Is it really necessary to have at least 60 minutes for a train connection?

Question

I'm trying to book a train from Trondheim via Oslo to Kristiansand. The route contains a transfer in Oslo. I have 21 minutes to catch the connection.
On the NSB site a warning is issued (Google Translate link) that when the route contains a transfer a gap of at least 60 minutes should be planned, otherwise there is no refund possible in case of a missed connection.

Is this warning based on reality (i.e. do long distance trains often have delays) or is it just to protect the NSB and minimise the amount of refunds?

Or in my specific case: should I be concerned about the 21 minute transfer time and book another train?

Answer 1

I have traveled in Norway on the train network and found it to be exceptionally punctual. However, the journey time from Trondheim to Oslo is around 7 hours, and you only need one small problem to crop up to end up having to pay for a extra segment to Kristiensand. The NSB website shows that it is a possible connection, but flags a warning.

Looking at the online time table it seems that you are hoping to catch the 23.13 in Trondheim, for the overnight service, with the connection at 07.25. My suggestion would to be on the safe side and aim for the connection at 11.01. That would give you a few hours in Oslo to get breakfast.

The standard price of the Oslo Kristiensand journey is 677kr, which is a lot to pay for if you miss the connection. Even though I think it is likely that you could make the earlier train, my personal thought is don't risk it.

Answer 2

I am not sure if you have read the Google translation you are linking to, because you're misquoting it.

First of all, the minimum suggested transfer time between regional trains on the Trondheim - Oslo - Kristiansand lines (as in your case) is 60 minutes. The 30 minutes you refer to is the suggested transfer time between "other trains". The text does not mention anything about a refund in case of a lost connection but reimbursement of additional expenses:

For journeys where shorter transition time is chosen it can not be claimed for reimbursement of expenses for alternative transportation or other expenses incurred as a result of lost connection.

Basically, if you reach your destination with more than 60 minutes delay, NSB is liable to reimburse you with 50% of the ticket price and under some circumstances even additional expenses to cover alternative means of transport, meals or lodging. Since long distance trains operate relatively infrequently in Norway, a short delay on the first leg can easily cause you a significant delay at the final destination if you have a transfer. Even if trains often wait for corresponding passengers in Norway, a 20 minute delay on your first leg from Trondheim to Oslo could in theory be enough to miss the connection, causing a 4 hour delay in Kristiansand if you had to wait for the next train. The disclaimer in the journey planner is just to inform you that you waive your rights to these reimbursments in case of a missed connection, so that you cannot hold NSB liable for providing alternative transport, meals or to cover other expenses you've had related to the delay.

However, if you should miss the connection in Oslo, NSB will allow you to proceeed the journey on the next possible train.