Puttgarden–Rødby: The Shortcut to Copenhagen and Sweden
The Puttgarden–Rødby ferry might not be the most well-known route, but it is extremely popular for travellers heading to Copenhagen, Sweden, and beyond. Covering just 12 miles, this crossing offers a quick and convenient way to significantly shorten your journey through Denmark.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Copenhagen or continuing onward to Sweden, this ferry provides a seamless connection and saves valuable driving time. It’s an ideal choice for those looking for speed and efficiency while exploring northern Europe.
Map: ferry routes Puttgarden-Rodby and Rostock-Gedser
You can zoom in and out and view the routes in the ports within our map. You can see both the route from Puttgarden to Rødby and the route from Rostock to Gedser.
About the Puttgarden to Rodby ferry
Fastest Route to Copenhagen and Sweden
The Puttgarden–Rødby ferry is one of the busiest routes to Scandinavia, operated by Scandlines with over 40 daily departures. The crossing takes just 45 minutes, directly linking northern Germany to Denmark and significantly shortening the journey to Copenhagen and Sweden.
At FerryGoGo, we aim to help you find the best travel route, often involving ferries for convenience and efficiency. For example, if you’re travelling to Copenhagen or Sweden, this ferry can save you time and distance. It can also be seamlessly combined with the Helsingør–Helsingborg ferry or the Øresund Bridge for onward travel to Sweden.
Ferry from Puttgarden to Rødby
The Puttgarden–Rødby crossing is an excellent choice for travellers heading to Denmark, Copenhagen, or Sweden by car. This ferry connects Germany to the Danish island of Sjælland (Zealand), home to Copenhagen and the Øresund Bridge, which links Denmark to Sweden.
The Crossing in Brief
- Route: Germany (Puttgarden) ➜ Denmark (Rødby)
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Operator: Scandlines
- Best Alternative: Rostock-Gedser or driving north via the Little Belt Bridge.
Comparing Routes
There are two primary short routes from Germany to Denmark:
- Puttgarden–Rødby (on the western side of the map)
- Rostock–Gedser (on the eastern side of the map)
Both ferries are commonly used to travel to the island of Sjælland and are well-suited for travellers continuing to Sweden.
Why Choose Puttgarden–Rødby?
- Convenience: Saves 87 miles of driving to Copenhagen or Sweden.
- Popular with Travellers: Its location and short crossing time make it a favourite.
- Break from Driving: A quick walk on the deck provides a refreshing pause during long journeys.
This ferry route is ideal for those seeking a fast, efficient, and comfortable way to travel to Scandinavia. Whether your destination is Denmark or Sweden, the Puttgarden–Rødby ferry ensures a smoother and more enjoyable journey.
Sailing Schedule for Puttgarden–Rødby Ferry
The Puttgarden–Rødby ferry is one of Europe’s most popular crossings, operating day and night with departures every 30 minutes. Ferries leave:
- Quarter past the hour
- Quarter to the hour
Sailing Time and Check-In
- Sailing Duration: The crossing between Germany and Denmark takes only 45 minutes.
- Check-In: You can check in until 15 minutes before departure. However, arriving earlier is recommended for a smoother and more comfortable trip.
How to Purchase Tickets
Tickets for the Scandlines Puttgarden–Rødby ferry can be bought in three ways:
- Online: The most convenient and cost-effective option.
- By Phone: An additional fee of £13 applies.
- At the Port: Also incurs a £13 surcharge.
For the best price and convenience, book your tickets online.
Combination Tickets for Travellers to Sweden
If you’re continuing to Sweden, you can reserve combination tickets for:
- The Helsingborg–Helsingør ferry crossing.
- The Øresund Bridge.
The Øresund Bridge is the fastest option for reaching Malmö, Sweden. Costs vary depending on your vehicle and travel party. You can compare prices by entering your details in the Scandlines booking module.
Relevant crossings to combine with Puttgarden-Rodby plus alternatives in this ferry map.
On board and route maps
Additional Information
When travelling on ferries between to Denmark (via France, the Netherlands, or Germany), here are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Bring your passport: Since Brexit, a driver’s licence or ID card is no longer sufficient for travel to Denmark.
- Download entertainment in advance: For longer crossings, it’s a good idea to download movies or series beforehand, as Wi-Fi on board can be expensive, and roaming in international waters can incur high costs.
- Travelling with young children on a night ferry? We’ve got helpful tips for travelling with kids to ensure a smooth journey.
- Driving in Europe: After disembarking, remember to drive on the right-hand side of the road. It may feel unfamiliar at first, but you’ll quickly adjust.
- Seasickness: Concerned about seasickness? Check out our tips to help prevent it during your crossing.
Luggage & Pets
On most ferries, there are no strict limits on the amount of luggage you can bring. Pets are welcome, but additional fees apply, and they must stay in designated kennels during the crossing. When travelling to Denmark, pets must meet specific entry requirements, including vaccinations and a pet passport. You can find specific regulations per country and ferry company policies in this post.
