The ferry from Gedser to Rostock

Gedser lies at Denmark's southern tip, and for many travellers that is exactly what it is: the last stop before heading home. The return works differently from the outward journey: shorter distances at the terminal, a different boarding route for foot passengers, and a motorway rather than a holiday destination waiting at the other end.

Departure times are in the timetable and fares on the Prices & Fares page, as both change frequently.

Getting to Gedser ferry port

The terminal is at Jernbanevejen 1, 4874 Gedser, at the end of the road through the village. From Copenhagen and Zealand you take the E55, around 150 kilometres or a good two hours. From Nykøbing Falster it is about another 25 kilometres on the same road. From Sweden, the route leads across the Øresund Bridge and through Copenhagen onto the same road.

The last few kilometres are clearly signposted; from Gedser, follow the signs for "Rostock" to the port. Without a car, take Movia bus 740 from Nykøbing Falster station; its terminus, Gedser Færgehavn, is right at the terminal. The bus runs less often in the evening and at weekends, so check the connection for your travel day. For more on getting there, see the Gedser Port & Ferry Terminal page.

Check-in and boarding in Gedser

Check-in opens two hours before departure and closes 15 minutes beforehand. Plan to be at the port at least 30 minutes before departure.

• With a vehicle: the blue lane is for cars up to 6 metres, where you check in at the machine. The yellow lane is staffed and is for longer vehicles, motorhomes, cars with trailers or caravans, motorcycles, travellers with reduced mobility, paying in cash and anyone arriving without a booking.
• On foot: check in at the passenger terminal, then walk on board across the passenger bridge. Unlike in Rostock, you do not need a shuttle bus, which is why 15 minutes is enough here.
• By bike: scan or buy your ticket at the gangway building, wait at the bicycle entrance and ride on board across the vehicle ramp.

Keep your booking confirmation and a valid ID to hand. Details are on the check-in page.

Tickets and fares for the return

If your return date is fixed, the cheapest online fare is the right choice; it is tied to the booked departure. If the date might still change, the Flex fare is worth it, because you can rebook free of charge. In between is the Standard fare, which is valid for all departures on your travel day: if you miss the planned ferry, you take the next one.

If you have already booked the outward trip, the return is often already included in your ticket: return and day tickets cover both directions. The Prices & Fares page lists the ticket types and what they include; you can buy at the port, but it costs considerably more than online.

The crossing to Rostock

The hybrid ferries M/S Berlin and M/S Copenhagen sail on this route, both with a restaurant, cafeteria, coffee bar, Travel Shop and free Wi-Fi. Two hours is enough for a meal without rushing; there are no cabins on this route. Payment on board is cashless, which is handy on the way back: you do not need to use up your Danish kroner.

If you are travelling with a dog or cat, special rules apply on board; see the Travelling with Pets page. For the technology, decks and on-board facilities of both ships, see Scandlines and the Ships on the Route.

Arrival and onward travel from Rostock

After docking, disembarking takes a few minutes, depending on your deck and how busy the ship is. From the terminal in the Überseehafen, a four-lane access road leads straight onto the A19; at the Rostock motorway interchange you join the A20 towards Lübeck or Stralsund. Berlin is around 250 kilometres away, Hamburg about 200.

Without a car, the free shuttle bus takes you from the ship to the passenger terminal. From there, take the bus to the S-Bahn and on to the main station, about 40 minutes for the whole journey. Details are on the Rostock Port & Ferry Terminal page.

Checklist for the return

• Check your departure in the timetable the day before, especially in the off-season
• Booking number and ID to hand
• Enough fuel or charge for the onward journey from Rostock
• At least 30 minutes to spare at the terminal
• Pet documents if your dog or cat is travelling with you
• Keep an eye on traffic on the A19 and A20 for the onward journey