Check-in for the Rostock-Gedser ferry

By car, motorhome or motorbike

With a vehicle you check in straight from the car and follow the signs at the terminal.

• Timing: be at check-in at least 15 minutes before departure, and better 30 to 45 minutes in peak season.
• Lanes: the blue lane is automated self-service for vehicles with a registered number plate. The yellow lane is staffed - for motorhomes, trailer combinations, travellers with reduced mobility and anyone arriving without a booking who wants to buy a ticket on site.
• Process: in the blue lane a camera system reads your number plate, or you enter your booking number at the machine; you then receive your boarding pass. At the yellow lane counter you present your booking confirmation or buy a ticket, and staff print the boarding passes. After that the crew directs you into the waiting area, and you board once your row is called forward.

Clearance on the vehicle decks is 4.60 metres on the lower and 4.20 metres on the upper deck. Declare your vehicle's dimensions correctly when booking and check-in stays a formality.

By bike

Cyclists do not check in like foot passengers but through the vehicle lanes: in Rostock, ride into the yellow lane at least 30 minutes before departure, where staff process you, and board across the ramp like the cars. In Gedser, take your bike to the gangway building, scan or buy your ticket there and wait at the bicycle entrance; 15 minutes before departure is enough. A small bicycle surcharge applies on top of the passenger ticket.

On foot

Without a vehicle you use the passenger terminal.

• Timing: in Rostock check in up to 30 minutes before departure, because the terminal shuttle bus leaves for the ship about 20 minutes ahead. In Gedser 15 minutes is enough, as a passenger bridge leads on board.
• Boarding: at the counter you present your booking confirmation or ticket - buying on site is possible - and receive a boarding pass. In Rostock the free shuttle bus then takes you to the ship. How to reach the terminals in the first place is described on Rostock Port & Ferry Terminal and Gedser Port & Ferry Terminal.

With reduced mobility

State what you need when booking and use the staffed yellow lane; automated check-in is not available in that case. Try to be at the port 30 minutes before departure. The crew will place your vehicle near the lift and the accessible facilities where possible - the number of such bays is limited, and on very busy sailings the operator cannot guarantee one.

Coaches and groups

Coach travellers use dedicated check-in lanes, and the driver handles the process for everyone on board. Groups without a vehicle are best checking in together and early, and announcing themselves in advance.

Sources and Date

Deadlines and lanes were checked on 10 August 2026 against the Scandlines page on check-in at Rostock and Gedser. Information for travellers with reduced mobility comes from Scandlines and the accessible ferry terminal information from ROSTOCK PORT. Check the deadline in your booking again before travelling to the port.