
Popular Routes
Compare all three connections to Bornholm.
Prices per person, one way
Bornholm Route Map
All Ferry Routes at a Glance
Interactive map of all ferry connections to the island of Bornholm. Click a route for details.
All Ferry Routes
Ferries from Sweden: Ystad – Rønne
The route from Ystad in southern Sweden to Rønne is the busiest and most important ferry connection to Bornholm. It is operated by Bornholmslinjen and runs at an exceptionally high frequency in peak season – up to 16 crossings a day.
Two types of ferry operate on this route:
- Fast ferries (catamarans), which make the crossing in only around 1 hour 20 minutes and suit travellers who want to reach Bornholm as quickly as possible.
- Conventional ferries (Ro-Pax vessels), which take about 2 hours 30 minutes and offer a calmer crossing with more time to enjoy on-board facilities (such as restaurants or deck views).
Even in the low season, several ferries run each day (typically 3–6 departures daily). The connection is especially popular with holidaymakers already travelling in southern Sweden, or arriving from Copenhagen via the Øresund Bridge. Thanks to its high frequency, short crossing time and flexibility, Ystad–Rønne also works well for spontaneous trip planning.
Ferries from Germany: Sassnitz – Rønne
The ferry connection between Sassnitz (Mukran ferry port on the island of Rügen) and Rønne is the only direct link between Germany and the Danish Baltic island. It is operated by the shipping company Bornholmslinjen. The crossing takes around 3 hours 20 minutes. In the summer months, ferries usually run daily (occasionally up to two departures a day in peak season), while frequency drops noticeably in the low season (often just a few crossings a week).
On this route, Bornholmslinjen operates the modern combined car and passenger ferry M/S Hammershus. Built in 2018 specifically for the Bornholm routes, this vessel has space for cars, lorries and up to 720 passengers. In peak season the connection is reinforced when needed by the classic ferry M/S Povl Anker, known for its sturdy build and comfortable facilities. The Sassnitz–Rønne route is particularly appealing for travellers from northern and eastern Germany, since it reaches the Baltic island directly without a detour via Denmark or Sweden, saving considerable time.
Ferries from Denmark: Køge – Rønne (night ferry)
Another key connection is the night ferry from Køge (around 40 km south of Copenhagen, on Zealand) to Rønne. Bornholmslinjen operates this route daily. The ferry normally departs Køge around 00:30 each night and arrives in Rønne the following morning at around 06:00. The crossing takes roughly 5 hours 30 minutes.
The Køge–Rønne night route is the only direct ferry link between mainland Denmark and Bornholm. It is used mainly by travellers from Copenhagen and the rest of Denmark. Because it departs overnight, it's a highly time-efficient option: you sleep through the crossing and arrive on Bornholm refreshed early in the morning, without losing a holiday day. The Ro-Pax ferries used on this route have cabins or reclining seats, so passengers can travel comfortably overnight.
Ferries from Poland: Kołobrzeg – Rønne (planned)
Poland has had seasonal ferry connections to Bornholm in the past, but there is currently no regular direct connection. Until 2020, the Polish operator KŻP ran a summer excursion catamaran on the route Kołobrzeg (Kolberg) – Nexø (Bornholm). The crossing took around 4 to 5 hours and was aimed mainly at day-trippers (morning departure from Kolberg, evening return from Bornholm). This line carried only passengers, bicycles and motorbikes, but no cars.
For 2025, the Polish ferry company Polferries had announced a new direct route from Kołobrzeg to Rønne. The plan involved a ferry with capacity for around 500 passengers and 50 cars, sailing daily in peak season and three times a week in the low season. The crossing time was expected to be around 3 to 4 hours. However, the project was delayed: as of October 2025, Polferries had not yet begun operations, and no firm timetable was available.
Bornholm Ferry FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about ports, crossing times and the journey to Bornholm.
Which ports does the ferry to Bornholm depart from?+
From Sweden it departs from Ystad, from Denmark from Køge, and from Germany from Sassnitz on the island of Rügen. Bornholmslinjen operates all three routes, each arriving at Rønne.
Which connection is the fastest?+
Ystad–Rønne at around 80 minutes is the quickest – fast ferries run on this route, four to five times a day at roughly two-hour intervals. From Sassnitz it takes about three and a half hours, and from Køge five and a half. You'll find the times for your travel day in the timetable.
What time does the ferry leave from Køge?+
At 00:30 – so not in the evening, but half an hour after midnight. If you're booking for a specific day, you need to be in Køge the evening before. This is the most common planning mistake on this route.
How early do I need to be at the terminal?+
Considerably earlier than you might expect from ferries elsewhere in Europe. Bornholmslinjen requires you to be checked in: 10 minutes before departure in Ystad, 15 in Køge, and in Sassnitz 15 minutes on foot or 20 by car. Important: these deadlines apply even if the ferry itself is running late.
Do all ferries in Rønne depart from the same berth?+
No – Rønne has three separate addresses. Foot passengers go to Dampskibskajen 5, vehicles heading to Ystad use Sverigesvej 1, and vehicles heading to Køge and Sassnitz use Tysklandsvej. For the return journey, it's worth entering the correct one into your sat nav.


