Denmark Ferry
Rostock – Gedser
The direct link from Germany to Denmark - 2 hours across the Baltic to the island of Falster, gateway to Møn and Copenhagen
- Up to 12 sailings a day - round the clock, including overnight crossings
- Direct crossing in just 2 hours on Scandlines hybrid ferries from Überseehafen
- Cars up to 6 m including up to 9 passengers - Low Price, Standard and Flex fares
Rostock – Gedser
The oldest ferry route from Germany to Scandinavia
The Rostock–Gedser route links the northern German Hanseatic city on the Warnow with the southernmost point of Denmark, on the island of Falster - in around two hours. Crossing the Bay of Mecklenburg, it has been the oldest ferry link between Germany and Scandinavia for over 120 years, and remains one of the most popular ways to reach Denmark.
The line is run year-round by Scandlines with the modern hybrid ferries M/V Berlin and M/V Copenhagen - the largest of their kind in the world when they entered service. On board you will find restaurants, a BorderShop, play areas for children, free Wi-Fi and spacious outer decks looking out over the Baltic. Whether you are travelling by car, motorhome or motorbike, Rostock–Gedser is the direct and environmentally friendly way into Denmark.
- Crossing time
- 2 hrs
- Operator
- Scandlines
- Frequency
- up to 12x daily
- From
- €71
Next departures
Route guide
Rostock - Gedser ferry at a glance
Everything on the Scandlines ferry Rostock - Gedser: getting to the Überseehafen terminal, check-in times, what's on board the hybrid ferries, rules for vehicles and pets, and onward travel from Gedser across Falster.
Getting to the terminal in Rostock
The ferry departs from Rostock's Überseehafen. Set your sat nav to Zum Fährterminal 1, 18147 Rostock, Germany, and follow the "Rostock Überseehafen" signs for the last few kilometres. The A19 (from Berlin) and A20 (from Lübeck or Stralsund) both connect directly to the port. Inside the port area, look out for the Scandlines signs towards Gedser and don't follow signage for other ferry operators, as Scandlines uses its own terminal. Without a car, you can reach the ferry terminal by suburban train (S-Bahn) and connecting bus to Überseehafen. International travellers arriving by air typically fly into Hamburg or Berlin and continue overland from there.
Check-in and departure
With a vehicle, you need to be checked in at the latest 15 minutes before departure; check-in opens around two hours beforehand. As a foot passenger, check in at the Rostock ferry terminal - at the machine or the office - at least 30 minutes before departure, and in Gedser at least 15 minutes before, at the gangway building. Carry a valid passport or national ID card, as checks can take place at the German-Danish border.
On board the Berlin and Copenhagen
The route is served by the hybrid ferries M/V Berlin and M/V Copenhagen, two sister ships with room for up to 1,300 passengers and 460 vehicles. They combine diesel with battery power and run on electric power alone when manoeuvring in port. On board you'll find the Scandlines Kitchen Buffet, the Food Express and Scandlines Coffee, plus a Travel Shop open around the clock, free Wi-Fi and a children's play area. As the crossing takes only around two hours, you don't need a cabin.
Vehicle, bicycle and pets
The car ticket covers a car up to 6 m long including up to nine passengers. Longer vehicles, trailers and caravans incur a length surcharge. Details for motorhomes are in the motorhome guide. Motorbikes are booked on a separate ticket, and if you bring a bicycle, add a bicycle supplement to a foot-passenger ticket. Pets are welcome on board: dogs and cats may go, on a lead or in a carrier, into all non-carpeted areas, but must keep their distance from the buffets; alternatively, your dog can stay in the car. To enter Denmark you need an EU pet passport and rabies vaccination - see the pets on board guide.
Arrival in Gedser and onward travel
Gedser sits at the southern tip of the island of Falster (Jernbanevejen 1, 4874 Gedser). From here, the E55 runs across Falster onto the Danish mainland: Copenhagen is around one and a half to two hours away over just under 140 kilometres, and there are no tolls on this stretch. The island of Møn, with the chalk cliffs of Møns Klint, lies a little off the motorway but makes a worthwhile detour, reachable in around an hour. A popular option is also a day trip to Copenhagen with the return crossing the same day.
Tickets and fares
Scandlines offers three fares: Low Price is the cheapest, but only valid for the booked sailing and cannot be rebooked or refunded. Standard is valid on any free sailing on the booked day and can be rebooked for a fee; adding the optional return service makes it refundable too. Flex gives full flexibility with free rebooking and refunds, a guaranteed space and priority boarding. Booking early secures the early-bird price; book online up to two hours before departure to avoid the surcharge charged at the port counter. Exact amounts for your travel date are shown in the route's booking window.
FAQ Rostock - Gedser
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers on the Rostock - Gedser ferry
How long does the ferry from Rostock to Gedser take?+
The crossing from Rostock to Gedser takes around 2 hours. The ferry covers roughly 52 kilometres across the Baltic Sea. All sailings are listed in the current timetable.
How often does the Rostock - Gedser ferry run?+
Scandlines runs up to 12 sailings a day in each direction, roughly every two hours and round the clock, including at night. The exact number depends on the day of the week and season, so it is worth checking the current timetable just before booking.
How much does the Rostock - Gedser ferry cost?+
The price depends on the season, how full the sailing is, your vehicle and when you book. As a foot passenger you pay considerably less than with a car, and booking early online gets you the best fare. A surcharge applies if you buy at the port counter.
Current prices for your travel date are shown in the route's booking window.
What ticket types does Scandlines offer?+
Scandlines offers three fares. Low Price is the cheapest, but only valid for the booked sailing and cannot be rebooked or refunded. Standard is valid on any free sailing on the booked day and can be rebooked for a fee; adding the optional return service makes it refundable too. Flex gives full flexibility with free rebooking and refunds, a guaranteed space and priority boarding.
Booking at least 30 days ahead also secures the early-bird price.
Which ships run the route and what is on board?+
The route is served by the hybrid ferries M/V Berlin and M/V Copenhagen, two sister ships with room for up to 1,300 passengers and 460 vehicles. They run on electric power alone while docking and undocking.
On board you will find the Scandlines Kitchen Buffet, the Food Express and Scandlines Coffee, plus a Travel Shop open around the clock, free Wi-Fi and a children's play area. For the short crossing, you do not need a cabin.
When do I need to be at the terminal, and how do I get there?+
With a vehicle, you need to have checked in at the latest 15 minutes before departure; check-in opens around two hours in advance. Without a vehicle, check in at least 30 minutes before departure at the Rostock ferry terminal, and at least 15 minutes before in Gedser.
The terminal is at the Rostock Überseehafen (Zum Fährterminal 1, 18147 Rostock, Germany), reached via the A19 and A20 motorways.
Can I bring my car or motorhome?+
Yes. The car ticket covers a car up to 6 m long including up to nine passengers. Longer vehicles, trailers and caravans incur a length surcharge, so enter the correct dimensions when booking. Everything on travelling with a motorhome is covered in the motorhome guide.
Can I bring my dog on board?+
Yes, dogs and cats can travel too. On a lead or in a carrier, they are allowed in all non-carpeted areas but must keep their distance from the buffets; your dog can also stay in the car. To enter Denmark you need an EU pet passport and valid rabies vaccination. Details are in the pets on board guide.