Last updated: 26 October 2026 · By Steve Joury, cargo trip advisor at CargoHolidays
There’s no regular direct passenger ferry from the UK to Norway today, but you can still travel from the UK to Norway by boat: take a ferry to the Netherlands, continue to Denmark or Germany, and sail to Norway from there – or join a fjord cruise from a UK port. Here’s how to plan it.
Key facts at a glance
Not directly, at the moment. The old Newcastle–Bergen ferry ended years ago. But travelling from the UK to Norway by boat is still very doable using a chain of ferries and trains, and it’s a beautiful journey through the North Sea and Skagerrak.
| Step | Percorso | Tempo tipico |
|---|---|---|
| 1. UK to the continent | Newcastle – Amsterdam or Harwich – Hook of Holland | Overnight |
| 2. Overland | Train or drive to northern Denmark or Kiel | Several hours |
| 3a. Denmark to Norway | Hirtshals – Kristiansand, Larvik, Stavanger or Bergen | A few hours to overnight |
| 3b. Denmark to Oslo | Frederikshavn – Oslo | Overnight |
| 3c. Germany to Oslo | Kiel – Oslo | About 20 hours, overnight |
Operators and schedules change by season, so check the latest timetables. With a car, this route is ideal for a fjord road trip.
If you’d rather sail all the way, many cruise lines run Norwegian fjord itineraries from Southampton, Dover, Newcastle, Tilbury and other UK ports, usually 5–12 nights. It’s the simplest flight-free way to see the fjords. Read cruises without flying for the options.
Once in Norway, ships are part of everyday life. The famous coastal voyage links Bergen with Kirkenes near the Russian border, calling at dozens of ports and carrying passengers, cars and freight. Local express boats and car ferries connect fjord villages and islands. Container feeder ships also serve Norwegian ports – see Viaggi delle navi da carico nel Mar Baltico.
Not at present. Travellers usually go via the Netherlands and Denmark or Germany.
Take a ferry to the Netherlands, travel on to Denmark or Kiel, then take a ferry to Norway – or join a fjord cruise from a UK port.
Yes, all the main ferries to Norway from Denmark and Germany carry cars.
Yes. Many fjord cruises sail from Southampton, Newcastle, Dover and other UK ports.
A ship service linking Bergen with northern Norway, carrying passengers, cars and freight between many ports.
Sail north on a cargo ship
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