FerryConnect

Germany

Emden → Borkum

AG Ems sails from Emden’s Borkumkai to Borkum, the largest East Frisian island, by conventional car ferry in about 130 minutes or by express catamaran in about an hour. Through tickets include the island railway into town.

⏱ 1h (catamaran) – 2h 10m (ferry)🚢 1 operator📅 Two ferry and two to four catamaran departures a day from March to early November🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly

Emden to Borkum ferry at a glance

The ferry from Emden to Borkum takes 1h (catamaran) – 2h 10m (ferry) across the Ems estuary, operated by AG Ems. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: two ferry and two to four catamaran departures a day from March to early November.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-29.

Sources: ag-ems.de · ag-ems.de · How we verify

Return crossing: Borkum to Emden

AG Ems also sails Borkum to Emden, taking 1h (catamaran) – 2h 10m (ferry). Return times in the timetable are from Borkum station; ships leave the harbour about 15–30 minutes later.

Emden to Borkum ferry timetable & sailing pattern

From 20 March to 1 November 2026: ferries at 08:00 and 14:00 plus catamarans at 12:30 and 16:45 daily, with extra catamarans in summer; a reduced winter timetable from 2 November

From 3 July to 30 August extra catamarans leave Emden at 09:00 and 19:30.

Published departure times

  • 08:00
  • 12:30
  • 14:00
  • 16:45

Return: Return times in the timetable are from Borkum station; ships leave the harbour about 15–30 minutes later.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official AG Ems timetable →

Source: AG Ems 2026 Borkum timetable. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Emden and Borkum

📐 20 Nautical Miles
Emden⇄Borkum
⏱ 1h (catamaran) – 2h 10m (ferry) · 📐 20 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
AG EmsAbout 2h 10m (ferry); about 1h (catamaran)MS Ostfriesland, MS Münsterland, Express catamaran

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

20 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • The AG Ems terminal is at Zum Borkumanleger 6, Emden
  • On Borkum, the island railway runs from the harbour at Borkum Reede to Borkum station in town

Related Ferry Crossings

Onward from BorkumEemshaven → BorkumAbout 50m · AG EmsNearby alternative crossingNorddeich → JuistAbout 1h 30m · Reederei Norden-FrisiaNearby alternative crossingNorddeich → Norderney30m (e-catamaran) – 1h · Reederei Norden-FrisiaNearby alternative crossingBensersiel → LangeoogAbout 1h (ferry and island railway) · Schiffahrt LangeoogNearby alternative crossingHarlesiel → WangeroogeAbout 1h 30m (ferry and island railway) · DB Schiffahrt und Inselbahn WangeroogeNearby alternative crossingCuxhaven → Heligoland1h 15m (Catamaran) / 2h 15m (Ship) · Reederei Cassen Eils, FRS Helgoline
⚓ Borkum Reede guide⛴ All ferries from Borkum🗺 All ferries in Germany🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the catamaran to Borkum more expensive?
Yes. The express catamaran carries a surcharge and needs a reservation.
How long is the ferry from Emden to Borkum?
The crossing typically takes 1h (catamaran) – 2h 10m (ferry). Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Emden to Borkum ferry sail?
From 20 March to 1 November 2026: ferries at 08:00 and 14:00 plus catamarans at 12:30 and 16:45 daily, with extra catamarans in summer; a reduced winter timetable from 2 November. From 3 July to 30 August extra catamarans leave Emden at 09:00 and 19:30. This is the pattern published in the AG Ems 2026 Borkum timetable (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Emden to Borkum?
AG Ems operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Emden to Borkum ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Emden to Borkum ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Emden to Borkum ferry?
Pets are accepted on this route, subject to the operator’s rules (for example staying in the vehicle, kennels or pet-friendly cabins). International crossings also require the correct pet travel documents.
How far is Emden from Borkum by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 20 nautical miles (roughly 37 km).