Baltic ferry
Kiel - Klaipėda
With DFDS overnight from Kiel direct to Klaipėda in Lithuania, your gateway to the Baltics
- 6 departures a week, almost daily in the evening from Kiel
- Direct connection in around 21 hours with DFDS from Kiel's Ostuferhafen
- Cars, motorhomes and pets on board, cabins for the overnight crossing
Direct to the Baltics
Overnight with DFDS from Germany to Lithuania
The Kiel - Klaipėda route connects Kiel's Ostuferhafen with Klaipėda in Lithuania in around 21 hours across the Baltic Sea. DFDS sails six times a week, almost daily, departing in the evening and arriving the next day, making the route a pure overnight crossing for which a cabin is worthwhile. The Victoria Seaways and the Regina Seaways operate on the line, with a buffet restaurant, café, bar and duty-free shop on board.
Klaipėda is the gateway to the Baltics. From the central ferry terminal you can reach the Curonian Spit, the seaside resorts around Palanga, and the cities of Vilnius and Kaunas.
- Crossing
- around 21 hrs
- Operator
- DFDS
- Frequency
- 6× a week
- From price
- €17
Next departures
Route guide
Kiel - Klaipėda ferry overview
Everything about the Kiel - Klaipėda route with DFDS: getting to the Ostuferhafen, check-in times, facilities on board, vehicle and pet rules, and onward travel from Klaipėda into the Baltics.
Getting there and the Kiel terminal
DFDS departs Kiel from the Ostuferhafen, not from the Schwedenkai or Norwegenkai on the city-centre side. As your sat-nav destination enter Ostuferhafen 15, 24149 Kiel; on site, follow the "Ostufer" and "Ostuferhafen" signs on the main roads. Check-in takes place in the terminal building for all passengers.
If you're arriving as a foot passenger without a car, take bus line 11 or 60S from Kiel Hauptbahnhof towards Dietrichsdorf to the Grenzstraße stop; from there it's about 800 metres on foot to the terminal. You can park in a pay car park at the terminal, which applies to both short- and long-term parking.
Check-in and departure
Check-in opens for all passengers six hours before departure and closes 90 minutes before departure. This deadline applies equally to travellers with and without a vehicle, so allow plenty of buffer, as latecomers won't be processed. At the terminal, first take a number from the machine and then wait to be called to the check-in desk.
Carry a valid ID document - a national ID card or passport is enough - along with your booking confirmation and, where relevant, the documents for your vehicle and pet. The ferry departs Kiel in the evening and reaches Klaipėda the next day; since Lithuania is one hour ahead of Central European Time, local time shifts accordingly on arrival.
On board
The Victoria Seaways and the Regina Seaways sail on this route. On board you'll find the 7 Seas Buffet restaurant, the Lighthouse Café, the Navigator's Bar, a duty-free shop and a Kids' Club. Since this is a pure overnight crossing, it makes sense to book a cabin: choose from comfortable Commodore cabins and various standard inside and outside cabins, or alternatively travel in a reclining seat or with a deck ticket.
Klaipėda, like the whole of Lithuania, is in the eurozone, so you pay in euros on board and at your destination and don't need any foreign currency.
Vehicle, bike and pets
Cars up to around 2.7 metres in height, motorcycles, motorhomes and caravans, and bicycles are all carried; the fare rises with your vehicle's length, so enter the dimensions correctly when booking. If you're travelling by camper, you'll find the details in the guide Motorhome. The car deck is closed during the crossing, so you can't stay in your vehicle.
Pets are welcome on board. DFDS offers pet-friendly cabins on the Kiel - Klaipėda route, where you stay with your pet for the whole trip and can take it onto the open deck as needed; in the suitable four-berth outside cabins up to two medium-sized dogs are allowed. These cabins can only be booked by phone. All the rules and required entry documents are covered in the guide Dogs and pets.
Arrival in Klaipėda and onward travel
In Klaipėda the ferry docks at the central ferry terminal on Baltijos pr. 40, slightly north of the old town. It's around 30 minutes by bus to the central train and bus station; book taxis at the ship's reception desk or the check-in counter in the terminal.
Klaipėda is the gateway to the Baltics: across the Curonian Lagoon a short port ferry takes you to Smiltynė on the Curonian Spit, and the seaside resort of Palanga lies around 30 kilometres to the north. By car you can reach Kaunas and the capital Vilnius (around 300 kilometres) in a single day's travel, as can neighbouring Latvia with Riga. Since Lithuania is part of the EU and the Schengen area, you continue your journey without customs formalities.
Tickets and fares
DFDS offers the crossing including a car; the final price is determined by cabin category, travel date and occupancy. You'll generally travel most cheaply by booking early and choosing off-peak times outside the high season. The current prices for your travel date are shown in the booking window.
FAQ Kiel - Klaipėda
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Kiel - Klaipėda ferry connection with DFDS
How long does the ferry from Kiel to Klaipėda take?+
The crossing from Kiel to Klaipėda takes around 21 hours. The ferry departs Kiel in the evening and reaches Klaipėda the next day. Note that Lithuania is in the Eastern European time zone, one hour ahead of Central European Time.
How often does the ferry run and when does it depart?+
DFDS offers 6 departures a week on this route, so almost daily. The ferries leave Kiel's Ostuferhafen in the evening. The specific departure days and times for your travel date can be found in our timetable.
Which operator and ships run on the route?+
The route is operated by the Danish ferry company DFDS. The ships Victoria Seaways and Regina Seaways are deployed on the route.
How much does the ferry from Kiel to Klaipėda cost?+
The price depends on the cabin category, travel date and occupancy. A one-way fare includes your car; the current from-price for your travel date is shown in the booking window. Booking early and flexibly usually gets you the best fare. Compare all fares on the Prices page.
Can I take my car or motorhome on the ferry?+
Yes, you can bring a car, motorhome, caravan or motorcycle; enter the vehicle dimensions correctly when booking. Details for travelling with a camper are in our guide Motorhome. During the crossing the car deck stays closed for safety reasons.
Can I bring my pet?+
Yes, dogs and other pets are welcome on board. DFDS offers pet-friendly cabins on the Kiel - Klaipėda route, where you stay with your pet for the whole crossing; these can only be booked by phone. All the rules and required entry documents such as the EU pet passport are covered under Dogs and pets.
What facilities are on board the ferries?+
On board you'll find the 7 Seas Buffet restaurant, the Lighthouse Café, the Navigator's Bar, a duty-free shop and a Kids' Club. For the overnight crossing you can choose between comfortable Commodore cabins and various standard cabins; if you don't book a cabin, you travel in a reclining seat or with a deck ticket.