The Two Types of Geiranger Ferry: Sightseeing vs. Road Crossing
Visitors to the Geirangerfjord area often encounter confusion over 'the Geiranger ferry'. The name is used for two completely different services. The first is the famous sightseeing ferry between Hellesylt and Geiranger, which sails the full length of the UNESCO-listed fjord. The second is the Eidsdal–Linge road ferry, a short functional crossing that forms a required part of the 'Golden Route' drive towards Trollstigen. Understanding which is which is the key to planning your trip.
The Hellesylt–Geiranger sailing is a tourist attraction. It is a one-hour trip past waterfalls like the Seven Sisters, priced as an excursion. The Eidsdal–Linge ferry, by contrast, is a simple ten-minute vehicle crossing on County Road 63 (Fv63), designed to carry traffic across the Storfjorden. They operate on entirely different pricing models and schedules, a distinction that is rarely made clear in other travel guides.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Hellesylt–Geiranger Ferry | Eidsdal–Linge Ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Scenic sightseeing through Geirangerfjord | Road link on the Fv63 'Golden Route' |
| Duration | About 65 minutes | Roughly 10 minutes |
| Foot Passengers | Pay for a ticket, like an excursion | Travel for free |
| Vehicle Payment | Pay per crossing (ticket or package). Not part of AutoPASS. | AutoPASS system (tag or plate scan) |
| Season | Seasonal (roughly April–October) | Year-round |
| Booking | Advance booking for cars is strongly recommended in high season | No booking needed, just turn up and queue |
The Hellesylt–Geiranger Sightseeing Ferry
This is the ferry that allows you to experience the Geirangerfjord from the water. It connects the small villages of Hellesylt and Geiranger, providing a direct view of the fjord's most famous sights. The service is seasonal, running from approximately April to October. During the summer high season, two operators, Fjord1 and Vestlandske (The Fjords), share the route, leading to more frequent departures.
Tickets and Boarding
This ferry is not part of the standard AutoPASS for Ferries payment system used on most Norwegian road ferries. You must buy a ticket separately. This can be done online in advance through the operators' websites, at the quay before departure, or sometimes on board using a card. All passengers, including those on foot, must have a ticket.
For motorists driving their own or a rental car, booking a vehicle space is strongly recommended, especially during July and August. The ferries have limited car capacity and can sell out. Car tickets are sold individually or as a fixed-price package that includes the vehicle and its occupants. If you have pre-booked a car space, you will typically be asked to check in at the quay up to 30 minutes before departure. Foot passengers can usually buy a ticket and board closer to the sailing time.
The Road Ferries: Eidsdal–Linge and Sølsnes–Åfarnes
These routes are standard public transport links operated under contract from the county authority, FRAM. They are functional, frequent, and operate on the national AutoPASS system. This means foot passengers and cyclists travel for free. Vehicles are charged automatically based on their length, either via an AutoPASS payment tag (brikke) in the windscreen or by a scan of the number plate, with an invoice sent later.
Eidsdal to Linge Ferry (Fv63): The Golden Route Crossing
This is the ferry you need to complete the classic 'Golden Route' drive. After driving from Geiranger up the Ørnevegen (the Eagle Road), you reach the ferry quay at Eidsdal. The Fjord1 service (line 1054) takes you across the fjord to Linge in about 10 minutes. From Linge, you continue your drive through Valldal towards the spectacular Trollstigen mountain pass and on to Åndalsnes.
The ferry runs frequently throughout the day, so you can simply join the queue when you arrive. As a standard road ferry, there is no pre-booking. The cost for your car will be handled automatically by the AutoPASS system.
Sølsnes to Åfarnes Ferry (Fv64)
Further north in the Romsdal district, the Sølsnes–Åfarnes ferry (line 1060) provides another important road link. This crossing on County Road 64 (Fv64) takes roughly 15 minutes and runs about every half hour. While not on the main Geiranger tourist trail, it is useful for drivers travelling between the Åndalsnes area and towns like Molde or Kristiansund, and for those connecting to the Atlantic Road. Like the Eidsdal–Linge service, foot passengers are free and vehicles are charged via AutoPASS.
Planning a Driving Loop: How the Ferries Connect
Many visitors plan a circular driving tour that incorporates both the scenic fjord sailing and the Golden Route. A logical route starting from the direction of Ålesund would be:
- Drive to Hellesylt.
- Board the sightseeing ferry with your car to Geiranger (remember to book this leg in high season).
- After arriving in Geiranger, drive up the Ørnevegen (Eagle Road) towards Eidsdal.
- At Eidsdal, take the short road ferry across to Linge.
- From Linge, continue north on Fv63 through Valldal and up the Trollstigen pass.
- Descend Trollstigen to finish in Åndalsnes.
This itinerary combines the fjord cruise with the celebrated mountain drive in a single day or as part of a longer trip. Always check road conditions, as the high mountain passes like Trollstigen have a shorter open season than the ferries.
Seasonal Considerations for Your Trip
The different elements of a trip to this region have overlapping but distinct operating seasons. This is especially important for anyone planning a visit in the spring or autumn shoulder seasons.
- Hellesylt–Geiranger Ferry: Operates roughly from April to October.
- Trollstigen & High Passes: The mountain road sections of the Golden Route are closed by snow in winter. They typically open in late May and close again in November, but exact dates depend on weather conditions.
- Golden Route Tourist Bus: For those without a car, a seasonal tourist bus links Geiranger with Åndalsnes via the Eidsdal–Linge ferry. This service usually runs from late June to late August only.
It is possible to find the sightseeing ferry running when the Trollstigen road is still closed. Always verify the status of mountain roads with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen) before you travel.
Visiting Geiranger Without a Car
You can experience the fjord without driving. The most straightforward way is to travel as a foot passenger on the Hellesylt–Geiranger sightseeing ferry. You will need to buy a per-person ticket for the crossing. During the summer, the seasonal 'Golden Route' bus provides a public transport link between Geiranger and Åndalsnes, using the Eidsdal–Linge ferry as part of its journey. This makes it possible to combine a fjord cruise with the mountain scenery using only public transport, but only within the bus's limited summer operating window.