Check-in & boarding
Here's when you need to be at the terminal in Hirtshals or Larvik at the latest, what to bring, and what happens on arrival in Norway.
- At the terminal at least 60 minutes before departure
- Check-in closes 15 minutes before departure
- National ID card or passport for every traveller
Table of Contents
Check-in times
Most important first: Color Line requires all guests to be at the terminal at least 60 minutes before departure. In Hirtshals, check-in opens two hours before departure and closes 15 minutes before departure; after that you can't board. In Larvik, the desk in the terminal is staffed before both the morning and afternoon sailings; the times are on the Larvik ferry port page.
The simplest rule for both ports: be at the terminal an hour before departure. For the late sailing from Hirtshals that means being at the port late in the evening; for the morning ferry from Larvik, before seven.
What you need to bring
Norway is part of the Schengen area but not the EU. Every traveller needs their own valid ID document, a national ID card or passport. The travel document from your booking arrives as a PDF by email; keep it on your phone or printed out. Travelling without an accompanying adult is allowed from age 16, and 20 for a same-day return.
With a vehicle you don't need anything extra at the terminal beyond your booking; you gave the vehicle's dimensions at booking, including a roof box, bike rack and tow bar. How to measure correctly is on the Motorhome & caravan page.
Checking in with a car
You drive up to the check-in barrier, show your booking and ID, and are directed to a lane. When boarding, you drive onto the car deck, switch off the engine and take with you whatever you need for the crossing: the car deck is closed during the crossing. Anyone with a motorhome or caravan with a gas system closes the main gas supply before boarding.
On foot and by bike
Foot passengers check in at the terminal building; in Hirtshals it's about a ten-minute walk from the station, in Larvik around 2.5 km. The bicycle is booked as a separate vehicle class. The route without a car is described on the On foot & by bike page.
Arrival and customs in Larvik
On arrival in Larvik you pass through the customs area at the terminal. Norway has its own duty-free allowances for alcohol, tobacco and food; anyone over the limit takes the red lane and declares it. Dogs and other pets are also declared in the red lane. What Norway requires for dogs is on the Dog & pets page.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about check-in
Is a national ID card enough for Norway? +
Yes, a national ID card is enough for EU citizens; a passport also works. Every traveller needs their own valid ID document.
What happens if I'm late? +
Check-in closes 15 minutes before departure, after which the ferry leaves without you. Color Line requires you to be at the terminal at least 60 minutes before departure. Allow plenty of time to get to the port.
Do I need to check in online in advance? +
No, check-in happens at the terminal. Have the travel document from your booking confirmation and your ID ready.
Are there customs checks? +
Yes. Norway is not in the EU, so Norwegian customs check arrivals in Larvik. Duty-free allowances apply for alcohol, tobacco and food; anyone travelling with a dog takes the red lane.