Cruise port Potsdam
Info for port Potsdam on 29 Apr 2027
Port information & tips for Potsdam
Potsdam is the former Prussian residence city and a glamorous cultural jewel right at the gates of Berlin. The UNESCO World Heritage City impresses with its majestic palace landscape, extensive park grounds, and an exclusive maritime flair along the Havel. Highlights such as the Museum Barberini at the Alter Markt, the imposing St. Nikolaikirche, and the world-famous Schloss Sanssouci with its magnificent terraces are wonderfully easy to reach from here. River cruise ships dock centrally at the Lange Brücke berth in the port of Potsdam, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the historic city center. Thanks to this prime location, guests can reach the reconstructed Stadtschloss and the charming city center in just a few minutes on foot while simultaneously enjoying direct access to the city's architectural treasures.
Potsdam, as a charming starting point for river cruises on the Havel and Spree, is excellently connected to the German transport network thanks to its location in the heart of Brandenburg and its proximity to Berlin. Getting there is straightforward and offers various comfortable options.
Car
You can reach Potsdam directly via the A10 (Berliner Ring) and A2 motorways. Within the city, well-signposted federal roads such as the B1 and B2 lead to the city centre and the various piers for river cruises, most of which are located along the Havel. For parking, several public multi-storey car parks are available in the city centre, offering short- and long-term parking. A special "Park & Cruise" infrastructure like in seaports is less common for river cruises in Potsdam, but some hotels offer special packages.
Train
Potsdam Central Station is a major transport hub and is optimally connected to the regional and national rail network. Regular regional express trains connect Potsdam with Berlin (e.g. from Berlin Central Station in approx. 24-30 minutes), and ICE connections are also easily accessible via Berlin. From Potsdam Central Station, you can easily reach the piers along the Havel by tram and bus lines, which are usually within walking distance or a short drive away.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), located about 45 kilometres from Potsdam. Thanks to an excellent train connection, you can reach Potsdam Central Station directly from BER in about 45-60 minutes, including via the regional trains RE7 or RB22. Alternatively, taxis and various shuttle services are available at the airport, taking you directly to Potsdam in about 40-60 minutes. For arrivals from the DACH region, arriving the day before is recommended due to flight times, allowing you to start your cruise relaxed.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Accordingly, plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always check the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Potsdam, as a charming starting point for river cruises on the Havel and Spree, is excellently connected to the German transport network thanks to its location in the heart of Brandenburg and its proximity to Berlin. Getting there is straightforward and offers various comfortable options.
Car
You can reach Potsdam directly via the A10 (Berliner Ring) and A2 motorways. Within the city, well-signposted federal roads such as the B1 and B2 lead to the city centre and the various piers for river cruises, most of which are located along the Havel. For parking, several public multi-storey car parks are available in the city centre, offering short- and long-term parking. A special "Park & Cruise" infrastructure like in seaports is less common for river cruises in Potsdam, but some hotels offer special packages.
Train
Potsdam Central Station is a major transport hub and is optimally connected to the regional and national rail network. Regular regional express trains connect Potsdam with Berlin (e.g. from Berlin Central Station in approx. 24-30 minutes), and ICE connections are also easily accessible via Berlin. From Potsdam Central Station, you can easily reach the piers along the Havel by tram and bus lines, which are usually within walking distance or a short drive away.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), located about 45 kilometres from Potsdam. Thanks to an excellent train connection, you can reach Potsdam Central Station directly from BER in about 45-60 minutes, including via the regional trains RE7 or RB22. Alternatively, taxis and various shuttle services are available at the airport, taking you directly to Potsdam in about 40-60 minutes. For arrivals from the DACH region, arriving the day before is recommended due to flight times, allowing you to start your cruise relaxed.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Accordingly, plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always check the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The piers in Potsdam are located at the Lange Brücke and, thanks to their central location, offer an ideal starting point for explorations directly in the historic heart of the city. The main railway station (Hauptbahnhof) with its taxi ranks and comprehensive connections is only a few minutes' walk away, allowing for convenient onward travel.
On Foot
You can reach the Alter Markt with the Museum Barberini, the Landtag, and the Nikolaikirche in about 5 to 10 minutes. The path leads you directly across the bridge, offering a beautiful view of the Havel and the Potsdamer Stadtschloss at the same time.
Tram
The nearby main railway station is the central hub for the yellow trams, which transport you at short intervals to the famous parks of Sanssouci. The journey to the historic city center or the Dutch Quarter (Holländisches Viertel) takes only a few minutes and is particularly straightforward thanks to the good signage.
Water Taxi
A special feature in Potsdam is the water taxi, which departs directly from the port and takes you by water to various palaces and gardens. Thanks to the fixed stops, destinations such as Park Babelsberg or Schloss Cecilienhof can be reached in a relaxed manner and combined with a panoramic cruise.
To make the most of your stay in Potsdam, we recommend a combination of visiting the world-famous parklands and a leisurely stroll through the architecturally unique quarters of the city center.
Park Sanssouci
This extensive UNESCO World Heritage site impresses with the famous vineyard palace of Frederick the Great and offers a perfect backdrop for cultural discoveries thanks to its artistic gardens and magnificent pavilions.
Holländisches Viertel
This picturesque quarter in the heart of the city impresses with its characteristic red brick houses and invites you to enjoy a relaxed stroll in a historical atmosphere thanks to numerous small cafés and individual boutiques.
Neuer Garten & Heiliger See
This idyllic park on the shores of the Heiliger See is home to the historic Schloss Cecilienhof and is also the ideal place for a relaxing break amidst grand architecture thanks to the extensive green spaces by the water.
Park Sanssouci and the Historic Vineyard Terraces
The magnificent park grounds of Sanssouci are located just a short walk or a few minutes' drive from the cruise pier at the Lustgarten and impress with their world-famous vineyard terraces as well as the iconic summer palace of Frederick the Great. The expansive park offers an ideal backdrop for a relaxing stroll through Prussian history and also features charming places to stop for refreshments, such as the Café an der Historischen Mühle for an enjoyable break. Thanks to its central location, the visit can be perfectly combined with a stroll through the nearby Holländisches Viertel. It is best to visit the terraces directly in the morning to enjoy the special architecture in peace, and plan your return path to the ship about one hour before departure to end your stay in a relaxed manner.
The return journey to the pier at Lustgarten is extremely relaxed and safe, thanks to its central location right in the heart of the city.
Taxi
Taxis are available at any time at central locations such as Luisenplatz at Park Sanssouci or directly at Potsdam Hauptbahnhof, and will take you to the port in just a few minutes. Thanks to the short distances within the city center, you can reach your ship quickly and comfortably. Additionally, staff at large hotels like the Mercure directly at the port will gladly call a cab for you.
Public Transport
Tram and bus lines stop at the Alter Markt/Landtag station in the immediate vicinity of the port, offering excellent connections from all parts of the city. From here, you can easily stroll across the modern square at the Landtag back to the quay, enjoying a direct view of your ship along the way.
On Foot
The walk from the Stadtschloss or the historic city center to the ship is very short and takes you through an inviting pedestrian zone directly to the banks of the Havel. Thanks to the highly visible Nikolaikirche and the prominent location of the Lustgarten, keeping your bearings is easy at all times, and you will safely reach the pier within a few minutes' walk.
In port on 29 Apr 2027
