Live status and weather
Is the ferry running today? The next departures, where to see cancellations, wind and road conditions, and your rights if a departure is cancelled.
Next departures Rostock - Gedser
The scheduled departures for your date. A cancelled departure shows up first in Scandlines' departure list.
Rostock-Gedser ferry today: where to find the status
Table of Contents
Between Rostock and Gedser, the ferries take around two hours across the open Baltic Sea, up to ten times a day in each direction. If a departure is cancelled, the next one is often more than an hour later. That's why it pays to look at the status before you set off for the port. This page shows where a cancellation appears first, where to see wind and road conditions on both sides, and what a delay means for you. The next departures are at the top of this page, and all times for another date are in the timetable.
Where cancellations appear first
Two places at Scandlines show how the ferries are running:
- The departure list. It shows the day's departures for Rostock-Gedser and Puttgarden-Rødby on one page; make sure you are looking at the right direction, Rostock-Gedser or Gedser-Rostock. A cancelled departure is marked there.
- Customer service, with its page on delayed and cancelled ferries. It explains what applies in the event of a cancellation and how to get your ticket refunded.
At the port, the staff at the yellow check-in lane can help you.
Wind and sea conditions
Storms, ice and high or low water can cause departures to be delayed or cancelled; the timetable times are typical values. The evening before you travel, three things are worth a look:
- the marine forecast from the German Weather Service (DWD) for the western Baltic Sea,
- the wind forecast from the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI), plus its marine forecast for the western Baltic Sea,
- the severe weather warnings from DWD and DMI for the coast near Rostock and for Falster.
On a day with a storm warning, note the departure after yours as a backup and expect a longer crossing.
Road conditions on both sides
In Rostock, you reach the Überseehafen via its own elevated road directly from the A19 and A20; tips on the approach and the terminal are on the Rostock ferry port page.
On the Danish side, the road authority Vejdirektoratet reports roadworks, accidents and closures on its live traffic map. This helps for the route from Gedser across Falster to Zealand and Copenhagen, described on the Gedser page.
Delays and cancellations: your rights
The crossing is covered by the EU regulation on the rights of passengers travelling by sea and inland waterway. The rights apply to tickets for a specific departure:
- Departure cancelled or delayed by more than 90 minutes: you choose between alternative transport to your destination at the earliest opportunity and a refund of the ticket price. This also applies if the weather is the reason.
- Waiting time over 90 minutes: you are entitled to snacks and meals, as far as they are available at the port.
- Delayed arrival: on this crossing, a delay of 60 minutes or more entitles you to compensation of 25 percent of the ticket price, and two hours or more to 50 percent.
- Weather: if the weather endangers safe operation, there is no compensation. You still have the choice between a later crossing and a refund.
To claim a refund or compensation, contact customer service. How to change or cancel a ticket you no longer want to use yourself is explained on the Ticket types page.
FAQ
Common questions about delays, wind and cancellations
Is the Rostock-Gedser ferry running today? +
Look at Scandlines' departure list; it shows Rostock-Gedser and Puttgarden-Rødby on one page, and a cancelled departure is marked there. If your departure is listed without a notice, it runs as shown in the timetable.
Is the ferry cancelled in a storm? +
It can happen. Storms, ice and high or low water can delay or cancel departures, and the crossing can also take longer in bad weather. If there is a storm warning, take a look at the marine forecast and the departure list the evening before.
Do I get money back if the ferry is delayed? +
Under the EU regulation on passenger rights in maritime transport, a delay of 60 minutes or more on this crossing entitles you to 25 percent of the ticket price, and a delay of two hours or more to 50 percent. This requires a ticket for a specific departure. If the weather endangers safe operation, there is no compensation.
What happens if my departure is cancelled? +
You can choose between a later crossing and a refund of the ticket price. This applies to cancellations and to delays of more than 90 minutes, including in bad weather. Contact customer service to arrange it.
How long does the crossing take in bad weather? +
Normally around two hours for 52 kilometres. In wind and rough seas the crossing sometimes takes longer; if you have a connection in Gedser or Rostock, allow a little extra time.