Helgoland Ferry
Cuxhaven – Helgoland
The fastest way to the North Sea island – with a choice between ferry and catamaran, even in winter.
- Two operators: MS Helgoland ferry in around 2.5 hours, catamarans in around 75 minutes
- Year-round with Cassen Eils, up to four departures a day in season
- Check-in in Cuxhaven: 45 minutes before departure with Cassen Eils, 20 minutes with the Halunder Jet
Route Guide
Cuxhaven–Helgoland ferry at a glance
Table of Contents
The Cuxhaven–Helgoland ferry is the shortest and most frequent connection to the North Sea island. Two operators share the port: Cassen Eils runs the MS Helgoland seaside steamer all year round and the Nordlicht and Nordlicht II catamarans in season, while FRS Helgoline calls at Cuxhaven with the Halunder Jet from late March to early November, on its route from Hamburg.
Getting there and the jetty in Cuxhaven
Both operators depart from the Alte Liebe at the end of Cuxhaven's harbour promenade. Cassen Eils has its counter there, at Bei der Alten Liebe 12; the MS Helgoland seaside steamer berths at the adjoining ferry terminal, where the operator recommends the car park at Am Fährhafen 4 with number-plate recognition – access via Cassen-Eils-Straße, with the first few minutes free and a daily charge after that. The FRS Helgoline Halunder Jet departs from the Alte Liebe too; its passengers use the paid parking behind the sea dyke, payable by coins or card.
Without a car, the Alte Liebe is around a 20-minute walk from Cuxhaven station, or take bus route 1006, which stops right at the jetty.
Check-in and departure
Deadlines differ by operator. With Cassen Eils, be at the jetty at least 45 minutes before departure with a printed e-ticket; the MS Helgoland departs in the morning, the catamarans a little earlier, with the return from Helgoland in the late afternoon. With the Halunder Jet, 20 minutes before departure at the gangway is enough; hand in checked baggage beforehand at the counter at the Alte Liebe – the catamaran comes from Hamburg and departs Cuxhaven around 11:15–11:30, with the return leaving Helgoland at 16:30 or 17:00.
All times depend on tides and weather: FRS Helgoline notes deviations of up to 15 minutes, while Cassen Eils cancels catamaran sailings in heavy weather and transfers passengers to the MS Helgoland. Departures for your travel day are listed in the timetable.
On board
The MS Helgoland is a seaside steamer built in 2015 with LNG propulsion, carrying 1,040 passengers, with eight lounges offering catering and three sun decks; a lift serves all decks. The Cassen Eils catamarans Nordlicht and Nordlicht II reach up to 38 and 35 knots respectively, and offer an outdoor deck alongside the interior plus an upper-deck Captain's Class for a surcharge.
The FRS Helgoline Halunder Jet carries around 680 passengers in four seat categories, from Jet Class to the front row with panoramic views; Wi-Fi is free, with at-seat service. On board you can pay by credit card, debit card or cash.
Vehicles, bikes and luggage
Vehicles don't travel with you – Helgoland is car-free; FRS Helgoline doesn't carry bicycles to Helgoland either, since cycling isn't permitted on the island. Luggage rules vary by operator: on the MS Helgoland one piece of hand luggage up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm and 10 kg is free, but only 4 kg on the Cassen Eils catamarans, and 45 x 30 x 17 cm and 8 kg on the Halunder Jet. Suitcases are checked in at the jetty, up to 20 kg per item, for a fee and with optional delivery to your island accommodation. Cassen Eils carries pushchairs and wheelchairs on both ship types, but not mobility scooters, hand carts or bike trailers on the catamaran.
Dogs on a lead travel at the standard fare with Cassen Eils; FRS Helgoline generally carries pets for a fee, subject to its conditions.
Arriving on Helgoland
All ships from Cuxhaven berth directly in the harbour, the MS Helgoland at the South Harbour; there's currently no tendering by lighter boat, so the island is also accessible by wheelchair and pushchair. From the harbour it's a few minutes on foot into the Unterland, with a lift and steps up to the Oberland and the cliff walk. A day trip with the MS Helgoland leaves a good four hours on the island, with the catamarans about the same. Duty-free shopping is only available on the island, not on board; the usual personal customs allowances apply on your way back.
Tickets and fares
Tickets are available online, through the booking window on this page, and at the counters in Cuxhaven; with Cassen Eils also on board. The price depends on the ship, the season and the seat category. Cancellation and rebooking terms are tiered with both operators: Cassen Eils refunds in full up to seven days before departure, half between two and seven days, and nothing after that; FRS Helgoline allows rebooking or cancellation up to seven days before travel for a handling fee, with its conditions of carriage applying after that.
Cuxhaven – Helgoland
The port with the most departures to Helgoland
Cuxhaven is the departure port with the most connections to Helgoland, and the only one with a year-round sailing – even in winter. Cassen Eils runs the MS Helgoland seaside steamer all year, reaching the island in around two and a half hours and berthing at the South Harbour; in season its catamarans Nordlicht and Nordlicht II add a roughly 75-minute crossing. From late March to early November, the Halunder Jet run by FRS Helgoline also calls at Cuxhaven on its way from Hamburg.
All ships depart from the Alte Liebe or the adjoining ferry terminal and berth directly in Helgoland's harbour, with no tendering at present. With up to four departures a day in peak season, this is your widest choice of times for a day trip or an overnight stay on the island.
- Crossing time
- 75 min – 2.5 hrs
- Operators
- Cassen Eils, FRS Helgoline
- Frequency
- up to 4× daily, year-round
- From
- €57
- Reederei Cassen Eils
- FRS Helgoline
Next departures
Cuxhaven – Helgoland
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the ships from Cuxhaven to Helgoland
How long does the crossing from Cuxhaven to Helgoland take?+
It depends on the ship. The MS Helgoland seaside steamer run by Cassen Eils takes around two and a half hours. The Nordlicht and Nordlicht II catamarans (Cassen Eils) reach the island in about 75 minutes, and the Halunder Jet (FRS Helgoline) takes around 75 minutes outbound and 70 minutes on the return.
Does a ship run from Cuxhaven to Helgoland in winter too?+
Yes – the MS Helgoland run by Cassen Eils sails daily all year round and berths at the South Harbour. Both operators' catamarans run seasonally, the Halunder Jet from late March to early November. The timetable shows every departure for your travel day.
When do I need to be at the ship in Cuxhaven?+
With Cassen Eils you should be at the jetty at least 45 minutes before departure with your printed e-ticket ready. With the FRS Helgoline Halunder Jet, 20 minutes before departure at the gangway is enough; hand in checked baggage beforehand at the counter at the Alte Liebe.
Can I bring my car, or is there parking in Cuxhaven?+
No, Helgoland is car-free. Park your car in Cuxhaven: Cassen Eils recommends the car park at the ferry terminal with number-plate recognition, while Halunder Jet passengers use the paid parking behind the sea dyke. It's around a 20-minute walk from Cuxhaven station to the Alte Liebe, or take bus route 1006, which stops right there.
Can my dog come to Helgoland with me?+
Yes, with both operators. On Cassen Eils, dogs on a lead travel at the standard fare; other animals only by prior arrangement. FRS Helgoline generally carries pets for a fee, subject to its conditions.
What are the luggage rules on the ships from Cuxhaven?+
Both operators distinguish between hand luggage and checked baggage. On the MS Helgoland one piece of hand luggage up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm and 10 kg is free, but only 4 kg on the Cassen Eils catamarans; the Halunder Jet allows 45 x 30 x 17 cm and 8 kg. Suitcases are checked in at the jetty, up to 20 kg per item, with delivery to your island accommodation available for a fee.
What does the Cuxhaven–Helgoland ferry cost?+
The price depends on the ship, the season and the seat category – the seaside steamer is usually cheaper than the catamarans, and children travel at a reduced fare. The booking window shows exactly what your crossing costs with each operator on your travel date.