Denmark · Ærø & the South Funen island ferries
South Funen ferry routes & schedules
The South Funen Archipelago — Det Sydfynske Øhav — is Denmark's gentlest island landscape, a scatter of low, green islands in the sea south of Funen. Ferries from Svendborg and Faaborg are the way through it, out to beloved Ærø and the tiny island communities that a bridge will never reach.
- 14
- Connections
- 3
- Operators
- 10
- Quays
- 58m
- Avg crossing
About
Ferry travel in South Funen
Ferries to Ærø & the little islands
The star of the archipelago is Ærø, reached by car ferry from Svendborg to Ærøskøbing, from Faaborg to Søby, and from Als to Søby. Ærøskøbing and Marstal are picture-book harbour towns, and the island is a favourite for cyclists — see our guide to taking a bicycle on a ferry. Alongside Ærø, small passenger ferries from Svendborg and Faaborg serve the miniature islands of Lyø, Avernakø, Skarø, Drejø and Hjortø — some with only a handful of year-round residents.
Home of the world's largest electric ferry
Ærø has quietly become a green-transport pioneer. The E-ferry Ellen, sailing the Søby–Fynshav crossing, was on its launch the largest all-electric ferry in the world, running the route on battery power alone. It's a fitting symbol for an island that aims to be self-sufficient in renewable energy — and a genuinely modern way to arrive.
Quays
Ferry quays in South Funen
10 quays with published connections. Open a quay for every route that calls there.
At a glance
Which South Funen crossings run most often?
The busiest published crossings, ranked by number of listed sailings.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Svendborg Færgehavn → Ærøskøbing Havn (færge) | 15m | 11 / wk | 1 |
| Ærøskøbing Havn (færge) → Svendborg Færgehavn | 1h 15m | 11 / wk | 1 |
| Hjortø Havn (færge) → Svendborg Færgehavn | 1h | 9 / wk | 1 |
| Svendborg Færgehavn → Hjortø Havn (færge) | 1h | 9 / wk | 1 |
| Marstal Havn (færge) → Rudkøbing Havn (færge) | 50m | 7 / wk | 1 |
| Rudkøbing Havn (færge) → Marstal Havn (færge) | 50m | 7 / wk | 1 |
| Fynshav Havn (færge) → Søby Havn (Ærø Kommune) | 55m | 6 / wk | 1 |
| Søby Havn (Ærø Kommune) → Fynshav Havn (færge) | 1h | 6 / wk | 1 |
| Drejø Havn (færge) → Skarø Havn (færge) | 30m | 5 / wk | 1 |
| Svendborg Færgehavn → Skarø Havn (færge) | 30m | 5 / wk | 1 |
| Skarø Havn (færge) → Drejø Havn (færge) | 35m | 5 / wk | 1 |
| Skarø Havn (færge) → Svendborg Færgehavn | 45m | 5 / wk | 1 |
Timetables
Ferry routes in South Funen
14 routes departing South Funen.
Svendborg Færgehavn3 routes
Skarø Havn (færge)2 routes
Søby Havn (Ærø Kommune)2 routes
Ærøskøbing Havn (færge)1 route
Drejø Havn (færge)1 route
Faaborg Havn (færge)1 route
Fynshav Havn (færge)1 route
Hjortø Havn (færge)1 route
Marstal Havn (færge)1 route
Rudkøbing Havn (færge)1 route
Operators
Who runs the ferries in South Funen?
Guides
Planning ferry travel in South Funen
Practical guides to fares, booking and the crossings worth building a trip around.
- Danish Island Ferries: Ærø & the South Funen ArchipelagoThe South Funen Archipelago is Denmark's loveliest island-ferry landscape. Here's how to reach Ærø, ride the electric ferry Ellen and explore the tiny islands by boat and bike.
- Taking a Bicycle on a Ferry in Europe: Fees, Booking and Deck RulesBike-on-ferry fees, when you must reserve, how bikes are secured on the car deck, plus operator notes for the Channel, Greece, Croatia and Scandinavia.
- How to Take a Car on a Ferry: A Complete GuideEverything you need to know about driving onto a ferry — booking vehicle space, what to do at the terminal, and how to board safely.
- Foot Passenger vs Taking the Car: Which Should You Choose?When it's worth bringing the car onto the ferry and when you're better off as a foot passenger — cost, convenience and what waits on the other side.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Ærø by ferry?
By car ferry from Svendborg to Ærøskøbing, from Faaborg to Søby, or from Als (Fynshav) to Søby. The crossings take roughly an hour; in summer they're busy, so book a car space ahead. Ærø is compact and flat, making it a favourite for cyclists who bring a bike across as foot passengers.
What is the E-ferry Ellen?
Ellen is an all-electric car ferry on the Søby–Fynshav route to Ærø, which at its launch was the largest battery-powered ferry in the world. It crosses on electric power alone, part of Ærø's push to be a renewable-energy island.
How many ferry routes are there in South Funen?
South Funen has 14 ferry and express-boat connections across 10 quays. Each route page lists the timetable, crossing time and operator.
Who operates ferries in South Funen?
Boat and ferry services in South Funen are run by 3 operators, including Svendborg Havn, Færge- og Sundfart, ÆrøXpressen A/S and Ærøfærgerne. Most are part of Denmark's county public-transport network.
How long are ferry crossings in South Funen?
Across South Funen's active crossings the average sailing takes about 58m, while the longest runs roughly 1h 15m. Each route page shows the exact duration.
Explore
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Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated July 19, 2026.