Ferry Gedser – Rostock

• Crossing timeapprox. 2 hours
• Distanceapprox. 52 km
• OperatorScandlines
• Check-in15 min before departure

The Rostock – Gedser route

The ferry from Rostock to Gedser links the overseas port of Rostock with the harbour at the southern tip of Falster. It is the fastest sea link between eastern Germany and Denmark: coming from Berlin, Brandenburg, Saxony or Szczecin you save several hours compared with driving around via Jutland. The port of Rostock sits directly on the A19; in Gedser the Danish E55 starts towards Nykøbing Falster, Vordingborg and Copenhagen.

Modern double-ended ferries operate the crossing and carry cars, motorhomes, coaches and trucks. Because the crossing takes around two hours it works as a real break in the journey – there is a restaurant, an on-board shop, quiet areas and outside decks.

Rostock – Gedser timetable

There are several sailings a day in each direction, including early morning and late night departures. The pattern changes with the season, on public holidays and during maintenance, which is why we do not publish fixed times here – they would be wrong within weeks.

Taking your vehicle on board

The vehicle category decides how you book. It is based on the total length (including trailer or bike rack) and the height (including roof box or superstructure). If your vehicle differs from what you booked, the difference is charged at check-in.

• Car: the standard category, usually up to 6 m long and 1.90 m high.
• Car with roof box or bike rack: increases height or length – measure before booking.
• Motorhome: booked by actual length and height, typically in length bands from 6 m.
• Car with caravan or trailer: the combined length of car plus trailer counts.
• Minibus, van and truck: the gross vehicle weight also matters; freight is handled by the Scandlines commercial department.
• Motorcycle, bicycle, foot passenger: separate, cheaper categories with their own check-in.

Check-in at Rostock and Gedser

Check-in is automated: have your booking number or number plate ready, collect your boarding card and drive into the lane you are assigned. Scandlines names 15 minutes before departure as the latest check-in. With a motorhome, a trailer or during the holidays allow 30 to 45 minutes – the drive to the Rostock overseas port can also take longer in rush hour.

Getting to the ports

• Rostock: A19 to the Rostock-Überseehafen exit, then follow the signs for the ferry port. About 2.5 hours from Berlin.
• Gedser: E55 to the southern tip of Falster; roughly 2 hours from Copenhagen and 30 minutes from Nykøbing Falster.
• Without a car: both ports are reachable by bus or train plus a short transfer – foot passengers book their own ticket category.

Questions about the Rostock – Gedser ferry

How long does the ferry from Rostock to Gedser take?

Scandlines states around two hours for the roughly 52 kilometres across the Baltic Sea. Strong winds can extend the crossing slightly.

How often does the Gedser – Rostock ferry sail?

There are several departures every day in both directions, spread across the day and night. The exact schedule depends on season and weekday and is published daily on the Scandlines website.

Can I book here directly?

No, this site is an information service and does not sell tickets. You send us your travel details, we reply with the suitable sailings and notes on fares, and you complete the booking yourself with the ferry operator.

Is Gedser an alternative to the Puttgarden route?

Yes. From Berlin and eastern Germany, Rostock–Gedser usually means a shorter drive; from Hamburg or north-western Germany, Puttgarden–Rødby is normally faster.

What does the crossing cost?

We publish no fixed prices, because they vary strongly with date, time, vehicle size and fare type. Describe your crossing and we will tell you the current picture in our reply.