Ferry to Germany from Ireland
These are among the most popular crossings from Ireland to the continent.
Travelling from Ireland to Germany by Ferry
There are no direct ferry routes between Ireland and Germany across the Irish Sea or the North Sea. However, you can travel via France and then continue to Germany by car or public transport from a French coastal city.
Best Ferry Routes
Rosslare to Dunkirk:
- Ideal for those heading to northern or central Germany, offering a shorter driving distance.
Dublin to Cherbourg:
- Convenient for travellers continuing to western or southern Germany or those looking for flexible transport options.
How to Plan Your Journey
- Sail from Ireland to France using one of the above routes.
- Drive or take public transport from Dunkirk or Cherbourg to Germany, depending on your final destination.
This route provides a practical and scenic alternative for travelling from Ireland to Germany.
Map: ferry routes Ireland to Germany
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.
About the crossings
Ferry to Germany from Ireland: Information
Travelling to Germany by ferry is a great way to access the European continent comfortably. Since there are no direct ferry routes between Ireland and Germany, the best option is to first sail to France and continue your journey by train, motorhome, or car.
Best Ferry Routes to Germany
- Dublin to Cherbourg
- Rosslare to Dunkirk
- Cork to Roscoff
For those departing from Dublin or Cork, it may be worth travelling to Rosslare to take the ferry to Dunkirk. This route brings you closest to Germany, avoiding heavy traffic and providing a more efficient journey.
Exploring Germany and Beyond
Once you arrive in Germany, you’ll find it’s a key hub for further ferry travel across Europe. From northern Germany, you can connect to destinations like:
- Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and even Lithuania.
Refer to the map below for a detailed view of ferry routes to and from Germany, helping you plan your onward journey with ease.
Best Crossing to Germany from Ireland: Rosslare to Dunkirk
If you’re travelling to Germany by ferry from Ireland, the Rosslare to Dunkirk route is the most convenient and comfortable option. This ferry takes you further north in France, minimizing driving time to key destinations in Germany:
- Cologne: Around 4 hours by car.
- Frankfurt: Approximately 6.5 hours by car.
Operated by DFDS, this ferry journey takes about 24 hours, making it an efficient choice for reaching northern France and continuing on to Germany.
Alternatives: Dublin to Cherbourg & Cork to Roscoff
Other options include the Cork to Roscoff and Dublin to Cherbourg ferries. While these routes involve less time on the ferry, they require longer driving times to reach Germany:
- Cherbourg to Cologne: Around 8 hours by car.
- Roscoff to Cologne: About 10.5 hours by car.
Why Choose Rosslare to Dunkirk?
The Rosslare to Dunkirk route significantly reduces driving time once you arrive in France, making it the easiest and most efficient choice for those heading to Germany. The alternatives are suitable for travellers looking for shorter ferry journeys but come with longer road travel.
Choose the route that best fits your schedule and travel needs!
On board & ferry route maps
Prices and availability for this crossing.
What is the sailing schedule and the best alternative?
To check the sailing schedule and timetable for this crossing, and to find the best alternative, simply fill in the booking module for ferries to Germany. This tool will provide up-to-date options, times, and routes to suit your travel needs.
Additional Information
When travelling on crossings between Ireland and the continent there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Download entertainment in advance: On longer night crossings, it’s a good idea to download series or movies beforehand, as Wi-Fi on board can be expensive, and roaming in international waters is costly.
- Foot passengers: Not all ferries accept foot passengers, so check ahead of time.
- Travelling with young kids on a night ferry? We’ve got some helpful tips for travelling with kids here.
- Remember to drive on the right-hand side of the road after disembarking. It can be a bit confusing for the first 10 minutes, but you'll adjust quickly.
- Worried about getting seasick? In this article, you’ll find some tips to help prevent it.
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)