The pleasant coastal town Kristiansund can be reached by express ferry from Trondheim in a little over three hours. Here's how to expect on the passenger ferry.
Ferries are a common way to get around in Norway, especially in the fjord region where water often means a frustrating, long, slow albeit scenic drive to get from A to B via Z.
Many bridges and tunnels have been built over the past few decades with many more under construction.
A lifeline for many communities
However, ferries are still a lifeline for many rural communities. Most of these ferries take care and passengers and take from between 15-45 minutes for a crossing.
The cities of Kristiansund and Trondheim are connected with a fast ferry designed that functions as a train- or bus-equivalent rather than a road replacement.
To drive between the cities takes around 3-3.5 hours. Even with a number of stops, Kystekspressen (the Coastal Express) takes 3.5 hours. I took the ferry leaving Trondheim's Hurtigbåtterminalen at 8.10am.
The terminal is a relatively building with this intriguing piece of interactive modern art outside, named ‘What does the fjord say?'
I had no idea how many people would be on the ferry although my guess was wavering towards the low side. So I was slightly taken aback when I arrived to see an enormous queue snaking outside the terminal building.
However, boarding began almost immediately and I was on the boat in no time.
On board the fast ferry
It isn't possible to buy tickets in advance, so shortly after departure a conductor comes around the lounge. As of April 2018 a full-price ticket from Trondheim to Kristiansund costs 648kr, and you can of course pay with cash or debit/credit cards.
On board the ferry there is a large lounge area with airline style seating, albeit with much more comfort and legroom.
It's possible to walk onto the small decks outside although it's not the most comfortable experience given the high speed of the craft. Wi-Fi is technically available but the speed is very poor to the point where it's basically unusable.
There's a small cafe with an offering similar to that of the smaller ‘road replacement' passenger ferries: Light sandwiches, lefse, hot dogs, and a variety of snacks and drinks. At 30kr the price of coffee was steep, but you can get free refills so it's worth it if you're a coffee fan.
As it turned out, about one-third of the passengers were schoolchildren on their way to the first stop, Brekstad, with another one-third going to the same place. Things soon quietened down after that. I'd estimate that of the 200-odd people who boarded at Trondheim, only 25 made the full journey to Kristiansund.
This is primarily a commuter service for locals and I didn't spot a single other tourist on board.
Of course, you could also take the much more tourist-oriented Hurtigruten. In fact the ticket price for the Trondheim to Kristiansund stretch is actually quite a bit cheaper than the fast ferry I travelled on, but it does take twice as long and so rules out the option of a day trip.
Introducing Kristiansund
On arrival in Kristiansund it's just a short walk to the city centre and you can be on the Sundbåten (the small passenger ferry linking the islands of Kristiansund) in around five minutes.
My trip was just for the day so after arriving in Kristiansund at 11.40am, I had time for a good look around the town (in glorious weather!) before heading back to the terminal at 4.30pm ready for the return trip to Trondheim. You can read more about Kristiansund here.
I'll be taking the Kystekspressen again for sure. It was a very comfortable way to travel and Kristiansund makes for a great day trip from Trondheim, and a nice option for a weekend trip too.
Hi david i have read and seen all the photos of norway on your site from the time you started.i only wish i was in your shoes doing what you are
Doing.my dad was norwegian from narvik.he was in the merchant navy
He came to port talbot.met my mum and married her.they were only married for three years,and he died very young.although i have tried in more ways than one to track his family down without success. Ohdear never mind…..
Hey David
Do you have any more information on the Hurtigruten ferry as my searches are not showing Trondheim-Kriastiansund at all. We have 3 days in Trondheim before a wedding in the other. Really fancy a coastal ferry journey as opposed to driving.
Hi, yes there is a daily Hurtigruten departure from Trondheim to Kristiansund every day at around 10am. The Coastal Express ferry which this article is about is a totally different service. It takes half the time and runs three times a day, less on weekends.
Where would I find schedule information (in English) for ferry/bus from Trondheim to Frøya? We will be going the end of August.
Thank you for the wonderful article.
You can find the schedules on atb.no, which is the public transport administrator in central Norway
I will be in Brekstad and was wondering if you can board the ferry there to go to Kristiansund and where would I find a schedule to take the fast boat. Can I use this to go to other islands other than Kristiansund? I will be going in July. Do I need a reservation
Hi, as above you can find the schedules and route on atb.no
Hey David,
I though about taking the ferry to Kristansund. The 648 kr are one way, arent they?
Yes they are one-way fares
Hi
We are planning to Kristiansund to Trondheim . We would like to take this lovely ferry. Can you please let us know the schedule for 24th or 25th September. Please help us. We are from India
Hi David, thanks for this article. Do seniors over 65 or 70 get a discount on this ferry?
Hi David: Very nice article.
This is Minh Tran from USA. We would like to take the ferry from Kristiansund to Trondheim in June (Saturday). Is this ferry for passengers only or auto as well? If so, how much for a small car? Thanks. Minh Tran
Hi David,
Is the boattrip from Trondheim to Kristiansund nice/ beautiful? Or is there not much to see because the ferry goes so fast? I am planning to go from Oslo to Kristiansund and I can go bij train to Trondheim and then bij boat or I go by train to Uppdal and then take a bus. The second is faster but I could be that the ferry from Trondheim to Kristiansund is very beautiful.
Can you let me now?
Tanks a lot, Marijn.
Hi, it’s a relatively fast ferry and certainly not intended as any kind of sightseeing service.
Is there a student discount?
Hi there, im currently in Kristiansund and i would liké to do a round trip, go in the morning and Come back later on, or would you recommend i stay overnight,
What are the return Farès?
Thanks alot
It’s not a ferry designed for day trips really but it’s possible to go there and back in a day, which would give you maybe 5 hours or so in Trondheim or Kristiansund. There is no return fare, so you’d pay the regular fare twice. Have a good trip!