Ferry from Hirtshals to Kristiansand

Enjoy lower-cost ferry tickets from Hirtshals to Kristiansand by taking advantage of the various available discounts. Both Color Line and Fjord Line provide special fares for certain passenger categories, such as:

• Children (4-15 years old): travel with a 50% discount
• Infants and toddlers (up to 3 years old): travel free of charge

Color Line and Fjord Line operate the Hirtshals - Kristiansand route with conventional ferries and high-speed catamarans, which offer a range of amenities and services for a comfortable and relaxed journey.

Conventional ferries

The conventional ferries, such as MS Stavangerfjord and MS Bergensfjord by Fjord Line, offer a cruise-like experience, with an extensive range of facilities. Typically, you will find:

• Spacious air-conditioned lounges and access to open decks with sea views
• Multiple dining options, including restaurants, cafés, bars, and buffets
• Duty-free shopping with a wide variety of products
• Social and entertainment areas for an enjoyable trip
• Children's play areas and family-friendly zones
• Free Wi-Fi and charging stations in designated areas

High-speed ferries

The route is also served by fast vessels, such as Color Line’s SuperSpeed 1 and Fjord Line's Fjord FSTR. On board, you can generally expect to find:

• Comfortable indoor seating and access to outdoor decks
• Bistros, cafés, bars, and buffets serving snacks, coffee, and hot meals
• Duty-free shops and onboard shopping facilities
• Play areas for children and family seating zones
• Wi-Fi throughout most sections of the ship

Accessibility

The ferries from Hirtshals to Kristiansand are generally accessible to passengers with disabilities. Both high-speed and conventional vessels are equipped with elevators, accessible common areas, and facilities adapted for those with limited mobility.

If you require special assistance, it is best to contact the ferry operator in advance or during booking. Prior notice is often necessary if you are traveling with medical equipment, need boarding support, or require help in an emergency. Guide and assistance dogs are permitted on board with the required documentation. As features vary by vessel, confirming details with the company before departure is recommended.

Cabins & accommodation

What seating options are available?

Each operator offers different seat options on the Hirtshals - Kristiansand ferry route:

• Color Line: you can book a standard deck/loung seat, as well as numbered reclining seat in the Voyager Class lounge, or a premium seat in the Business Class lounge. Business-class seats are in a quiet lounge and include perks, such as complimentary Wi-Fi, access to a streaming platform and luggage lockers.
• Fjord Line: you can book standard lounge seats, which are unreserved, or numbered lounge seats.

How much do seats cost?

• Color Line: standard seats are priced from €24, Voyager Class seats from €36 and Business Class start from around €49.
• Fjord Line: standard seats start from around €43, while numbered seats cost from €56.

Can I book a cabin?

Yes, you can book a cabin on the conventional ferries operated by Fjord Line. You can usually choose from:

• Standard inside cabins
• Outside cabins with a sea view
• Deluxe cabins and suites, with more space, a double bed, additional amenities and extra perks
• Accessible cabins for passengers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins

All cabins have Wi-Fi and a private bathroom with a shower and toilet, while deluxe cabins and suites may also include a seating area, TV, mini bar and panoramic views. Some cabins are above the nightclub, so noise might be audible.

Cabin prices start at around €99.

Note: the high-speed ferries do not have cabins, as the crossing is relatively short and takes place during the day.

Luggage

Each ferry company operating on the Hirtshals - Kristiansand route has its own luggage policy:

• When traveling with Color Line, you can bring up to 50 kg of luggage.
• On Fjord Line ferries, you can bring as many bags as you can carry onboard yourself, in one go. There are storage areas beside reception on deck 7, with access around departure and arrival. 

Pet travel

You can travel with your pet on the Hirtshals - Kristiansand ferries, provided you include it in your booking.

Make sure you bring along your pet’s health and travel documents, as well as tickets and pet supplies you may need for the trip.

Where can pets stay during the crossing?

The available pet accommodation options depend on the operator and vessel:

• Color Line: you can keep your pets in your vehicle, while dogs can also stay in the onboard kennels, or with you on the outdoor deck.
• Fjord Line: on the cruise ferries, you can keep your pet in your vehicle, the dog kennel, or a pet-friendly cabin. When traveling on the high-speed ferry, your pet can stay in your vehicle or the designated outdoor pet area.

Pets are generally not allowed in indoor public areas such as lounges, restaurants or shops, with the exception of guide and assistance dogs.

Important: the option of keeping your pet with you on the outdoor deck is generally recommended for April to September, when the weather is warmer. If you opt to keep your pet in your vehicle, make sure you leave a window slightly open for ventilation. 

Can I visit my pet during the journey?

Each operator has its own policy regarding pet visits during the trip:

• Color Line: you can usually arrange a visit to the car deck or kennels with the reception.
• Fjord Line: on conventional ferries, you will receive a key for the kennels, while vehicle visits are scheduled and crew-accompanied. On the high-speed ferries, vehicle access is not guaranteed.

Take a look at some useful tips for your Hirtshals ferry to Norway trip:

• We recommend arriving at the port of Hirtshals at least 1-5-2 hr before departure, especially if you are traveling with a vehicle.
• Although the crossing is relatively short, the Skagerrak Strait can sometimes be windy or choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, consider choosing a seat in a central indoor area for a smoother ride.
• For your return trip, you can also check the Kristiansand - Hirtshals ferry route and book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
• Hirtshals is a major ferry hub in northern Denmark (Jutland), with connections to several destinations in Norway. You can also travel from Hirtshals to Bergen and Hirtshals to Stavanger. Make sure to find the port of arrival that suits you best.

Where to take the ferry from Hirtshals to Kristiansand

Ferries to Kristiansand usually depart from the port of Hirtshals, on the northern coast of Denmark. The port of Hirtshals is around 65 km from Aalborg Airport. Both operators use the same port but depart from different terminals, so check your booking confirmation before heading to the port:

• Color Line uses Norgeskajen 2, close to the town center and railway station.
• Fjord Line uses Nordsøterminalen at Containerkajen 4, around a 35-40-min walk from the center.

You’ll find cafés, restaurants, shops, and hotels in Hirtshals town center, while the Fjord Line terminal has a ticket office, restrooms, and an elevator. Public parking is available around the harbor, but spaces near Fjord Line’s terminal are limited.

How to get to the port of Hirtshals

• By car: follow the E39 toward Hirtshals, then the signs for your ferry company.
• By train: take the local Hirtshalsbanen train from Hjørring, with a journey time of approximately 22 min. From Hirtshals station, Color Line’s terminal is about a 10-min walk away. For Fjord Line, use the station shuttle or a taxi; Lilleheden is the closest railway stop to its terminal, but you still need to walk through the port area.
• By shuttle bus: a bus connects Hirtshals station with Fjord Line’s terminal, with departures coordinated with ferry sailings.
• From Aalborg: Fjord Line also offers a direct bus from Musikkens Hus, Musikkens Plads 1, taking approximately 50 min to the terminal.
• By taxi: the drive to the port takes around 10-15 min from central Hirtshals and around 45 min from Aalborg Airport.

Check-in and boarding at Hirtshals

The check-in at Hirtshals generally opens 2 hr before departure. Head to your operator’s terminal and allow extra time during summer, especially if you’re bringing a vehicle.

• Foot passengers (Color Line): after check-in at the Norgeskajen 2 terminal, follow the signs and staff instructions for boarding.
• Foot passengers (Fjord Line): you can use the counter or self-service kiosks at Nordsøterminalen, Containerkajen 4.
• Passengers with vehicles: follow the signs for your ferry company’s vehicle check-in lanes, then proceed to the assigned waiting lane. Keep your booking confirmation and travel documents handy.

When traveling with Color Line, you must arrive at least 1 hr before departure, whether traveling on foot or with a vehicle. The check-in closes 15 min before departure, but you should arrive earlier.

With Fjord Line, you need to complete check-in no later than 1 hr before departure. Boarding normally starts around 1 hr before sailing and closes 20 min before departure. 

Always check your booking confirmation for instructions specific to your sailing.

Where does the ferry arrive in Kristiansand?

Ferries from Hirtshals arrive at the central ferry terminal in Kristiansand, on the waterfront beside the city center. The Color Line ferries dock at Havnegata 47, while Fjord Line ferries arrive at Vestre Strandgate 31. Kristiansand railway station, the main bus terminal and taxi ranks are a short walk from the terminal building.

The ferry terminal has basic amenities, such as waiting areas, restrooms, an elevator, vending machines, free Wi-Fi. You’ll find cafés, shops, and hotels in the surrounding downtown streets, with Markens shopping street within walking distance.

Onward travel from the port of Kristiansand

You can easily continue your journey from Kristiansand, with the railway station and main bus terminal within walking distance of the ferry terminals. If you’re driving, follow signs from the port to the E18 east toward Oslo or the E39 west toward Stavanger.

• Oslo: the drive via the E18 takes about 4 hr, trains to Oslo S take approximately 4.5-5 hr, while express buses take around 4.5 hr.
• Stavanger: it takes about 3-3.5 hr by car if you head west along the E39. Direct trains take around 3 hr 15 min, while express buses generally take 3.5-4 hr.
• Arendal: follow the E18 east, allowing around 50-60 min by car. There are also buses that connect Kristiansand with Arendal in around 1-1.5 hr.
• Mandal: take the E39 west, reaching the town in around 30 min by car. The bus from Kristiansand bus terminal to Mandal sentrum takes 40 min.
• Kristiansand Airport, Kjevik: allow approximately 20-25 min by car, following the E18 east and signs for Kjevik via Route 41. The bus from the main bus terminal to the airport takes 30-35 min.