Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions about the Hirtshals - Kristiansand crossing, sorted by topic, with the differences between Color Line and Fjord Line.
- Answers for Color Line and Fjord Line separately
- Booking, check-in, vehicles, dogs and life on board
- Norway: ID, customs and allowances
Questions and Answers
Route and Ferry Companies
Who runs the Hirtshals - Kristiansand route? +
Two ferry companies: Color Line with the fast ferry SuperSpeed 1, and Fjord Line with the catamaran Fjord FSTR in summer and the cruise ferries MS Stavangerfjord and MS Bergensfjord year-round. The Ferry Companies Compared page sets them side by side.
How long does the crossing take? +
2 hours 25 minutes on the catamaran Fjord FSTR, 3 hours 15 minutes on the SuperSpeed 1, and around 3 hours 55 minutes on Fjord Line's cruise ferries.
How often does the ferry run? +
Outside the summer season, four times a day from Hirtshals, two departures with each ferry company. From March to September, the catamaran departures are added. The times for your date are in the timetable.
Does the ferry run in winter? +
Yes, all year round. In winter, Fjord Line's cruise ferries sail alone, and from 18 December 2026 to 18 April 2027 Color Line replaces the SuperSpeed 1 with the SuperSpeed 2.
Which ferry company is right for me? +
The catamaran for speed, the cruise ferries with a cabin for comfort, the SuperSpeed 1 for the fastest crossing all year round. In most cases, though, the deciding factor is the departure time that suits your trip.
Booking and Prices
Do I need to book in advance? +
Yes. Both ferry companies sell at dynamic prices, the cheap allocations go early, and vehicle spaces are tight on holiday weekends.
How much does the crossing cost? +
That depends on the date, departure, ship and vehicle. Both ferry companies' from-prices, with the date they were checked, Color Line's package logic and the supplements are on the Prices & Fares page.
Are passengers included in the car price? +
With Color Line, yes, if you book a vehicle package; the price is per person, car included. With Fjord Line, you book the vehicle and passengers separately.
Can I cancel or change my booking? +
That depends on the fare you booked; alongside the cheapest fare, both ferry companies offer a flexible option. The conditions of your fare apply, and the Contact page lists customer service for both.
Can I travel out and back with different ferry companies? +
Yes, as two single journeys. Color Line's return discount and Fjord Club points then only apply to bookings with that ferry company.
Check-in, ID and Customs
When do I need to be at the terminal? +
With Fjord Line, 60 minutes before departure at the latest; after that, check-in is closed. With Color Line, it closes 15 minutes before departure, but 60 minutes is recommended. Details are on the Check-in page.
What ID do I need? +
A physical photo ID, either a national ID card or a passport, for children too. Fjord Line accepts a driving licence only from Nordic citizens.
Are there customs checks in Norway? +
Yes, spot checks. Norway isn't in the EU, and alcohol, tobacco and food are subject to allowances. Pets must be declared in the red channel.
Are there age limits? +
With Color Line, the minimum age for travelling without an adult is 16, and 20 for a day trip.
Car, Motorhome and Bicycle
How do I give my vehicle details? +
With the total length and total height, including trailer, roof box and bike rack. Color Line sets package bands at 5 metres long and 1.95 or 2.55 metres high; Fjord Line checks the dimensions at the terminal. More on the Motorhome & Caravan page.
Is gas allowed on board? +
Yes, with the valves closed. Fjord Line allows a maximum of two 11 kg cylinders and requires a gas inspection certificate.
Can I go to my car during the crossing? +
No, the car deck is closed during the crossing with both ferry companies. Take valuables and anything you need up with you.
Can I bring my bicycle? +
Yes, with both ferry companies, as a vehicle class of its own. You register it when you book and wheel it up the ramp onto the car deck. More on the On Foot & by Bicycle page.
Dogs and Pets
What does my dog need for Norway? +
A microchip, valid rabies vaccination, EU pet passport and a tapeworm treatment 24 to 120 hours before arrival, recorded by a vet. Full details on the Dog & Pets page.
Where does my dog stay during the crossing? +
In the vehicle or in a dog box; neither ferry company allows dogs indoors. Fjord Line's cruise ferries have exercise areas on the rear deck.
On Board
Are there cabins? +
Only on Fjord Line's MS Stavangerfjord and MS Bergensfjord. The SuperSpeed 1 and the catamaran have no cabins; instead, Color Line sells seats in Business Class and Voyager Class.
What can I pay with on board? +
By card on every ship. Color Line also accepts euros, Danish and Norwegian kroner on board, so you don't need kroner in advance.
Is there wifi? +
On the SuperSpeed 1, wifi is charged and only included in Business Class. Mobile reception is patchy in the middle of the Skagerrak.
Is there a duty-free shop? +
Yes, on all ships. On the SuperSpeed 1 it opens 15 minutes after departure, and Fjord Line's cruise ferries have a 500-square-metre tax-free shop. Norway's allowances for alcohol and tobacco still apply.
Still have questions?
The ferry companies answer questions about your booking; you'll find how to reach them on the contact page.