Ferry from Kristiansand to Hirtshals
Tickets, Prices & SchedulesThe ferry connection from Kristiansand to Hirtshals is available all year round, with up to 5-6 daily crossings in the summer months and around 3-4 daily crossings during the rest of the year. The journey takes between 2 hr 25 min and 3 hr 45 min, depending on the company and the type of ferry.
Color Line and Fjord Line serve the ferry connection from Norway to Denmark with both conventional ferries and high-speed ferries. Find up-to-date info, compare timetables, companies and prices, and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.
Discounts
Take advantage of the available discounts and travel by ferry from Kristiansand to Hirtshals with lower-cost ferry tickets. Both Color Line and Fjord Line offer special discounts for specific passenger categories, including:
- Children (4-15 years old): travel with a 50% discount
- Infants and toddlers (up to 3 years old): travel free of charge
Ferry operators: frequency and prices
Kristiansand - Hirtshals (High season)
| Ferry Company | Crossings | Duration | Price |
| Color Line | 1-2 daily | 3 hr 15 min | €24+ |
| Fjord Line | 2 daily | 2 hr 25 min - 3 hr 45 min | €31+ |
Kristiansand - Hirtshals (Low season)
| Ferry Company | Crossings | Duration | Price |
| Color Line | 2 daily | 3 hr 15 min | €24+ |
| Fjord Line | 3-4 daily | 2 hr 25 min - 3 hr 55 min | €31+ |
On-board services and amenities
The ferries serving the Kristiansand - Hirtshals route offer a wide range of onboard amenities, whether you travel on a conventional cruise ferry or a high-speed vessel. Depending on the company and ship, you can expect comfortable lounges, food and drink options, shopping facilities, family-friendly areas and services for passengers traveling with vehicles, pets or reduced mobility.
Conventional ferries
The conventional vessels operating on the route, such as Fjord Line's MS Stavangerfjord and MS Bergensfjord, are designed for a more relaxed onboard experience and come with a wide selection of facilities. On board, you can typically expect to find:
- Spacious air-conditioned lounges and access to outer decks with sea views
- A variety of restaurants, cafés, bars and buffet options for meals, snacks and drinks
- Duty-free shopping with a wide selection of products
- Entertainment and social areas for a more enjoyable crossing
- Children's play areas and family-friendly spaces
- Car decks for vehicles
- Free Wi-Fi and charging points in selected areas
High-speed ferries
The route is also served by high-speed ferries, including Color Line's SuperSpeed 1 and Fjord Line's Fjord FSTR. These vessels are built for a faster crossing, but still offer a solid range of onboard comforts and practical services. On board, you can generally expect to find:
- Comfortable indoor lounges and seating areas, as well as access to open decks
- Cafés, bars, bistros and buffet-style dining, with options for snacks, coffee and hot meals
- Duty-free shops and onboard shopping facilities
- Play areas for children and family-friendly seating zones
- Wi-Fi throughout most areas of the ship
- Car decks for vehicle transportation
Accessibility
The ferries from Kristiansand to Hirtshals are generally accessible to travelers with disabilities. Both conventional and high-speed vessels are typically equipped with features such as elevators, access to common areas, and adapted facilities for passengers with reduced mobility.
If you require special assistance, it is recommended to contact the ferry company in advance, ideally at the time of booking. If you are traveling with medical equipment, need additional support during boarding, or may require assistance in an emergency, prior notice may be necessary.
Passengers traveling with guide dogs or assistance dogs can usually bring them on board, provided they carry the required documentation. Accessibility features and onboard arrangements may vary depending on the vessel, so it is always best to confirm the details directly with the operator before departure.
Cabins & accommodation
What seating options are available?
Passengers traveling from Kristiansand to Hirtshals can choose between standard seating included in the ticket and optional upgrades to more comfortable lounge areas, depending on the ferry and company.
- Standard seating in indoor lounges, included in the ticket price
- Reclining seats in dedicated seating areas for a more comfortable crossing
- Premium lounge seating with additional comfort and extra services
Onboard facilities vary by vessel, but upgraded seating options typically offer a quieter environment, more spacious seating and access to additional amenities such as drinks, snacks or onboard entertainment.
How much do business class or lounge seats cost?
For a more comfortable crossing, you can upgrade to a premium seating option. On Fjord Line, lounge seats usually start from around €63, depending on the vessel and availability.
On Color Line, upgraded seating options such as Voyager Class and Business Class are available, with prices typically starting from around €49, depending on the season and availability.
Are there cabins on the ferry from Kristiansand to Hirtshals?
No, cabins are not available on this route, as the crossing is relatively short and takes place during the day. Instead, passengers can relax in comfortable lounge areas or upgrade to premium seating for extra comfort.
How much luggage can I bring on board?
Each ferry company operating on the Kristiansand - Hirtshals route has its own luggage policy, so allowances and conditions may vary depending on the operator and type of ticket.
Fjord Line luggage policy
- Passengers can generally bring luggage free of charge, provided they can carry it on board in one go
- If traveling with a vehicle, luggage can be stored inside the car during the crossing
- Foot passengers may keep their bags with them or use designated luggage storage areas on board (availability may vary by vessel)
Color Line luggage policy
- Passengers are typically allowed to bring up to 50 kg of luggage
- If traveling with a vehicle, luggage can be transported inside the car at no extra cost
- Foot passengers must be able to carry their luggage on board themselves and can keep it with them during the crossing
Tip: luggage policies and onboard storage options may vary depending on the vessel, so it's always a good idea to check the details with the ferry company before departure.
Traveling with pets
Pets are allowed on ferries from Kristiansand to Hirtshals, so you can travel with your four-legged companion. Available options and conditions may vary depending on the ferry and operator.
Where can pets stay during the crossing?
- In your vehicle (common option if traveling by car)
- In onboard kennels or designated pet areas (availability may vary)
- In outdoor deck areas, in some cases and under supervision
Pets are generally not allowed in indoor public areas such as lounges, restaurants or shops, with the exception of guide and assistance dogs.
Can I visit my pet during the journey?
Access to pets depends on where they are accommodated. If your pet stays in the vehicle, access to the car deck is usually restricted during the crossing. If using a kennel or designated area, visiting may be allowed at specific times or under crew instructions.
What should I keep in mind before traveling?
- Bring all required travel and health documents, including an EU pet passport if applicable
- If your pet stays in the car, make sure it has access to water, food and proper ventilation during the journey
- Check conditions in advance, especially in extreme temperatures if your pet stays in the car
Note: rules, facilities and fees for traveling with pets may vary depending on the ferry and route, so it is recommended to check the details with the ferry company when booking.
Useful tips for your ferry trip to Hirtshals from Kristiansand
Take a look at some useful tips for your ferry trip from Kristiansand to Hirtshals:
- We recommend arriving at the port of Kristiansand at least 1 hr before departure, or up to 1.5 hr in advance if you are traveling with a vehicle, especially in summer.
- 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.
- As access to the car deck is restricted during the crossing, it's a good idea to bring a small carry-on bag with essentials (snacks, charger, etc.).
- Make sure to carry a valid passport or national ID, as you will be traveling between Norway and Denmark.
- If you're traveling with a vehicle, keep in mind that boarding and disembarkation are usually fast and efficient, especially on high-speed ferries.
- For your return trip, you can also check the Hirtshals - Kristiansand 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:
- Southwestern Norway: Stavanger - Hirtshals
- Western Norway: Bergen - Hirtshals
- Southeastern Norway, near Oslo: Larvik - Hirtshals
- If you're planning to continue your journey, Hirtshals offers easy access by road to destinations across Denmark and beyond, making it a convenient gateway to mainland Europe.
Where to take the ferry from Kristiansand to Hirtshals
You can catch the ferry to Hirtshals from the Kristiansand ferry terminal, located on the waterfront in central Kristiansand. The port is one of Norway's main ferry hubs for crossings to Denmark.
The terminal area is easy to navigate and especially convenient for foot passengers, as the city's bus and train stations are within walking distance. You will also find waiting areas and useful amenities nearby, while the city center, shops and restaurants are just a short walk away.
How to get to the port of Kristiansand
- By train or bus: Kristiansand's main railway and bus stations are very close to the ferry terminal, making onward connections straightforward.
- By car: the port is easy to reach from the surrounding road network. Simply follow the signs to the ferry terminal or port area.
- On foot: if you are staying in central Kristiansand, the terminal is within easy walking distance of many hotels, cafés and shops.
Where does the ferry arrive in Hirtshals?
Ferries from Kristiansand arrive at the ferry terminal area in Hirtshals, on the north coast of Denmark. Hirtshals is a major ferry port with regular connections to Norway, and the port area is generally well signposted and easy to navigate for both foot passengers and vehicles.
Depending on the operator, arrivals and departures may use different parts of the port area, but all terminals are within the wider Port of Hirtshals zone and offer quick access to the road network. The town center is a short drive away, and onward travel by car or taxi is straightforward.
How to get from the port of Hirtshals
- By car: the port has direct access to the main road network, making it easy to continue your journey across northern Jutland and the rest of Denmark.
- By taxi: taxis are a convenient option for reaching the town center or nearby transport points after arrival.
- By train: Hirtshals has rail connections to other towns in northern Denmark, usually via the local station in town.
How long is the ferry ride from Kristiansand to Hirtshals?
The Kristiansand to Hirtshals ferry trip usually lasts between 2 hr 25 min and 3 hr 45 min, depending on the ferry company and the type of vessel.
Kristiansand - Hirtshals ferry companies
FAQs
Yes, ferries traveling from Kristiansand to Hirtshals have car decks, allowing you to bring your vehicle on board and continue your journey across Denmark at your own pace. Prices typically start from:
- €122 for a car + 1 passenger (standard seat)
- €70 for a motorbike + 1 passenger (standard seat)
- €172 for a van + 1 passenger (standard seat)
Final ticket prices may vary depending on the season, availability and seating option selected.
Important: make sure you bring your driver's license, along with your vehicle registration and insurance documents.
Yes, there are high-speed ferries operating on the Kristiansand - Hirtshals route. These vessels are designed for shorter crossings, combining faster travel times with a comfortable onboard experience.
The fastest ferry on the route is operated by Fjord Line, with crossings taking as little as 2 hr 25 min. During the summer months, there are several daily departures, making it a convenient option for flexible travel planning.
The distance between the ports of Kristiansand and Hirtshals is approximately 70 nautical miles (around 130 km).
Ferry departure times from Kristiansand to Hirtshals may vary depending on the day of the week, season and ferry company. In general, there are multiple daily crossings throughout the year.
During the summer months, ferries usually operate from early in the morning, with the first departures around 06:30, and continue throughout the day until the early evening, with the last crossings typically scheduled at around 19:45.
In the low season, the number of daily crossings is more limited, with departures mainly concentrated between the morning and early afternoon.
For the most accurate and up-to-date schedules, it’s best to check the available crossings on the Ferryhopper search engine and choose the option that suits your travel plans.
With Fjord Line and Color Line, you can book your ferry Kristiansand - Denmark tickets online on Ferryhopper and pick them up in paper form from the company's collection point at the port before the trip.
Find detailed answers to all your questions about ferry ticket changes, cancellations and refunds.
Remember that you can also use Ferryhopper's online booking modification service, available with certain ferry companies.