Ferry Helgoland - Prices, timetable 2023 & departure locations!

Heligoland consists of two Islands, the Main island Heligoland and the smaller island of Dune, and is located about 70 kilometers from the mainland. Known for its unique red cliffs, crystal clear waters and diverse marine life, the island is a popular destination for the Day trip and for Vacationers at the North Sea. If you are planning a trip and wondering how to get to the high seas island. Heligoland-Ferry the most comfortable and pleasant way to travel, apart from a 20 minute Flight. Tickets can be purchased in advance online.

Between Helgoland and the mainland ports of Hamburg, Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven and Büsum, there are services several ferry companies (4 shipping companies). The sailing time varies depending on the port of departure and weather conditions. As a rule, the journey lasts Crossing between 2 and 3 hours. The Cost of a ferry ticket are different. They depend on the port of departure and the season. In general, the start Prices at about 41€ for a one-way trip. Some ports offer parking on the premises, others parking nearby or on the street.

• Prices of the 4 shipping companies

• Shipping companies timetable 2023

• Parking spaces

• Buy ticket online

The Helgoland Airport or Helgoland-Düne Airport is located on the smaller of the two Islands, of which it consists. The airport is small, with only one runway and one terminal building, but it is visited by many tourists throughout the year. Visitors can reach the island from a number of airports in Germany, including Hamburg, Bremen, Berlin and Munich. Flights are operated by a number of airlines, including Eurowings, Air Hamburg and OFD Ostfriesischer-Flug-Dienst.

How much does a flight to Helgoland cost?

The cost of a flight to Helgoland can vary depending on the airline and the time of year. Generally, the earlier you book your flight, the cheaper it is. On average, a one-way ticket from Hamburg to Helgoland costs between €50 and €100, depending on the airline and when you book. A one-way ticket from Bremen can cost between €80 and €130.

A flight may be a bit more expensive than a boat trip, but it is undoubtedly the fastest and most convenient option. The flight time from Hamburg is only 20 minutes, while flights from Bremen take about 35 minutes. This means that you can spend more time seeing the North Sea island to explore, and less time with the journey.

The Cassen Eils shipping company, based in Cuxhaven, offers a scheduled service to the island of Helgoland with its fleet. Currently, the ferries MS "Helgoland" operate from Cuxhaven, MS "Fair Lady" alternately from Bremerhaven and Hooksiel and MS "Funny Girl" from Büsum. For the sake of completeness, the MS "Flipper" and "WEGA II" should also be mentioned. With them you can North Sea-Vacationers to excursions to the World Heritage Site Wadden Sea set out.

Ferry connection from Cuxhaven to Helgoland

The Cuxhaven-Helgoland ferry service is the only year-round connection between the mainland and the island. Since 2015, the environmentally friendly motor vessel "Helgoland" has been operating daily during the summer season, which runs from the beginning of May to the beginning of November.

In the winter season, the smaller MV "Funny Girl" provides a smooth, although no longer daily ferry service. On holidays in the winter season, as well as in stormy seas, no ferry operates. For those who urgently need to leave the island, the only way is by plane, which departs from the Helgoland dune. More about this later.

The route Cuxhaven-Helgoland is also the shortest connection. The crossing takes only about 2 - 2 ¼ hours.

It is advisable to buy tickets for the crossing before departure. The easiest way to do this is on the Internet or by calling the shipping company Cassen Eils: 04721/667600.

The bottom line is: what are your plans for your trip?

You'll leave from the ferry port in Cuxhaven at 10:15 a.m. if you want to take a day trip. You have three and a half hours to stroll, shop and explore nature. At 4:15 p.m. you return from the south port of Helgoland.

The Day trip costs 44,00 EUR per adult. Children under 4 years ride free of charge, children from 4-14 years pay 24,00 EUR. There are also discounts for the severely disabled, families with children and groups. Dogs are also allowed on the island for 20.00 EUR, but only on the main island. They are prohibited on the dune because of the many seals and seals.

In the winter season the stay is slightly shortened. The ship departs from the ferry port at 10:30 and returns already at 16:00.

It is more relaxed if you take a short vacation and spend a few days on the island. For this you use the seasonal return trip. The ticket costs a little more than the day ticket, but is then valid for 2 months from the outward journey.

The journey to the ferry port:

Now you can get started. Drive by car to the ferry port of Cuxhaven. Enter in the navigation system: Am Fährhafen 4, 27472 Cuxhaven. To find the parking lots, follow the signs "Helgoland parking lot". The opening hours of the parking lots depend on the departure times.

The parking fee is 5,00 EUR per day. In addition, there is the possibility to use the "Helgoland garages". Here the vehicle is parked storm-proof and covered on a closed area during the Helgoland vacation. The fee is currently 4.00 EUR per day plus a one-time parking fee of 6.00 EUR. Please register in advance. However, it is also possible to park without registration. The fee is then 4.50 EUR. Since the pier is not far away, the company offers a free shuttle service. A price worth paying when the sea is choppy. Payment is made when the vehicle is picked up.

If you travel by train to Cuxhaven station, you can take the shuttle bus from the ZOB directly to the ferry terminal.

In general, you should always allow some time for parking and the way to the ferry terminal. You can conveniently check in your luggage directly at the ferry port before your trip and have it transported directly to your hotel for a small surcharge.

Arrival by ferry MS "Helgoland

The MS "Helgoland" was built in 2015 and is the youngest and most modern ship in the Cassen Eils fleet. With a cruising speed of 20 knots, it was specially designed for Helgoland traffic. Stabilizers reduce the rolling of the ship, which often leads to the dreaded seasickness. The ferry is not only equipped with environmentally friendly LNG propulsion technology, but also offers barrier-free travel for the first time: An elevator provides convenient access to each of the three decks.

In total, the ship has room for 1040 passengers. Passengers can also feel like they are on vacation during the crossing. Passengers can either look out at the sea through the panoramic windows or enjoy the wide range of food and drinks in the bar and restaurant. For larger groups or families, it is recommended to reserve a seat, which can be done before departure.

Cheerful and colorful areas invite children to play. Adults who have explored the ship quickly find their place again. Because the ship makes you want to go on a ramble: expressive portrait photos by the well-known Helgoland photographer Franz Schenksy, Helgoland impressions by the still living photographer Lilo Tadday and many other artists hang on the walls.

The walls of the ship glow in the color of the red colored sandstone. The reeds let the thoughts wander to the white sand of the bathing dune. Under the glass plates you can already admire the red Helgoland flint, which was processed into jewelry.

If you want to talk or work undisturbed, you can call the shipping company to reserve one of the eight lounges. Or you can enjoy the crossing in complete relaxation on one of the three sun decks, with sun on your face and wind around your ears.

Since the ferry docks directly in Helgoland's southern harbor, the traditional boarding and disembarking is omitted for the first time on this ferry connection. It arrives at around 12:45 p.m. and passengers leave the ship comfortably via the gangway until it returns to its home port at 4:15 p.m.

Bremerhaven-Helgoland Ferry Service - The Traditional Crossing

In the summer season the MS "Fair Lady" operates alternately from Bremerhaven and Hooksiel. From Bremerhaven, the crossing takes a good 3 hours. She offers space for 799 passengers and has three air-conditioned salons on two decks. Built in 1970, she belongs to the older generation of the fleet and still has the traditional interior. However, this does not detract from the travel pleasure. Those who love nostalgia are in good hands on this ship. The gastronomic offer also takes care of the physical well-being.

Registration is absolutely necessary for this crossing. The fares are slightly cheaper than for the MS "Helgoland" and are also offered as day trips and seasonal return trips.

To start the journey from Bremerhaven, orientate yourself by the sign "Havenwelten". By car you drive to Willy-Brandt-Platz, 27568 Bremerhaven. You can park in the parking garage Havenwelten, the daily rate is currently 7.00 EUR.

The Helgoland ferry departs Bremerhaven at 9:30 a.m., embarkation is possible from one hour before. Around 12:30 p.m. she lies in the roads off Helgoland. On this connection the well-known disembarkation takes place: The crew of the Börteboote picks up the guests, helps them on board and brings them back ashore. A maximum of 50 people can be transported in this way. There is also room in the boats for wheelchairs, baby carriages and larger luggage.

"Welkoam iip lunn" - Welcome to the island - is finally said in Helgoland on the quay wall. Embarkation begins at 3 p.m. and the ship departs punctually at 4 p.m.

Wilhelmshaven to Helgoland: ferry connection now also from Hooksiel

The ferry service from Wilhelmshaven to the Red Island has been discontinued for the 2015 season. Instead, the MS "Fair Lady" will be used for special trips from Hooksiel in Friesland, which is located about 14 kilometers northwest of Wilhelmshaven.

Departures for the 2017 season took place in August/September. Inquiries for the upcoming season, as well as for departure times and ticket prices, are most easily made by contacting the shipping company Cassen Eils at 04721/667600. Since these are selected special trips, it is essential to register with the shipping company.

The ferry to Helgoland departs from Hooksiel "Außenhafen". If you are in Bremerhaven, a bus shuttle will take you from the Seebäderkaje to Hooksiel.

If you travel by car, enter: Hooksiel Außenhafen, 26434 Hooksiel into your navigation device. There you will find free parking for the day.

The crossing from Hooksiel takes about 2 hours. As with the crossing from Bremerhaven, if you are traveling with the MS "Fair Lady", you will be embarked and disembarked.

Ferry from Büsum to Helgoland: the fastest connection from Schleswig-Holstein

The MS "Funny Girl" also operates only in the summer season from Büsum. The "Funny Girl" is the sister ship of the "Fair Lady", but with a year of construction of 1973 three years younger. Currently in 2017, the ship was completely equipped with a chic new interior, which is based on the interior design of the MS "Helgoland". Fresh, bright colors make the belly of the ship shine. Children can pass the time on board in the play paradise "Luftikus".

The on-board catering offers a wide range of dishes such as matje plate, salmon, cheese and sausage rolls and of course a selection of drinks.

The way to the pier is via a large parking lot on the right side of the harbor basin: Helgolandkai, 25761 Büsum. The parking fee is 5,00 EUR per day.

The Büsum ferry is the fastest ferry connection between the High Seas Island and Büsum in Schleswig-Holstein. It reaches the Red Rock in a good 2.5 hours. The passengers of the Büsum ferry can also enjoy the traditional boarding and disembarking.

The ferry connection from Büsum offers the longest stay on the island: The "Funny Girl" departs at 9:30 a.m. and is the first ship to reach the Helgoland roadstead at 11:45 a.m.. It returns punctually at 4:00 p.m., leaving a good 4 hours for a visit to the island.

Just like on the other ships of the Cassen Eils fleet, you buy either a day ticket or a season ticket for a longer stay. Discounts are possible. One-way trips can also be booked at any time.

Ferry Hamburg-Wedel-Cuxhaven-Helgoland: crossing by catamaran

Perhaps the most worth seeing, but in any case the longest crossing is with the catamaran "Halunder Jet" of the Flensburger Förde Reederei Seetouristik (FRS). The Helgoland catamaran sails only in the summer season from 01.04. to 15.10.

The Kat, as it is called for short, is equipped with large panoramic windows and an atrium. Here you can relax and let the scenery pass by. There is air conditioning, a handicapped accessible restroom, free Wi-Fi and tables for board games. For younger guests, there is a children's library on the main deck with children's movies on the screen. And of course, there are coloring sheets and crayons to pass the time on board.

The catamaran has room for 579 passengers. It should be mentioned in advance that the season for the "Halunder Jet" ends on 15.10.2017. He is since 2003 for the FRS Helgoline in service and will be replaced by a new, more modern catamaran from spring 2018 and deployed in North America instead.

The new catamaran can carry 692 passengers, including 12 places for wheelchair users. Demand for fast ferries has risen sharply in recent years. The new model takes this into account. The new ferry to Helgoland will have a more stable ride, which will benefit passenger comfort. Spacious, open decks will also ensure a unique experience at sea.

The new catamaran will call at the ports of Hamburg, Wedel, Cuxhaven and Helgoland.

In any case, it is important to reserve seats before leaving.

The "Halunder Jet" offers three seating categories: Comfort Class on the forward upper deck is equivalent to 1st Class. A separate salon with large panoramic windows offers an unobstructed view forward. Drinks, fruit and the daily newspaper are free of charge in Comfort Class. An adult in this class pays 102.70 euros for the Hamburg-Helgoland-Hamburg route.

In Premium Jet Class, you can also enjoy the flight without restrictions. This class includes window seats and the first rows on the front main deck and the upper deck and costs EUR 87.00 per person.

Jet Class is the classic seating category. It is located on both the main deck and the upper deck and costs EUR 71.20 per person.

All areas are served directly at the seat.

Since the new ticket prices for the catamaran are not yet known, only exemplary ticket prices for the "Halunder Jet" are given here. Discounts for families, children, groups, seniors, etc. are possible. Always inquire how much luggage can be taken for free.

From Hamburg St. Pauli Landungsbrücken

You can freely choose in which port you want to board the ship. If you depart from Hamburg, you have the longest travel time of 3 hours 45 minutes. From Germany's largest seaport you leave already at 9:00 am from St. Pauli Landungsbrücken 3/4. To get there, enter into your navigation system: St. Pauli Landungsbrücken, bridge 3 / 4 (water side), 20359 Hamburg. Parking spaces are available near the Landungsbrücken.

From Hamburg we continue on the Elbe, past old Hamburg buildings, the Blankenese district and the container ports to Wedel.

Stopover Wedel, Willkomm Höft

Here you can board the ship. At 9:40 a.m. you board the ship at the famous ship welcoming station "Willkomm Höft". Here the big boats are greeted with their national anthem and if you are lucky you will also hear the German national anthem welcoming the "Halunder Jet".

The pier is easy to find: Parnaßstr. 29, 22880 Wedel. Directly at the pier there is paid parking for 4,00 EUR per day. Free parking is only possible on foot: about 600 meters from the pier there is parking near the Elbestadion, Schulauer Str. 65. From Wedel the trip to the island takes 3 hours and 5 minutes.

Continue to Cuxhaven, Alte Liebe

The journey continues on the Elbe in the direction of Cuxhaven. Here the catamaran docks at the "Alte Liebe" and continues at 11:30 am. Also at the "Alte Liebe" you can admire the big freighters passing Cuxhaven. A loudspeaker system tells you all kinds of interesting facts about the passing ships. To find the harbor by car, enter: Am Alten Hafen, 27472 Cuxhaven.

Arrival Helgoland, south harbor

From Cuxhaven it is only a stone's throw to Helgoland. The catamaran takes 75 minutes and arrives at Helgoland's southern harbor at 12:45 pm. Disembarkation is not necessary, passengers leave the ferry via a gangway.