If you’re planning a road trip through Norway, it’s not just a drive — it’s a voyage. With over 1,000 fjords cutting into the coastline, ferries are an essential (and beautiful) part of the Norwegian road network.
For first-time campervan travellers, the ferry system can seem complicated. Do I need to book? How much does it cost? How do I pay? This guide answers all these questions and more, so you can drive onto the deck with confidence.
1. The best news: Many ferries are free!
In recent years, the Norwegian government has made dozens of ferry routes free of charge in order to support local communities and tourism.
This is how it works: If a route is on the ‘free list’, you can simply drive on. No tickets, no scanning, no stress.
Popular free routes: This includes many ferries in the north, such as those serving the islands around Tromsø and Finnmark, and several fjord crossings on the west coast.
Wecamp tip: Check the latest list of free routes on the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens Vegvesen) website before you set off.
2. No Cash, No Cards: The AutoPASS system
Most ferries in Norway use an automated payment system called AutoPASS Ferry. You will rarely find a ticket booth or someone collecting payments on the dock.
The Wecamp Advantage: Every Wecamp camper van is equipped with a digital AutoPASS tag. When you drive onto a paid ferry, a camera or sensor will scan the tag behind your rear-view mirror.
Post-Trip Billing: You don’t need to do anything when you board. We digitally track all your ferry crossings and provide you with a transparent total to be settled at the end of your journey.
Pricing tiers: Ferry prices are based on the length of the vehicle. Our VW Caddy models usually fall into the cheapest category (under six metres), while larger motorhomes may be more expensive.
3. Do you need to book in advance?
For most of Norwegian ferries, the answer is no.
Commuter ferries: Most fjord crossings, such as those on the E39 or Coastal Route 17, operate like ‘floating bridges’. They run every 15–30 minutes. Just show up, get in line and wait for the next one.
The exceptions: There are a few high-demand routes where booking is highly recommended in July and August:
Bodø to Moskenes (Lofoten): This is the most popular ferry in Norway. If you don’t book, you could end up waiting for hours.
Gryllefjord to Andenes: This route is a vital link between Senja and Vesterålen.
The Geirangerfjord Tourist Ferry: This is more of a cruise than a commute, so definitely book ahead for this one!
4. Onboard Etiquette for Campervans
Turn off your engine: As soon as you have parked on the deck, turn off your engine and apply the handbrake.
Gas Safety: Make sure that the valve on the gas cooker is shut off before you board. This is a strict safety requirement on all Norwegian vessels.
Head upstairs: Most ferries have a lounge area on the upper deck with 360-degree views, clean toilets, and a café.
Try the ‘svele’: You haven’t truly experienced a Norwegian ferry until you’ve tried a svele, a thick folded pancake usually served with sweet brown cheese or buttercream.
5. Useful apps for your trip
To help you stay on schedule, download these two apps:
Entur: the best app for checking all public transport schedules, including every ferry in the country.
Vegvesen Trafikk: Essential for checking if a ferry has been cancelled due to high winds or mechanical issues.
Start your journey with Wecamp
Ready to sail the fjords? Our fleet of campervans is perfectly sized for Norway’s ferry decks, ensuring you get the best rates and the easiest boarding experience.
