Road trip with a ferry: planning a vehicle crossing
On this page
A vehicle ferry gives your road trip a fixed connection, and it needs its own planning. Build the itinerary around the sailing you will actually take. Then decide how much driving belongs on each side of the crossing. Use the operator's information for your exact service, vehicle and date, rather than assumptions from another trip.
Confirm what is travelling
List the passengers, the vehicle and any attachments before you ask for a fare. Measure the vehicle as it will travel, including any roof box, rack or trailer. Check how the operator defines its vehicle categories.
If you are hiring, confirm that the rental agreement allows the crossing and the destination. Keep the written answer with your booking and your vehicle details.
Research the particular service
A tourism map may show that a ferry links two places. That does not confirm a sailing on your travel date. Find the timetable for the exact service you plan to use, and note the local time it uses.
Ask the operator whether reservations are offered or required, how vehicle space is allocated, where to join the queue and when check-in closes. Include the operator's arrival instructions in your day plan. Do not use the departure time as your arrival time.
Separate a ferry route from a confirmed sailing
Norway's Hardanger route page shows a good example. It says a ferry operates from Tørvikbygd - Jondal and from Kinsarvik - Utne - Kvandal, and it lists two sea crossings. For timetables, it points you to the ferry icons on its map and to the Norwegian Public Roads Administration's ferry routes and timetables page.
Use those timetables to build your day. Treat the scenic route description as a route, not as a transport booking.
Check the season and the road
The Hardanger page says the route is open for traffic throughout the year. It also says that parts of road 13 (Skjervsvegen) are closed in winter, and that during that period there is no access to Skjervsfossen (Hardanger route). Check the current status before you plan a winter day on that road.
Plan both approaches
Check the terminal address and the final approach. If you need a stop before the terminal, find one on the way. If you arrive early, find out where you can wait.
On arrival at the other end, allow time to leave the ship and drive to your accommodation. Ask your accommodation about its latest arrival arrangements. Avoid making your first evening depend on a connection you have not checked.
Decide what you need during the crossing
Check the operator's information about passenger areas, vehicle-deck access, pets, medication or equipment, and assistance. Ask questions that fit your party before you book.
Have a disruption plan
Keep the operator's contact details and your booking reference available offline. Read the change and cancellation terms. Decide what you will do about accommodation on each side if the sailing changes.
Price the crossing as part of the whole holiday. That means the passengers, the vehicle category, any cabin or seat, any extras, the road links on either side and any extra nights that the timetable creates. Use a dated quotation rather than a general ferry allowance.
For the wider context of crossing to Europe, see Channel crossings compared. For a Norway itinerary, see Norway road trip from the UK.
FAQs
Does a ferry on a scenic route mean a sailing is running?
Not by itself. The Hardanger route page points you to ferry timetables rather than confirming a sailing, so check the timetable for your travel date (Hardanger route).
Is the Hardanger road open all year?
The route page says it is open for traffic throughout the year. Parts of road 13 (Skjervsvegen) are closed in winter, and there is no access to Skjervsfossen during that period (Hardanger route).
More in Planning