How to Get to Usedom
The Best, Easiest and most Comfortable Ways to Reach Germany’s 2nd Biggest Island
Usedom is one of Germany’s most popular holiday islands, known for its long sandy beaches and elegant seaside resorts.
Located in the Baltic Sea, it’s shared between Germany and Poland, making it an interesting cross-border destination.
Despite being an island, Usedom is well-connected, with multiple transport options depending on your budget, time, and preferences.
I traveled to Usedom by train, which was a smooth and pretty scenic experience. The connection was easy, and I didn’t have to worry about traffic or parking.
Whether you’re looking for the fastest, cheapest, or most flexible way to get to Usedom, this guide will help you find the best route.
Getting to Usedom by Car
If you prefer maximum flexibility and want to explore the island at your own pace, driving to Usedom may be your best choice.
The island is connected to the mainland by three bridges, making it easily accessible by car from Germany and Poland. However, in peak season, traffic can be heavy, especially on weekends.
Driving to Usedom from Germany
- Via the Wolgast Bridge (B111): The most common route from western and central Germany. Take the A20 Autobahn and exit at Gützkow, then follow the B111 to Wolgast. From there, cross the Peene River via the Wolgast Bridge (Peenebrücke) onto Usedom.
- Via the Zecherin Bridge (B110): If you’re coming from Berlin or the south, you can take the A11 and A20 Autobahn, then exit at Anklam. From Anklam, follow the B110 to the Zecherin Bridge, which is usually less busy than the Wolgast route.
Both bridges open for ships at certain times for 20 to maximum 30 minutes, which can cause delays. If you’re traveling in summer, it’s best to check the bridge opening schedule in advance.
Driving to Usedom from Poland
- Usedom shares a border with Świnoujście, Poland’s coastal town, and thanks to the Schengen Agreement, there are no border checks.
- You can simply drive across the border at Ahlbeck, entering the German side of Usedom without hassle.
- If you’re traveling from Szczecin or other parts of Poland, take DK3 (S3 Expressway) towards Świnoujście, then continue onto Usedom via the border road.
Tolls, Traffic & Parking Tips
- No Tolls: Unlike many European countries, Germany has no toll fees for regular cars. Germany has no toll fees for regular cars. However, if you rent a car in Poland, check your route, as some highways in Poland require toll payments.
- Peak Season Traffic: In July and August, roads to Usedom can get very busy, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Plan an early morning or weekday arrival if possible.
- Parking: Usedom’s coastal towns and most Usedom sights have designated parking areas, but they fill up quickly in summer. Some hotels offer private parking, so check in advance. In Heringsdorf, Ahlbeck, and Zinnowitz, parking is available but mostly paid.
Best for:
✅ Travelers who want to explore remote beaches and villages.
✅ Families with lots of luggage.
✅ Those planning to visit both the German and Polish sides of the island.
Getting to Usedom by Train
Traveling to Usedom by train is one of the most relaxing ways to reach the island. I took this option myself. It was a smooth and stress-free experience, though Deutsche Bahn’s punctuality can sometimes be unpredictable.
No traffic jams, no parking hassles: just a comfortable ride through northern Germany’s countryside, leading straight to the Baltic Sea.
Trains from Germany
The most common train route to Usedom involves a connection via Züssow, a small station on the mainland where passengers transfer from the Deutsche Bahn (DB) to the Usedomer Bäderbahn (UBB), a regional train that runs directly to the island’s seaside towns.
- From Berlin: Direct DB trains from Berlin to Züssow (approx. 2–2.5 hours), then transfer to the UBB for another 40–60 minutes to reach resorts like Heringsdorf, Ahlbeck, or Zinnowitz.
- From Hamburg or other German cities: Travel with Deutsche Bahn via Stralsund or Greifswald and connect to Züssow before switching to the UBB.
During the summer months, direct trains from Berlin to Usedom run on weekends, avoiding the need to transfer at Züssow.
Trains from Poland
If you’re traveling from Poland, there’s a train connection from Świnoujście Centrum, the main station on the Polish side of Usedom. This train is operated by UBB and runs directly to German seaside resorts like Ahlbeck and Heringsdorf.
- From Szczecin (Stettin): Take a train to Świnoujście, then connect to the UBB.
- Cross-Border Convenience: No passport checks, as both Poland and Germany are in the Schengen Zone.
Advantages of traveling by train
✅ No Traffic Jams: A smooth and predictable journey, even in peak season.
✅ Eco-Friendly: Less environmental impact compared to driving.
✅ Great for Relaxation: Enjoy the view without worrying about navigation.
Things to consider when taking the train
- Deutsche Bahn has a reputation of being late but usually, the hourly UBB connection in Züssow waits for connecting DB trains.
- The UBB trains are small and can get crowded, especially in summer.
- Luggage space is limited, but manageable for most travelers.
- Ticket Prices: Deutsche Bahn offers saver fares, and regional day passes (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Ticket or Deutschland Ticket) can be a cost-effective option.
Best for:
✅ Travelers from Berlin or northern Germany
✅ Visitors who prefer a stress-free journey
✅ Eco-conscious travelers as trains are the most sustainable way to travel
Getting to Usedom by Plane
If you’re coming from farther away or just want to minimize travel time, flying to Usedom can be a great option.
The island has a small airport, Heringsdorf Airport (HDF), which offers seasonal flights from several German cities and in summer, select international destinations.
Flights to Heringsdorf Airport (HDF)
Heringsdorf Airport is located near Garz in the southern part of Usedom.
It mainly operates seasonal flights (April–October) with connections from Frankfurt (FRA), Düsseldorf (DUS), Stuttgart (STR), Munich (MUC), Zürich (ZRH), Basel (BSL), and Vienna (VIE). Availability depends on the season.
Flights are usually operated by small regional airlines, so availability is limited. If you plan to fly, booking well in advance is highly recommended.
Alternative Airports Near Usedom
Since Heringsdorf Airport has limited flights, many travelers choose to fly to a larger airport nearby and continue their journey by train or car:
- Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) – Approx. 3 hours to Usedom
- Largest international airport near Usedom, with global connections.
- From BER, take a train to Züssow and transfer to the UBB.
- Driving from Berlin to Usedom takes about 2.5–3 hours.
- Szczecin-Goleniów Airport (SZZ) in Poland – Approx. 1.5 hours to Usedom
- Offers flights from Warsaw, Dublin, London, and other European cities.
- From the airport, take a train or rental car to Świnoujście, then cross into Germany.
Airport Transfers & Ground Transport
- From Heringsdorf Airport: Limited public transport, but taxis and hotel shuttles are available. Renting a car is a good option if you plan to explore beyond the main towns.
- From Berlin or Szczecin: Trains and buses provide easy connections to Usedom.
Best for:
✅ Travelers coming from other European countries, outside Germany
✅ Those looking for a hassle-free journey without long drives or train transfers.
Getting to Usedom By Bus
If you’re looking for an affordable way to get to Usedom, long-distance buses are a solid option. Several companies operate routes to the island, making it easy to travel from major German cities without the hassle of driving or train transfers.
Long-Distance Buses to Usedom
Bus companies, including UBB-Fernbus, offer direct routes to Usedom. These buses generally stop in the island’s main towns, such as Heringsdorf, Ahlbeck, and Zinnowitz.
- From Berlin: Direct buses to Usedom take around 4.5–5 hours.
- From Hamburg: Travel time is around 5–6 hours, direct or with one transfer.
- From Other Cities: Buses from places like Dresden, Leipzig, or Hanover often require a connection in Berlin or Greifswald.
From Poland: Bus Connections to Świnoujście
If you’re coming from Poland, you can take a long-distance bus to Świnoujście, which is just across the border from Usedom. From there, it’s easy to take a local bus or train into Germany.
- From Szczecin (Stettin): Frequent buses run to Świnoujście in about 1.5 hours.
- From Warsaw or Gdańsk: Several companies operate routes to Świnoujście, but travel times are much longer (6+ hours).
Advantages of Traveling by Bus
✅ Cheaper than trains or flights – often the most budget-friendly option.
✅ No need to worry about parking or driving in peak season.
✅ Comfortable seating with WiFi on most long-distance buses.
Things to consider when taking the bus
- Travel times are longer compared to trains or cars, especially in high season when traffic builds up.
- Schedules vary by season – there are more options in summer.
- Buses can get full quickly, so booking in advance is recommended.
Best for:
✅ Budget travelers looking for the cheapest way to reach Usedom.
✅ Solo travelers who don’t need the flexibility of a car.
✅ Anyone who doesn’t mind a longer journey in exchange for lower costs.
Getting to Usedom By Ferry
There’s no direct ferry from Germany to Usedom, but travelers from Poland can use Świnoujście’s ferries to reach the island.
International Ferries to Świnoujście
If you’re coming from Sweden or Denmark, you can take a ferry to Świnoujście and continue by car, train, or bus. While ferries aren’t relevant for most visitors, they are a practical option for those traveling from Poland or Scandinavia.
Best for:
✅ Travelers from Poland, Sweden, or Denmark
✅ Those visiting both the Polish & German sides
✅ A scenic travel option to Usedom
Best Option for Your Trip to Usedom
The best way to get to Usedom depends on your starting point, budget, and travel style. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:
- By Car: Best for flexibility and exploring remote areas. Avoid in peak season unless you arrive early or on a weekday.
- By Train: Ideal for a comfortable, stress-free journey, especially from Berlin. Great for eco-conscious travelers.
- By Plane: The fastest way if you can find a flight to Heringsdorf. If you’re traveling from outside Germany, BER is the best choice due to its train connections.
- By Bus: Cheapest option, but longer travel times. Works well for budget travelers from Berlin or Hamburg.
- By Ferry: Only an option if you’re coming from Poland or Scandinavia.
My Recommendation?
If you’re coming from Germany, the train is the best mix of comfort, price, and reliability, which is why I took it myself.
I’d only recommend driving to Usedom in winter when there are no crowds, fewer trains and buses, and the weather is less favorable. Flying is great if you’re coming from farther away, but options are limited.
Whatever you choose, getting to Usedom is easy and once you’re there, the island’s beaches, nature, and seaside resorts make the journey worth it!
