Ferry from Kiel to Klaipėda

When traveling by ferry from Kiel to Klaipėda, you can take advantage of the regular discounts available to specific passenger categories. With DFDS, children under 16 are entitled to lower ferry ticket prices, while infants and toddlers up to 3 years old travel for free.

DFDS operates the Kiel to Klaipėda ferry route with conventional cruise ferries, such as the Luna Seaways and Regina Seaways, which are designed for long-distance travel and feature a range of modern amenities and services. On most ferries you will find:

• Air-conditioned lounges and outer decks, where you can enjoy the sea view
• Restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy drinks, snacks and meals (including vegetarian and child-friendly options)
• Shops with everything from the essentials, gifts and last-minute purchases
• Playroom for children with games and drawing desks
• Pet-friendly areas on outdoor decks
• Wi-Fi hotspot with a variety of data packages to stay connected during the trip

Food and entertainment

On DFDS Kiel - Klaipėda ferries, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the 7 Seas Buffet, with a selection of international dishes and vegetarian options. For something lighter, head to Lighthouse Café for coffee, pastries, and snacks, or relax at Navigator’s Bar with a drink and a bite to eat.

During the crossing, you can browse the onboard shop for cosmetics, sweets, and gifts, settle into a reading area, or enjoy the Baltic Sea views from the outdoor decks. Children can spend time in the playroom, with space for games and drawing. Paid Wi-Fi packages are also available, including an option that supports video streaming.

Note: cell signal in the Baltic Sea can be limited, so we recommend a Wi-Fi package or offline media.

Accessibility

The ferries serving the route from Kiel - Klaipėda are generally accessible to travellers with disabilities, featuring ramps and elevators between decks, adapted seating and amenities in common areas, as well as accessible cabins.

DFDS offers boarding assistance upon request and prior notification at least 48 hr before your journey.

Important: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Cabins and accommodation

Standard lounge seating is included in the ticket price, however you can also book a cabin for greater privacy and comfort.

What cabins are on the ferry?

On the Kiel to Klaipėda ferry, you can book a range of cabin types for up to 4 passengers:

• Standard inside cabins
• Outside cabins with a sea view
• Commodore cabins with twin beds or a double bed, complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi, and a sea view
• Commodore deluxe cabins with more space, a double bed, complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi, and a sea view
• Accessible cabins for travelers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins

All cabins have air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and a wardrobe.

Cabin prices start from around €40.

Can I book business-class seats?

No, DFDS does not offer VIP or business-class seats. Standard lounge tickets are available on some crossings, which include access to shower and toilet facilities.

How much luggage is allowed on the ferries

When traveling with DFDS, you can bring up to 50 kg of luggage on board, free of charge.

Can I travel with my pet?

Yes, pets are allowed on board DFDS vessels. You must book a designated pet-friendly cabin in advance. Dogs must wear a muzzle and leash in public transit areas.

Make sure you bring along your pet’s health and travel documents, including passport, microchip ID and valid rabies vaccination, as well as tickets and pet supplies you may need for the trip.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

On DFDS Kiel - Klaipėda ferries, you can book a pet-friendly cabin. The ferries do not have onboard kennels, nor are you allowed to keep pets in your vehicle during the crossing.

The ferries have designated outdoor deck pet areas, however pets are generally not allowed in standard cabins, lounges or restaurants.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Kiel to Klaipėda:

• The port of Kiel can get busy, so it’s best to be there at least 2-3 hr ahead of departure, especially if you are traveling with a vehicle.
• The Baltic Sea can get a bit choppy, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness medication for the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• When planning your trip, keep in mind that there is a 1-hr time difference between Germany and Lithuania.
• If you are heading to Lithuania on a short trip, book your return ticket to Germany on the Klaipėda - Kiel ferry in advance, especially if you are traveling with a vehicle.
• From Kiel, you can also travel by ferry to Sweden and Norway. For all your travel options, check the Kiel ferry schedules and then plan your trip on our Map of ferries in just a few clicks!

Where to take the ferry from Kiel to Klaipėda

Ferries to Klaipėda usually set sail from the DFDS terminal at Ostuferhafen, located on the eastern shore of Kiel Fjord, about 9 km from central Kiel and 95 km from Hamburg Airport. The Ostuferhafen terminal mainly serves international ferry routes and is clearly signposted, with dedicated check-in areas for foot passengers and vehicles.

At the ferry terminal, you will find basic passenger facilities, including waiting areas, a check-in office, and parking. Both foot passengers and drivers check in inside the terminal building.

How to get to Kiel port?

• By car: from the A7, take the A215 toward Kiel, then follow the B76 and signs for Ostuferhafen/Klaipėda.
• By bus: take bus 11 toward Dietrichsdorf or X60 toward HAW Kiel from Kiel Hauptbahnhof, the main train station, to Grenzstraße. From there, walk approximately 800 m to the terminal. Allow around 35-45 min overall.
• By train and taxi: travel to Kiel Hauptbahnhof, then continue by bus or taxi. There is no passenger train station at Ostuferhafen. A taxi from the station takes approximately 15-20 min, depending on traffic.
• From Hamburg Airport: take the KIELIUS airport coach to Kiel ZOB, beside the main train station, then continue by bus or taxi. The coach takes approximately 80-95 min plus your transfer to Ostuferhafen.

Check-in and boarding at Kiel

In Kiel, DFDS check-in takes place at the DFDS Terminal building (Ostuferhafen port area). In-person check-in is mandatory to receive your boarding cards before proceeding to ship loading. Check-in opens 6 hr before departure and closes 90 min before departure for both foot passengers and vehicles. Late arrivals may be refused boarding, so follow the departure-specific instructions in your booking confirmation.

• Foot passengers: check in inside the passenger terminal with your booking confirmation and required travel documents. When boarding begins, follow staff instructions to terminal bus, which will take you to the ferry.
• Passengers with vehicles: you also need to check in inside the terminal building. Take a queue number and wait for it to appear on the display. After check-in, follow staff directions to the vehicle boarding lanes and onto the ferry, where the crew will show you where to park. Make sure your booked vehicle dimensions include any roof boxes, bicycle racks, or trailers.

Keep your booking confirmation and all passengers’ travel documents handy, along with any required vehicle documents.

Where does the ferry arrive in Klaipėda?

Ferries from Kiel normally dock at the port of Klaipėda, the main seaport of Lithuania, about 3 km south of the city center. 

At the terminal, you’ll find basic traveler amenities, inclhding a shop, vending machines, lockers, Wi-Fi, restrooms, baby-changing facilities, and a children’s corner. Short- and long-term parking are also available. A short drive takes you to Klaipėda city center, where you’ll find restaurants, cafés, shops, hotels, and the Old Town.

Onward travel from Klaipėda

• By car: the drive to downtown Klaipėda takes 10-15 min via Baltijos Avenue, which connects the terminal area with the city’s main road network.
• By taxi: you can arrange a taxi at the ship’s reception before arrival or at the terminal’s passenger check-in desk, with the ride to the city center taking 10-15 min.
• By public transportation: local buses connect the surrounding area with downtown and the main train and bus stations, approximately 30 min away by bus. You’ll need to walk from the terminal to a nearby bus stop, so allow additional time and check the timetable for your arrival.