Getting There & Onward Travel
From the south to Hirtshals, then from Larvik via the E18 into the Oslo area or towards the south coast. Here's how to plan the journey around the ferry.
- Hamburg - Hirtshals: around 500 km via the E45 and E39
- From Larvik straight onto the E18
- Midday ferry, late sailing or morning ferry
Before and after the Hirtshals - Larvik ferry
Table of Contents
By car to Hirtshals
Coming from the south, the A7 runs via Flensburg to the border, then the Danish E45 on to Aalborg. In Aalborg you switch to the E39, which covers the roughly 70 km to Hirtshals and ends right at the harbour entrance. It's around 500 km from Hamburg.
Which sailing suits you depends on your journey. Setting off from Germany, the midday ferry from Hirtshals is best reached with an overnight stop in North Jutland, for example in Hirtshals itself or in Hjørring. The late sailing in the evening suits a same-day trip from northern Germany, arriving in Larvik around three in the morning. The terminal and its approach are described on the Hirtshals ferry port page, the deadlines on the Check-in page.
By train and bus to Hirtshals
Trains run from Hamburg to Aalborg; from there it continues towards Frederikshavn as far as Hjørring, where the regional line to Hirtshals departs. Hirtshals station is about a ten-minute walk from the Color Line terminal. Check times and connections with the rail operators; how the route works on board without a car is described on the On foot & by bike page.
Arrival in Larvik
The ferry docks at the Revet terminal at Larvik's harbour. After clearing customs you're in town and on the E18 within minutes. The midday ferry arrives in the late afternoon, the late sailing around three in the morning. If you arrive at night, it's best to book your first night in or near Larvik. The terminal itself is described on the Larvik ferry port page.
Onward by car
The E18 is the main route from Larvik. To the north-east it runs through Vestfold into the Oslofjord area and on to Oslo, to the south-west towards Telemark and the south coast. Heading into eastern Norway, the Oslo area or further into the mountains, this route saves you the detour via Sweden.
Onward by train and bus
Larvik station is about 2.5 km from the terminal; regional buses stop near the station. From there, trains continue through Vestfold. For the stretch between terminal and station, a taxi is the easier option with luggage. For timetables and connections, check with the Norwegian transport operators.
The return journey
From Larvik the ferries leave around eight in the morning and in the late afternoon. The morning ferry gets you to Hirtshals around midday, so you can still reach northern Germany the same day. The afternoon ferry arrives in Hirtshals late in the evening; then an overnight stop in North Jutland is worthwhile. Times for your date are in the timetable.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about getting there and onward travel
How far is it from Hamburg to Hirtshals? +
About 500 km via the A7, the Danish E45 to Aalborg and the E39 on to the port.
Which sailing suits a drive from Germany? +
Setting off early, you can reach the midday ferry with one overnight stop in North Jutland. Setting off the same day from Hamburg, take the late sailing and arrive in Larvik around three in the morning.
Where can I drive on to from Larvik? +
Via the E18 into the Oslo area and Vestfold, or the other way to the south coast. The terminal is close to the E18.