Color Line — Book Ferry Tickets, Timetables & Prices
About Color Line
Color Line is Norway’s largest shipping company and one of the most important ferry operators in Northern Europe, connecting Norway, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden on four international routes year-round. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Oslo, Color Line transports nearly 4 million passengers, 900,000 cars, and 180,000 trailers every year — making it the only shipping line with scheduled international passenger and goods traffic operating under the Norwegian flag.
Color Line is known for the quality and size of its flagship cruise-ferries: Color Fantasy and Color Magic are the world’s largest cruise-ferries with car decks, each capable of carrying 2,700 passengers on the iconic Oslo–Kiel overnight route. Color Hybrid, the newest addition to the fleet, is the world’s largest plug-in hybrid ship — a landmark achievement in sustainable maritime technology. Whether you are planning a summer road trip through Norway, a mini-cruise to Oslo from Kiel, or a quick crossing between Denmark and Norway, Color Line offers comfortable and frequent sailings for every type of traveller.
Book your Color Line tickets through FerryNav and compare live prices, timetables, and cabin options in seconds. Best available fares, no hidden fees, instant confirmation.
Color Line was founded in 1990 as a merger between two established Norwegian ferry companies: Jahre Line and Christian Haaland’s Christiania Line. The combined company — initially named Jahre Line — was rebranded as Color Line in 1994, taking its name from the colourful livery applied to its vessels. The company’s roots, however, trace much further back: its predecessor companies operated ferry services between Norway and Germany from the 1960s, and some of Color Line’s routes have been active for over 60 years.
From its founding, Color Line focused on combining high-quality cruise-ferry services with efficient car and freight transport — a model perfectly suited to the strong tourist demand for travel between continental Europe and Norway. The Oslo–Kiel route became its flagship service, attracting both Norwegian travellers heading to Germany and European tourists discovering Norway by road.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Color Line invested heavily in new tonnage, taking delivery of Color Fantasy in 2004 and Color Magic in 2007 — at the time and still today the world’s two largest cruise-ferries with car decks. These vessels set a new standard for Baltic and North Sea ferry travel, combining the size and amenities of an ocean liner with the practicality of a roll-on/roll-off ferry.
In 2019, Color Line delivered Color Hybrid on the Sandefjord–Strömstad route — the world’s largest plug-in hybrid ship at the time of its launch. Powered by a combination of diesel-electric and battery power, Color Hybrid represented a major milestone in Color Line’s long-standing environmental programme and attracted international attention as a landmark in sustainable maritime technology.
Distinction: only Norwegian-flag international passenger and freight operator
Color Fantasy and Color Magic: world’s largest cruise-ferries with car decks
Color Hybrid: world’s largest plug-in hybrid ship at time of launch (2019)
Color Line Fleet & On-Board Services
Color Line operates a fleet of 5 vessels, each purpose-built for its specific route and optimised to combine passenger comfort with freight efficiency.
Color Line Fleet
Color Fantasy (2004) — Serves Oslo–Kiel route. 220 metres long. The world’s largest cruise-ferry with a car deck. Capacity: 2,700 passengers and 550 cars. Features the iconic 7-deck Town Square atrium with restaurants, bars, cafés, and entertainment venues, multiple premium restaurants, a spa and wellness centre, live entertainment stages, a casino, duty-free shopping, an outdoor swimming pool, children’s entertainment and supervised kids’ club, private cabins and suites, and conference facilities. Crossing time: 20 hours.
Color Magic (2007) — Sister ship to Color Fantasy. Also serves Oslo–Kiel route, alternating daily with Color Fantasy. Identical capacity and facilities. Together, Color Fantasy and Color Magic provide a daily crossing in each direction on the Oslo–Kiel route. Crossing time: 20 hours.
SuperSpeed 1 — Fast cruise-ferry. Serves Kristiansand–Hirtshals route. Capacity: 1,900 passengers and 750 cars. Features restaurants, bars, duty-free shopping, children’s play area, and Wi-Fi. Crossing time: 3 hours 15 minutes. One of the fastest car ferries on the Skagerrak crossing.
SuperSpeed 2 — Sister ship to SuperSpeed 1. Serves Larvik–Hirtshals route. Same capacity and facilities. Crossing time: 3 hours 45 minutes. Both SuperSpeed vessels serve as the primary fast connections between Norway and Denmark for travellers from the Oslo Fjord region.
Color Hybrid (2019) — The world’s largest plug-in hybrid ship at the time of its launch. Serves Sandefjord–Strömstad (Sweden) route. Capacity: 2,000 passengers and 500 cars. Powered by a combination of diesel-electric and battery power — operates on battery power alone during port arrivals, departures, and short coastal passages, producing zero emissions. Features modern restaurants, bars, duty-free shopping, children’s play area, and Wi-Fi. Crossing time: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
On-board amenities
Facilities vary significantly between the large overnight cruise-ferries (Color Fantasy, Color Magic) and the faster day ferries (SuperSpeed 1 & 2, Color Hybrid). Across the fleet you will typically find:
Multiple restaurants: buffet, à la carte, grill, and quick-service options
Bars, cafés, and a casino (Color Fantasy, Color Magic)
Spa and wellness centre with sauna (Color Fantasy, Color Magic)
Live entertainment: evening shows, live music, DJ nights (Color Fantasy, Color Magic)
7-deck Town Square atrium (Color Fantasy, Color Magic)
Outdoor swimming pool (Color Fantasy)
Private cabins from economy inside to premium suites
Children’s play areas and supervised kids’ club
Conference and meeting facilities
Duty-free shopping and boutiques
Wi-Fi on board (charges may apply on some routes)
Pet-friendly options (cabin and deck areas)
Accessible cabins, lifts, and wheelchair facilities
Color Club loyalty card benefits on board
Destinations Covered by Color Line
Oslo, Norway
Oslo is the western terminus of Color Line’s flagship Oslo–Kiel overnight route and the departure point for the two most iconic vessels in the fleet — Color Fantasy and Color Magic. Norway’s capital is a world-class city at the head of the Oslofjord, known for the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Viking Ship Museum, the Munch Museum, and some of Scandinavia’s finest dining and nightlife. Color Line’s Oslo terminal is at Hjortneskaia, just minutes from the city centre by tram or taxi.
Kiel, Germany
Kiel is the eastern terminus of the Oslo–Kiel route and the starting point for most European road travellers heading to Norway by ferry. Germany’s northernmost large city is located at the head of Kiel Fjord and is connected to the German motorway network for easy onward travel. The Kiel Week sailing regatta (held every June) is one of the world’s largest sailing events. Color Line’s Kiel terminal is directly in the city centre at the Ostseekai.
Kristiansand, Norway
Kristiansand is served by SuperSpeed 1 from Hirtshals, Denmark. Norway’s fifth largest city is located on the southern tip of Norway and is the primary gateway for Danish and European travellers heading north by road. The crossing from Hirtshals takes just 3 hours 15 minutes — making it the fastest way to get from Denmark to Norway. Kristiansand offers a charming old town (Posebyen), a popular zoo and amusement park, and easy access to the scenic Norwegian Riviera coastline.
Hirtshals, Denmark
Hirtshals is Denmark’s most northerly ferry port, located at the very tip of the Jutland peninsula. It serves as the Danish hub for both SuperSpeed routes (to Kristiansand and Larvik) and is also served by other Norwegian ferry operators, making it the busiest ferry port in Northern Denmark. The town itself is modest, but motorway access to the rest of Denmark is excellent.
Larvik, Norway
Larvik is served by SuperSpeed 2 from Hirtshals. A historic town on the west side of the Oslofjord, Larvik is the birthplace of Thor Heyerdahl — the famous Norwegian explorer who crossed the Pacific on the Kon-Tiki raft in 1947. The Larvik crossing is convenient for travellers heading to the Oslo Fjord region from Denmark.
Sandefjord, Norway & Strömstad, Sweden
The Sandefjord–Strömstad route, served by Color Hybrid, is the shortest and most frequent international crossing in the Color Line network. Strömstad in Sweden is just 2 hours 30 minutes from Sandefjord on the Norwegian western coast. This route is particularly popular for day trips and short breaks between Norway and Sweden, and for Norwegian residents in the Vestfold region shopping in Sweden.
Color Line Prices & Promotions
Color Line ticket prices vary by route, travel date, cabin type, and how far in advance you book. Use FerryNav’s search to compare live fares on your chosen dates.
Price guide
Route
From
Crossing Time
Oslo – Kiel
from €155/person incl. cabin, dinner & breakfast. Car additional. Color Club from €153.
~20h
Kristiansand – Hirtshals
from €32–€40/person — return from ~€75
~3h15
Larvik – Hirtshals
Check FerryNav for live fares
~3h45
Sandefjord – Strömstad
Check FerryNav for live fares
~2h30
All prices are indicative and subject to availability. Summer fares are higher than off-peak. Search FerryNav for the latest live fares.
Ticket types
Standard: Fixed fare. Non-refundable or limited amendment options.
Flexible: Allows date changes. Recommended for uncertain travel plans.
Color Club: Member-exclusive pricing, typically 2% to 5% cheaper than standard fares across all routes.
Promotions & discounts
Children under 3 travel FREE (no seat allocated)
Children aged 4 to 15 receive a 50% discount
Color Club loyalty card: free membership, member pricing on all routes, exclusive early booking offers
Dream Norway campaign: 20% off crossing fares for travellers booking Norway summer trips
Late Bird Campaign: seasonal offers for summer travel booked in spring
2-day Oslo cruise packages: from Kiel via Color Fantasy or Color Magic — overnight crossing, day in Oslo, overnight return — one of Europe’s most affordable short cruises
Early bird offers: 20% off car packages to Norway on selected routes and dates
Tip: For summer Oslo–Kiel crossings in July and August, book at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance. Cabins on Color Fantasy and Color Magic sell out quickly. The SuperSpeed routes from Denmark to Norway are busy on summer Fridays and Sundays — book ahead.
Practical Information
Check-in & boarding
Color Line uses a booking confirmation system — after booking you receive a confirmation code. Boarding passes are collected at the terminal ticket desk using your confirmation code. E-tickets are not always available on all routes.
Oslo & Kiel: foot passengers at least 1 hour before departure. Passengers with vehicles at least 2 hours before departure.
SuperSpeed routes (Kristiansand, Larvik, Hirtshals): foot passengers at least 1 hour before departure. Passengers with vehicles at least 2 hours before departure.
Sandefjord–Strömstad: check-in times as per your booking confirmation.
Luggage
No formal luggage weight limit specified for most routes
Passengers travelling with a vehicle may leave luggage in their car on the vehicle deck, which is inaccessible during the crossing
Take all valuables before the car deck closes
Vehicles
All 5 Color Line vessels accept cars, motorcycles, campervans, and vehicles towing caravans or trailers
Note: vehicles are not accepted on 2-day Oslo cruise package sailings
Declare your vehicle type and correct dimensions at booking
For oversize vehicles or motorhomes over standard dimensions, contact Color Line in advance
Pets
Color Line welcomes pets on board on all routes. Pets must not disturb other passengers or crew.
Pet-friendly cabin: your pet stays in your cabin with you. Must be booked in advance. Not all cabin types are available for pets.
Car deck: pets may remain in your vehicle on the car deck on most routes. The car deck is inaccessible during the crossing.
Pets are not allowed in restaurants, cafés, bars, or public lounges
Dogs must be kept on a lead in all public areas
Cats and small animals must remain in their carrier
Guide and assistance dogs are welcome throughout all vessels
Norway–Germany route: valid pet passport or Animal Health Certificate required. Norway–Denmark and Norway–Sweden: standard EU pet travel documentation applies.
Travel documents
Norway is not a member of the EU but is part of the Schengen Area
EU, EEA, and Norwegian citizens may travel with a valid national ID card or passport on all Color Line routes
Non-Schengen travellers should carry a valid passport and check Norwegian visa requirements before booking
Oslo–Kiel route: crosses between Norway (Schengen) and Germany (Schengen/EU) — no border controls, but proof of identity is required
Frequently Asked Questions — Color Line
The Oslo to Kiel crossing with Color Line takes exactly 20 hours on Color Fantasy or Color Magic. It is a genuine overnight cruise with the ship departing Oslo in the evening and arriving in Kiel the following afternoon, and vice versa. The two ships alternate daily, meaning there is a departure every day in each direction. The crossing is marketed as one of Europe’s most affordable short cruises, with dinner, entertainment, and cabin included in the base price.
The Kristiansand to Hirtshals crossing with SuperSpeed 1 takes 3 hours 15 minutes — making it the fastest ferry connection between Norway and Denmark. The route is served by one of the most modern fast ferries on the Skagerrak. Multiple daily departures operate year-round, with increased frequency in summer.
Color Fantasy (2004) and Color Magic (2007) are the world’s two largest cruise-ferries with car decks. Each vessel can carry 2,700 passengers and 550 cars. The centrepiece of each ship is the 7-deck Town Square — an indoor atrium spanning the full height of the ship’s interior, lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment venues. Additional features include a spa and wellness centre, live entertainment stages, casino, outdoor swimming pool (Color Fantasy), a supervised children’s club, conference facilities, and a full range of private cabins and suites.
Color Hybrid (2019) is the world’s largest plug-in hybrid ship, serving the Sandefjord–Strömstad route. Capacity: 2,000 passengers and 500 cars. It runs on a combination of diesel-electric and battery power, operating on battery alone during port approaches, manoeuvres, and coastal passages — producing zero local emissions. It charges its batteries via shore power connections while in port, reducing both environmental impact and noise in port areas.
Yes. All 5 Color Line vessels accept cars, motorcycles, campervans, and caravans. Note that vehicles are not accepted on 2-day Oslo cruise packages. Declare your vehicle type and dimensions at booking. Arrive at the port at least 2 hours before departure with a vehicle on all routes.
Yes. Pets are welcome on all Color Line routes. Pet-friendly cabins (your pet stays in your cabin with you) and car deck travel are both available. Pet-friendly cabins must be booked in advance. Pets are not permitted in public indoor areas. Dogs must be leashed in public areas. Guide dogs are welcome throughout all vessels.
The Color Club is Color Line’s free loyalty programme. Members receive exclusive member pricing on all routes (typically 2% to 5% cheaper than standard fares), early access to special offers and flash sales, and bonus points redeemable for travel rewards. Membership is free and available at colorline.com.
Yes. The Oslo–Kiel route operated by Color Fantasy and Color Magic is the only direct ferry connection between Germany and Norway. The crossing takes 20 hours overnight and operates daily in both directions year-round. It is the most popular and established international ferry route in Norway.
Color Line — Customer Reviews & Reputation
Color Line is consistently rated as one of the best ferry experiences in Northern Europe, with outstanding reviews for the quality and scale of Color Fantasy and Color Magic, the friendly Norwegian-style service, and the overall value of the Oslo–Kiel mini-cruise experience. The company is particularly popular with German and Dutch travellers as the primary gateway to a Norwegian road trip, and with Scandinavian passengers who value the combination of comfort, entertainment, and duty-free savings.
What passengers praise most
Color Fantasy and Color Magic receive exceptional reviews for the 7-deck Town Square experience — described by passengers as genuinely feeling like a city at sea. The live entertainment programme on overnight crossings (evening shows, live music, DJs) is consistently praised. The spa and wellness facilities are highlighted as outstanding value when included in the crossing. The children’s supervised club on Color Fantasy and Color Magic is frequently praised by families as one of the best features of the crossing — allowing parents to relax while children are entertained. Color Hybrid receives strong reviews for its smooth, quiet operation — particularly the near-silent battery-powered approach to Strömstad harbour. The duty-free shop prices are praised as significantly cheaper than Norwegian shore prices, particularly for alcohol and cosmetics.
Areas for improvement noted by some passengers
Some passengers note that peak summer crossings on Color Fantasy and Color Magic can feel crowded in public areas, particularly the Town Square on Friday evening departures. A small number of reviews note that cabin prices for the Oslo–Kiel route can be higher than expected when selected upgrades are added. Some passengers mention that Wi-Fi charges apply outside the standard package and that connectivity can be inconsistent in the open North Sea portion of the Oslo–Kiel route.
Ratings & recognition
Color Line holds strong ratings on AFerry, DirectFerries, and Ferryscanner. Color Hybrid was internationally recognised at the time of its 2019 launch as the world’s largest plug-in hybrid ship and received significant coverage in maritime sustainability publications. Color Fantasy and Color Magic continue to hold the record as the world’s largest cruise-ferries with car decks. Color Line is the only Norwegian-flag operator providing scheduled international passenger and freight services and is recognised as a vital part of Norway’s transport infrastructure.
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