Should you take DFDS Ferry to Copenhagen from Oslo?

DFDS Ferry from Oslo to Copenhagen

After completing the Norway road tripIt was time to travel from Oslo to Copenhagen. Initially, we considered taking the rail. We thought the overnight DFDS from Oslo to Copenhagen was an interesting option after doing some research. 

When booking, the price was 168 euros (approx. $250 CAD is the price of the private cabin with sea view and 4 bunkbeds.

4 train tickets for over $150 CAD per passenger ($600 CAD in total).

Technically, the train is faster. The majority of fast trains travel during daylight hours. We would arrive in Copenhagen late afternoon or evening. This means finding a hotel room for the night – which costs at least $200 CAD per night. 

Comparatively, the overnight ferry costs $250 CAD (168 euros) for both transportation AND accommodation. Or, we can pay $800+CAD for the overnight train and hotel. The math led us to the ferry option. 

We became more interested in this mode of transport after further research.

These large ships behave more like a Cruise shipIt is more than a passenger ship. So, that’s what stuck. When we described this part of the journey to our boys, we said we’re going on a “mini-cruise through Norway’s fjords”.

This post shares our experience on the overnight DFDS Ferry from Oslo, Norway, to Copenhagen, Denmark.

Another deciding element was the reliability of service at the time. Rail strikes were occurring throughout the country. Europe. This, combined with the chaos caused by post-pandemic travels, led to hundreds of cancellations of trains.

Our train from StockholmNo option was available to rebook the flight to Oslo, which was canceled a week before departure. Our confidence in the rail system was low which definitely influenced our choice to take the overnight ship from Oslo to Copenhagen. 

At the Oslo ferry terminal, getting ready to board the DFDS Crown Seaways vessel. This ship can accommodate more than 1,700 passengers.

Where is the DFDS Ferry Terminal in Oslo?

The DFDS terminal is located at the tip Vippetangkaia just below Akershus fortress. Below is a photo of DFDS Seaways ferry terminal in Oslo (captured as the ship began it’s journey).

It’s located relatively close to the iconic Oslo Opera House. We booked a hotel that was within walking distance of the ferry terminal. We stayed at Clarion Collection Hotel Bastion.  

Cabins for the ferry from Oslo to Copenhagen

First, let’s start with the sleeping arrangements on the overnight ferry. There are many options and layouts available. Review cabin options Here’s how to get in touch with us.

We stayed in a Standard Sea View 4 berth cabinAbove. A window is very important to us. We don’t like sleeping in rooms without a window. Particularly if the water is choppy. 

Sleeping on a ferry is similar to sleeping on a cruise, but the rooms are smaller (and less luxuriant).

We found the cabins to offer a great deal of value. 

Cabins are equipped with a vanity table and mirror, clothes hangers and hooks, pillows and linens, a private bathroom, bedside lamps, and a continental plug for charging devices.

Do DFDS cabins include showers?

Yes! Each cabin is equipped with a private bathroom en suite with a sink, toilet and shower. The shower is functional but small. 

It is important to ask yourself this question when deciding whether or not sleeping onboard a ferry is right for you. The fact that we had a private shower and bathroom sealed the deal. 

This ship is used for the ferry service from Copenhagen and Oslo.

View of Oslo Harbour from our Sea View Cabin. 

The bunk beds are anchored to the wall.

When it’s time for bed, you simply pull down the bed and it’s ready to go.

Pillows blankets and linen are included. It’s a comfortable way to travel. 

The protective bar is on the upper bunk. This is a great feature that will protect you and your children from falling off the top bunk. 

The interior of the ship looks nice. It’s much nicer than we expected. 

The Sea Shop is the duty-free shop on board the Copenhagen to Oslo ferry.

This store is very large. It has everything. Clothing, souvenirs and chocolate are all available.

Crown Seaways Ship Restaurants

The dining options are varied on the Copenhagen-Oslo ferry. Check out the dining options Here’s how to get in touch with us. 

List of restaurants and bars in Oslo to Copenhagen ferry

• 7 Seas Buffet – located on Deck 8
• Little Italy – view Menu
• Explore Restaurant – view Menu
• Blue Riband Restaurant – for conferences and special events only
• Coffee Crew café – Deck 7
• Bubble zone café – Deck 6
• Navigators Bar – Deck 8
• Northern Lights Bar – Deck 8
• Columbus Club – Deck 8
• Sky Club and Sky Bar – Deck 9

We ate dinner at the 7 Seas buffet Restaurant.

We weren’t sure where to eat. We were unsure about the value of the buffet. See the buffet price Here’s how to get in touch with us. 

After enjoying drinks at Navigators bar, our appetites led us to the buffet. The Little Italy restaurant did not have dairy free options for our youngest boy, so it was decided that we’d splurge on the buffet. It was a good choice.

We would recommend the buffet. It has a kid’s section with food they prefer, like pizza, chicken nuggets, French fries, etc. 

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Fresh seafood plate at the buffet onboard DFDS ferry.

You can also find out more about us on our website. You can learn more about it hereYou’ve overindulged in seafood

Carving station with roast beef. The buffet is a great place to try a wide range of food. The hard part is choosing what you want to eat. To not eat yourself into a food-coma.

Coffee Crew on the Oslo-Copenhagen ferry

Coffee Crew offers a wide variety of coffee, cold drinks and snacks. I took a photo of the menu so you can see what’s available and the prices. 

Before disembarking, we grabbed coffee and pastries. 

Coffee Crew has a wide variety of pastries, sandwiches, salads and fruit juices. 

The Navigators Bar is located on Deck 8 of the main deck.

This is a great place to enjoy a drink in the evening. Windows are behind this view. You can watch the landscapes change as the ship sails along the Oslo fjord or Kattegat Sea.

There are many places to relax. I think this is the Columbus Club.

The photo above was taken in the morning when the room was still empty. It’s much more busy in the evening. 

The Mermaid Sky Bar is located on the Sundeck Level.

Enjoy a drink as the ship passes through. OslofjordThe following is a list of the most recent and relevant articles. NorwayDenmark

The Kattegat sea is visible in the afternoon/evening when you travel from Copenhagen to Oslo. 

The weather was very odd during our sailing. One minute it’s pouring rain with thick, heavy clouds. The clouds part the next moment and the sun comes out. 

As the ship leaves Oslo, dark clouds cover the observation deck.

Soon after I snapped this photo, the rain poured down in torrents. Everyone on the observatory deck ran for shelter. 

The sun deck is in much better condition as the ferry approaches Copenhagen.

Bubble Zone on DFDS Ferry 

This is the first passenger ferry we’ve taken that has multiple swimming pools, a hot tub and sauna. The Bubble Zone is located on Deck 6. It’s a great feature that adds to the enjoyment of the ship. “mini-cruise”This ferry experience has a great vibe. 

After we had settled into our cabins and dropped our luggage off, our boys were eager to get to Bubble Zone to swim.

The pool is deeper that we thought. The pool was deeper than we expected. Keep this in mind if you’re traveling with smaller kids.

There’s a small pool for toddlers and young kids, pictured below. The pool room is equipped with lounger chairs, so you can relax and watch your children swim. The sauna has a window so you can enjoy the view while sweating. 

Note – there is an additional charge to enter Bubble Zone and use the pool facilities. I don’t recall the price. You can buy tickets at the entrance. 

Above – Smaller soaker pool for young kids and toddlers.

DFDS Children’s Card

Families can purchase a children’s card that includes a variety of items. The price of the card is 100 DKK (approximately $20 CAD). $20 CAD.

The entry fee to the pool area and Bubble Zone is the main attraction. 

Also included are tokens for a SEGA video game, a souvenir drinking bottle, ice cream, or treats, and a large soft drink. It’s good value. It kept our boys occupied and happy. 

The Sky Club has a bouncy castle that our boys enjoyed.  

Treasure Hunt – Sky Club

Kids are invited to take part in a Treasure Hunt at night. Our boys had fun running around the ship looking for items – without parents! The idea of finding treasure was also a motivator. 

This activity kept them occupied for approximately an hour. We were able to relax in our lounge and enjoy the scenery. Everyone wins.

The Café inside Bubble Zone. 

The Pirate Club 

This family zone is for children aged 4 to 8 years. There is a ballroom, games and videos on the television. This area is too big for our boys, but it would be a great place for families with younger children. 

On the ferry, there is a games room and an arcade. It’s not very big but it has a few classic games. 

Is the ferry trip from Oslo to Copenhagen scenic?

Yes! The Norwegian landscapes are breathtaking as you sail from Oslo to Copenhagen. The first few hours of the journey pass through Oslofjord.

If you’re traveling in NorwayYou will be able to enjoy daylight until late into the night during the summer. Enjoy the views from the ship as you have plenty of daylight.

You can also find out more about this by clicking here. ‘mini-cruise’It was a highlight of our time in Norway. 

If you’re taking the ferry to Oslo from Copenhagen, the route will go through the Kattegat Sea not long after departure. I’m not sure what the views are like here. We slept during this part of our trip from Oslo, to Copenhagen. 

Views of Oslo’s downtown shortly after the ship departs. 

Oslo City Hall (Oslo rådhus) in the distance. The brick building with its two towers.

Wind towers near Copenhagen.

Arriving in Copenhagen. There are many new developments along the waterfront.

Interesting architecture It’s a great building!

FAQ’s about DFDS ferry from Oslo to Copenhagen

Here are some useful information about the ferry service from Oslo to Copenhagen and vice versa.

What time is check in time for DFDS ferry from Oslo to Copenhagen?

Check-in opens 2 hours before departure. Check-in must be completed no later than 45 mins before departure.

The ferry leaves Oslo at 3:00 PM. It arrives in Copenhagen by 10:00 AM. 

When can you board a ferry? 

You can board your ship up to two hours before the departure time. I believe that departures departing at 3:00 pm are at 1:00 PM.

We checked out of the hotel in Oslo at 11:00 AM, and walked down to the ferry terminal. We deliberately booked a nearby hotel.

I don’t recall the exact time that we were allowed to board. We waited about an hour in the terminal before boarding. 

How long does it take to travel by DFDS ferry between Oslo and Copenhagen?

The ferry ride from Oslo to Copenhagen may take between 19 and 20 hrs depending on the weather.

What is the Oslo-Copenhagen ferry timetable?

DFDS Seaways operates DFDS Seaways’ Oslo Copenhagen ferry. The crossing operates seven times a week, with sailings lasting up to 19 hours.

Ferries from Oslo to Copenhagen Here’s how to get in touch with us. 

What is the DFDS Oslo-Copenhagen price?

The price depends on the cabin. You can choose to buy a single seat, which is also the cheapest option. 

We stayed at the 4-bed cabin, with sea views and bunk beds.We spent 168 Euros on 4 people. 

If you’re traveling with a vehicle, this ship does accommodate vehicles. You’ll have to pay extra fees to bring your car onboard. 

Purchase tickets and view prices for the DFDS Copenhagen – Oslo Ferry Here’s how to get in touch with us.

Can you bring alcohol and food on DFDS ferrys?

We were informed that alcohol is not permitted. Food and drinks (but not alcohol) are allowed for foot passengers, but they must be consumed in the cabin. 

Is the ferry ride from Copenhagen to Oslo rough or smooth?

We had a very smooth ferry ride from Oslo to Copenhagen. We left Oslo in heavy rain. Despite the bad weather, the sailing was still smooth. 

The water was glassy as we approached Copenhagen the next morning. See the photo below.

Self-service check-in kiosks are available at the DFDS ferry terminal, Oslo.

Final thoughts

This overnight mini-cruise from Norway to Denmark is a fun and easy way to travel. Even with the buffet dinner, and a few drinks in the bars, it was still cheaper than taking the train. 

We had a great experience at the sauna and swimming pool. Our boys enjoyed the games and treasure hunt. The buffet dinner was excellent. The room was small but comfortable.

Overall, the trip was comfortable and relaxing. We would recommend it for anyone traveling from Oslo to Copenhagen. 

Continue reading our blog posts about our trip to Scandinavia.

Are you planning to take the DFDS ferry between Oslo and Copenhagen?

Please leave us a message below if you still have questions.