Ferries to Stockholm
You can find ferries to Sweden in this booking module, while options for ferries to the continent are available further down this page.
Travelling to Stockholm by Ferry from the UK
While there are no direct ferry routes from the UK to Stockholm, there are several practical alternatives that combine ferry and road travel to reach the Swedish capital. Below, we provide a visual overview on a map, followed by detailed explanations of the best options.
Map: routes and ferries to Stockholm
About the routes to Stockholm
To reach Stockholm from the UK, your first step is to travel to the European continent. Depending on your starting point, you can either take a ferry to the Netherlands or, if more convenient, a ferry to France.
Once on the continent, you can continue your journey using one of the following routes:
1. From Kiel to Gothenburg by ferry and then drive to Stockholm
- Route: Take a ferry from the UK to the Netherlands or France and drive to Kiel in Germany. From there, take a ferry to Gothenburg in southwest Sweden.
- Onward Journey: Drive or take the train from Gothenburg to Stockholm, which takes around 5 hours.
2. Ferry to Trelleborg (via Germany)
- Route: Take a ferry from the UK to the Netherlands (e.g., Harwich–Hook of Holland or Hull–Rotterdam) and drive to Rostock or Travemünde in Germany. From there, take a ferry to Trelleborg in southern Sweden.
- Onward Journey: Drive or take the train from Trelleborg to Stockholm, which takes around 6–7 hours.
3. Via Puttgarden and Denmark
- Route: After arriving in the Netherlands or northern France, drive through Germany to Puttgarden, where you can take a ferry to Rødby, Denmark.
- Onward Journey: From Rødby, drive towards Copenhagen, cross the Øresund Bridge, and continue to Stockholm.
4. Via Frederikshavn and Gothenburg
- Route: Travel through Germany to northern Denmark and take a ferry from Frederikshavn to Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Onward Journey: A 5-hour drive from Gothenburg will bring you to Stockholm.
5. Via Gdańsk to Nynäshamn
- Route: Drive from the UK (via the Netherlands, Belgium, or France) to Gdańsk, Poland, and take a ferry to Nynäshamn, Sweden. The crossing takes approximately 18 hours.
- Onward Journey: Nynäshamn is just a 45-minute drive from Stockholm.
Ferry from Gdańsk to Stockholm
An interesting and less well-known option for travelling to Stockholm is the ferry from Gdańsk to Stockholm. This route is ideal for those starting in northeastern Germany or travellers who prefer to minimise driving. The ferry arrives in Nynäshamn, just a 45-minute drive from Stockholm.
Route Details
- Frequency: Daily service.
- Duration: Approximately 18 hours.
- Schedule: Departs from Gdańsk at 18:00 and arrives in Nynäshamn the following day at 12:00.
- Convenience: The overnight journey allows you to sleep comfortably on board and arrive in Stockholm feeling refreshed.
This ferry offers a relaxed and efficient travel option, particularly for those looking to avoid long hours of driving while enjoying a scenic journey to Sweden.
5. Direct Ferries from Finland or Estonia
While there are no direct ferry routes from Germany to Stockholm, the port of Stockholm serves as a gateway to several surrounding countries. From here, you can travel by ferry to destinations such as Åland, Bornholm, Finland, and Estonia.
Explore the map below to view all available routes departing from Stockholm's port, helping you plan your onward journey with ease.
Plan Your Journey
You can mix and match routes depending on your preferences for driving, ferry travel, and sightseeing. Use our interactive map to explore all connections and plan your trip to Stockholm in the way that suits you best. Safe travels!
On board & ferry route maps
Prices and availability for this crossing.
What is the sailing schedule and the best alternative?
To check the sailing schedule and timetable for this crossing, and to find the best alternative, simply fill in the booking module for ferries to Stockholm. This tool will provide up-to-date options, times, and routes to suit your travel needs. Select ‘Sweden' to find the best routes to Sweden and Stockholm
Rostock–Nynäshamn Ferry No Longer Available
There was once a direct ferry route from Germany to Stockholm via Rostock–Nynäshamn, operated by Hansa Destinations. This route included a stopover on the island of Gotland (Visby) and took approximately 18 hours to complete.
Unfortunately, the service was discontinued due to rising fuel costs, making it too expensive to operate. For further details, you can visit the official Hansa Destinations website.
Travellers seeking alternatives can explore other ferry routes to Sweden or plan journeys through Denmark or Poland for onward travel to Stockholm.
Our Top 3 Routes Based on Experience:
- Two ferry crossings: UK to mainland Europe, followed by Kiel-Gothenburg.
- One ferry crossing: UK to mainland Europe, followed by the Oresund Bridge. This involves longer drives, likely requiring hotel stays and includes two to three toll routes in Denmark.
- Minimal driving, longer ferry experience: If you prefer less driving and more time on ferries, consider routes such as Harwich-Hook of Holland, Hull-Rotterdam, or Newcastle-Amsterdam. From there, continue to Rostock or Kiel for a longer ferry, such as Rostock-Trelleborg, Travemünde (Lubeck)-Trelleborg, or the Kiel-Gothenburg cruise ferry.
Additional Information
When travelling on crossings from the UK to the continent and ultimately to Sweden/Stockholm there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Bring your passport: Since Brexit, a driver's licence or ID card is no longer sufficient for travel.
- Download entertainment in advance: On longer night crossings, it’s a good idea to download series or movies beforehand, as Wi-Fi on board can be expensive, and roaming in international waters is costly.
- Foot passengers: Not all ferries accept foot passengers, so check ahead.
- Travelling with young kids on a night ferry? We’ve got some helpful tips for travelling with kids here.
- Remember to drive on the right-hand side of the road after disembarking. It can be confusing for the first 10 minutes, but you'll adjust quickly.
- Worried about getting seasick? In this article, you’ll find some tips to help prevent it.
