Denmark ferry
Puttgarden - Rødby
The fastest ferry link from Germany to Denmark - via the Vogelfluglinie onto the island of Lolland and on towards Copenhagen
- A departure every 30 minutes - round the clock across the Fehmarn Belt
- Just 45 minutes' crossing on the Scandlines hybrid ferries
- From Fehmarn straight onto the island of Lolland - the fastest way to Denmark
Route guide
Puttgarden - Rødby: the route guide
Table of Contents
Everything about the Vogelfluglinie crossing Puttgarden - Rødby with Scandlines: getting to Fehmarn, checking in, the 45 minutes over the Fehmarn Belt, and arriving on Lolland with onward travel to Copenhagen.
Getting to Puttgarden ferry port
The ferry port sits at the northern tip of the island of Fehmarn; for your sat nav, enter Fährhafenstraße, 23769 Puttgarden. Coming from Hamburg and the south, you stay on the A1 the whole way, which becomes the E47 (B207) beyond Lübeck and crosses the Fehmarnsund Bridge onto the island, running straight to the check-in lanes at the port with no detour. At the terminal, drive straight into the check-in lanes with your vehicle; Scandlines is the only operator on this route.
Check-in and departure
The Vogelfluglinie is a shuttle service: a ferry departs every 30 minutes around 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 of buffer time. With a Standard or Flex ticket you're not tied to a fixed departure and simply take the next available ferry. Keep a valid ID card or passport ready, as spot checks are possible at the border. If you're travelling with a guide or assistance dog, aim to 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 brief three-quarters of an hour on board, you won't need a cabin. Scandlines Kitchen serves a buffet at mealtimes, which you can add to your ticket in advance, plus Starbucks coffee and snacks at Scandlines Coffee. At Puttgarden it's worth a stop at the BorderShop, the duty-free retailer right at the ferry terminal.
Vehicle, bicycle and pets
Cars, motorhomes and caravans, motorbikes and bicycles can all travel; the fare depends on the vehicle's dimensions, so give the length correctly when booking. Motorbikes have their own fare. Your dog can come along too: on board it stays on a lead and under your supervision, and it may only enter the restaurant with the crew's permission. A reservation isn't essential, but is worth making in the high season and on public holidays.
Arriving at Rødby and continuing your journey
At Rødby you disembark on the island of Lolland; the terminal address is Færgestationsvej 5, 4970 Rødby. From the port, the E47 heads straight north: 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, combine the outbound and return crossing on the same calendar day with the day ticket.
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 departure, not changeable. Standard is noticeably cheaper online than at the port counter and can be used flexibly on the day of travel. Flex offers full date flexibility and can be cancelled free of charge up to three months after the planned departure. For a day trip, the day ticket covers the return crossing on the same calendar day. Current prices for your travel date are shown in the booking window.
Puttgarden - Rødby
Across the Fehmarn Belt to Denmark in 45 minutes
The Puttgarden - Rødby route crosses the Fehmarn Belt in just 45 minutes, making it the fastest ferry link between Germany and Denmark. From the island of Fehmarn you cross straight to Rødby on Lolland - the ideal starting point for continuing via the Vogelfluglinie towards Copenhagen.
The route is run around 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. For the short crossing there's a buffet on board at Scandlines Kitchen, Starbucks coffee, and the BorderShop at Puttgarden. Whether by car, motorhome, motorbike or on foot, Puttgarden - Rødby is the busiest ferry crossing over the Fehmarn Belt.
- Crossing
- 45 min
- Operator
- Scandlines
- Frequency
- every 30 min
Next departures
FAQ Puttgarden - Rødby
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Puttgarden - Rødby ferry crossing
How often does the ferry run from Puttgarden to Rødby? +
The ferry between Puttgarden and Rødby runs round the clock every 30 minutes, day and night. Since a Standard or Flex ticket doesn't tie you to a fixed departure, you simply take the next available ferry. The exact number of departures varies with the season, so it's best to 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 as well: it opens two hours before departure and closes 15 minutes before departure. About half an hour of buffer time at the port is a good idea.
What 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 departure, not 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. All fares compared are in the price overview.
Can I bring my car or motorhome on the ferry? +
Yes, you can bring a car, motorhome, caravan, motorbike or bicycle. The fare depends on the vehicle's dimensions, so give the length correctly when booking; motorbikes have their own fare. If you're travelling by camper, you'll find the details in our guide Motorhomes.
Can I bring my dog on the ferry? +
Yes, your dog can come along. On board it must stay on a lead and under your constant supervision, and must not disturb other passengers; it may only enter the restaurant with the crew's permission. If you're travelling with a guide or assistance dog, aim to be at the port at least 60 minutes before departure.
What's on board the ferry? +
For the brief three-quarters of an hour on board, you won't need a cabin. Scandlines Kitchen serves a buffet at mealtimes, which you can add to your ticket in advance, plus Starbucks coffee and snacks at Scandlines Coffee. At Puttgarden it's worth a stop at the BorderShop, the duty-free retailer right at the ferry terminal.
How do I continue from Rødby to Copenhagen? +
From Rødby on the island of Lolland, the E47 heads straight north with no 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 return crossing on the same calendar day.