Kiel - Oslo
The only direct ferry connection from Germany to Norway
From
€453
Timetable
Ferries to Oslo
Compare departure, terminal, overnight crossing and onward travel to choose the right direct Oslo route.
- Direct ferry from Germany: Kiel - Oslo daily with Color Line
- From Copenhagen overnight, arriving in Norway's capital in the morning
- Two direct overnight ferries carrying vehicles to Oslo
Popular routes
Our most-booked connections to Oslo.
Prices for a car incl. driver, one way
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Route map Oslo
All ferry routes at a glance
Interactive map of all ferry connections to Oslo. Click a route for details.
- Scandlines
- Stena Line
- Finnlines
- TT-Line
- Color Line
- Go Nordic Cruiseline
Color Line20 hours
Check prices →Go Nordic Cruiseline17 hours 30 minutes
Check prices →Scandlines45 minutes
Check prices →Scandlines2 hours
Check prices →Color Line4 hours
Check prices →Stena Line15 hours 30 minutes
Check prices →Stena Line3 hours 45 minutes
Check prices →Finnlines8 hours 45 minutes
Check prices →TT-Line7 hours 30 minutes
Check prices →TT-Line5 hours 30 minutes
Check prices →Stena Line6 hours
Check prices →Ferries to Oslo
Table of Contents
Direct to Oslo: two overnight ferries
The two direct connections solve the same travel need in different ways. Kiel - Oslo is the only direct Norway ferry from Germany. Color Line sails with Color Fantasy and Color Magic overnight in around 20 hours. The usual departure is at 14:00, arriving the next morning at 10:00; the current timetable applies for your date.
Copenhagen - Oslo is served by Go Nordic Cruiseline with Nordic Crown and Nordic Pearl. The general timetable pattern is an afternoon departure with arrival the following morning. The former DFDS operator name no longer applies to current departures; check Go Nordic and your booking confirmation.
| Decision | Kiel - Oslo | Copenhagen - Oslo |
|---|---|---|
| Overland approach | direct from Germany | suits a route via Denmark/southern Sweden |
| Operator | Color Line | Go Nordic Cruiseline |
| Travel style | overnight ferry with cabin | overnight ferry with cabin |
| Oslo terminal | Hjortnes | Vippetangen/Akershusstranda |
| Vehicles | cars, campers, motorcycles, bicycles | cars, campers, motorcycles, bicycles |
Which Oslo terminal suits your onward journey?
Color Line docks at Hjortnes, west of the centre. From there, roads lead quickly onto the main network; without a car, you use the coordinated transfer or public transport. Aker Brygge and the city centre are close by.
Go Nordic Cruiseline arrives at Vippetangen on Akershusstranda. The terminal lies south-east of the city centre near Akershus Fortress. For foot passengers, the walk into town is short; with a vehicle, follow the signage to your destination after leaving the port rather than navigating the narrow city-centre streets.
With a car, motorhome, bike or dog
Both direct ferries carry vehicles. Book your length and height including bike rack, roof box or trailer. The vehicle deck stays closed during the crossing, so travel documents, medication, valuables and everything you need overnight belong in your hand luggage. Campers will find full preparation in the motorhome guide.
Register pets when booking. The exact arrangements depend on operator and departure; pet cabins are limited. Norway's entry requirements also apply, summarised in the guide Travelling to Norway with a dog.
Alternative arrival on the Oslofjord
If your destination doesn't have to be the city of Oslo itself, Hirtshals - Larvik may be the better day route. Larvik lies south-west on the Oslofjord and suits Telemark or onward travel further south. For Oslo's centre, the direct overnight ferries save you the extra overland stretch.
Check the price and travel day
Don't just compare the ticket price. Add up the journey to the departure port, vehicle, cabin, possible tolls and an alternative hotel night. The price overview explains the factors; the current amount is shown during booking for your chosen route.
FAQ Oslo
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the ferry connections to Oslo
Which ferries sail directly to Oslo?+
Two overnight ferries sail directly to Oslo: Kiel - Oslo with Color Line, the only direct connection from Germany, and Copenhagen - Oslo with Go Nordic Cruiseline. Both depart in the afternoon and arrive the following morning.
How long does the ferry to Oslo take?+
The Color Line ferry Kiel - Oslo departs Kiel daily at 14:00 and reaches Oslo the next morning at 10:00, a crossing of around 20 hours. Go Nordic Cruiseline sails Copenhagen - Oslo overnight in 17 to 19 hours.
Where is the ferry terminal in Oslo and how do I get into town?+
The Color Line terminal is at Hjortnes, only about a ten-minute walk from Aker Brygge. A transfer bus and tram line 13 connect it to the city centre. The Go Nordic ferry from Copenhagen docks at Akershusstranda (Vippetangen), around 15 to 20 minutes' walk from the central station.
Can I bring a car or motorhome directly to Oslo?+
Yes. Both direct Oslo connections carry cars, motorhomes, motorcycles and bicycles. Give the correct length and height including any fittings. For the overnight crossing you'll also choose the right cabin.
Is Kiel or Copenhagen the better departure port?+
Kiel - Oslo saves the drive through Denmark and is especially convenient from northern and central Germany. Copenhagen - Oslo suits you if your overland route already goes through Denmark or southern Sweden. Compare total travel time, journey to port and the current price.