Copenhagen to Oslo Ferry Guide

The classic overnight Scandinavian crossing aboard DFDS's cruise ferries Pearl Seaways and Crown Seaways. 17.5-hour journey from Copenhagen Nordhavn through the Kattegat and up the Oslofjord, with cabins, restaurants and live entertainment.

Crossing Time

17.5 hours (overnight)

Daily Departures

1 in each direction

Operators

DFDS

Distance

360 nautical miles (665 km)

Cruise Ferry Overnight Cabins Mini-Cruise Tax-Free Shopping

DFDS cruise ferry on the overnight Copenhagen-Oslo crossing

The Copenhagen-Oslo Experience

The Copenhagen to Oslo ferry is one of the most popular mini-cruise routes in Scandinavia. DFDS departs from the modern Nordhavn terminal in late afternoon, crosses the Kattegat overnight, and glides up the Oslofjord as the sun rises — a genuine highlight of the crossing. Pearl Seaways and Crown Seaways carry up to 2,000 passengers each and feel more like floating hotels than conventional ferries, with several restaurants, a casino, live entertainment and Commodore Deluxe suites. DFDS markets the route heavily as a mini-cruise, and a same-cabin two-night return ticket is often cheaper than a one-way fare.

Two-night mini-cruises with same-cabin return are often cheaper than one-way

Cabin classes range from inside economy to Commodore Deluxe

Sunrise arrival into Oslofjord is the route's signature experience

Ferry Operator

DFDS

Sole Operator

4.3/5

Daily overnight sailings in each direction
Pearl Seaways and Crown Seaways
Cabins for every budget
Buffet, à la carte and Chef's restaurant
Casino, live entertainment and spa

Best for: Mini-cruises, family travel, road trips combining Copenhagen and Oslo

View DFDS Review

Terminal Information

Copenhagen Nordhavn (Denmark)

Departure Port

Address & Location

Dampfærgevej 30, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark

Transport Connections

S-Tog/Metro: Nordhavn station, 10 min walk
Bus 26 stops near the terminal
Direct taxi rank and rideshare pickup zones
Long-stay car parking on site

Check-in Requirements

Vehicle passengers: 90 minutes before
Foot passengers: 60 minutes before
Cabin check-in opens 3 hours pre-departure

Terminal Facilities

Café and bar in terminal
Tax-free pre-order pickup
ATM and currency exchange
Family waiting area
Free WiFi

Oslo Akershusstranda (Norway)

Arrival Port

Address & Location

Akershusstranda 31, 0150 Oslo, Norway

Transport Connections

10-minute walk to Oslo City Hall and Aker Brygge
Tram lines 12 and 13 stop nearby
Direct taxi rank and Bolt/Uber pickup zone
Easy access to Oslo city ring road

Onward Travel

Oslo City Hall and Aker Brygge: 10 min on foot
Oslo Central Station: 15 min on foot
Oslo Airport Gardermoen: 25 min by Airport Express
Bergen: 6.5h by car

Port Facilities

Tourist information nearby
Car rental services
Café and shops in vicinity
Free WiFi

Booking Optimisation Tips

Best Booking Times

• Summer cabins: 8-12 weeks ahead
• Shoulder season: 4-6 weeks ahead
• Winter mini-cruises: 2-4 weeks ahead
• Watch DFDS flash sales throughout the year

Money-Saving Tips

• Sunday and Monday departures are cheapest
• Inside cabins save up to 40% over outside
• Same-cabin return often cheaper than one-way
• DFDS Loyalty members earn cabin upgrades

Peak Season Tips

• Avoid Midsummer and Norwegian National Day (17 May)
• School holidays push prices significantly
• Book early for July and August
• Commodore Deluxe suites sell out months ahead

Practical Travel Information

Documentation Required

Identification

• Valid passport or EU/EEA ID card
• Children need their own travel document
• Non-EU passengers may need a Schengen visa

Vehicle Travel

• Valid driving licence
• Vehicle registration documents
• Green Card insurance recommended
• Reflective vests and warning triangle recommended in Norway

Onboard Information

Crossing Comfort

• Overnight cabins on every sailing
• Multiple restaurants and bars
• Tax-free supermarket onboard
• WiFi packages available

Family Facilities

• Children's playroom and play area
• Family cabins with bunk beds
• Kids' menu in restaurants
• Live shows suitable for all ages

Rent a Car in Oslo

Pick up a rental car near Oslo's Akershusstranda terminal and explore Norway at your own pace.

Europcar

5 min from port

Largest European network with convenient pickup near Oslo city centre

Sixt

10 min from port

Premium fleet with modern vehicles available in central Oslo

Hertz

8 min from port

Global provider with a wide range of vehicles in Oslo

Budget

5 min from port

Budget-friendly rentals with competitive Oslo rates