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Oslofjord Ferries: A Practical Guide

The Two Oslofjord Ferry Systems: A Driver’s Shortcut and a City Network

The Oslofjord uses two distinct and separate ferry systems that serve different travellers. The first is a high-frequency car ferry crossing between Horten and Moss on the outer fjord. For drivers, this is a practical shortcut that replaces a long road journey around the water. The second is a network of local passenger boats operating within Oslo’s public transport system, connecting the city centre to nearby islands and peninsulas like Nesodden and Bygdøy.

Understanding the difference is key. The Horten–Moss ferry is part of the national road network, a way to move your vehicle across water. Oslo's city boats, operated by Ruter, are like floating buses or trams, designed for commuters and foot passengers exploring the inner fjord. They are not designed for cars. Knowing which system you need will depend entirely on whether you are driving a long distance or exploring the capital on foot.

The Horten–Moss Car Ferry: The E18 and E6 Shortcut

For drivers travelling between the east and west sides of the Oslofjord, the ferry connecting Horten and Moss is a significant time-saver. It functions as a floating bridge, linking the major road networks and removing the need to drive all the way around the fjord via Oslo. The crossing is the fjord's busiest commuter ferry route.

The journey takes 35 minutes. It is operated by Torghatten Sør, and on a typical day, there are about 107 sailings from Horten and 104 from Moss. This high frequency means you can usually travel without a reservation, simply arriving at the port and waiting for the next departure. The world's largest electric ferry operates on this crossing, making the journey quiet and smooth.

Practical Information for Drivers

Whether you are in your own car or a rental, the process is straightforward. You drive to the ferry terminal in either Horten or Moss and follow the signs for the automatic payment system. Fares depend on the length of your vehicle. Foot passengers and cyclists travel for free on Norway's road ferries, including this one. This makes it a useful option even if you are travelling without a vehicle and want to connect the two towns.

Oslo’s City Boats: Public Transport on Water

Within the inner fjord around the capital, a separate network of boats operates as part of Oslo's public transport system, managed by Ruter. These are not car ferries; they are designed for foot passengers. They connect the city centre with residential peninsulas and the popular recreational islands just offshore. These boats are an integral part of city life, used by commuting locals and visitors alike.

The main departure points in the city are Aker brygge and Vippetangen, which is located near the Akershus Fortress. From here, you can reach several destinations.

The Inner Oslofjord Islands

The islands closest to the city, such as Hovedøya, Langøyene, Gressholmen and Nakholmen, are popular for day trips, especially in summer. The journey from the city centre is short, typically taking between 10 and 25 minutes. These boats run frequently during the summer season, allowing for easy island-hopping. However, it is important to check the timetable carefully, particularly for the last boat back to the city. Frequencies drop noticeably outside the summer, so visitors in the shoulder seasons should plan based on the correct seasonal schedule to avoid being stranded.

The Nesodden Commuter Ferry

The peninsula of Nesodden lies directly across the water from central Oslo. For its residents, the most direct route to the city is by water. Ruter operates a frequent electric ferry service connecting Nesoddtangen with Aker brygge. Another service connects Nesoddtangen to Lysaker, with a journey time of 8 minutes and around 27 sailings on a typical day. These boats are primarily used by commuters but are available to all passengers with a valid Ruter ticket.

The Bygdøy Ferry

A seasonal passenger ferry connects Rådhusbrygge 3 in the city centre with Dronningen on the Bygdøy peninsula, home to several of Oslo's major museums. Operated by Bygdøyfergen, the crossing takes 13 minutes. On a typical operating day, there are about 27 sailings. This is a passenger-only service and provides direct access to the museums without needing to take a bus.

Other Fjord Crossings

Drøbak to Oscarsborg Fortress

About 37 kilometres south of Oslo, the fjord narrows at its tightest point near the town of Drøbak. From here, a small passenger ferry runs to the historic Oscarsborg Fortress, located on an island in the middle of the strait. The crossing from Drøbak to Oscarsborg østre is operated by Forsvarsbygg Oscarsborgfergen and takes just 4 minutes. On a typical day, there are about 6 scheduled sailings. This boat is the primary way for visitors to access the fortress from the eastern side of the fjord.

Local Commuter Routes

In addition to the main tourist and car ferry routes, Ruter operates other commuter boat services on the fjord. These include a route from Slemmestad to Aker brygge, which takes 28 minutes and runs with about 2 sailings on a typical day. Another connects Fornebu to Aker brygge in 11 minutes, with around 3 daily sailings. These services are primarily designed for local travel but can be used by any passenger with a Ruter ticket.

Further south, in the city of Fredrikstad, a local ferry connects Gamlebyen fergeleie with Smertu fergeleie. This short trip, operated by Fredrikstad kommune, takes 5 minutes and is very frequent, with about 83 sailings on a typical operating day.

Planning Your Journey

When planning a trip on or across the Oslofjord, the first step is to identify your needs. If you are driving and your goal is to get from one side of the outer fjord to the other efficiently, the Horten–Moss car ferry is the correct choice. If you are in Oslo without a car and want to explore the nearby islands or peninsulas, you will be using the Ruter public transport boats. Always check the seasonal timetables, as services on the city network are significantly reduced during the winter months. SailNordic publishes a total of 411 sailing times across 9 different Oslofjord crossings to help you plan.

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Ferries mentioned in this guide

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Horten to Moss ferry?

The ferry crossing from Horten to Moss takes 35 minutes. It is a direct route across the outer Oslofjord, operated by Torghatten Sør.

Is the Horten–Moss ferry worth it compared with driving around?

For most drivers, the ferry is a significant shortcut that saves time compared to the long drive around the fjord via Oslo. The high frequency of sailings means wait times are usually short, making it a practical alternative to the road.

How do you get to the Oslo fjord islands?

The inner Oslofjord islands like Hovedøya and Langøyene are reached by public transport boats from central Oslo. These passenger ferries depart from Aker brygge and Vippetangen, with journey times of roughly 10 to 25 minutes.

Which ferry goes to Nesodden from Oslo?

The peninsula of Nesodden is served by a frequent electric commuter ferry from Aker brygge in Oslo. This route is part of the Ruter public transport network and is primarily used by local residents commuting into the city.

Are Oslo's island ferries part of public transport?

Yes, the boats serving the islands and peninsulas in the inner Oslofjord are part of the city's public transport system, operated by Ruter. You can use the same tickets on these ferries as you do on Oslo's buses, trams, and metro.

How do you visit Oscarsborg fortress by boat?

You can reach Oscarsborg fortress via a dedicated passenger ferry from the town of Drøbak. The crossing to the island takes about 4 minutes and is operated by Forsvarsbygg Oscarsborgfergen.

Do Oslofjord ferries run in winter?

Yes, but with different frequencies. The Horten–Moss car ferry runs year-round as it is part of the road network. Oslo's public boats to the islands also run in winter, but their frequencies drop noticeably compared to the summer season.

Is there an electric ferry on the Oslofjord?

Yes, the world's largest electric ferry operates on the fjord's busiest commuter crossing between Horten and Moss. Additionally, many of the Ruter public transport boats serving the inner fjord, such as the Nesodden route, are electric.

How often does the Bygdøy ferry run?

The Bygdøy ferry, which connects Rådhusbrygge 3 to Dronningen, has about 27 sailings on a typical operating day. This is a seasonal service, so it's important to check the timetable for the specific time of year you are travelling.

Can you take a car on the Oslo city boats?

No, you cannot take a car on the city boats that serve the islands and peninsulas like Bygdøy and Nesodden. These are passenger-only ferries integrated into Oslo's public transport system. The only major car ferry is the Horten–Moss crossing further down the fjord.

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