Fehmarnbelt crossing
Puttgarden – Rødby ferry
From the German island of Fehmarn to Lolland in about 45 minutes: the Puttgarden–Rødbyhavn ferry is the shortest and busiest link between Germany and Denmark, and the centrepiece of the Hamburg – Copenhagen corridor.
Ask about your crossing
Pick your date, direction and vehicle – we reply by e-mail with sailing times and the fares that fit.
- Crossing timeapprox. 45 minutes
- Distanceapprox. 20 km
- OperatorScandlines
- Check-in15 min before departure
Duration and frequency
The crossing itself takes about 45 minutes for the 20 kilometres across the Fehmarnbelt. Add check-in, waiting in the lane and loading, and you should count on roughly an hour and a half between arriving at Puttgarden and driving away from Rødbyhavn.
Sailings are frequent: during the day the ferries leave at short intervals, at night the service thins out but never stops. That is exactly why this route is the classic choice for day trips to Denmark and for spontaneous journeys – even without a fixed booking you rarely wait long.
Looking for a specific sailing?
Tell us the date and roughly what time suits you – we send back the departures that match your travel day and your vehicle.
From Fehmarn to Rødbyhavn
The ferry port of Puttgarden lies at the northern tip of the island of Fehmarn, at the end of the A1/E47 and beyond the Fehmarn Sound bridge. On the Danish side you arrive at Rødbyhavn on Lolland, where the E47 continues via Maribo and the Storstrøm bridge towards Vordingborg and Copenhagen – around 1.5 to 2 hours of driving to the Danish capital.
The Fehmarnbelt tunnel is under construction alongside the route. Until it opens, the Puttgarden–Rødby ferry remains the only direct crossing of the belt and continues to run on its regular Scandlines schedule.
Cars, motorhomes, trailers and trucks
Your fare category depends on the size of your vehicle. Measure it if you are unsure – including roof box, bike rack or trailer. Minibuses and trucks are also classified by gross weight.
| Vehicle type | What matters |
|---|---|
| Car | length and height, the standard category for most travellers |
| Car with roof box / bike rack | extra height or length may change the category |
| Motorhome | total length and height, booked in length bands |
| Car with caravan / trailer | combined length of car and trailer |
| Minibus / van | length, height and gross vehicle weight |
| Truck / freight | tonnage and cargo, handled by the freight department |
| Motorcycle | separate category, usually including several riders |
| Bicycle / foot passenger | cheapest category with its own check-in area |
Check-in at Puttgarden and Rødbyhavn
Both ports use automated check-in lanes with number plate recognition. Keep your booking reference ready, drive into the lane you are given and follow the staff. The latest check-in is 15 minutes before departure; on summer weekends and at the start of school holidays leave considerably more time.
Day trips to Denmark
The short crossing makes Puttgarden–Rødby the classic day-trip route – for shopping in Rødbyhavn or a detour around Lolland. Note that same-day return tickets often have their own conditions; the details appear during booking.
Puttgarden – Rødby FAQ
How long is the Puttgarden to Rodby ferry?
About 45 minutes across the Fehmarnbelt. Including check-in, loading and unloading, plan for roughly 1.5 hours in total.
How often does the Rødby – Puttgarden ferry run?
Very frequently during the day and less often at night, with service around the clock. Binding departure times are published in the official Scandlines timetable.
Do I have to book in advance?
Turning up without a booking usually works on this route because of the number of sailings. In high season, or with a motorhome or trailer, booking ahead is safer.
Is there a ferry from Fehmarn to Rødbyhavn?
Yes – Puttgarden is the ferry port on the island of Fehmarn, so a 'Fehmarn to Rødbyhavn ferry' and the 'Puttgarden–Rødby ferry' are the same service.
Can I bring a motorhome or caravan?
Yes. The total length and height of the combination decide the category. Enter both in the form so you can select the right option at Scandlines.
What about the Fehmarnbelt tunnel?
It is still under construction. Until it opens, the ferry remains the direct connection across the belt.
Ask about Puttgarden – Rødby
Pick the direction, the date and your vehicle – we answer personally by e-mail.
Go to the enquiry form