The ferries to Borkum depart from Emden (East Frisia, Germany) and Eemshaven (Netherlands). Both ferry ports are served by the AG Ems shipping company and offer regular connections to the island.
The journey time with the regular car ferry is around 2 hours and 10 minutes from Emden and around 50 minutes from Eemshaven. The fast ferry (catamaran) shortens the journey: from Emden to around 60 minutes and from Eemshaven to around 25 minutes.
The exact crossing times may vary slightly depending on weather conditions and tides (usually +/- 15 minutes). In exceptional cases, for example in the event of delays during loading and unloading, the crossing may take a little longer.
There are regular ferry connections to Borkum all year round, usually with several departures per day. In the high season (summer months), additional trips are often offered, while the service may be somewhat reduced in winter. The specific departure times depend on the season and tides - we therefore recommend checking the current AG Ems timetable.
You can book tickets in advance online via the AG Ems website. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased by telephone, e-mail or directly at the ticket counters in Emden and Eemshaven. Authorized ticket agencies also offer tickets. Please note that a service fee (e.g. €3) is charged when booking by telephone or e-mail.
As a passenger without a car, prior reservation is not mandatory, but is strongly recommended - especially in high season or on popular travel days. A seat reservation is mandatory for the fast ferry (catamaran), as seats are limited.
If you are traveling by car and would like to take your vehicle with you, you should arrive at the ferry terminal at least 45 minutes before the departure time. As a foot passenger, it is usually sufficient to be at the port around 30 minutes before departure so that you have enough time to check in.
Yes, you can have your car transported on the ferry to Borkum. To do this, you should reserve a parking space on the car ferry as early as possible - this can be done online or by telephone via AG Ems. Have the data from your vehicle registration ready for the booking. Without a prior reservation, transportation of the vehicle cannot be guaranteed (especially during the vacation season).
Sufficient parking spaces are available at the Emden ferry port. Day visitors can park their vehicle directly at the pier (Borkumkai). For longer stays, there is a parking garage P1 (Borkum-Garage) as well as the open spaces P2 and P3 near the ferry terminal.
There is also a large parking lot in Eemshaven (NL) with around 2,000 parking spaces and a parking garage directly at the ferry terminal. These parking areas are open during ferry operating hours. Reservations for parking spaces are not normally necessary.
Yes, the ride on the island train on Borkum is included in the ferry ticket. After the ferry arrives, the island railroad takes you from the port of Borkum directly to the island station (near the center and beach). On the return journey, the ride on the island railroad from the station back to the port is also included in the ticket price.
Pets (especially dogs) are generally allowed on the ferry to Borkum. A separate ticket must be purchased for each dog. During the crossing, dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled if necessary.
Dogs and other animals are not permitted in the on-board restaurant or in the front saloon. Smaller pets (e.g. cats or small dogs) should be accommodated in suitable transport boxes. There is an additional charge for pet carriers or dog buggies (tariff as for handcarts).
You can take bicycles, e-scooters, handcarts or similar large items with you on the regular car ferry to Borkum. There is usually a surcharge for this in accordance with the current fare regulations. Please note, however, that no vehicles, bicycles or large sports equipment can be transported on the fast catamaran (which only carries passengers) for safety reasons.
One suitcase per person (up to approx. 32 kg) plus one piece of hand luggage is included in the ferry price. Additional luggage must be checked in at the counter before departure and will be transported for a fee. Larger sports equipment or bulky goods can also be taken on board, but may have to be registered as freight or special baggage.