About the Helsingør-Helsingborg Ferry
The shortest crossing between Denmark and Sweden is the ferry route from Helsingør to Helsingborg. This quick journey takes just 20 minutes, making it a convenient option for travellers. Once you arrive in Helsingborg, you can easily continue your journey onward.
This route is particularly popular as it is cheaper than the Øresund Bridge, although the bridge offers a faster connection to Sweden.
Travelling via Puttgarden–Rødby?
If you’re driving to Helsingborg, consider taking the Puttgarden–Rødby ferry to shorten your road journey. This route, clearly illustrated on our map, not only saves time but also helps you avoid the expensive toll bridge.
Both options provide efficient and cost-effective ways to reach your destination in Sweden!
Map: crossing between Elsinore and Heslingborg and the alternatives and best routes
The Ferry from Helsingør to Helsingborg
The Helsingør to Helsingborg ferry is the northernmost crossing on the ferry map, linking Denmark and Sweden over a short distance of just 3 miles. Located slightly to the south is the Øresund Bridge, offering an alternative connection between the two countries.
Getting to Zealand (Sjælland)
To reach either the ferry or the bridge, you’ll first need to travel to the Danish island of Zealand (Sjælland). There are two main ways to do this:
Drive Across the Toll Bridges:
- Cross via the Little Belt Bridge and the Great Belt Bridge, which connect mainland Denmark to Zealand.
Shorten Your Route with a Ferry:
- Take the Puttgarden to Rødby ferry to significantly reduce driving time and avoid the toll bridges.
Both options offer seamless connections to the ferry or bridge, giving you flexibility to choose the route that suits your journey best.
Crossings to Sweden + the nearby bridge
The Puttgarden-Rødby ferry is the recommended way to reach the departure port of Helsingør. Alternatively, you can book the route to Sweden via the Øresund Bridge at a discounted rate through Scandlines.
Step by step to Sweden
Planning Your Trip to Sweden? Here’s What You Need to Know!
The Helsingør–Helsingborg Ferry
- Location: The ferry departs from Helsingør, just north of Copenhagen.
- Duration: The crossing to Sweden takes only 20 minutes.
- Schedule: Ferries operate 24/7 with at least 50 departures daily.
- Cost: A regular car costs 199 DKK (approximately £20.30), making it cheaper than the Øresund Bridge (455 DKK, approx. £46.41).
- Convenience: Arrive at the port 15 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth journey.
Travelling to Denmark via the Netherlands
For most travellers from Britain, the first step is reaching the Netherlands. This can be done using one of these three ferry routes:
While travelling via France is an option, the Netherlands routes are generally shorter and more convenient. From the Netherlands, you can continue your journey to Germany or Denmark.
Ferry Routes to Helsingør
- Cost: From £42.
- Route: This ferry takes you from Germany to Lolland, connected to Zealand by bridges.
- Recommendation: This is the most popular and straightforward route, saving time and avoiding long detours. From Zealand, you can take the economical Helsingør–Helsingborg ferry or the Øresund Bridge.
- Considerations: Involves a longer drive and crossing, making it less convenient for most British travellers.
Driving through Denmark:
- Route: Drive via Hamburg and Kolding towards Copenhagen.
- Cost: Includes a toll for the Great Belt Bridge (Storebæltsbroen), priced at £29 for cars.
- Drawback: This option involves a much longer drive.
Why Choose the Ferry Over the Bridge?
- Cost: The ferry is significantly cheaper than the bridge.
- Flexibility: Multiple travel options allow you to tailor your journey.
- Convenience: Shorter driving routes and frequent ferry departures make it an ideal choice.
By carefully planning your route, you can enjoy a smooth and affordable trip to Sweden!
Puttgarden–Rødby and Onwards to Sweden
If you opt for the Puttgarden–Rødby route, Scandlines offers combination tickets that simplify your journey. We've researched prices and found the most economical options for travellers heading to Sweden.
The Two Cheapest Options
1. Puttgarden–Rødby + Helsingør–Helsingborg
- Puttgarden–Rødby: Book separately with Scandlines (from £43).
- Helsingør–Helsingborg: Book with Oresundslinjen (from £23).
- Total Cost: £66.
2. Puttgarden–Rødby + Øresund Bridge
- For both crossings, book a combination ticket through Scandlines (£79.50).
- Time-Saving: Save approximately 35 to 45 minutes compared to the ferry option.
Travelling with Motorhomes or Caravans
For motorhomes or caravans, the same advice applies. However, the price difference is minimal (£11 on a total of £205), so we recommend the combination ticket with the Øresund Bridge for added convenience.
Additional Tips and Facts
Travelling to Gothenburg or Jönköping?
- The ferry route is the ideal option for these destinations.
Helsingør or Elsinore?
- Don't be confused—Elsinore is the English name for Helsingør. Both refer to the same place.
Fully Electric Ferry:
- The Helsingør–Helsingborg ferry is one of the few fully electric ferries, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Visit Kronborg Castle:
- Located near the departure port in Helsingør, Kronborg Castle is worth visiting. You can skip a few ferries to explore this historic site.
Operator Details:
- Forsea previously operated the Helsingør–Helsingborg crossing. While the website forseaferries.com is still in use, it now redirects to the ØresundsLinjen brand.
With these insights, you can plan an efficient and enjoyable journey to Sweden!
On board
Additional Information
When travelling on crossings from the UK to the continent, there 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
Luggage & Pets
On most ferries, there are no restrictions on the amount of luggage you can reasonably bring. Pets are allowed, but additional fees apply, and they must stay in designated kennels on board. For some destinations, like for example France, pets must meet specific requirements, such as certain vaccinations and a pet passport. You can find country-specific regulations and company policies in this post.
