Getting around by boat

A smiling couple in front of the MS Polarlys Hurtigruten ship in Lofoten, Northern Norway

Norway is a coastal nation, and ferries and boats are among our most important modes of transportation. Enjoy strolling along the deck in the sun, grab a bite to eat in a café or restaurant, or hop on a cruise!

Travel to Norway by ferry

Four car ferry companies sail daily from Denmark, Sweden, and Germany to several destinations in Norway. Most operators offer package deals for cars with passengers and discounts for seniors, students, and children.

Read more about getting to Norway by ferry

Plan your trip

The official national travel planner Entur provides updated information about routes and timetables in Norway and beyond, including buses, trams, trains, subways, ferries, scooters and city bikes. You can also buy tickets for most journeys with Entur (easiest with the Entur app).

Travelling by ferry

It's easy to find a ferry in Norway:

Find routes, check departure times, and get traffic reports, all in one place, on the website of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens Vegvesen).
Some terminals also have webcams that show if there are any queues.

You can also visit Entur to plan your trip. Entur shows all public transport options in Norway in one place.

Travel to Norway by ferry

Numerous ferries connect Norway with other European countries, including daily crossings from both Denmark, Sweden and Germany.

You can often find discounts for senior citizens, students and children. Package deals are also usually available.

In this article, you will find all the information you need about the different ferries to Norway.

Car ferries and express boats in Norway

Norway has an extensive coastline, with many fjords and islands. In Fjord Norway and Northern Norway, travellers often have to rely on ferries and express boats for transportation. Choosing a ferry can often dramatically shorten the length of your trip.

Express boats and car ferries sail up and down the coast, in sheltered waters and across open seas, to towns, villages and islands big and small. They provide good logistics for an island hopping adventure or an itinerary of your own choosing. For example, travel the seaway between Trondheim and Kristiansund to experience world class seafood!

Be prepared, there may be queues in the summer months. For the most popular ferries, it is recommended to arrive early. This includes the Geiranger–Hellesylt and Lauvvik–Lysebotn connections in Fjord Norway and at Bognes-Lødingen and Bodø-Moskenes in Northern Norway in particular.

A ferry in the autumn near Kystriksveien in Northern Norway

The Norwegian coastal express – Hurtigruten and Havila

The long-running Hurtigruten sails from Bergen to Kirkenes, in Finnmark. The journey, Bergen–Kirkenes–Bergen, takes 11 days. This voyage offers you an exquisite way to experience the natural beauty of the coast. It is indeed “the world's most beautiful sea voyage”. What fascinates tourists most are all the tiny and not-so-tiny communities they call at along the journey.

Departures are daily and there are frequent stops along the coast. The ships can accommodate cars, making it easy to combine the cruise with a holiday on shore.

Havila Kystruten also offers cruises and port-to-port tickets. Havila has departures twice a week and some of the most environmental-friendly ships in the world.

Hurtigruten spring

Norwegian inland ships

In the last half of the 1800s, Norwegian inland ships made it possible to transport passengers and freight across Norway's major lakes and inland fjords.

Many of these vessels are still sailing their regular schedule and transporting goods and passengers today.

Skibladner, "The white swan of Mjøsa"
The historic Norwegian inland ships

Read more about the historic Norwegian inland ships here.

Book a Norwegian cruise

Experience the highlights of the Norwegian coast from our partners.

  • Man standing on deck looking at the northern lights
    4+ Days ・ September - March

    Short winter cruise

    Tromsø and a Hurtigruten CruiseThis tour includes a cruise with Hurtigruten. Choose from a wide selection of winter activities including dog sledding and northern lights excursions.Price From 7 095 NOK
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    Hurtigruten and northern lights
    6+ Days ・ September - March

    Northern lights cruise

    Tromsø, the North Cape and KirkenesTour including a return cruise from Tromsø to Kirkenes with Hurtigruten. Visit the North Cape and try winter activities including dog sledding and snowmobiling.Price From 14 200 NOK
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    Kirkenes Snowhotel from the outside at nighttime
    6+ Days ・ November - March

    Arctic winter adventure

    Snowhotel Kirkenes, Hurtigruten & TromsøWinter adventure tour including an overnight stay at Kirkenes Snow Hotel, a cruise with Hurtigruten to Tromsø, and a wide selection of optional winter activities.Price From 11 500 NOK
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    Grand tour of Norway by Authentic Scandinavia
    12+ Days ・ All year

    Grand tour of Norway

    Oslo, Flåm, Bergen & Hurtigruten cruiseAn amazing rail tour from Oslo via the Norwegian fjords to Bergen. From Bergen you will continue on a 7-day cruise through incredible scenery along the Norwegian coast to Kirkenes.Price From 21 210 NOK
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    The Golden Route by Authentic Scandinavia
    9+ Days ・ May - September

    The golden route

    Oslo, Geiranger, Ålesund and Bergen.Explore Oslo, Geiranger, Ålesund, and Bergen on an independent rail tour. Travel with the impressive Rauma and Bergen Railway lines and enjoy a cruise with Hurtigruten on the Geirangerfjord.Price From 18 490 NOK
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    Coastal town on rocky islands with green football pitch facing mountain backdrop
    12 Days ・ April - September

    Lofoten Islands, Helgeland & Sognefjord

    Extensive Train & Cruise round trip in NorwayEnjoy spectacular scenery as you head south along the Norwegian coast from Lofoten to Bergen. Highlights include the Lofoten archipelago, a fjord cruise on the Sognefjord, and a journey on the world famous Flåm Railway.Price From 54 360 NOK
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    Norwegian Coast, Lofoten and Tromso
    11 Days ・ April - September

    Norwegian Havila voyage

    Bergen to Tromsø with an overnight stay in LofotenThis Norwegian Coastal Voyage from Bergen stops in at Ålesund, Geirangerfjord, Trondheim, and Saltstraumen, then disembarks for an overnight stay in Lofoten before continuing to Tromsø.Price From 26 215 NOK
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    Northern lights over snow-capped mountains and ocean surface
    6 Days ・ October - March

    Northern lights cruise trip

    Cruise and train adventureRound trip from Oslo including a scenic train ride to Trondheim, two nights onboard a cruise ship, a visit to Bodø, Tromsø, and a Viking feast on the Lofoten Islands.Price From 24 350 NOK
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    Aurora-Borealis
    8 Days ・ November - March

    Winter cruise & northern lights

    Trip from Kirkenes to BergenFly from Oslo to Kirkenes and stay overnight at a snow hotel, then go wilderness dog sledding before taking a 5-night cruise to Bergen. Visit Trondheim's Nidaros Cathedral and Lofoten along the way.Price From 34 510 NOK
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    Beautiful Norway with Havila Voyage
    14 Days ・ May - September

    Norway with Havila voyage

    Fjords and Havila Voyage along the coastVisit Oslo and the Norwegian Fjord region including a ride on the historic Flåm Railway. Set sail on a Havila North voyage to the very north of Norway. 12 departures per summer.Price From 63 870 NOK
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    View of Reine, Lofoten
    11 Days ・ May - August

    Exclusive tour of Norway

    An amazing round-trip cruiseThis trip lets you see most of Norway. The tour takes you from Oslo in the east to Fjord Norway and the west coast, followed by a 6-night cruise going north to the Arctic town of Kirkenes. Price From 90 130 NOK
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    Trollfjorden moutains in Lofoten
    7 Days ・ May - August

    Fjord and coast adventure

    Cruise and rail round tripFly from Oslo to Tromsø, cruise the coast from Tromsø to Bergen with Havila or Hurtigruten, and continue your journey back to Oslo with the famous Flåm Railway.Price From 36 220 NOK
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    The Hurtigruten cruise ship in Trollfjord.
    All year

    Cruise with Hurtigruten

    The world’s most beautiful sea voyageAre you ready for a once-in-a-lifetime journey along one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines? With Hurtigruten, you can explore everything the Norwegian coast has to offer – from fjords and iconic towns to northern lights and the midnight sun.
    Book now
    A cruise on a fjord in Norway.
    9 Days ・ May - September

    Fjords and Atlantic road

    Oslo, Bergen, Ålesund, GeirangerfjordThe trip includes the Flåm Railway, a cruise on the Aurlandsfjord, and a stay in Flåm. You can also explore the Geirangerfjord and go on a day excursion to the Atlantic Road.Price From 27 000 NOK
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    The Hurtigruten cruise in Northern Norway with reindeers in the front of the picture.
    14 Days ・ December - March

    The grand winter tour

    Hurtigruten, fjord cruise, snow hotelA 14 day-tour between Oslo and Kirkenes. Stay in a snow hotel in Kirkenes, and take the southbound route aboard Hurtigruten, followed by Bergen, the Flåm Railway, a fjord cruise, and the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord.Price From 48 000 NOK
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    People looking at the northern lights
    7 Days ・ September - April

    Local secrets in Northern Norway

    Lofoten and Helgeland in autumn and winterStay in a traditional rorbu fisherman's cabin, sail the coastal route from Svolvær to Ørnes with Havila or Hurtigruten, and explore the island of Støtt. The trip also includes a Sea Eagle safari and a guided tour in Lofoten.Price From 21 950 NOK
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    A Havila ship sailing across calm ocean waters at sunset.
    5 Days ・ All year

    Norway Cities, Trains & Fjords

    Including Norway in a Nutshell®A 5-day self-guided tour, that includes travel to Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim, some of the world’s most scenic railways, cruises on UNESCO fjords, and breathtaking coastal landscapes.Price From 11 803 NOK
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See all holiday packages

More ways to travel in Norway

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Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

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    StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
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    Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
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    Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
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    50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
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    Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
    Hardangerfjord - Authentic Scandinavia
    Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
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    Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
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    Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
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    Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
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    HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
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    Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
    Sykkeltur i Hardanger
    Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
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    Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
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    StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
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    Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
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    Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
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    Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
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    NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
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    Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
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    Cabin CampersExperience the road trip of a lifetime with our cabins on four wheels.
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    My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
    Campanyon - Arctic Dome Smiberget
    CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
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    NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
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    De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
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    CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
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