Passenger tickets
There are different types of tickets for foot passengers. Daily tickets are valid for outward and return journeys on the same day, while holiday tickets can be used for a flexible return journey on any day. Children under 4 years generally travel free of charge, children from 4 to 11 years travel at a reduced fare. Dogs are taken on the ferries (against a ticket for the dog), bicycles and carts can be transported on the car ferries for an additional charge. The following is a price overview (as of 2025):
| ticket type | adult (from 12 yrs.) | child (4-11 yrs.) | dog |
|---|---|---|---|
| day ticket (ferry) - from Emden | 29,00 € | 14,50 € | 16,50 € |
| day ticket (ferry) - from E'mshaven (NL) | 26,40 € | 13,20 € | 16,50 € |
| return ticket (ferry) - from Emden | 51,00 € | 25,50 € | 16,50 € |
| Return (ferry) - from E'mshaven (NL) | 46,00 € | 23,00 € | 16,50 € |
| Weekend-Ticket (Fri 15h - Sun) from Emden | 41,80 € | 20,90 € | - |
| Weekend-Ticket from E'mshaven (NL) | 38,20 € | 19,10 € | - |
| 10-trip-ticket (10 × return) from Emden | 398 € | (adults only)) | - |
| 10-trip ticket from E'mshaven (NL) | 358 € | (adult only) | - |
Note: The town of Borkum also charges a guest tax (for day visitors aged 18 and over approx. 4 € per person, as of 2025). This guest contribution is often already included in the fare or is automatically added when the ticket is purchased.
Island train: The ride on the historic Borkumer Kleinbahn from the port to the town is already included in most ferry tickets. If you are taking a bicycle with you and do without the island railway (e.g. because you are cycling from the port to the town center), you can choose a slightly cheaper ticket without the island railroad connection.
Fast ferry catamaran
The AG EMS shipping company also offers a high-speed catamaran (MS Nordlicht) from Emden. This only takes about 1 hour to Borkum. There is a surcharge for the catamaran compared to the normal ferry, and there are two comfort classes on board:
- Comfort Class: Standard seating on the catamaran (in the hull).
- Captain's Class: Premium seating (raised deck, panoramic view, incl. drinks service).
Price example: An adult pays around €40 for a one-way trip on the catamaran (instead of €26 on the ferry). The surcharge for the fast ferry is around +14 € per person and route (for children around +7 €). A return trip on the catamaran costs around 79 € (Comfort Class) or 89 € (Captain's Class) per adult. Family tickets for day trips are also available (e.g. Comfort-Class day ticket family for approx. 111 €). Dogs** can be taken on the catamaran (surcharge, approx. €30 for return trip).
Note: The catamaran usually runs once a day in each direction (peak summer season). Places are limited; reservation in advance is recommended.
Cars & Vehicles
The ferries to Borkum are car ferries, i.e. you can take cars and other vehicles to the island. Vehicles must be reserved in advance as capacity is limited. Prices for cars are based on length and vehicle height:
Cars up to 3.5 t (incl. driver): per meter length approx. 49,50 € (there & back from Emden) or 44,60 € (from Eemshaven). For higher vehicles (>2 m height) the tariff is slightly higher (approx. 50.70 €/m from Emden). (Example: A 4 meter long car under 2 m in height costs around €198 for the return journey from Emden, including driver.) Additional passengers in the car require separate passenger tickets. Vehicles over 3.5 tons (e.g. trucks or motorhomes) are charged according to separate freight tariffs.
Bicycles & luggage
Bicycles: Bicycles are transported on the car ferries for a fee. Return costs around 19 € (without island train) or 24 € (with island train) from Emden; from Eemshaven approx. 1 € less. For day trips with bicycles, there are correspondingly slightly lower flat rates (approx. €14-19 depending on the route and train connection). Bicycles cannot be taken on the catamaran (only on the slower car ferries).
Bollerwagen: Handcarts (Strandbollerwagen) can also be transported on the car ferries. The cost is around €20-24** (return), depending on the route and fare selected.
Luggage: Hand luggage and one suitcase are usually free per passenger. Additional luggage can be transported for an extra charge or checked in directly at the pier and delivered to the accommodation by luggage service (costs approx. 15-16 €** per piece of luggage).
Parking & Arrival
Price differences Emden/Eemshaven: The ferry prices from Eemshaven (NL) are slightly cheaper than from Emden (German mainland). This is due to the shorter route and slightly different port charges. For travelers from western Germany or the Benelux countries, the journey via Eemshaven can be advantageous in terms of time. However, it should be noted that Eemshaven is located in the Netherlands - travelers should therefore carry valid identification documents.
Parking fees: Parking spaces are available at both ferry ports. In Emden you can park at the port (Borkumkai) for about 1 hour free of charge, after that you have to pay about 8 € per day (on parking lots further away about 6-7 €/day). In Eemshaven parking costs around 6.50 € per day (open space) or 7.50 € per day (parking garage). Reservations for parking spaces are usually not necessary; there is sufficient capacity.
Booking & tariffs
Booking: Tickets can be purchased online, by telephone or directly at the port. In the peak season (summer), advance booking is recommended, especially for the catamaran and for vehicle transport. Tickets for one-way trips or day trips usually automatically include the return journey (for day tickets on the same day). When booking online, the guest contribution for Borkum (guest contribution) is usually charged directly.
Tariff status: All prices quoted are guideline values for 2025 (no guarantee, subject to change). The shipping company publishes current fares and special offers on its website. For special groups of people (e.g. group travel, discounts for the severely disabled, school groups) there are further tariffs and discounts that can be requested directly from the provider.