Fjord Line on the Hirtshals to Stavanger route
The two ships, what is on board for the eleven hours, and the practical rules that apply before you can travel.
Checked
We are an independent guide to the Hirtshals to Stavanger crossing, not the operator. For existing bookings, cancellations or refunds, contact Fjord Line customer service. This page describes the service as published by Fjord Line.
Fjord Line is the only operator on Hirtshals to Stavanger, sailing MS Stavangerfjord and MS Bergensfjord. The crossing takes about 11 hrs, overnight. There are cabins in several categories, an Airseat lounge, four places to eat, a tax-free shop and an onboard kennel.
With one operator on the route there is no choice of company. The decision is which Norwegian port suits your destination, which the route comparison covers.
The two ships
| MS Stavangerfjord | MS Bergensfjord | |
|---|---|---|
| In service since | July 2013 | 2014 |
| Length | 170 m | 170 m |
| Width | 27.5 m | 27.5 m |
| Passengers | approx. 1,500 | approx. 1,500 |
| Cars | approx. 600 | approx. 600 |
| Decks | 10 | 10 |
| Cabins | 370 berths across 20 categories | Same layout |
| Service speed | up to 21.5 knots | up to 21.5 knots |
| Fuel | LNG, dual-fuel since 2023 | LNG, dual-fuel since 2023 |
Both were the first cruise ferries built to run exclusively on liquefied natural gas. Since the 2023 conversion the engines run on either LNG or marine gas oil, with roughly three percent MGO used as pilot fuel for ignition whichever is burning.
They alternate on the route, so which ship you sail on depends on the date rather than the direction. The cabin layouts are the same on both, which matters when you book a category rather than a ship.
Specifications published by Fjord Line, checked in August 2026.
Where you sleep on board
This is the part that separates this crossing from the short routes to Kristiansand and Larvik: there is a bed, and you are expected to use it.
- Airseat, a reclining seat in a quiet lounge, from €106 per person
- Inside cabin, bed and private bathroom, from €183
- Sea-view cabin, the same with a window
- Suite, more space, usually with a separate sitting area
All cabin categories include a private bathroom. Full detail on cabins and Airseats.
Eating on board
Fjord Line lists an a la carte brasserie, a buffet restaurant, a cafeteria and a café. All are paid for separately from the ticket. On an evening departure the buffet is busiest immediately after sailing.
Breakfast is served before arrival, which matters more than it sounds on a crossing that docks at 07:00 with driving ahead.
The tax-free shop
The tax-free shop is well used on this route, because alcohol prices differ substantially between Denmark and Norway. Allowances are set by Norwegian customs and are enforced; Norway is outside the EU customs union and spot checks take place on arrival.
Two free services on board
- Internet. Fjord Line provides free internet access for the whole crossing, which on eleven hours out of sight of land is more useful than on a short hop.
- The luggage room on deck 7. Free to use. Relevant if you are a foot passenger who does not want to carry everything up to an Air Seat, or if you have booked a cabin and want the bags out of an 8 m² room.
Practical rules before you book
- Identification. A passport or national photo ID for everyone travelling.
- Berth. Booked with the crossing, not added at the terminal.
- Vehicle dimensions. Measured as loaded, at check-in.
- Pets. Pet-friendly cabins and a kennel, limited numbers, booked in advance.
- Gas bottles. Closed for the crossing.
Continuing to Bergen
The same sailing carries on from Stavanger and reaches Bergen at around 13:00, roughly 17 hrs 30 min after leaving Hirtshals. If Bergen is the destination, staying on board saves the drive north from Risavika. The route comparison sets out both.
Fjord Club
Fjord Line’s loyalty programme. Membership is free and gives access to member fares and point-based offers, including car packages on this route. As on any route, choosing a cheaper date usually saves more than a membership discount. See ferry prices.
Check sailings and berths
With a single operator on this route, the fare depends on the date and the berth rather than the booking channel. Compare several dates.
You book through our partner. We may receive a commission for this, at no extra cost to you.
Questions people ask
Which ships sail Hirtshals to Stavanger?
MS Stavangerfjord, built in 2013, and MS Bergensfjord from 2014. Both were the first cruise ferries to run on liquefied natural gas and were converted to dual-fuel engines in 2023.
Is there a restaurant on board?
Several. Fjord Line lists an a la carte brasserie, a buffet restaurant, a cafeteria and a cafe. All are paid for separately from the ticket.
Is there a tax-free shop?
Yes. The price difference on alcohol between Denmark and Norway is substantial, and the shop is well used on this route.
Does the same ferry continue to Bergen?
Yes. The sailing carries on from Stavanger and reaches Bergen at around 13:00, a total of roughly 17 hrs 30 min from Hirtshals.
Is Fjord Line the only operator on this route?
Yes. No other company sails Hirtshals to Stavanger, so there is no choice of operator. The decision is which Norwegian port suits your destination.