Getting to Copenhagen by ferry
You have many options if you want to travel by ferry to Copenhagen. There is currently only one direct crossing available by ferry to Copenhagen: the ferry from Oslo (Norway) to Copenhagen, but there are numerous other options to get to Copenhagen. If you travel from Sweden, you can make use of the Oresundbridge. If you're travelling from Germany, you'll first have to get to Sjaelland (Copenhagen's Island) via the Puttgarden-Rodby ferry or the Rostock-Gedser crossing and drive up to Copenhagen.
There are more alternatives to get to Copenhagen, which we will highlight on this page.
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Ferry to Copenhagen – route map
The map with ferry routes provides an overview of the various routes to Copenhagen and Denmark. At the moment of writing there is one direct connection to Copenhagen. But there are many good alternatives which involve a short drive after the ferry from Germany, Norway and Sweden.
Ferry to Copenhagen information
Travelling by ferry to Copenhagen is an excellent way to get to the Danish capital well-rested. There are many ways to get to Copenhagen; in this overview, you'll only find the most logical options.
As mentioned, there is a direct connection by ferry from Oslo to Copenhagen. Travelling from Sweden and living near Malmö, you can use the Oresundbridge crossing from Malmö to Copenhagen.
When travelling from Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, France or most other European countries, it would make sense to travel via the Puttgarden-Rodby ferry to the Sjaelland region and drive there to Copenhagen.
Travelling to Copenhagen from Norway (via Denmark)
There is a direct crossing from Oslo, but it can be easier to travel from via one of the other ferries to Copenhagen. When you live in or near Kristiansand, Langesund, Bergen or Larvik you can take a ferry to Hirtshals and get from there by car to Copenhagen. Eventually, with another crossing on the Aarhus-Odden ferry, you can also drive from North Denmark to Copenhagen.
Alternatively, you could take the highway/bridge route from Hirtshals to Sweden via the Öresund Bridge, which is a fantastic option if you need to travel to southern Sweden.
Hirtshals-Stavanger
The ferry from Hirtshals to Stavanger is a daily crossing of 10.5 hours operated by Fjord Line. When you sail on this ferry you'll be in Norway from Denmark or vice versa in 10,5 hours. As this is a night crossing you'll find comfortable cabins and some good entertainment and restaurants aboard.
Hirtshals-Bergen
The ferry from Hirtshals to Bergen also stops in Stavanger. In the past it was also possible to take the Newcastle - Bergen ferry, but that one isn't sailing anymore. With this night crossing from Denmark to Bergen you will be in Bergen in 16,5 hours. Aboard you'll find comfortable cabins and some good entertainment
Hirtshals-Larvik
Hirtshals-Kristiansand
On the Hirtshals-Kristiansand route, two shipping companies operate with fairly fast boats. Colorline sails in 3 hours and 15 minutes and Fjordline in 2 hours and 15 minutes. Which one can you choose best?
Copenhagen-Oslo
The boat from Copenhagen to Oslo is a night trip from shipping company DFDS that makes a stopover in Frederikshavn. The type of ship falls under the category of cruise ferries, so there is a lot to do on board.
Hirtshals-Langesund
Frederikshavn-Oslo
Travelling to Copenhagen from Sweden (via Denmark)
When you travel from Sweden to Copenhagen, there is a big chance the most logical route would be via the Oresundbridge in Malmö to Copenhagen. But the Helsingborg-Helsingor crossing could also make sense if you live a bit more up to the North of Sweden. And if the Gothenburg-Frederikshavn crossing would be a good option, you don't want to spend too much time on a ferry if you live a bit more in the North of Sweden.
Helsingor-Helsingborg
Oresund Bridge Copenhagen Malmo
Frederikshavn-Göteborg
The ferry between the Danish city Frederikshavn and the Swedish Capital Göteborg is the ferry Frederikshavn-Göteborg. This ferry brings you in 3 hours and mins from Denmark to Sweden and vice versa. A cheap and fast ferry connection that is operated by Stena Line.
Travelling to Copenhagen from Germany (via Denmark)
Travelling from the European continent to Copenhagen, you'll have to cross via Germany. From Germany, two ferries sail to Sjaelland, the Island on the way to Copenhagen. If you want to take a shortcut, these crossings from Puttgarden to Rodby and Rostock Gedser are your options. You can also drive the whole route via the Danish Highways.
Rostock-Gedser
If you’re looking for a swift and scenic way to sail from Germany to Denmark, hop on board the Scandlines ferry from Rostock to Gedser. In just two hours, you’ll glide across the Baltic Sea and arrive at your destination, ready to explore the wonders of Scandinavia.
Puttgarden-Rødby
The Puttgarden-Rodby connection, operated by Scandlines, offers the quickest crossing between Denmark and Germany, with a ferry ride lasting just 45 minutes.
Timetable, availability, and compare prices
Looking for a ferry crossing to Copenhagen? With our online booking module, it's never been easier to find and book your desired route. Simply enter your departure port, destination, and travel dates, and our system will display the best routes and possible alternatives.
You can easily compare prices and schedules to choose the ferry that fits your needs and budget. With hassle-free booking and secure payment options, you can focus on planning your journey and enjoying your trip to Copenhagen. Have a great journey!
Book your ferry ticket early to save money and secure your desired crossing
Booking your ferry tickets as soon as possible is the best way to save money and secure your desired crossing. As more passengers book their spots, the price of ferry tickets increases. By booking early, you can take advantage of lower prices and avoid the disappointment of a fully booked ferry.
Frequently Asked Questions: ferry to Copenhagen
There is no direct ferry crossing from the UK to Copenhagen. We have a guide on how to get from the UK to Denmark by ferry, though. In short: you'll first have to cross from the UK to France or the Netherlands and then drive through Germany and take the ferry there to Denmark.
If we had to make a top list of the best ferry crossings to Copenhagen, then we would list these ferries:
As you can see, there is just one direct ferry to Copenhagen – the others bring you to the vicinity of Copenhagen, so you'll have to make the rest of the trip by car or public transport.
Use our ferry guides and maps
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