Stavanger to Hirtshals Ferry Guide
The direct overnight link from western Norway to Denmark. Fjord Line's LNG-powered cruise ferries cover the 250 nautical miles in 11 hours, departing from Stavanger Risavika Terminal and arriving at Hirtshals Faergehavn — no driving through Sweden required.
Crossing Time
11 hours (overnight)
Daily Departures
4-5 per week
Operators
Fjord Line
Distance
250 nautical miles (465 km)
The Stavanger-Hirtshals Experience
The Stavanger to Hirtshals route is the quieter, cabin-focused alternative to the busy Kristiansand corridor. Departing from Risavika Terminal south of Stavanger city, Fjord Line's MS Bergensfjord and MS Stavangerfjord make the 11-hour crossing in overnight comfort — giving passengers a proper night's sleep while the North Sea passes by. Onboard you will find full cabin accommodation from inside berths to suite-level rooms, a buffet restaurant, a la carte dining, a sun deck, bar, and a children's play area. The vessels run on LNG (liquefied natural gas), making them among the cleaner ferries on the North Sea and a considered choice for environmentally conscious travellers.
Ferry Operator
Fjord Line
Route Operator- 4-5 weekly sailings (seasonal variation)
- MS Bergensfjord and MS Stavangerfjord
- LNG-powered low-emission vessels
- Inside, outside, and suite cabins
- Buffet, a la carte, bar and sundeck
Best for: Travellers from western Norway wanting a direct overnight connection to Denmark and continental Europe
Visit Fjord LineTerminal Information
Stavanger Risavika Terminal (Norway)
Departure Port
Address & Location
Risavikveien 180, 4056 Tananger, Norway
Transport Connections
- ~15 min drive south of Stavanger city centre
- Taxi and rideshare services from Stavanger centre
- No direct public bus to Risavika Terminal — taxi recommended
- On-site car parking available
Check-in Requirements
- Vehicle passengers: 90 minutes before departure
- Foot passengers: 60 minutes before departure
- Cabin check-in opens before boarding
Terminal Facilities
- Waiting lounge
- Light refreshments pre-boarding
- On-site parking
- Accessible facilities
Hirtshals Faergehavn (Denmark)
Arrival Port
Address & Location
Havnepladsen 1, 9850 Hirtshals, Denmark
Transport Connections
- Train: Hirtshals station ~10 min walk, connects to Hjorring and Aalborg
- Direct taxi rank outside the terminal
- Easy motorway access south toward Aalborg and Copenhagen
- Car rental available in Hirtshals town centre
Onward Travel
- Aalborg: 1h by car (75 km)
- Aarhus: 2h 30m by car (200 km)
- Copenhagen: 5h by car (445 km)
- Hamburg: 5h by car (475 km)
Port Facilities
- Ferry terminal building with waiting area
- Cafe and basic facilities
- Tourist information nearby
- Free WiFi
Booking Optimization Tips
Best Booking Times
- • Summer cabins: book 8-10 weeks ahead
- • Spring and autumn: 4-6 weeks ahead is usually sufficient
- • Norwegian public holidays push demand sharply
- • Watch Fjord Line's early-booking and seasonal promotions
Money-Saving Tips
- • Mid-week sailings are noticeably cheaper than Fridays and Sundays
- • Inside cabins save 30-40% over outside sea-view rooms
- • Book vehicle space at the same time as cabins for best rate
- • Fjord Line Club membership unlocks member-only fares
Peak Season Tips
- • Norwegian school holidays create the highest demand
- • Midsummer (late June) and July are the busiest weeks
- • Suites and outside cabins sell out earliest
- • Consider the Bergen-Hirtshals leg if Stavanger is full
Practical Travel Information
Documentation Required
Identification
- • Valid passport or EU/EEA ID card
- • Children need their own travel document
- • Non-Schengen travellers should check visa requirements
Vehicle Travel
- • Valid driving licence
- • Vehicle registration documents
- • Green Card insurance recommended
- • Reflective vest and warning triangle required in some EU countries
Onboard Information
Crossing Comfort
- • Full cabin accommodation on every sailing
- • Buffet and a la carte restaurant
- • Bar and lounge areas
- • Sun deck and outdoor seating
Family Facilities
- • Children's play area onboard
- • Family cabin options available
- • Kids' menu in restaurants
- • Pet cabins available — book in advance
Rent a Car in Hirtshals
Pick up a rental car near Hirtshals port and drive south into Denmark or on to Germany.
Europcar
10 min from portEuropean network with pickup options near Hirtshals port
Sixt
15 min from portModern fleet with locations in northern Jutland
Hertz
10 min from portGlobal provider with reliable vehicles in the Hirtshals area
Budget
10 min from portBudget-friendly rentals with competitive rates in Denmark