Ferries to Norway: Route Map
To take a ferry to Norway from Ireland, one popular option is to first catch a 3-hour ship to the United Kingdom, drive across to Harwich or Hull, and sail to the Netherlands. From there, you drive north through Germany and Denmark to board a Fjord Line or Color Line ship, the largest operators running the final 10-hour leg into the Norwegian fjords. Alternatively, you can skip the UK entirely by taking a direct 14-hour overnight crossing to France and driving north from there. The regional ferry map shows these long northern sea lanes passing far above the routes heading to Scotland. Driving your own vehicle onto these huge ships is practically mandatory to easily explore the steep, 2,000-kilometer coastal roads once you arrive.
Ferry’ing to Norway from Ireland
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The Scandinavian Trek: Ferries to Norway
There is no direct ferry from Ireland to Norway, so the journey requires a bit of planning. The largest ferry operators for the final leg of this trip are DFDS and Fjord Line. Most Irish travelers sail to Scotland or the Netherlands first and then drive to a North Sea port.
How to Reach Norway from Ireland
| Journey Leg | Recommended Route | Operator |
|---|---|---|
| First Leg | Dublin to Holyhead or Rosslare to Fishguard | Stena Line / Irish Ferries |
| Second Leg | Copenhagen (Denmark) to Oslo | DFDS |
| Alternative | Hirtshals (Denmark) to Bergen or Kristiansand | Fjord Line |
Useful Tips for your Norway Journey
- 1. The Danish shortcut: The easiest way to Norway by car is to drive to Hirtshals in northern Denmark. From there, you can catch a fast ferry that reaches Norway in just over 2 hours.
- 2. Toll tags: Norway uses an automated toll system for its roads and many local ferries. It is a good idea to register your Irish car online with Epass24 before you arrive to avoid heavy fines.
- 3. Winter tires: If you are traveling between October and April, your car must have winter tires. Irish summer tires are not legal or safe for Norwegian mountain roads.
Important Information Before You Go
Norway is not in the EU and has very strict rules on bringing alcohol into the country. The fines are extremely high if you exceed the limit. Always check the latest customs quota before you leave the ferry.
