Rødby to Puttgarden Ferry Guide
The fastest and most frequent link between Denmark and Germany. Scandlines operates up to 48 daily crossings in 45 minutes across the Fehmarn Belt, with hybrid ferries, onboard BorderShop and easy drive-on/drive-off access.
Crossing Time
45 minutes
Daily Departures
Up to 48
Operators
Scandlines
Distance
10 nautical miles (19 km)
The Rødby–Puttgarden Experience
Few European ferry routes combine such high frequency with such compact geography. The Rødby–Puttgarden crossing spans just 19 km across the Fehmarn Belt and takes 45 minutes from ramp to ramp, making it as much a conveyor belt for motorists and truckers as a travel experience in its own right. What sets it apart is the BorderShop: Scandlines has turned the crossing into a shopping event for Danish travellers, who make the trip specifically to stock up on cheaper German alcohol, canned goods and confectionery — a practice known as grænsehandel (cross-border shopping). The hybrid ferries are among the cleanest RoPax vessels in European short-sea operations, and the open sun deck gives a fine view of the Fehmarn Belt regardless of the weather.
Ferry Operator
Scandlines
Route Operator- Up to 48 daily departures — roughly every 30 minutes at peak
- Fleet: M/F Schleswig-Holstein, M/F Deutschland, M/F Prinsesse Benedikte, M/F Prins Richard
- Hybrid propulsion — among Europe's lowest-emission RoPax ferries
- Scandlines BorderShop with duty-free and cross-border prices
- Self-service restaurant, café, and panoramic sun deck
Best for: Motorists and truckers transiting between Scandinavia and Central Europe; Danish shoppers doing cross-border runs; foot passengers on the Vogelfluglinie
Visit ScandlinesTerminal Information
Rødbyhavn Ferry Terminal (Denmark)
Departure Port
Address & Location
Færgehavnsvej, 4970 Rødby, Denmark
Transport Connections
- Direct road access from E47/E55 motorway — follow signs to Rødby Færge
- Regular bus connections to Rødby town and Nakskov
- Train service: Rødby Færge station is steps from the terminal
- Ample free parking at the terminal
Check-in Requirements
- Vehicles: arrive at least 20 minutes before departure
- Foot passengers: 15 minutes before departure
- Trucks and oversized vehicles: follow separate lane signage
Terminal Facilities
- Scandlines BorderShop (pre-crossing shopping area)
- Café and snack bar
- Free WiFi
- ATM on site
- Toilets and waiting area
Puttgarden Ferry Terminal (Germany)
Arrival Port
Address & Location
Fährstraße, 23769 Puttgarden, Fehmarn, Germany
Transport Connections
- Direct access to Bundesstraße 207 and onward to the A1 motorway
- Bus connections to Oldenburg in Holstein and Lübeck
- Train: Puttgarden station is adjacent to the terminal (Vogelfluglinie rail route)
- Fehmarn island roads head south toward Fehmarnsund Bridge
Onward Travel
- Fehmarn island: 5 min by car
- Oldenburg in Holstein: 30 min by car
- Lübeck: 1h 10m by car
- Hamburg: 1h 45m by car
Port Facilities
- Café and snack bar
- Free parking
- Toilets
- Fuel station nearby
Booking Optimization Tips
Best Booking Times
- • Summer and holiday periods: book vehicles 1-2 weeks ahead
- • Shoulder season: same-day booking usually fine for cars
- • Trucks and motorhomes: advance booking strongly recommended
- • Use Scandlines' SmartPrice for the best advance fares
Money-Saving Tips
- • Return tickets are significantly cheaper than two one-way fares
- • SmartPrice fares available online — earlier booking means lower price
- • Foot passengers pay DKK 100-180 / €13-24 one-way
- • Car + 2 passengers: typically DKK 400-700 / €54-95 with advance booking
Peak Period Tips
- • Danish summer holidays (late June to mid-August) are very busy
- • Easter and Christmas/New Year see high demand for vehicle spaces
- • German public holiday weekends also increase traffic
- • BorderShop is busiest on Fridays and Saturdays — allow extra time
Practical Travel Information
Documentation Required
Identification
- • Valid passport or EU/EEA ID card
- • Children need their own travel document
- • Non-EU passengers may need a Schengen visa
Vehicle Travel
- • Valid driving license
- • Vehicle registration documents
- • Green Card or EU-format insurance certificate
- • Warning triangle and high-visibility vest recommended
Onboard Information
Crossing Comfort
- • 45 minutes — no cabin needed
- • Self-service restaurant and café
- • Panoramic sun deck open to passengers
- • Children's play area
BorderShop
- • German-priced alcohol, beer, wine, spirits
- • Confectionery, snacks and household goods
- • Tobacco products
- • Cosmetics and seasonal items
Rent a Car in Puttgarden or Fehmarn
Pick up a rental car at Puttgarden and explore Fehmarn island or continue south into Germany at your own pace.
Europcar
10 min from portWide German network with convenient pickup near Puttgarden terminal
Sixt
15 min from portPremium fleet with modern vehicles in northern Germany
Hertz
10 min from portGlobal provider with flexible pick-up options in the Fehmarn area
Budget
10 min from portBudget-friendly rentals with competitive rates in northern Germany