From Rødby to Copenhagen

The route: ferry plus two hours through Denmark

Copenhagen is closer to Fehmarn than many people think: 45 minutes across the Belt on the Puttgarden-Rødby ferry, then about 160 kilometres on the well-built E47 across the islands of Lolland, Falster and Zealand. Allow a total of 3.5 to 4 hours each way. If you set off early, that still leaves a full afternoon in the city on a day trip; as a weekend break the trip is more relaxed.

By car

1. To the ferry: From Fehmarn you reach Puttgarden terminal via the B207 in a few minutes; be through check-in no later than 15 minutes before departure, ideally 30. The timetable shows the departures for your day.
2. Crossing: Scandlines sails every 30 minutes during the day. On board: leave the car deck, grab a coffee, take a turn on the sun deck, and 45 minutes later you're in Denmark.
3. Onward from Rødby: You drive off the ship straight onto the E47. The route goes through the Guldborgsund Tunnel and over the Farø Bridges and is toll-free for cars all the way. It takes about two hours to Copenhagen.
4. Parking in Copenhagen: City-centre car parks are expensive; for a day visit, park and ride on the outskirts with the Metro or S-train into the centre is the cheaper option. Copenhagen's public transport runs frequently and is easy to use.
5. Return: The same route back. The ferries run into the night, and with a Standard or Flex ticket you're not tied to a set time. In the evening, check the last suitable departure in the timetable so you don't end up rushing.

Without a car

Without a car, there are two basic ways to reach the Danish capital:

• Long-distance coach: Coaches travel on the ferry and run without a change from northern Germany to Copenhagen; from Puttgarden the journey takes about three and a half to four hours including the crossing. Check connections and times with the coach operator for your day of travel.
• Ferry as a foot passenger plus bus and train: Cross with a foot passenger ticket, then on the Danish side take bus 720R to Maribo and continue by train via Nykøbing Falster to København H (Copenhagen Central Station). This works, but involves changes; check it in advance in the Danish journey planner Rejseplanen. The procedure at the terminal is described on the On foot & by bike page.

Please note: there is currently no through train on the Vogelfluglinie, and Germany's Deutschland-Ticket is only valid as far as Puttgarden, not for the ferry or in Denmark.

Planning tips

• Start early: For a day trip, an early-morning departure is worthwhile; you'll then be in the city by late morning.
• Tickets: Book the ferry online in advance, which is considerably cheaper than at the port; the fares are explained on the Tickets & prices page. The day ticket covers the outward and return crossing on the same day.
• Documents: Bring your passport or national ID card; there are random checks at the border.
• Currency: Denmark uses the Danish krone (DKK), not the euro. Cards are accepted practically everywhere, so you'll hardly need cash.
• In the city: Nyhavn, Amalienborg, Strøget and The Little Mermaid are close together in the centre and easy to link on foot; for longer distances, take the Metro, the S-train or a rental bike.
• On to Sweden? From Copenhagen, Malmö is a good half-hour away over the Øresund Bridge; the combination tickets are compared on the To Sweden via Fehmarn page.