Cruise port Travemünde
Port information & tips for Travemünde
Travemünde, the charming "Lübeck window to the Baltic Sea", welcomes cruise passengers as one of Germany's most traditional seaside resorts and delights with a blend of Hanseatic history and modern holiday flair. The location directly at the mouth of the Trave impresses with maritime idyll and offers an inviting ambiance thanks to the magnificent resort architecture and the wide view of the Baltic Sea. Special highlights in the immediate vicinity include the four-masted barque Passat, the historic Alter Leuchtturm and the bustling promenade Vorderreihe. Cruise ships preferably dock at the centrally located Ostpreußenkai, which is situated right in the heart of the town and provides direct, convenient access to the picturesque old town as well as the fine sandy beach.
Travemünde, the charming Baltic seaside resort, welcomes cruise guests in an idyllic location at the mouth of the Trave. The port has two terminals: the centrally located Ostpreußenkai for smaller ships and the Skandinavienkai for larger cruise ships as well as ferry connections.
Car
Thanks to excellent transport links, you can reach Travemünde easily by car. From the south, the A1 motorway leads directly towards Lübeck; at the Bad Schwartau motorway interchange, change to the A226, which guides you further towards Travemünde/Skandinavienkai and merges into the B75. For passengers of the Ostpreußenkai, parking at the "Auf dem Baggersand" large car park is recommended, from which the terminal is about a 10-minute walk away, as the Vorderreihe in the terminal area is a pedestrian zone. At Skandinavienkai, parking facilities are available directly at the port.
Train
A stress-free arrival is made possible by train via Lübeck Hauptbahnhof, which is well connected to the German ICE network. From there, direct train connections exist to Lübeck-Travemünde Strand station, from which the Ostpreußenkai is within walking distance. For the Skandinavienkai, use bus lines 30 or 35 from Lübeck-Travemünde Strand station or bus line 50 from Lübeck Hauptbahnhof/ZOB, as there is no walking connection to the ferry terminal from the "Lübeck-Travemünde Skandinavienkai" train stop.
Plane & Pre-Cruise Hotel
The nearest airports are Lübeck (LBC) and Hamburg (HAM). Lübeck Airport (LBC) is the fastest way to Travemünde with a car journey of about 20-25 minutes and costs around €4. Hamburg Airport (HAM) offers a larger selection of direct flights from the DACH region and is located about 70 kilometers away. The driving time by car from Hamburg to Travemünde is about 56 minutes to 1 hour. For a relaxed arrival, especially with long-haul flights or early departure times, we recommend booking a pre-cruise hotel in Travemünde, for example near the beach.
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. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - 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 at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Travemünde, the charming Baltic seaside resort, welcomes cruise guests in an idyllic location at the mouth of the Trave. The port has two terminals: the centrally located Ostpreußenkai for smaller ships and the Skandinavienkai for larger cruise ships as well as ferry connections.
Car
Thanks to excellent transport links, you can reach Travemünde easily by car. From the south, the A1 motorway leads directly towards Lübeck; at the Bad Schwartau motorway interchange, change to the A226, which guides you further towards Travemünde/Skandinavienkai and merges into the B75. For passengers of the Ostpreußenkai, parking at the "Auf dem Baggersand" large car park is recommended, from which the terminal is about a 10-minute walk away, as the Vorderreihe in the terminal area is a pedestrian zone. At Skandinavienkai, parking facilities are available directly at the port.
Train
A stress-free arrival is made possible by train via Lübeck Hauptbahnhof, which is well connected to the German ICE network. From there, direct train connections exist to Lübeck-Travemünde Strand station, from which the Ostpreußenkai is within walking distance. For the Skandinavienkai, use bus lines 30 or 35 from Lübeck-Travemünde Strand station or bus line 50 from Lübeck Hauptbahnhof/ZOB, as there is no walking connection to the ferry terminal from the "Lübeck-Travemünde Skandinavienkai" train stop.
Plane & Pre-Cruise Hotel
The nearest airports are Lübeck (LBC) and Hamburg (HAM). Lübeck Airport (LBC) is the fastest way to Travemünde with a car journey of about 20-25 minutes and costs around €4. Hamburg Airport (HAM) offers a larger selection of direct flights from the DACH region and is located about 70 kilometers away. The driving time by car from Hamburg to Travemünde is about 56 minutes to 1 hour. For a relaxed arrival, especially with long-haul flights or early departure times, we recommend booking a pre-cruise hotel in Travemünde, for example near the beach.
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. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - 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 at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
From the cruise terminal in Travemünde, you can reach the most important sights quickly and easily thanks to the excellent infrastructure. The central location also allows for a convenient exploration of the maritime resort directly from the ship.
On foot
From the Ostpreußenkai pier, you can reach the charming Vorderreihe promenade and the wide sandy beach within a few minutes' walk. A stroll along the waterfront promenade also offers wonderful views of the ships entering and leaving the Lübecker Bucht.
Priwall ferries
The traditional ferries commute regularly between the city side and the Priwall peninsula, providing a quick connection across the Trave. Thanks to this short crossing, you can easily reach the historical sailing ship Passat and the extensive dune landscapes on the opposite side.
Taxi & train
Taxis are available for individual trips directly at the terminals as well as at the train stations, ensuring comfortable transport to the surrounding area. At the same time, the nearby train station offers a direct and relaxed connection to the historic old town of the Hanseatic city of Lübeck.
To make your stay in the far north perfect, a discovery tour along the maritime boulevards and an excursion to the historical neighborhood of the Hanseatic city is a great option.
Vorderreihe & Fischereihafen
The charming boulevard Vorderreihe with its historical facades and cozy cafes invites you to linger, while the nearby Fischereihafen offers authentic maritime flair and freshly caught delicacies directly from the cutter.
Strandpromenade & Viermastbark Passat
The expansive sandy beach and the modern promenade are ideal for a relaxed walk by the sea and lead directly to the city's proud landmark, the legendary sailing ship Passat.
UNESCO World Heritage Lübeck
The world-famous Hanseatic city of Lübeck can be reached in a short time thanks to excellent connections and delights cruise guests with its medieval city center, the seven towers, and the iconic Holstentor.
Kurstrand Travemünde & Vorderreihe
The extensive Kurstrand of Travemünde is located in the immediate vicinity of the pier at Ostpreußenkai and is easily accessible within a few minutes' walk thanks to its central location. This fine-sandy beach offers a perfect combination of soothing ocean sounds and first-class infrastructure, including the characteristic Strandkörbe as well as a lively promenade. The directly adjacent strolling mile "Vorderreihe" also invites you to relax with charming cafes and small boutiques and offers a fantastic view of the passing ships on the Trave. It is best to visit the beach in the morning to enjoy the fresh sea air in peace, and plan a leisurely walk back to the ship in the early afternoon to let the day wind down in a relaxed manner and in good time before departure.
Returning to your ship in Travemünde is extremely relaxed and safe thanks to the short distances and excellent connections to the city center. Depending on whether your berth is at the central Ostpreußenkai or the extensive Skandinavienkai, simply choose the most convenient connection for you.
Taxi
Central taxi ranks are located directly at the Strandbahnhof as well as in front of the prominent Maritim Hotel, enabling a quick trip to the terminal. The drivers are familiar with the ships' departure times and will bring you to check-in on time, though you should plan for only about ten minutes for the journey to the Skandinavienkai.
Bus and Train
Bus lines 30 and 40 connect the Strandbahnhof and the Priwallfähre stop directly with the Skandinavienkai ferry terminal at regular intervals. Additionally, you can conveniently use the regional train from Travemünde Strand station to the Lübeck-Travemünde Skandinavienkai station to get back to the ship without detours, thanks to short intervals and clear signage.
On Foot
If your cruise ship is docked at the Ostpreußenkai, simply walk back to the gangway via the maritime promenade Vorderreihe. The path leads you along the Trave and is always easy to find and safe to walk thanks to its central location and the good visibility of the ship.
