Taking your motorhome or caravan to Norway? The ferry from Hirtshals to Kristiansand is the shortest crossing over the Skagerrak for many road-trippers. On this page you will find what to know before you book: which operator suits you, what the price depends on, how to measure correctly and what happens to your gas system on board.
Quick overview
- Operators: Fjord Line and Color Line both carry motorhomes and caravans.
- Crossing time: about 2 hrs 25 min on the Fjord FSTR (seasonal), about 3 hrs 15 min on the Color Line SuperSpeed 1, almost 4 hrs on Fjord Line’s large cruise ferries.
- Price: depends mainly on the length and height of your vehicle.
- Gas: the gas supply must be closed before you drive on board.
- Check-in: Color Line asks you to be at the terminal at least 60 minutes before departure.
Which ferry suits your motorhome?
Three types of ship sail this route. The best crossing for you depends on the season, the time you arrive in Hirtshals and how much time you want to spend on board.
| Ship | Operator | Crossing time | Sails |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fjord FSTR (catamaran) | Fjord Line | approx. 2 hrs 25 min | 2026: 27 March to 20 September |
| SuperSpeed 1 | Color Line | approx. 3 hrs 15 min | all year |
| MS Stavangerfjord / MS Bergensfjord | Fjord Line | approx. 3 hrs 45 min to 3 hrs 55 min | all year |
In high season Fjord Line has up to four departures a day. Outside the FSTR season, Fjord Line only sails with its large cruise ferries. You will find the current times for your travel day in the Hirtshals Kristiansand timetable.
Our tip: after a long drive through Denmark, the fastest ferry is not always the best one. The best sailing is the one you can reach without rushing. So compare the departure times of both operators on your travel day first, then decide. Compare sailings for your motorhome →
How much does the Hirtshals-Kristiansand ferry cost with a motorhome?
There is no fixed motorhome fare. The operators price your ticket based on the size of your vehicle, the number of passengers, the travel date and the departure time. Length and height matter most: a few centimetres can put you in a more expensive price band.
As a guide, Color Line lists these example fares on its Danish website for a one-way trip Hirtshals-Kristiansand (as of September 2026):
- 2 people + motorhome (max. 7 m long, taller than 2.55 m): from DKK 2,165
- 2 people + car + caravan (up to 2.55 m high and 5 m long): from DKK 2,450
- On a return trip, Color Line gives at least 10% off the return journey.
Fjord Line has its own offer on this route for motorhomes and caravans up to 4.5 m high and 6 m long. The offer is only available to members of the free Fjord Club. Prices change with the season and demand, so always check the current price for your date. Read more about fares on our page How much does the ferry from Hirtshals to Kristiansand cost?
Measure correctly before you book
When you book, you enter the dimensions of your vehicle. If they are wrong, you may have to pay a surcharge at check-in. So measure it yourself and include everything that sticks out:
- Length: including bike rack, rear carrier or tow bar
- Height: including roof box, air conditioning unit, satellite dish or solar panel
- Car with caravan: the total length of the combination counts
Gas and power on board
Motorhomes and caravans are subject to extra safety rules on board. Color Line requires the main gas supply to be closed before you drive on board and during the entire crossing. Access to the gas bottle should be unlocked where possible, so it can be removed in case of fire. To confirm this, you mark the hatch or valve.
Fjord Line also requires your gas system to be switched off during the crossing. The exact rules for gas bottles can change, so check them in your booking details before you travel.
You cannot plug your motorhome or caravan into the ship’s power supply with either operator, so a fridge or freezer will run without mains power during the crossing. Fjord Line also prohibits powering a motorhome or caravan from your car, including via V2L (vehicle-to-load).
Check-in and boarding in Hirtshals
Color Line expects passengers with and without a vehicle at the terminal at least 60 minutes before departure. Allow extra time with a motorhome, especially during the summer holidays. At the port, follow the signs for your operator and join the vehicle lane. During the crossing your motorhome stays on the car deck and you go up to the passenger areas. Access to the car deck is restricted while sailing.
Practical information about the terminals:
Our tip: travelling with your dog in the motorhome? With Color Line your dog stays in the vehicle on the car deck during the crossing. Fjord Line’s large ships have kennels and dog-friendly cabins. You will find all the rules on our page ferry Hirtshals Kristiansand with a dog.
Frequently asked questions about motorhomes on the ferry
How long is the crossing with a motorhome?
That depends on the ship, not your vehicle: about 2 hrs 25 min on the Fjord FSTR, about 3 hrs 15 min on the Color Line SuperSpeed 1 and almost 4 hrs on MS Stavangerfjord or MS Bergensfjord.
Can I stay in my motorhome during the crossing?
No. Access to the car deck is restricted while sailing. You spend the crossing in the ship’s passenger areas.
Does the Fjord FSTR sail all year?
No. In 2026 the FSTR sails from 27 March to 20 September. Outside that period Fjord Line uses its large ships MS Stavangerfjord and MS Bergensfjord. Color Line sails all year with the SuperSpeed 1.
Where can I see the current price for my motorhome?
Enter your date, the number of passengers and the exact dimensions of your vehicle when booking. That shows the real price for your sailing. Check the price for your motorhome →