Helgoland Ferry
Hamburg – Helgoland
From the heart of Hamburg to the North Sea island with no changes – as a day trip or with an overnight stay.
- Around 3.5 to 4 hours on the Halunder Jet catamaran (FRS Helgoline), with a stop in Cuxhaven
- One morning departure daily, season late March to early November
- Foot passengers from Landungsbrücken: at the ship at least 20 minutes before departure, check in luggage beforehand
Route Guide
Hamburg–Helgoland catamaran at a glance
Table of Contents
The Hamburg–Helgoland crossing starts right in the city centre: FRS Helgoline's Halunder Jet departs from the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken, heads down the Elbe, calls at Cuxhaven and reaches the North Sea island in around three and a half to four hours. It's the only ferry service that takes you from Hamburg to Helgoland with no changes.
Getting there and the Landungsbrücken jetty
The Halunder Jet departs from pier 3/4 at the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken. The Landungsbrücken underground and suburban rail station is right opposite, making the train the easiest way to get there. If you're driving, there's paid parking and multi-storey car parks around Landungsbrücken; on Helgoland itself you won't need a vehicle, as the island is car-free.
Check-in and departure
As a day visitor, be at the gangway at least 20 minutes before departure; checking in online beforehand saves time at the ship. Suitcases are checked in directly at the ship in Hamburg, within a window before departure that starts around half an hour before sailing and closes shortly before – so arrive earlier if you're checking in luggage.
Departure is between 08:30 and 09:00 depending on the day and timetable period, arriving on Helgoland around 12:30–12:45; along the way the catamaran calls at Cuxhaven, and on certain weekdays also at Brunsbüttel. Weather, tides and shipping traffic on the Elbe can shift these times by up to 15 minutes. Times for your date are listed in the timetable.
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 along the large window rows, Premium Class in its own forward lounge on the upper deck, or the front row with panoramic views and balcony access in port. Every class has tables, USB ports, free Wi-Fi and at-seat service; a lift connects the decks, and there's an open sun deck too.
On board you can pay by credit card, debit card or cash. A computer-controlled stabiliser system smooths out the motion, though it can't fully tame the North Sea.
Vehicles, bikes and luggage
Cars don't travel with you, and FRS Helgoline doesn't carry bicycles to Helgoland either, since cycling isn't permitted on the island. For luggage: one piece of hand luggage up to 45 x 30 x 17 cm and 8 kg, with larger items checked in and weighing up to 20 kg each. Multi-day tickets include one checked item; extra pieces and excess baggage cost more, and on Helgoland the operator can deliver your luggage straight 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. From the jetty it's a few minutes on foot into the Unterland with its lobster huts and shops; a lift or steps lead up to the Oberland, the cliff walk and the Lange Anna. A boat shuttles from the harbour to the Düne, home to the seal colony. Helgoland lies outside the EU customs territory, so the usual personal duty-free allowances for alcohol, tobacco and goods apply on your way back.
The return to Hamburg leaves around 16:30 or 17:00, arriving at Landungsbrücken between 20:15 and 20:45.
Tickets and fares
Book online, through the booking window on this page, or at the operator's counters. The price depends on seat category, season and ticket type; family days with free travel for children and a newsletter discount 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, with the full fare retained for late cancellations. If a sailing is cancelled due to weather, FRS Helgoline posts updates on its current timetable information.
Hamburg – Helgoland
From Landungsbrücken to the North Sea island with no changes
The Hamburg–Helgoland route is the only ferry service that takes you straight from central Hamburg to the North Sea island with no changes. The high-speed Halunder Jet catamaran run by FRS Helgoline departs from the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken, heads down the Elbe, picks up more passengers in Cuxhaven and reaches Helgoland in the early afternoon. On certain weekdays it also calls at Brunsbüttel.
It runs from late March to early November, daily, with one morning departure and the return in the late afternoon. On Helgoland the catamaran berths directly in the harbour, so there's no tendering by lighter boat. Cars stay in Hamburg – the island is car-free, and the ship doesn't carry bicycles to Helgoland.
- Crossing time
- 3.5 to 4 hrs
- Operator
- FRS Helgoline
- Frequency
- daily, late March to early November
- From
- €70
Next departures
Hamburg – Helgoland
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Halunder Jet from Hamburg
How long does the crossing from Hamburg to Helgoland take?+
The Halunder Jet takes around three and a half to four hours from Landungsbrücken, depending on the day of the week and any stops: it departs between 08:30 and 09:00 and reaches Helgoland by around 12:30–12:45. The return trip takes about as long, arriving back in Hamburg between 20:15 and 20:45.
How often does the Halunder Jet run, and where's the timetable?+
Daily from late March to early November, with one morning departure and the return leaving Helgoland at 16:30 or 17:00. Exact times change across three timetable periods and can shift by up to 15 minutes due to weather and tides; the timetable is the definitive source.
Is there enough time for a day trip from Hamburg?+
Yes. Arriving around 12:30–12:45 and returning at 16:30 or 17:00 leaves around four hours on the island – enough for the Oberland cliff walk to the Lange Anna, the lobster huts and some duty-free shopping. Anyone wanting more time can stay overnight and return on a later catamaran.
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 in Hamburg – there's paid parking and multi-storey car parks around Landungsbrücken, though it's more convenient to arrive by underground or suburban train to Landungsbrücken station.
How much luggage can I bring?+
One piece of hand luggage up to 45 x 30 x 17 cm and 8 kg fits at your seat. Suitcases are checked in in Hamburg directly at the ship, within a set window before departure; each item may weigh up to 20 kg. Multi-day tickets include one checked item, and on Helgoland your luggage can be delivered to your accommodation for a fee.
Can my dog come on the Halunder Jet?+
Pets are generally welcome; FRS Helgoline charges a fee and sets conditions for carrying them. It's best to register your dog when booking and keep it on a lead on board.
What does the Hamburg–Helgoland crossing cost?+
The price depends on the season, seat category and ticket type – Jet Class, Panorama Class, Premium Class or the front row. Family days and newsletter discounts bring the price down, and children travel at a reduced fare. The booking window shows the exact fare for your travel date.