Transport in Fredrikstad and Hvaler

Fredrikstad and Hvaler are simple to visit – whether arriving by car, train, bus, or boat. Local buses and city ferries also make it easy to get around without a car.

Fredrikstad is located in the southern part of Østfold County, 90 kilometres south of Oslo and 30 kilometres northwest of the Swedish border.

How to get here

By car:

From Oslo, the drive to Fredrikstad city centre takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes via the E6 and highway 110. To continue to Hvaler, follow the signs to the Hvaler Tunnel on county road 108.

By train:

The train is perhaps the easiest way to reach Fredrikstad from Oslo. Trains depart from Oslo Central Station about once an hour, and every 30 minutes during rush hours. The journey takes approximately 1 hour. From the city centre (Cicignon), it’s a short and free ferry ride to the Old Town (Gamlebyen), taking only a few minutes.

By bus:

Fredrikstad and Hvaler can be reached by bus, including VY6 from Oslo. The trip to Fredrikstad takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Continuing a bit further will bring you to Hvaler. There is also a direct airport bus from Oslo Airport Gardermoen to Fredrikstad. Østfold Public Transport (ØKT) operates local buses covering the city centre, the Old Town (Kongsten), Onsøy, Kråkerøy, and out towards Hvaler.

By boat:

Guest harbours and mooring spots are available in Fredrikstad, on Kråkerøy, and several places around Hvaler. You’ll find a full overview of guest harbours here.

City ferries in Fredrikstad

Fredrikstad offers a unique and free ferry system. The city ferries connect the city centre, the Old Town, Kråkerøy, and Gressvik year-round.

• Free for all passengers, including strollers and bicycles
• Operates from early morning to late evening, with more departures in summer
• The ferry ride itself is an experience – a mini river cruise
• At the final stop, all passengers must disembark and rejoin the queue
• Expect longer waits during the summer season

The three ferry routes:

1. Old Town – Ålekilen
Stops: Gamlebyen – Smertu – City Centre – Værste – Gressvik – Ålekilen

2. Cicignon – Old Town
A short crossing of the river
Stops: Cicignon – Gamlebyen

3. Lisleby – Sellebakk
Stops: Lisleby – Sellebakk

The Hvaler ferry – getting between the islands

The Hvaler ferry (Hvalersambandet) transports passengers and vehicles between Skjærhalden and the eastern islands of Hvaler – including Herføl, Søndre Sandøy, and Nordre Sandøy.

• The ferry is free for passengers year-round
• Vehicles travel free in the winter season (mid-August to March)
• All trips must be pre-booked, except for passenger trips from Skjærhalden (not including Lauer)
• Vehicles and freight must always be pre-booked
• Book via Østfold Public Transport – this ensures the ferry stops at the right dock and reserves your space

Parking in Fredrikstad

There is plenty of parking available in and around the city centre and the Old Town.

Parking in and near the Old Town

Parking inside the Old Town is limited. It’s recommended to use the large parking area outside the walls near Kongsten.

On-street parking in the city centre

• Red and yellow zones are centrally located and have higher prices
• Green zones are a bit further out but still within walking distance
• Use machines to enter your license plate and select parking time – no physical ticket is issued
• Some spots have a maximum parking time of 2 hours. Always check signs and move your car accordingly.

Park and ride in Fredrikstad

There are several park-and-ride options on the outskirts of the city, near bus routes, ferries, or pedestrian and bike paths. Carpooling is encouraged to reduce emissions.

Parking garages

Apenesfjellet, St. Hansfjellet and Cityterminalen are 24-hour garages with automatic license plate recognition.

• 2 hours free parking every day
• No physical ticket required
• Pay via app, machine or within 48 hours online

Payment options:
– Fredrikstad P or EasyPark apps
– Card/coin at machines

Prices (from 1 January 2025):
– 2 hours free daily
– Then NOK 30 per hour
– Free on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (09:00–24:00)
– Evenings/nights (20:00–08:00): 2 hours free, max NOK 78 per night
– EV charging: NOK 25 per started hour (Apenesfjellet and St. Hansfjellet)
– Electric vehicles pay the same as others

Parking at Foten and Gressvik

At Gressvik Torg and Foten, a parking disc is required. Spaces are clearly marked. Discs are available at the café in Foten or in auto parts stores. If you don’t have a disc, write your arrival time on a note and place it clearly in the windshield.

Parking and transport to Hvaler

A bus runs from Fredrikstad to Hvaler, check VY6 schedules online.
There are no ferries or scheduled boats between Fredrikstad and Hvaler.

From Skjærhalden on Hvaler, ferries go to the eastern islands and Vesleø 2 operates to Strömstad, Sweden.

During high season, parking on Hvaler can be limited. For visits to Skjærhalden, it’s recommended to park at Hvaler Town Hall or the former Floren School.

Sustainable travel and accessibility

Fredrikstad and Hvaler make it easy to choose green travel options:

• Free city ferries
• Low-emission buses
• Dedicated bike paths and parking
• EV charging at many public parking areas