Ferries are a natural part of Norway’s road network. For local residents they provide a daily means of transport; for travelers they are often an essential link when journeying along fjords, islands, and the rugged coastline.
Most ferries charge a fee, but there is a lesser-known category of connections that run entirely free – and this article is dedicated to those ferries.
On a road trip in Norway, ferry costs can quickly add up, especially if you’re traveling by car or campervan. However, by combining free ferries correctly you can save tens to hundreds of euros without making major compromises to your route.
It’s important to emphasise right away that this is not a general rule. Free ferries do not make up the majority and in most cases do not cover the main road arteries. They are mainly less frequent routes that serve primarily local communities in remote areas.
What this article doesn’t cover
This article deliberately focuses exclusively on the topic of free ferries. The operation of the AutoPASS system itself, the charging of fees on paid routes, and the technical details related to registration and payments deserve a separate article.
Why does it work?
From July 2022, Norway introduced a system in which selected ferry routes are funded by the state and passengers pay no fees – neither for people, vehicles, nor even for dogs. The criterion for inclusion in this scheme was the lower utilization of specific routes that would otherwise be financially burdensome for local residents.
This has resulted in a network of smaller ferries connecting islands, peninsulas, and remote stretches of coastline that are now available free of charge. For tourists, it’s an interesting opportunity to reach areas they would otherwise likely not reach.
Saving money and sensible travel
The advantage is not only the possibility to visit lesser-known and authentic areas, but also the ability to compose a route sensibly and efficiently. Free ferries can also serve as an intermediate link when moving between two busier places, via lesser-known locations that would otherwise remain off the main route.
A good example is the connection between Bodø and Moskenes. The direct ferry on this route is paid, but it can be replaced by a combination of two free ferries – from Bodø to the island of Værøy and then from Værøy to Moskenes. This alternative represents a saving of approximately 80 euros, while also offering an interesting stop in a place many travelers would otherwise skip.
Planning is key
Even though these ferries are free, that doesn’t mean they are unlimited. Vessel capacity is fixed and in season it’s easy to find you can’t get on a particular connection. The fact that the ticket is free doesn’t automatically mean there will be a place waiting for you.
That’s why it’s sensible to plan ahead and – if possible – reserve a spot even on a free ferry. It sounds illogical, but in practice it’s a very sensible step, especially if you have a tighter schedule or connecting transfers.
Who free ferries are suitable for
Free ferries in Norway make the most sense for travelers who:
- enjoy slower, more authentic travel,
- want to explore lesser-known areas,
- are planning a road trip and looking for ways to optimize costs,
- are willing to adapt their itinerary to available connections.
If you approach them with realistic expectations and a good plan, they can become one of the most interesting parts of travelling around Norway – not because they’re free, but because of where they can take you.
Finally, it’s worth adding that an official and up-to-date overview of free ferry routes is available on the AutoPASS for ferje project website. That’s where you can check which specific connections are free during a given period and how the individual routes operate in practice.
As part of our paid services, we have a detailed map of all current free ferry routes and can help you sensibly incorporate them into your trip itinerary.