Helgoland Ferry
Brunsbüttel – Helgoland
The smallest of the three Elbe ports – a short trip from Dithmarschen and the Lower Elbe, just over two hours to Helgoland.
- Around 2 hours 10 minutes on the Halunder Jet catamaran, FRS Helgoline
- Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, also Thursdays in summer – season late March to early November
- Zum Elbdeich jetty: free parking at the terminal, foot passengers 20 minutes before departure
Route Guide
Brunsbüttel–Helgoland catamaran at a glance
Table of Contents
The Brunsbüttel–Helgoland route is the third Elbe port served by the Halunder Jet: the catamaran run by FRS Helgoline comes from Hamburg, calls at the Zum Elbdeich jetty and gets you to the North Sea island in around two hours and ten minutes. It's the shortest crossing for anyone starting out from the Lower Elbe or Dithmarschen – though it only runs three to four days a week.
Getting there and the Zum Elbdeich jetty
The Halunder Jet departs Brunsbüttel from the Zum Elbdeich jetty, 25541 Brunsbüttel, on the Elbe not far from the locks of the Kiel Canal. Alongside the operator's ticket counter there's plenty of free parking, making Brunsbüttel the only one of the catamaran's Elbe ports where you can leave your car without charge.
Check-in and departure
Be at the gangway at least 20 minutes before departure; hand in checked baggage at the ticket counter beforehand. Departure is at 10:35, arriving on Helgoland around 12:45; the return leaves at 16:30, back in Brunsbüttel by about 18:40. Weather, tides and shipping traffic on the Elbe can shift these times by up to 15 minutes.
Brunsbüttel isn't served every day: Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from late March to late June and in October, plus Thursdays from July to September. The timetable shows which days apply to your date.
On board the Halunder Jet
The Halunder Jet is a high-speed catamaran built in 2018, carrying around 680 passengers at up to 36 knots. You book a seat in one of four categories: Jet Class with group tables, Panorama Class by the large windows, Premium Class in its own forward lounge on the upper deck, or the front row with panoramic views. Every class has tables, USB ports, free Wi-Fi and at-seat service, plus an open sun deck and a lift between decks. On board you can pay by credit card, debit card or cash.
Vehicles, bikes and luggage
Cars stay in Brunsbüttel – Helgoland is car-free; FRS Helgoline doesn't carry bicycles to Helgoland either, since cycling isn't permitted on the island. One piece of hand luggage up to 45 x 30 x 17 cm and 8 kg may be taken to your seat; larger items are checked in at the counter, up to 20 kg each. Multi-day tickets include one checked item; extra pieces and excess baggage cost more. On Helgoland the operator can deliver your luggage to your accommodation for a fee. Pets are generally allowed, for a fee and subject to the operator's conditions.
Arriving on Helgoland
The Halunder Jet berths directly in Helgoland's harbour, so there's no tendering by lighter boat. With just under four hours before the 16:30 return, there's time for the cliff walk in the Oberland to the Lange Anna, the lobster huts in the Unterland and some duty-free shopping. Helgoland lies outside the EU customs territory, so the usual personal duty-free allowances apply on your way back.
Tickets and fares
Book online, through the booking window on this page, or at the counter at the jetty. The price depends on seat category, season and ticket type; family days with free travel for up to three children and a newsletter discount can bring it down. You can rebook or cancel up to seven days before travel for a handling fee; after that the tiered fees in the conditions of carriage apply. If a sailing is cancelled due to weather, FRS Helgoline posts updates on its current timetable information.
Brunsbüttel – Helgoland
The short route from the Lower Elbe to the North Sea island
Brunsbüttel, at the mouth of the Kiel Canal, is the third Elbe port served by the Halunder Jet: the catamaran run by FRS Helgoline comes from Hamburg, calls at the Zum Elbdeich jetty and reaches Helgoland in around two hours and ten minutes. Brunsbüttel isn't served daily – only on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, plus Thursdays from July to September.
For travellers from Dithmarschen, the Steinburg district and the Lower Saxony side of the Elbe, this is the shortest way to the ship, with free parking right at the jetty. On Helgoland the catamaran berths directly in the harbour, so there's no tendering; the late-afternoon return leaves just under four hours on the island.
- Crossing time
- 2 hrs 10 min
- Operator
- FRS Helgoline
- Frequency
- 3–4 days a week, late March to early November
- From
- €62
Next departures
Brunsbüttel – Helgoland
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Halunder Jet from Brunsbüttel
How long does the crossing from Brunsbüttel to Helgoland take?+
Around two hours and ten minutes. The Halunder Jet departs Brunsbüttel at 10:35 and reaches Helgoland by about 12:45; the return leaves Helgoland at 16:30, arriving back in Brunsbüttel around 18:40. Weather, tides and shipping traffic can shift these times by up to 15 minutes.
Which days does the catamaran run from Brunsbüttel?+
Not daily. From late March to late June and in October the Halunder Jet calls at Brunsbüttel on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, plus Thursdays from July to September. On all other days you travel from Cuxhaven or Hamburg; the timetable shows which days apply to your date.
When do I need to be at the jetty in Brunsbüttel?+
At the gangway at least 20 minutes before departure. Checked baggage is handed in beforehand at the ticket counter at the Zum Elbdeich jetty, where the free parking is also located. Online check-in is available.
Can I bring a car or bicycle?+
No – Helgoland is car-free, and FRS Helgoline doesn't carry bicycles to Helgoland either, since cycling isn't permitted on the island. Your car stays parked free of charge at the jetty in Brunsbüttel.
Can my dog come on board?+
Pets are generally welcome; FRS Helgoline charges a fee and sets conditions for carrying them. Register your dog when booking and keep it on a lead on board.
What does the Brunsbüttel–Helgoland crossing cost?+
The price depends on the season, seat category and ticket type; children travel at a reduced fare, and on family days up to three children travel free. The booking window shows the exact fare for your travel date.