Travelers in Norway can save significantly on ferry costs by using AutoPASS. This system is especially valuable for long trips, as many routes involve frequent and potentially costly ferry crossings. For accurate trip cost estimation, consider using the toll calculators provided by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration.
How to Pay for Ferries in Norway?
Two main payment options exist for ferries in Norway:
AutoPASS for the Ferry (AutoPASS for ferje) – an automated payment system offering discounts.
Cash or Bank Card – pay directly without discounts.
Discounts for AutoPASS Tag Owners:
10% for AutoPASS tag owners without an AutoPASS-ferry agreement.
50% for AutoPASS tag owners with an AutoPASS-ferry agreement and prepaid deposit.
The AutoPASS for the Ferry replaces the older value card system, linking directly to an AutoPASS account for smoother payments and discounts across Norway.
Real Savings Example: AutoPASS Benefits for Common Routes
Example Route: Oslo to Trondheim Round-Trip
For a round-trip from Oslo to Trondheim, a 6-meter vehicle without any discount would incur ferry costs of over NOK 774. With the AutoPASS for Ferry agreement, the cost is reduced to about NOK 619, a 20% savings that proves beneficial for frequent or extended travel. Electric cars enjoy even better savings, with discounts of 60%, lowering costs significantly for eco-friendly travelers.
How Does “AutoPASS for the Ferry” Work?
AutoPASS for the Ferry operates as a prepaid national account linked to both the AutoPASS ferry card and chip. Counties in Norway may choose specific payment solutions for their ferries, so options can vary by region.
For example:
Hordaland uses AutoPASS chip payments, while ferry cards work on connections outside Western Norway.
FerryPay – Payment Without AutoPASS Tag
FerryPay is an alternative by “Statens Vegvesen” (Norwegian Road Authorities) for those who don’t have an AutoPASS tag. It allows payment via credit or debit card but does not offer discounts. Here’s how to use FerryPay:
Register a free account on FerryPay
Add one or multiple vehicles
Link a payment method
The ferry system will automatically scan your vehicle number and email you invoices
Without discounts, FerryPay can be costly for longer trips. If you plan to use ferries extensively, we recommend ordering an AutoPASS tag.
When to Use FerryPay as the Main Payment Solution
FerryPay is suitable if:
You prefer centralized invoicing for multiple vehicles.
You don’t plan to use ferries frequently.
You want a flexible system for adding/removing vehicles.
Otherwise, we recommend using an AutoPASS tag with a ferry agreement. Below is a snapshot of a payment system showing the 50% savings for caravan-towing vehicles, demonstrating the significant savings.
How to Get an AutoPASS for the Ferry Agreement
Get an AutoPASS Tag: Contact a toll service provider. The tag also provides 10-20% toll discounts.
Set Up an Account: Visit AutoPass Ferje, link your tag, and add your vehicle details.
Pay a Deposit: You’ll receive an invoice for a deposit based on vehicle size:
Group 1 (0-8 meters): NOK 3,700
Group 2 (8.01-17.50 meters): NOK 14,800
Group 3 (17.51+ meters): NOK 28,000
Having a prepaid deposit is required for the 50% discount. This is especially valuable on routes along the West Coast and Lofoten Islands, where ferry expenses can add up.
Ferry Costs for Trailers and Caravans
For those towing caravans or trailers, costs depend on the vehicle’s total length:
Up to 6 meters: Standard vehicle price.
6 to 10 meters: Double the price.
Over 10 meters: Triple the price.
Consider the full length of your vehicle when calculating ferry costs with a trailer.
Motorcycle Rates
Motorcycle users must pay the full fare with cash or card, as AutoPASS chips are not available for motorcycles. Motorcycle fares are slightly reduced from regular vehicle rates.
Do Electric Cars Receive Extra Discounts?
Yes, electric cars in Norway qualify for an additional discount, bringing the total discount to 60% on ferries. This reduces the ferry cost to 25% of the standard fare, which can be verified on toll calculators available on the Norwegian Public Roads Administration website.
With nearly 100 ferry routes in Norway, some operate only seasonally, while major highways use large ferries up to 144 meters long. Below is a sample cost table for Norway’s busiest ferry crossings.
Ferry Crossing
Full Fare (NOK)
AutoPASS Tag (NOK)
AutoPASS for Ferry (NOK)
Savings (%)
Horten – Moss
204.00
183.60
N/A
10%
Arsvågen – Mortavika
185.00
166.50
92.50
50%
Rørvik – Flakk
168.00
151.20
84.00
50%
Halhjem – Sandvikvåg
314.00
282.60
157.00
50%
Molde – Vestnes
207.00
186.30
103.50
50%
Are All Ferries in Norway Covered by AutoPASS?
No, not all ferries provide AutoPASS discounts. For instance:
The Horten-Moss ferry offers a 10% discount with an AutoPASS tag.
Troms og Finnmark County began AutoPASS coverage in summer 2021 on select routes.
How to Get Your AutoPASS for Ferry Deposit Refunded
After your trip, you may cancel your AutoPASS agreement and return the tag to get a refund on any remaining deposit. To avoid accidental charges during transit, wrap the tag in aluminum foil before mailing it.
