Denmarkferries

Denmark Ferry

Puttgarden – Rødby

The fastest ferry crossing from Germany to Denmark – via the Vogelfluglinie to the island of Lolland and on towards Copenhagen

  • A ferry every 30 minutes – round the clock across the Fehmarn Belt
  • Just a 45-minute crossing with Scandlines' hybrid ferries
  • From Fehmarn straight to the island of Lolland – the fastest way to Denmark
Ferry Puttgarden - Rødby

Puttgarden – Rødby

Across the Fehmarn Belt to Denmark in 45 minutes

The route from Puttgarden to Rødby crosses the Fehmarn Belt in just 45 minutes, making it the fastest ferry link between Germany and Denmark. From the German island of Fehmarn you cross directly to Rødby on Lolland - the ideal starting point for the onward journey along the Vogelfluglinie towards Copenhagen.

The route is operated round the clock by Scandlines with its hybrid ferries, including the Prinsesse Benedikte, the Prins Richard and the Schleswig-Holstein. A ferry departs every 30 minutes, day and night. On the short crossing you will find a buffet at the Scandlines Kitchen, Starbucks coffee, and the BorderShop in Puttgarden. Whether you are travelling by car, motorhome, motorbike or on foot, Puttgarden - Rødby is the busiest ferry link across the Fehmarn Belt.

Crossing time
45 min
Operator
Scandlines
Frequency
every 30 min
From
€61

Next departures

Date

Timetable →

Route guide

Puttgarden - Rødby: the route guide

Everything on the Vogelfluglinie route Puttgarden - Rødby with Scandlines: getting to Fehmarn, check-in, the 45-minute crossing over the Fehmarn Belt, and arrival on Lolland with onward travel to Copenhagen.

Getting to the ferry port in Puttgarden

The ferry port lies at the northern tip of the island of Fehmarn; set your sat nav to Fährhafenstraße, 23769 Puttgarden, Germany. Coming from Hamburg and the south, you stay on the A1 the whole way, which becomes the E47 (B207) beyond Lübeck and crosses the Fehmarn Sound Bridge onto the island, running straight to the port's check-in lanes. At the terminal you line up in the marked lanes with your vehicle; Scandlines is the sole operator on this route.

Check-in and departure

The Vogelfluglinie is a shuttle service: a ferry departs every 30 minutes, round the clock, and the crossing over the Fehmarn Belt takes 45 minutes. Check-in opens two hours before departure and closes 15 minutes beforehand; allow around half an hour's buffer. With a Standard or Flex ticket you are not tied to a fixed departure and can take the next available ferry. Carry a valid passport or national ID card, as spot checks can take place at the border. If you're travelling with a guide dog or assistance dog, you should be at the port at least 60 minutes before departure.

On board the hybrid ferries

Scandlines runs its hybrid ferries on the Fehmarn Belt, including the Prinsesse Benedikte, the Prins Richard, the Schleswig-Holstein and the Deutschland. For the short 45-minute crossing you won't need a cabin. The Scandlines Kitchen serves a buffet at mealtimes, which you can add to your ticket in advance, plus Starbucks coffee and snacks at Scandlines Coffee. In the port of Puttgarden, it's worth stopping by the BorderShop, the border shopping outlet right next to the ferry.

The ferry port of Puttgarden at the northern tip of Fehmarn, the starting point for the crossing to Rødby.
The ferry port of Puttgarden at the northern tip of Fehmarn, the starting point for the crossing to Rødby.

Vehicle, bicycle and pets

Cars, motorhomes and caravans, motorbikes and bicycles can all travel on board; the fare is based on your vehicle's dimensions, so enter the correct length when booking. Motorbikes have their own fare. Your dog can travel too: on board it must stay on a lead and under your supervision, and access to the restaurant is only allowed with the crew's permission. A reservation isn't essential, but is worth making in peak season and on public holidays.

Arrival in Rødby and onward travel

At Rødby you drive off the ferry onto the island of Lolland; the terminal address is Færgestationsvej 5, 4970 Rødby, Denmark. From the port, the E47 runs north without a detour: via Lolland and Falster you reach Zealand, and after around 160 kilometres, or just under two hours, Copenhagen. If you're only crossing for the day, the day ticket covers the outward and return crossing on the same calendar day.

The loading ramp at the ferry port of Rødby, the endpoint of the Vogelfluglinie on the island of Lolland.
The loading ramp at the ferry port of Rødby, the endpoint of the Vogelfluglinie on the island of Lolland.

Tickets and fares

Scandlines offers the one-way crossing in three fares: Low Price is the cheapest, bookable online only and tied to the booked sailing, non-changeable. Standard is noticeably cheaper online than at the port counter and can be used flexibly on the day of travel. Flex gives full date flexibility and can be cancelled free of charge up to three months after the planned departure. For day trips, the day ticket covers the outward and return crossing on the same calendar day. Current prices for your travel date are shown in the booking window.

FAQ Puttgarden - Rødby

Frequently asked questions

Questions and answers about the Puttgarden - Rødby ferry

How often does the ferry run between Puttgarden and Rødby?+

The ferry between Puttgarden and Rødby runs round the clock every 30 minutes, day and night. With a Standard or Flex ticket you are not tied to a fixed departure, so you simply take the next available ferry. The exact number of sailings varies by season - check the current timetable before you travel.

How long does the crossing from Puttgarden to Rødby take?+

The crossing over the Fehmarn Belt takes around 45 minutes. Allow extra time for check-in too: it opens two hours before departure and closes 15 minutes before departure. Plan for around half an hour's buffer at the port.

How much does the Puttgarden – Rødby ferry cost?+

Scandlines offers the one-way crossing in three fares: Low Price (the cheapest, online only, valid only for the booked sailing, non-changeable), Standard (cheaper online than at the port counter, flexible on the day of travel) and Flex (full date flexibility, free cancellation up to three months after the planned departure). A day ticket is also available for day trips. Current prices for your travel date are shown in the booking window; booking online is usually cheaper than at the port.

Can I bring my car or motorhome on the ferry?+

Yes, you can bring your car, motorhome, caravan, motorbike or bicycle. The fare is based on your vehicle's dimensions, so enter the correct length when booking; motorbikes have their own fare. If you're travelling by motorhome, you'll find more detail in our motorhome guide.

Can I bring my dog on the ferry?+

Yes, your dog can travel too. On board it must stay on a lead and under your constant supervision, and must not disturb other passengers; access to the restaurant is only allowed with the crew's permission. If you're travelling with a guide dog or assistance dog, you should be at the port at least 60 minutes before departure.

What's on board the ferry?+

For the short 45-minute crossing you won't need a cabin. The Scandlines Kitchen serves a buffet at mealtimes, which you can add to your ticket in advance, plus Starbucks coffee and snacks at Scandlines Coffee. In the port of Puttgarden, it's worth stopping by the BorderShop, the border shopping outlet right next to the ferry.

How do I get from Rødby onward to Copenhagen?+

From Rødby on the island of Lolland, the E47 runs north without a detour. Via Lolland and Falster you reach Zealand, and after around 160 kilometres, or just under two hours, Copenhagen. For a day trip, the day ticket covers the outward and return crossing on the same calendar day.