Copenhagen to Hamburg by car
 

I will be driving from Copenhagen to Hamburg on a Friday in July. I can either take the Rodby-Puttgarden ferry or drive through Denmark. How long should this take and which way is quicker?
Thanks
Ken

I can only tell you that the ferry crossing was about 45 minutes the two times I've taken it; allow extra time for loading and unloading.

I usually opt for the Puttgarden - Roedby route.
The ferries are quick - 45 min. crossing with departures every 30 min. You won't wait long.
Including the ferry segment, driving time should not exceed 4.5 hours.
I like the feeling of slowing down and unwinding the ferry gives me.
Taking the land connection via the island of Fyn (toll bridge) will take about the same time, but it is actually more of a hassle, as it is much longer mileage and you have to keep driving all the time. Plus, there is the danger of traffic jams, which is not that relevant on the ferry crossing.

Hi K,

I like the ferry crossings.

You get a very good buffet, especially on the Danish ferries.

((I))

PS,

A July Friday can have a lot of traffic on the roads.

((I))

You may find a lot of the folks on the ferry are shopping rather than eating but whatever floats your boat.

I agree that it is a nice break from the road.

There's no difference in the buffet of either the two German or the two Danish ferries. They are all operated by German/Danish JV Scandlines.

ira wrote: "A July Friday can have a lot of traffic on the roads."

I plan to leave Copenhagen about 8 or 9am. Would I avoid the traffic then?

thanks
Ken

TTT

I would also opt 100% for the Puttgarden/Roedby ferry. The ferry ride is relatively short and quite pleasant. If the weather is nice, you can go on deck and take in the breeze. In July, I would definitely reserve a place on the ferry. It will save you from waiting. On the way down to Hamburg, you can stop on Femarn Island, or on Timmendorfer Strand for a break if you like, quite lovely places.

When you leave the Copenhagen area, the roads are not crowded at all and you can make good time to Roedby. You can get held up in Roedby if you don't have a ferry reservation in the summer. When you land on the other side, in Puttgarden, you will go through some of Germany's most uninhabited beachy countryside. Then as you approach Lübeck, you will notice that the traffic will pick up. Once you approach the outer Hamburg metropolitan area, you will be back in the "real world" and out of the pristine nature which really surrounds you most of the way on this trip.

But do take the ferry instead of the roads through Denmark. We lived in Hamburg and vacationed in Sweden often, this is the best way to go.