Ferry from Germany to Denmark: the crossing to the Øresund Bridge

Reaching the Øresund Bridge

Are you travelling by car to Sweden and want to know which route is the fastest and most logical to reach Denmark? On this page, you can read how to cross most easily from Germany to Denmark and then drive directly on to the Øresund Bridge towards Malmö. You get the main options, their benefits, and when to choose which route.

Why choose a crossing to Denmark?

The fastest way to reach Sweden is via Denmark. You can of course drive entirely overland via the German A7 and then the Danish Great Belt Bridge, but that costs many extra miles and toll. A ferry from Germany to Denmark is therefore often smarter, faster, and cheaper.

The most popular and fastest route is Puttgarden to Rødby. You drive directly into Denmark and are quickly on the E47 towards Copenhagen and the Øresund Bridge. An alternative option is Rostock to Gedser, ideal if you are travelling from Eastern Germany.

Via Puttgarden and Rødby is in practice often the fastest route towards the Øresund Bridge. This option is also regularly cheaper because you avoid the toll of the Great Belt Bridge with the ferry and thus save on total travel costs.

If you want to skip Denmark and the bridge entirely, there are also direct alternative routes to Sweden. Especially if you want to travel directly to Sweden, this is often a simpler and cheaper choice.

Puttgarden to Rødby: the fastest route

The Scandlines ferry in Puttgarden harbour towards Røby.

The route Puttgarden Rødby is the most famous and most used connection between Germany and Denmark. The ferry departs throughout the day and the crossing takes about 45 minutes. It is an ideal combination of convenience and speed.

Benefits of Puttgarden to Rødby

• You save a lot of driving time
• You avoid traffic around Hamburg (depending on your approach)
• You drive straight on to the Øresund Bridge via the E47
• High frequency, so hardly any waiting times
• Bookable as a combo ticket with the Øresund Bridge.

After arriving in Rødby you drive via the E47 towards Copenhagen. From there you reach the Øresund Bridge within an hour. This route is by far the most efficient choice for travellers who want to get to Sweden quickly.

💡 Tip: Copenhagen is an ideal stopover before you cross the Øresund Bridge. You can get there quickly from Rødby and it is a nice place to pause for a moment.View all sights of Copenhagen here.

Rostock to Gedser: the logical alternative

The connection Rostock Gedser is quieter and fits especially well if you are travelling from the east of Germany, Poland or the Czech Republic. The crossing takes longer than Puttgarden Rødby, but you still end up perfectly on the route to Copenhagen and the Øresund Bridge.

Benefits of the crossing from Rostock to Gedser

• Less crowded
• Convenient when travelling from Berlin or Dresden
• Comfortable crossing with more time on boar
• Bookable as a combo ticket with the Øresund Bridge.

After arriving in Gedser you drive via the E55 towards Copenhagen. The connection to the Øresund Bridge is clear and simple.

Travelling without a ferry via the Great Belt Bridge

You can also reach Denmark entirely overland. You drive via the German A7 to Jutland and then over the Storebælt Bridge (Great Belt Bridge) towards Copenhagen. It is not the fastest route, but a clear and predictable journey without being dependent on ferry services.

This option is ideal for travellers who suffer from seasickness or prefer to avoid the ferry. You have no waiting times, no waves and you drive in one smooth line to the Øresund Bridge. Do take into account extra miles and the toll you pay for the Great Belt Bridge.

Want to know more about the route and toll costs? View our page about the Great Belt Bridge.

Choose the right route

• Choose Puttgarden Rødby when you want to get to Denmark and the Øresund Bridge as quickly as possible.
• Choose Rostock Gedser if you are coming from Eastern Germany or want a quieter journey.
• Choose via the Great Belt Bridge when you do not want to be dependent on a ferry.

All three routes eventually connect to Copenhagen. From there you drive easily over the Øresund Bridge to Malmö or further into Sweden.

Via Denmark to Sweden: useful routes

Travelling through Denmark to Sweden? If you are coming from northern Jutland or driving north on the E45, the Aarhus Odden ferry is a handy shortcut to Zealand. The crossing over the Kattegat takes about an hour and a half and saves you around 200 kilometres of driving via the Great Belt Bridge. From Odden you are in Copenhagen in just over an hour, and from there it is a short drive to the Øresund Bridge. Would you rather avoid Copenhagen, or are you heading for Gothenburg and the Swedish west coast? Then take the short Helsingør Helsingborg ferry north of the city.