Copenhagen to Oslo ferry: the overnight mini-cruise

More mini-cruise than crossing, the Copenhagen to Oslo ferry sails overnight between two Scandinavian capitals and finishes with one of the most beautiful arrivals in Europe — up the Oslofjord at breakfast time.

How long is the crossing?

The sailing takes around seventeen to eighteen hours, timed as an overnight trip. Ships leave in the late afternoon and arrive the next morning, so you travel while you sleep.

DFDS runs the route daily with cruise-ferries built for the journey, so the crossing itself — dining, entertainment and the fjord scenery — is part of the holiday.

The Oslofjord arrival

The final couple of hours into Oslo thread up the Oslofjord past islands, forests and waterside villages. It's worth being up on deck with a coffee for the approach.

Departing Copenhagen, the ship slips out past the Øresund; both ends of the trip are genuinely scenic in daylight.

Cabins, dining and on board

A cabin is required for the overnight crossing, from inside berths to sea-view suites. On board there are buffet and à la carte restaurants, bars, live music, a nightclub and tax-free shopping.

The Scandinavian seafood buffet is a highlight and better value booked with the crossing.

Prices and who it suits

Fares depend on cabin grade, vehicle and date and include the overnight cabin. Book early for the best cabins, especially in summer and around holidays.

It suits city-breakers pairing Copenhagen and Oslo, and drivers touring Scandinavia who want to cover the distance overnight.