Ferries to Lithuania: Travel, Klaipėda, and the Curonian Spit

• International route: DFDS lists a ferry service between Kiel and Klaipėda; check whether it suits your travel date.
• Local crossing: A separate ferry runs from Klaipėda to Smiltynė on the Curonian Spit.
• Two types of journey: The long Baltic Sea crossing and the short ferry ride to the Spit have separate operators, terminals, and booking terms.
• Traveling with a vehicle: Vehicle type and dimensions may affect the fare and booking category.
• Traveling without a car: Check the operator’s rules for passengers, bicycles, and foot passengers.
• Before booking: Check the departure, check-in, price, and terminal address for your travel date directly with the operator.

When planning your trip, first establish whether you mean an international crossing to Lithuania or the local connection to the Spit. Both involve the port area of Klaipėda, but the departure terminal, ticket, and procedures are not interchangeable. So confirm the destination port and departure point on your booking and the operator’s website.

Klaipėda is the arrival point for the ferry from Kiel and also a convenient base for a stay on the coast. For finding your way around the city, see the article on Klaipėda Old Town. Before traveling, check the terminal address on your ticket; ferries to the Curonian Spit and international services follow different procedures.

For international travel to Lithuania, the main options are routes across the Baltic Sea to Klaipėda. Available routes, days of the week, and departure times may change. For that reason, specific route details should not be treated as permanent travel-planning information unless they have been confirmed for your date. The crossing time also depends on the route, vessel, and timetable.

DFDS lists an international service between Kiel and Klaipėda. Check current departures, booking details, vehicle information, and check-in for the DFDS Kiel–Klaipėda route. Schedules may change, including due to conditions at sea. If you are traveling without a vehicle or cannot find a suitable crossing for your date, compare available flights to Lithuania. For onward travel, see the guide to the Lithuanian Baltic coast, including places such as Palanga, Klaipėda, and Neringa.

A local ferry runs from Klaipėda to Smiltynė on the Curonian Spit. This short crossing is a separate leg of the journey and is not part of the international trip from Germany. It is operated by Smiltynės Perkėla. Procedures may differ for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers; check with the operator which service and terminal are right for your type of travel. For information on nature and protected-area planning, also read about national parks in Lithuania.

Smiltynė lies at the northern end of the Curonian Spit. From there, you can continue toward Nida and the dune landscapes. If you are traveling without a car, you can combine the ferry crossing with a stay in Klaipėda and then explore the coast by bus or bicycle. Follow the national park and traffic rules in effect at the time of your visit.

It is not possible to give a reliable, general ferry fare. Factors include the travel date, season, route, vehicle size, cabin, seat, and number of travelers. Additional charges may apply for pets, changes to a booking, or vehicles with unusual dimensions. Prices quoted in older travel reports are therefore historical examples only, not a reliable basis for booking.

Before purchasing, check all the details in the booking process: name spellings, license plate, vehicle length and height, and the cabin category you want. A cabin may make a longer journey more comfortable. For the local service to Smiltynė, follow the operator’s information for the ticket you have selected.

If you are traveling by car, it is important to enter the vehicle details accurately. A roof box, trailer, campervan, or motorcycle may change the appropriate category. Cyclists should check whether bicycles need to be reserved or must be accommodated separately on board. Foot passengers should factor the connection between the terminal, city center, and their accommodation into their plans.

After arriving, you could continue to Palanga, stay in Klaipėda, or cross to the Spit. If you are continuing without your own car, compare local transport options with a rental car trip in Lithuania in advance. For routes and sightseeing in the port city, see the guide to things to do in Klaipėda.

If you arrive late, choose somewhere to stay with convenient transport links for your first night. Accommodation in Klaipėda, Palanga, or on the Curonian Spit may work well for a coastal trip. Make your choice based on your arrival time, proximity to the terminal, and onward travel plans. Weather and climate in Lithuania offer a general guide to the seasons; check current conditions before departure.

For a general coastal itinerary, see the guide to a Baltic seaside holiday in Lithuania. However, if plans change at short notice, always follow the information from the ferry operator, terminal, and relevant authorities on the day of travel.

• Check the route, travel date, and departure time with the operator
• Enter the vehicle type, dimensions, and license plate correctly
• Have your passport or ID and travel documents ready
• Make a note of the check-in deadline and terminal address
• Check the rules for cabins, seats, bicycles, or pets
• Plan onward travel from Klaipėda and your first night’s accommodation

This lets you keep your ferry trip to Lithuania flexible without basing your booking on outdated schedules or prices.

Which international ferry goes to Lithuania?

DFDS lists a service between Kiel and Klaipėda. Check directly with the operator to see whether it runs on your travel date and what terms apply.

Is the ferry to Smiltynė the same as the international ferry?

No. The crossing from Klaipėda to Smiltynė is a local service to the Curonian Spit, operated by Smiltynės Perkėla. It has its own terminals and booking rules.

Can I take my car or bicycle?

That depends on the service and ticket. Enter your vehicle type and dimensions accurately when booking the international ferry, and check with the operator for the rules on bicycles and local crossings.

How long does the crossing take, and how much does it cost?

Travel time and price vary by route, date, vehicle, and fare type. Use the operator’s fare and timetable search for booking instead of relying on older information from travel reports.

How do I continue my journey after arriving?

Plan your connection from Klaipėda based on your arrival terminal and accommodation. Routes differ for Palanga, Neringa, and onward travel by car; check connections and local rules for your travel date.