Ferries Oslo

When planning your ferry trip to Oslo, you can take advantage of the fixed discounts available to specific passenger categories. Color Line typically offers a 50% discount to children aged 4 to 15, while infants and toddlers up to 3 years old travel for free.

The Kiel - Oslo is available year-round with ferries departing from Kiel to Oslo once a day. There are usually 7-8 ferries per week. The crossing takes approximately 20 hr, and ticket prices start from about €342 for 1-bed cabins.

Color Line operates the Kiel - Oslo route with conventional vessels.

How much luggage can you take on the ferry to Oslo?

On Color Line ferries to Oslo, each passenger is allowed up to 50 kg of luggage.

The ferry trip from Kiel to Oslo takes around 20 hr.

Which is the fastest route to Oslo?

Currently, the only route to Oslo is the one connecting Norway’s capital to the port of Kiel in Germany. The overnight journey takes about 20 hr, but since cabins are the only type of accommodation available on this route, you can enjoy a comfortable trip and arrive well-rested in Oslo.

What is the cheapest ferry route to Oslo?

Tickets on the route connecting Kiel to Oslo currently start at €342 for a 1-bed cabin. Cabins are the only type of passenger accommodation available on this route, but they provide comfort and privacy during the overnight crossing.

Keep in mind that the final ticket cost depends on vehicle selection, discounts, offers, and cabin type.

Which port of departure should I choose?

Currently, Oslo is serviced by passenger ferries departing from Kiel in Germany. With year-round itineraries and frequent overnight crossings, the Kiel - Oslo route is a convenient way to travel from Germany to Norway, especially if you plan on taking your vehicle on board.

What other factors should I consider?

When planning a trip and booking a ferry to Oslo, keep these factors in mind:

• Seasonality: ferry services to Oslo from Kiel operate year-round. However, if you plan to travel during the summer or with a vehicle, it is best to book your tickets as early as possible, as ticket demand and prices may be higher.
• Departure times: there is typically one afternoon departure from Kiel to Oslo (around 14:00). The ship arrives at Oslo at around 10:00 the following day.

Can I travel on the ferry to Oslo with a car?

Yes, the ferries serving the Kiel - Oslo route are equipped with car decks for transporting vehicles.

Always check the availability and keep in mind that car deck spots may be more limited during peak months. Also, make sure you bring along your driver’s licence, vehicle registration and insurance documents.

How much does it cost to bring my car to Oslo?

Prices on Color Line ferries to Oslo normally start at about €180 for a car, €95 for a motorbike, and €360 for a camper van.

Can I take my camper van or motorhome on the ferry to Oslo?

Yes, you can take your van, motorhome, or caravan on routes from Kiel to Oslo.

Color Line operates conventional cruise ferries, such as Color Fantasy and Color Magic, on the Kiel - Oslo route. These vessels are designed for long-haul travel and feature a wide range of modern amenities and services, such as:

• Comfy air-conditioned lounges and spacious outer decks
• Cafés, bars, and restaurants (buffet and à la carte)
• Entertainment, including live shows, music performances, dance venues, casino games for adults, and a golf simulator
• Wellness and fitness facilities, including a gym, spa area, and saunas
• Family-friendly facilities and activities, including children’s playrooms with arcade machines and interactive games
• Duty-free shops and kiosks with gifts, travel essentials, fashion, cosmetics, and more
• Wi-Fi hotspot to stay connected during the trip

Cabins & accommodation

Are there cabins on the ferries?

Yes, cabins are the only type of accommodation on Kiel - Oslo ferries, so you can enjoy a comfortable overnight journey. You can typically book a cabin for up to 5 passengers, including:

• Standard inside cabins
• Outside cabins with a sea view
• Deluxe cabins and suites with more space and premium amenities
• Accessible cabins for travelers with disabilities

All cabins come with a TV and an en suite bathroom. Depending on the cabin type, you may also have access to extra amenities such as Wi-Fi, breakfast, a minibar, or a private seating area.

Cabin prices usually start from around €342.

What type of seats can you book?

Cabins are compulsory on the Kiel - Oslo route, and Color Line ferries do not offer deck/lounge or numbered seats on board.

Can I travel first class?

When travelling with Color Line to Oslo, you can book a deluxe cabin or suite with more space than standard cabins and premium amenities, such as Wi-Fi, breakfast, a minibar, or a private seating area.

Please note that as cabins are compulsory on the Kiel - Oslo route, Color Line ferries do not offer other premium seating options, such as a business-class lounge or reclining seats.

Are the ferries accessible?

The ferries from Kiel to Oslo are generally accessible to travelers with disabilities, featuring ramps and elevators between decks and lounges, adapted amenities in public areas, and wheelchair-accessible cabins.

Boarding assistance is typically available upon request and with prior notification to the ferry company before your journey.

Important: accessibility features vary by vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Can you take pets on the ferry to Oslo?

You are allowed to travel with your pets on board Color Line ferries from Kiel to Oslo, provided you include them in your booking. Pet tickets generally cost from €60 to €70, depending on the type of accommodation.

Once on board, pets should be carried in a cage/carrier or kept inside the owner’s vehicle. You can walk your pet on the outer decks, but please note that they are generally not allowed in cabins or indoor public areas such as lounges, restaurants or shops.

Guide dogs, however, are excluded from most pet policies and can travel free of charge.

Is there Wi-Fi on the ferries?

Yes, Color Line ferries to Oslo offer a Wi-Fi hotspot so you can stay connected during the trip.

Is there entertainment on the ferries?

Yes, Color Line offers a range of entertainment, wellness, and family-friendly recreational options during trips to Oslo. Typically, you can expect:

• Live shows, music performances, dance venues, casino games for adults, and a golf simulator
• Wellness and fitness facilities, including a gym, spa area, and saunas
• Family-friendly facilities and activities, including children’s playrooms with arcade machines and interactive games

What travel documents do I need to go by ferry to Oslo?

The Kiel - Oslo crossing is an international ferry route, as it connects Germany to Norway. Therefore, you'll need the appropriate travel documents before departure:

• A valid passport is required for all passengers traveling on international ferry routes to Norway.
• Depending on your nationality, you may also need a visa or other travel authorization. Be sure to check the latest entry requirements before your trip.
• If you're traveling with a vehicle, bring your driver's license, vehicle registration, and valid motor insurance. If you're driving a rental or leased vehicle, you may also need written authorization from the rental company.
• If you're traveling with a pet, make sure it meets Norway's pet entry requirements. You will need to bring along your pet’s EU passport (including microchip ID). Additionally, pets must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before entering Norway, and dogs need to be treated for tapeworms 1 to 5 days in advance.

How to book ferry tickets

You can easily book ferry tickets to Oslo on Ferryhopper in just a few clicks:

1. Select Oslo as your destination, along with your port of departure and travel dates.
2. Add passengers, pets, and vehicles.
3. Compare ferry operators, travel times, and ticket prices.
4. Complete your booking securely online.

Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive your ferry tickets by email. Ferryhopper lets you manage your booking, check for updates, and access customer support all in one place.

Check-in and boarding procedures

We always recommend arriving at the port well in advance of departure. As the Kiel - Oslo route is an international crossing, allow extra time during busy periods for passport and customs checks. More specifically:

• Foot passengers: arrive at least 1 hour before departure.
• Passengers travelling with a vehicle: arrive 2 hours before departure.
• Have your passport and booking confirmation ready for inspection at check-in.
• Follow the instructions provided by terminal staff for boarding. If you're traveling with a vehicle, you'll be directed to the appropriate vehicle lane before embarkation.

Can I board with an electronic ticket?

Color Line does not currently support electronic tickets. Therefore, you will have to collect your paper tickets before boarding your ferry to Oslo.

We recommend that you always review your confirmation email carefully for operator-specific instructions and arrive at the port on time, with your booking reference and identification documents readily available.

Oslo, Norway's vibrant capital, captivates visitors with its unique blend of Scandinavian nature, rich history, contemporary design, and sophisticated character. Set at the head of the scenic Oslofjord, Oslo is home to world-class museums, striking modern architecture, and lively waterfront neighborhoods with expansive parks and nearby forests, offering the perfect balance of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure.

For more information and tips for an unforgettable Norwegian getaway, head to our Oslo travel guide.

Here are some handy tips to keep in mind when travelling by ferry to Oslo:

• The sea can get a bit rough, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness medication before the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• For your return trip, book your tickets on the Oslo - Kiel ferry in advance, as cabins and car deck spaces often sell out.
• Onboard purchases can be made using euros and Norwegian Krone, so keep this in mind when planning your expenses during the journey.
• Winter travelers should check the weather forecast before departure, as severe weather conditions may occasionally affect sailing schedules.

Best time to book

Ferries to Oslo operate year-round, but crossings are especially popular during the summer months (June to August), Christmas, and other holiday periods.

If you're traveling in peak season, it's recommended to book 2 to 3 months in advance, especially if you're bringing a vehicle. During spring, fall, and winter, you'll usually find greater availability, and booking a few weeks ahead is often sufficient.

Ferries typically dock at the Hjortnes Quay (Hjortneskaia) in the port of Oslo. This terminal is about 2-3 km west of the city center and serves as the primary gateway for international ferry traffic from Germany.

Are there traveller amenities at the port of Oslo?

At the Hjortnes Quay at the port of Oslo, you will find a café, automated check-in kiosks, and nearby car rental desks.

How to get to the port of Oslo

• By bus: you can reach the port from the Oslo Central Station (Oslo S) on the dedicated shuttle in about 10 min. Alternatively, city bus line 81 stops at Filipstad, which is a 2- to 5-min walk from the terminal.
• By taxi: taxis to Oslo port are readily available throughout the city.
• On foot: the terminal is a 20-min walk from the Oslo Central Station.
• By car: you will need to follow signs for Vippetangen or Oslo Ferry Terminal (Oslo fergeterminal).

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Oslo, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.