Ferries to Lithuania: Getting there, 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 crossing of the Baltic Sea and the short ferry trip to the spit have separate operators, terminals, and booking conditions.
• Traveling with a vehicle: Vehicle type and dimensions can affect the fare and booking category.
• Traveling without a car: Check the operator’s rules for passengers, bicycles, and foot passengers.
• Before booking: Check departure times, check-in requirements, prices, and the terminal address for your travel date directly with the operator.

When planning, first establish whether you mean an international crossing to Lithuania or the local ferry to the spit. Both use the port area in Klaipėda, but the departure terminal, ticket, and procedures are not interchangeable. So check 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 getting your bearings in the city, see our article on Klaipėda Old Town. Before traveling, check the terminal address on your ticket; ferries to the Curonian Spit and international departures follow different procedures.

For international travel to Lithuania, the main option is to cross the Baltic Sea to Klaipėda. Available routes, days of the week, and departure times may change. For this reason, specific route details should not be treated as fixed when planning a trip unless they have been confirmed for your dates. Crossing times also depend on the route, vessel, and timetable.

DFDS lists an international service between Kiel and Klaipėda. Check current departures, bookings, vehicle details, and check-in information on the DFDS Kiel–Klaipėda route. Schedules can change, including due to conditions at sea. If you are traveling without a vehicle or cannot find a suitable crossing for your dates, compare available flights to Lithuania. For onward travel, see our 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 foot passengers, cyclists, and people traveling by car; check with the operator to find the right service and terminal for your type of travel. For nature and protected-area planning, see our information on national parks in Lithuania.

Smiltynė lies at the northern end of the Curonian Spit. From there, 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, then explore the coast by bus or bicycle. Be sure to follow the national park and traffic rules in force locally.

There is no reliable general ferry fare to quote. The price depends on factors such as travel date, season, route, vehicle size, cabin, seat, and number of passengers. Additional charges may apply for pets, changes to a booking, or vehicles with non-standard dimensions. Prices in older travel accounts are historical examples only and are not a reliable basis for booking.

Before buying a ticket, check all the details during 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 chosen.

If you are traveling by car, it is important to enter the vehicle details accurately. A roof box, trailer, campervan, or motorcycle may affect which category you need. Cyclists should check whether bicycles must be reserved or stowed separately on board. Foot passengers should factor in the connections between the terminal, city center, and accommodation.

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

If you arrive late, try to choose your first overnight stay somewhere with convenient transport connections. On the coast, you could stay in Klaipėda, Palanga, or on the Curonian Spit. Choose based on your arrival time, proximity to the terminal, and onward travel plans. Our guide to weather and climate in Lithuania offers a seasonal overview; check current conditions before departure.

For a general coastal itinerary, see our overview of Baltic holidays in Lithuania. For last-minute changes, however, always rely on the information provided by 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
• Note the check-in deadline and terminal address
• Check the rules for cabins, seats, bicycles, and pets
• Plan your onward journey from Klaipėda and your first accommodation

This helps 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 confirm whether it runs on your travel date and what conditions 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 the ticket. Enter your vehicle type and dimensions accurately when booking an international crossing, and check with the operator for 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. Use the operator’s fare and timetable search to book rather than relying on older information from travel accounts.

How do I continue my journey after arrival?

Plan your onward connection from Klaipėda based on your arrival terminal and accommodation. The routes differ depending on whether you are heading to Palanga, Neringa, or continuing by car; check connections and local rules for your travel date.