Puttgarden port, travel and terminal
The ferry terminal is at the northern tip of Fehmarn, where the B207 ends. Here is how to reach it by car or public transport, and what to expect at check-in.
- Fährhafenstraße, 23769 Puttgarden
- At the end of the B207 (Vogelfluglinie)
- X85 express bus from Lübeck ZOB
Getting to Puttgarden ferry terminal
The Scandlines terminal in Puttgarden is at Fährhafenstraße, 23769 Puttgarden, at the northern tip of the island of Fehmarn. The B207 continues directly from the A1 to the port, with signs for “Puttgarden/Denmark” along the final hundred kilometres. Scandlines owns the port facilities, so the distances between check-in, the terminal and the loading area are short.
Arriving by car
From anywhere in Germany, the approach runs via Hamburg. Take the A1 towards Lübeck and stay on it as far as Heiligenhafen, where it becomes the B207. Cross the Fehmarn Sound Bridge onto the island, then continue straight for around 20 kilometres to the terminal. The drive from Hamburg takes about two hours. In summer, traffic can build up before the bridge, so allow extra time.
At the port, drive straight into the check-in lanes. You must complete check-in no later than 15 minutes before departure. Allowing 30 minutes gives you a more relaxed margin, especially during holiday periods.
Arriving by train and bus
Trains do not currently stop in Puttgarden. Buses provide the connection while work on the Fehmarnbelt tunnel continues. The most reliable route is via Lübeck: take a long-distance train to Hamburg, a regional train to Lübeck (about 45 minutes), then the X85 express bus from Lübeck ZOB towards Puttgarden. The X85 runs about once an hour during the day, takes around an hour and a half and stops directly at the ferry terminal. Check departures for your travel date with a journey planner such as NAH.SH.
The terminal building is only a few steps from the bus stop, and foot passengers check in there. See Travelling on foot or by bicycle for the rest of the process without a car.
Check-in and boarding
The terminal uses two types of lane. The blue lane is for cars up to six metres long. A camera reads your number plate, or you can confirm your booking number at the machine. The staffed yellow lane handles everything else: vehicles over six metres, trailers and motorhomes, motorcycles, bicycles, travellers with reduced mobility and tickets bought at the port. Check-in opens two hours before departure and closes 15 minutes beforehand.
Foot passengers scan their tickets in the terminal building and use the access bridge to board. Walking from the building to the bridge takes five to ten minutes. See Check-in for the complete process, lanes and deadlines, and Rødby port for the terminal on the Danish side.
Around the port
One of Scandlines' two BorderShops is directly beside the terminal. Many regular passengers use the crossing for cross-border shopping. If you have time to wait, the terminal building has toilets and a snack bar. The nearest larger town is Burg auf Fehmarn, around 15 minutes away by car.
See the timetable for departure times and prices and fares for the cost of the crossing.
FAQ
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. From the A1, signs direct you towards Puttgarden and Denmark throughout the journey.
Can I reach the ferry port without a car?+
Yes. The X85 express bus runs directly from Lübeck ZOB to Puttgarden ferry terminal. Trains do not currently stop in Puttgarden. See Travelling on foot or by bicycle for the full journey without a car.
How long is the drive from Hamburg?+
Around two hours via the A1 and B207, though traffic at the Fehmarn Sound Bridge can make the journey longer.
When do I need to be at check-in?+
Check-in closes 15 minutes before departure; Scandlines recommends allowing at least 30 minutes. See Check-in for details of the process and lanes.
Can I shop at the port?+
Yes. One of Scandlines' two BorderShops is at the Puttgarden terminal. If you have time before departure, you can buy drinks and confectionery there at cross-border shopping prices.