East Frisian Island Ferries

Timetable 2026

Ferries to Borkum

Compare every ferry crossing to Borkum and find the best route to the North Sea island

  • Shortest route: Borkum in just 50 minutes from Eemshaven (NL)
  • Car ferry and catamaran from Emden - fast ferry in 60 minutes
  • Operator AG EMS: LNG ferries, timetables and online booking
RoutesTimetable
Ferry to Borkum

Route map of the Borkum ferry

The crossings are operated by AG EMS. The car ferry takes about 2 hours 10 minutes from Emden and only around 50 minutes from Eemshaven, which lies closer to the island. A fast catamaran also runs from Emden and reaches Borkum in roughly 60 minutes. On arrival the island railway carries passengers from the harbour into the island's centre.

Getting to the ferry ports

Borkum is served from two mainland ports. Emden is the convenient one coming from Germany, Eemshaven for arrivals from the Netherlands and the west.

Emden ferry terminal

Zum Borkumanleger 6, 26723 Emden
Google Maps

Emden mit der Bahn

  1. Stay on to Emden-Außenhafen

    Deutsche Bahn and WestfalenBahn trains run all the way to Emden-Außenhafen. It is only a few steps from the platform to the terminal.

  2. Or by bus

    The Emden Außenhafen stop is served every half hour Monday to Saturday, at x.08 and x.38. On Sundays an on-demand bus runs.

Emden mit dem Auto

  1. Via the A31 or the A1

    From the Ruhr area the A31 leads from Bottrop straight to Emden-West; from the north-west take the A1 and the Cloppenburg exit towards Emden.

  2. Parking at the terminal

    At the Borkumkai right by the terminal the first hour is free, after that it is charged by the day. There is also the P1 multi-storey car park in Frisiastraße with number-plate recognition and the P2 and P3 areas; daily rates are on the fares page.

Eemshaven (Niederlande)

  1. Jetty at Borkumkade 1

    The Dutch terminal is at Borkumkade 1 in 9979 XX Eemshaven, around 50 minutes from Borkum.

  2. By car via the N33

    The recommended route is the Dutch N33; from the A31 and A28 you cross the border at Nieuweschans and Bunde, or take the Groningen southern ring road.

  3. By train via Groningen

    Take Deutsche Bahn to Groningen, then the Arriva train on to Eemshaven.

  4. Parking

    The car park holds around 2,000 vehicles. It opens 45 minutes before the first ferry and closes 30 minutes after the last arrival.

FAQ

Anyone heading for the largest of the East Frisian Islands has several ways to cross: a ferry and a catamaran run from the outer harbour at Emden, and there is also a regular ferry service from Eemshaven in the Netherlands.

Ferry from Emden

The classic AG Ems car ferry is the island's most long-standing connection. It leaves from Emden's outer harbour and takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. There is room on board for up to 1,200 passengers and around 60 vehicles. The ferry sails all year round, but departure times depend on the tide and can shift from day to day.

Good to know:

  • Vehicles can be carried
  • Generous indoor and outdoor decks
  • On-board restaurant and cafeteria
  • Tide-dependent sailing times

Catamaran from Emden

Passengers travelling without a vehicle can take the fast catamaran, which covers the route in about an hour. This modern high-speed craft is popular with day visitors and with holidaymakers who prefer to leave the car on the mainland.

Good to know:

  • Considerably shorter crossing
  • Passengers only (no vehicles carried)
  • Modern comfort
  • Weather-dependent operation

Ferry from Eemshaven

An alternative route runs from Eemshaven in the Netherlands. This ferry is particularly useful for travellers from the southern Netherlands or from southern Germany, as the overland journey can be shorter. The crossing takes about 50 minutes.

Good to know:

  • Shortest crossing time
  • Vehicles can be carried
  • Alternative approach route
  • Fixed sailing times, independent of the tide

FAQ

How long does the crossing to Borkum take?+

About 2 hours 10 minutes on the car ferry from Emden, around 50 minutes from Eemshaven. The catamaran manages the trip from Emden in roughly 60 minutes.

Can I take my car to Borkum?+

Yes, the AG EMS ships are car ferries. Borkum is the only East Frisian Island you can regularly bring a vehicle to. Reserve your space as early as you can, especially in the holiday season, otherwise carriage cannot be guaranteed.

How often do the ferries to Borkum sail?+

Several times a day, all year round, with extra sailings in high season. Current times are in the timetable.

Is the island railway included in the ferry ticket?+

Yes, the ride on the Borkumer Kleinbahn from the harbour into the village is included in the ferry ticket in both directions.

How early do I need to be at the port?+

With a vehicle at least 45 minutes before departure; as a foot passenger around 30 minutes is enough.

All questions and answers →