Ferry to Germany from Ireland
To Germany from Ireland
There are no direct ferry routes across the Irish Sea or the North Sea to Germany. However, you can first take a ferry from Ireland to France and then travel to Germany by car or public transport from one of the French coastal cities.
Rosslare or Dublin to Dunkirk or Cherbourg
Depending on where you need to be in Germany, the ferry from Rosslare to Dunkirk or the ferry from Dublin to Cherbourg are the best routes.
You can use the booking module and select Ireland to find all the crossings to and within Ireland. Some of the crossings to France are the most handy for a visit to Germany
Ferry Map: ferry routes Germany - Ireland
Use the interactive map to find the right crossing and ferry company. You can zoom in and out and view the routes in the ports.
Crossings to Germany via France from Ireland
Ferry Guide Germany from Ireland
Ferry to Germany from Ireland Information
Travelling to Germany by ferry is an excellent way to reach the European continent. Since there are no direct routes between Ireland and Germany, the most sensible option is to take a ferry from Ireland to France. From France, you can continue your journey to Germany by train, motorhome, or car.
Here are the best ferry routes to Germany:
- Dublin to Cherbourg
- Rosslare to Dunkirk
- Cork to Roscoff
If you're departing from Dublin or Cork, it might be worth considering the trip to Rosslare to take the ferry to Dunkirk, as this route brings you closest to Germany with minimal risk of traffic jams.
Once you arrive in Germany, you can travel north. Northern Germany is a great hub for further ferry travel across Europe. From here, you can catch ferries to Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, or even Lithuania. The map below shows the different ferries travelling directly to and from Germany.
Best Crossing to Germany from Ireland: Rosslare – Dunkirk
In our opinion, if you're travelling to Germany by ferry from Ireland, the most comfortable and easiest route is the Rosslare to Dunkirk crossing. This ferry takes you much further north in France than the alternative routes. From Dunkirk, it's only a few hours' drive to key destinations in Germany—about 6.5 hours to Frankfurt and just 4 hours to Cologne.
This ferry route, operated by DFDS, takes approximately 24 hours to get you from Ireland to Northern France.
Alternatives: Dublin-Cherbourg & Cork-Roscoff
The alternative routes include the Cork to Roscoff ferry and the Dublin to Cherbourg ferry. While you'll spend less time on the ferries with these options, you'll have more driving ahead of you. From Cherbourg to Cologne, it's about an 8-hour drive, while the journey from Roscoff to Cologne takes around 10.5 hours.
- Relevant Guides
- Photo Gallery
Join the Conversation
Ask questions, share answers, and discover routes and crossings. We and our visitors are here to help you find a suitable crossing.
- Relevant Blogs
All crossings to Germany from Ireland
Use your mouse to slide the bar or simply swipe with your finger.
How does these routes with price compare to flights? I'm wondering to go by car/ferry or by plane and rent a car but I'm not sure what to do.
I was wondering if anyone has done this journey before? I can't seam to find how long the stop is in France and how frequent the ferries are.
There are many tourists each day travelling from Ireland to Germany by ferry, most however travel by Dover to Calais and from there drive to Germany. (which is still a far ride)