Germany
Scandlines
High-frequency hybrid ferries across the western Baltic
Est. 1998Copenhagen, Denmark
Photo: JøMa / Wikimedia Commons (CC0 1.0)- 4
- Routes
- 4
- Ports
- 1h 23m
- Avg crossing
- 1998
- Founded
Scandlines is a ferry operator, founded in 1998 and based in Copenhagen, Denmark. It operates 4 ferry routes serving 4 ports in Germany. Across its network, crossings average about 1h 23m.
Timetables
Which routes does Scandlines operate?
4 routes with live schedules.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puttgarden (Fehmarn) → Rødby (Lolland) | 45m | — | 1 | Germany |
| Rødby (Lolland) → Puttgarden (Fehmarn) | 45m | — | 1 | Denmark |
| Gedser → Rostock | 2h | — | 1 | Denmark |
| Rostock → Gedser | 2h | — | 1 | Germany |
Gedser1 route
Puttgarden (Fehmarn)1 route
Rødby (Lolland)1 route
Rostock1 route
Network
Where does Scandlines sail?
Scandlines sails to 4 ports.
Experience
Onboard & services
- Hybrid diesel-electric ferries
- Rotor sails
- BorderShop retail
- Vehicle decks
- Battery-electric ferry
- High-frequency ferry shuttles between Germany and Denmark
- Formed in 1998 from Danish and German ferry operations
- Flagship Puttgarden–Rødby crossing, as often as every 30 minutes
- Also Rostock–Gedser across the western Baltic
- Operates the world's largest fleet of hybrid ferries
About
About Scandlines
Scandlines runs the high-frequency ferry shuttles across the western Baltic between Germany and Denmark. Formed in 1998 from the merger of Danish and German ferry operations and now privately owned, it is a European leader in hybrid ferries.
Two busy crossings
Its flagship route links Puttgarden and Rødby on the Hamburg–Copenhagen "Bird Flight Line," a 45-minute crossing running as often as every half hour; a second, longer route connects Rostock and Gedser. Together they form a key road corridor between northern Germany and the Danish islands.
Hybrid fleet
Scandlines operates what it calls the world's largest fleet of hybrid ferries — double-ended diesel-electric ships such as Prinsesse Benedikte, Deutschland, Berlin and Copenhagen, the last two fitted with rotor sails — and has added a new battery-electric zero-emission ferry on the Puttgarden–Rødby route. Fares are in euros; the ships also carry the popular BorderShop retail.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was Scandlines founded?
Scandlines was founded in 1998, and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Where does Scandlines sail?
Scandlines operates 4 ferry routes and serves 4 ports in Germany, including Gedser, Puttgarden (Fehmarn), Rødby (Lolland), Rostock.
Can I take a car on Scandlines ferries?
Yes — Scandlines operates vehicle-carrying ferries on some routes. Book vehicle space in advance, especially in peak season, and check the specific crossing for size limits.
What facilities are available on Scandlines ferries?
Scandlines ferries typically offer Hybrid diesel-electric ferries, Rotor sails, BorderShop retail, Vehicle decks, Battery-electric ferry. Facilities vary by vessel and route — check the specific sailing for details.
How early should I arrive for a Scandlines ferry?
Arrive at the terminal at least 30–60 minutes before a Scandlines departure as a foot passenger, and allow longer with a vehicle. Boarding and check-in times vary by port and route — confirm with Scandlines.
How do I find Scandlines ferry times?
Browse the live timetables for every Scandlines route on this page. Schedules are updated as the operator publishes them — always confirm with Scandlines before travelling, as sailings change seasonally.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub.
Contact & booking
Help us keep schedules accurate — we read every report.