Ferry to Sweden from the UK
to Sweden from the UK by ferry
Unfortunately, there is no direct ferry from the UK to Sweden. However, you can reach Sweden by car using two ferry crossings, or with a single ferry followed by a drive. Your best option will depend on where you need to go in Sweden.
Alternative Ferry Routes to Sweden
Since there are no direct routes from the UK to Sweden, you’ll first need to cross to either France or the Netherlands. From there, you can continue through Germany or Denmark to take a cruise ferry, regular ferry, or bridge to Sweden. On this page, we’ll outline your options and routes.
Map: ferry routes from the UK to Sweden
About the crossings to Sweden
In this overview, you can see the routes from the UK to Sweden on a map. First, take a ferry to either the Netherlands or France. From there, you can drive to Denmark or Germany to catch a ferry to Sweden. Alternatively, you can reach Sweden via the Oresund Bridge (Sontbridge), which connects Copenhagen (Denmark) to Malmö in Sweden.
One of our favourite routes is to drive up to Kiel and board the cruise ferry to Gothenburg from there, enjoying a comfortable ferry journey ahead.
Ferries to Sweden summarized:
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The crossing from Kiel to Gothenburg is a long (360 miles), beautiful journey operated by Stena Line. It is a comfortable trip where you can spend the night on board and arrive at your destination refreshed.
- For almost all crossings, you can simply travel as a foot passenger.
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Are you travelling by car round trip? That can cost from around £200 to £300.
- The shortest crossing is 19 minutes, while the longest is 15 hours.
- Online, you can book your cabin, parking deck, and, among other things, restaurant in advance.
Step 1: Getting from the UK to Europe / the Continent
You’ll first need to reach the European mainland to travel to Sweden from the UK. The main options are the direct crossings to the Netherlands or the various routes from Dover to France.
Travelling via France has the disadvantages of a longer drive to your next crossing to Sweden and potential delays at customs on busy days at Dover and Calais. However, the Dover-Dunkirk and Dover-Calais crossings are shorter and faster, making this route convenient for travellers from southern England.
For other travellers heading to Sweden, the Netherlands is a great choice for the first leg of the journey. From the UK to the Netherlands, you can choose from the following ferries:
Additional Routes to France from the South of the UK
There are additional options for making the crossing to France; above, we’ve listed the most logical and fastest routes. However, Brittany Ferries also offers a variety of crossings, which may be convenient if you live near Poole, Plymouth, or Portsmouth.
Step 2: From the Netherlands or France to Germany or Denmark
This leg of the journey will likely be by car. Whether you arrive at a French or Dutch port, you’ll need to drive to Germany or Denmark from there. Alternatively, you can travel by car partway and use public transport within Germany or Denmark.
Travel Time by Car After the First Crossing
- From Rotterdam/Amsterdam to Kiel: approximately 6.5 hours
- From Dunkirk to Kiel: approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes
- From Rotterdam/Amsterdam to Copenhagen: approximately nine hours
- From Calais/Dunkirk to Copenhagen: approximately 12 hours
Option A: From the UK via Germany to Sweden
After crossing from the UK to the continent, one option is to continue through Germany and take a ferry from Rostock, Travemünde, Kiel, or Sassnitz to Sweden. For a longer and more comfortable journey, the Kiel to Gothenburg route is a 15.5-hour night crossing on a cruise ferry featuring entertainment, restaurants, and a high level of comfort. Alternatively you could also sail from Rostock to Trelleborg, or from Lubeck Travemunde to either Malmö or Trelleborg
Drive Further, Sail a Shorter Distance
Another option is to travel from the UK through Germany and Denmark to reach Sweden. This route includes the Puttgarden-Rodby ferry service, followed by the Oresund Bridge from Copenhagen to Malmö or a shorter ferry from Helsingor to Helsingborg. These options can be cheaper and faster, as they avoid the need for an overnight stay and cabin.
However, if you prefer a more comfortable journey, the Kiel to Gothenburg cruise ferry offers a relaxing experience, with amenities for a pleasant crossing.
The Scandlines crossings provide efficient shortcut routes, with combi tickets available for convenience. This route takes you through Copenhagen and onward to Sweden (Malmö).
Options B: From the UK via Denmark to Sweden
Another option for travelling from the UK to Sweden is via a ferry or bridge connection in Denmark. To reach Denmark, you’ll first need to drive through the Netherlands or France and into Germany. Once in Denmark, you have several options for crossing to Sweden, typically by car. The good news is that all connections allow you to bring your vehicle.
The ferry routes from Denmark to Sweden relevant for UK tourists are:
- Helsingor-Helsingborg
- Frederikshavn-Gothenburg
- Grenaa-Halmstad
Depending on your destination in Sweden, you can choose one of these ferry routes or take the Oresund Bridge (Sontbridge) from Copenhagen to Malmö. Copenhagen is located on Sjælland (Denmark’s largest island), accessible via the Great Belt Bridge or another ferry.
It’s only a 20-minute drive from Copenhagen over the Oresund Bridge to Malmö. This bridge, known as the Sontbridge, became well-known through the popular TV series The Bridge (or Bron).
All ferries from Denmark to Sweden complete the crossing within 5 hours. The fastest options take just 20 minutes from coast to coast.
Best Way to Travel to Sweden from the UK
If we had to choose a single ferry route for UK tourists travelling to Sweden, our top pick would be the Kiel to Gothenburg route. This route takes you from the UK via France or the Netherlands to Germany, then on to Sweden. This longer ferry ride offers a night crossing with plenty of comfort and entertainment, allowing you to start your holiday refreshed and well-rested.
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.
On board and maps
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- Parking Deck – Stena Germanica
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- Stena Germanica in port of Gothenburg
Prices and availability for this crossing
You can use the booking module and select the country of departure to find the crossings to Sweden. While there are no direct routes from the UK, you can travel from Germany or Denmark to Gothenburg, Malmo, and Trelleborg.
Additional Information
When travelling on crossings from the UK to the continent and ultimately to Sweden 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.
Luggage & Pets
There are no restrictions on the amount of luggage you can reasonably bring on most ferries. Pets are allowed, but additional fees apply, and they must stay in designated kennels on board. For some destinations, pets must meet specific requirements, such as certain vaccinations and a pet passport. You can find country-specific regulations and company policies in this post.
