of {{convert|210|km/h|mph}}, but has achieved higher speeds in test runs.<ref name=elektrolok>{{Cite book|first=Nils Carl |last=Aspenberg |author-link=Nils Carl Aspenberg |title=Elektrolok i Norge |year=2001 |publisher=[[Baneforlaget]] |location=Oslo |language=no |isbn=82-91448-42-6}}</ref>

Among the features are pressure-tight cabins to allow comfortable travel through tunnels at high speeds, and step-free access to the cars. Instead, steps are inside the trains; this has been criticized to be in non-conformance with public [[accessibility]] policy.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.shdir.no/srff/fagnytt/langt_igjen_til_universell_utforming__66999 |title=Langt igjen til universell utforming |author=[[Norwegian State Council on Disability]] |language=no |access-date=2007-06-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070528155612/http://www.shdir.no/srff/fagnytt/langt_igjen_til_universell_utforming__66999 |archive-date=2007-05-28 }}</ref> The multiple units can only operate in fixed sets of three cars, but up to three sets can be [[multiple-unit train control|run in multiple]]. Flytoget regularly uses double sets to create six-car trains.<ref name=elektrolok /> In 2008–09, all units will be refit with an additional middle car by [[Bombardier Transportation]], increasing capacity by 40% to 244 seats.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.flytoget.no/eng/About-Flytoget/Press/Pressemeldinger/Flytoget-inng%C3%A5r-kontrakt-med-Bombardier-Transportation |title=Flytoget inngår kontrakt med Bombardier Transportation om kjøp av nye mellomvogner |author=Flytoget AS |language=no |access-date=2007-06-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090703015900/http://www.flytoget.no/eng/About-Flytoget/Press/Pressemeldinger/Flytoget-inng%C3%A5r-kontrakt-med-Bombardier-Transportation |archive-date=2009-07-03 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Unlike the Class 71, the sister trains in service with NSB were prone to trouble, having to operate on hundred-year-old infrastructure on cross-mountain services; the Class 71 has more lenient operating conditions thanks to better infrastructure. The only incident to ground all the BM71 trains occurred on the 17 June 2000 at [[Nelaug Station|Nelaug]] when a Class 73 train operated by NSB [[derail]]ed because of stress on the axle. Unlike the NSB trains, the airport express trains were back in service the next day,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=7373144 |title=Utmatting årsak til avsporing |author=Norsk Telegrambyrå |publisher=Verdens Gang |date=2000-06-18 |access-date=2008-09-13 |language=no |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612012125/http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=7373144 |archive-date=2011-06-12 }}</ref> while the 73-series had to wait another month.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=6574318 |title=Signatur endelig i drift |author=Norsk Telegrambyrå |publisher=Verdens Gang |date=2000-07-13 |access-date=2008-09-13 |language=no |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612012151/http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=6574318 |archive-date=2011-06-12 }}</ref> On 24 January 2004 a unit had to be taken out of service due to smoke from a stressed [[bearing (mechanical)|bearing]]—within days the bearings were replaced on all units.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=264980 |title=Må skifte alle hjullagre i Flytogene |author=Norsk Telegrambyrå |publisher=Verdens Gang |date=2005-01-31 |language=no |access-date=2007-06-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611221249/http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=264980 |archive-date=2011-06-11 }}</ref>

===Class 78===
[[File:Flytoget Oaris auf dem Eisenbahnversuchsring Velim (CZ).jpg|thumb|Class 78 train at the [[Velim railway test circuit]]]]
Flytoget purchased eight new 4-car [[CAF Oaris]] EMUs from the Spanish manufacturer CAF.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.caf.net/en/productos-servicios/proyectos/proyecto-detalle.php?p=276 |title=OARIS FLYTOGET |author=CAF |publisher=CAF |date=2015-05-01 |access-date=2015-12-30 |archive-date=2021-05-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526221222/https://www.caf.net/en/productos-servicios/proyectos/proyecto-detalle.php?p=276 |url-status=dead }}</ref> They started operation in June 2021. Even though the EMU's maximum speed is {{convert|245|km/h|mph}}, the infrastructure limits the speed to {{convert|210|km/h|mph}}.
The trainsets delivered to Flytoget were withdrawn from service after 19 days of operation due to discovery of cracks in the chassis.<ref>{{cite news | title=Crack causes Flytoget to withdraw brand new CAF fleet from traffic | url=https://www.railjournal.com/news/crack-causes-flytoget-to-withdraw-brand-new-caf-fleet-from-traffic/ | access-date=31 August 2021 }}</ref> In January 2023, the trainsets resumed operation.<ref>{{cite news |title=Los Oaris de Flytoget volverán a prestar servicio en enero |url=https://www.trenvista.net/material-movil/los-oaris-de-flytoget-volveran-a-prestar-servicio-en-enero/ |access-date=14 November 2024 |website=Trenvista (in Spanish) |date=20 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220175528/https://www.trenvista.net/material-movil/los-oaris-de-flytoget-volveran-a-prestar-servicio-en-enero/ |archive-date=20 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Our story |url=https://flytoget.no/en/about/our-story/ |website=Flytoget |access-date=14 November 2024}}</ref>

==Future==

===New tracks===
There are plans to build two more tracks from Lysaker to Oslo Central Station, including a new tunnel under central Oslo.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/Prosjekter/Utredninger/Jernbaneverkets-Utredninger/en-nodvendig-satsing-for-kollektivtrafikken-i-hovedstadsomradet/ |title=KVU Oslo-Navet |author=[[Jernbaneverket]] |date=2015-08-13 |language=no |access-date=2016-01-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125202336/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/Prosjekter/Utredninger/Jernbaneverkets-Utredninger/en-nodvendig-satsing-for-kollektivtrafikken-i-hovedstadsomradet/ |archive-date=2016-01-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This project is not decided.

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{portal|Companies}}
{{Commons category-inline|Flytoget}}
* {{Official website|http://www.flytoget.no/}}

{{Flytoget}}
{{Railway companies of Norway}}
{{High-speed rail}}
{{Norgoventbox}}
{{Oslo Airport, Gardermoen}}
{{Good article}}

[[Category:Flytoget| ]]
[[Category:High-speed rail in Norway]]
[[Category:Railway companies of Norway]]
[[Category:Railway companies established in 1992]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Oslo]]
[[Category:Airport rail links]]
[[Category:1992 establishments in Norway]]
[[Category:Railway services introduced in 1998]]
[[Category:Oslo Airport, Gardermoen]]