Puttgarden: getting there & terminal
The ferry terminal is at the northern tip of Fehmarn, at the end of the B207. Here's how to get there by car, train and bus, and how check-in works.
- Fährhafenstraße, 23769 Puttgarden
- At the end of the B207 (Vogelfluglinie)
- X85 express bus from Lübeck ZOB
Getting to Puttgarden ferry terminal
Table of Contents
The Scandlines terminal in Puttgarden is at Fährhafenstraße, 23769 Puttgarden, at the northern tip of the island of Fehmarn. The B207, the continuation of the A1, leads straight into the port area, and signs for "Puttgarden/Dänemark" (Denmark) guide you for the last hundred kilometres. The port belongs to Scandlines itself, with short distances between check-in, terminal and boarding.
Getting there by car
From anywhere in Germany, the approach runs via Hamburg: from there, take the A1 towards Lübeck and stay on it as far as Heiligenhafen, where it becomes the B207. Cross the Fehmarnsund Bridge onto the island, then continue straight ahead for about 20 kilometres to the terminal. From Hamburg it takes about two hours; in the summer season traffic can back up before the Fehmarnsund Bridge, so allow more time.
At the port you drive straight into the check-in lanes. You must be through check-in no later than 15 minutes before departure; with 30 minutes to spare the journey is more relaxed, especially during the holiday weeks.
Getting there by train and bus
Trains do not currently stop in Puttgarden: while work on the Fehmarn Belt tunnel continues, buses provide the connection. The reliable route runs via Lübeck: a long-distance train to Hamburg, a regional train on to Lübeck (about 45 minutes) and from Lübeck ZOB (central bus station) the X85 express bus towards Puttgarden. The X85 runs roughly hourly during the day, takes around an hour and a half and stops right at the ferry terminal. Check departures for your day of travel in a journey planner such as NAH.SH.
From the bus stop it's only a few steps to the terminal building, where foot passengers check in. What happens next without a car is described on the On foot & by bike page.
Check-in and boarding
The terminal uses a two-lane system. The blue lane is for cars up to six metres: a camera reads your number plate, or you confirm your booking number at the machine. The staffed yellow lane takes everyone else: vehicles over six metres, cars with caravans or trailers and motorhomes, motorcycles, bicycles, travellers with reduced mobility and anyone buying a ticket on the spot. Check-in opens two hours before departure and closes 15 minutes beforehand.
Foot passengers scan their ticket in the terminal building and board via the boarding bridge; the walk from the building to the bridge takes five to ten minutes. The full process with all lanes and deadlines is on the Check-in page, and its Danish counterpart on Port of Rødby.
Around the port
Right at the terminal is one of Scandlines' two BorderShops; for many regulars, shopping at border-shop prices is part of the crossing. If you have time to wait, the terminal building has toilets and a snack bar. The nearest larger town is Burg auf Fehmarn, about 15 minutes away by car.
Departure times are in the timetable; what the crossing costs is on the Tickets & prices page.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Port of Puttgarden
What address should I enter in my satnav? +
Fährhafenstraße, 23769 Puttgarden. The terminal is at the end of the B207 at the northern tip of Fehmarn and is signposted all the way from the A1 towards Puttgarden and Denmark.
Can I get to the ferry port without a car? +
Yes. The X85 express bus runs from Lübeck ZOB (central bus station) straight to Puttgarden ferry terminal. Trains do not currently stop in Puttgarden. The On foot & by bike page explains how it works without a car.
How long is the drive from Hamburg? +
Around two hours by car via the A1 and the B207, or longer depending on traffic on the Fehmarnsund Bridge.
When do I need to be at check-in? +
Check-in closes 15 minutes before departure; we recommend allowing at least 30 minutes. Details and the lanes are explained on the Check-in page.
Can I go shopping at the port? +
Yes, one of Scandlines' two BorderShops is at the Puttgarden terminal. If you have time before departure, you'll find drinks and sweets there at border-shop prices.