Finnlines
Finnlines operates the Travemünde – Malmö ferry route, the only direct link from Germany to southern Sweden. Here's what you need to know about the Finnish shipping line and its Sweden connection.
About Finnlines
About Finnlines
Finnlines is a Finnish shipping line and one of the leading providers of freight and ferry connections across the Baltic Sea, the North Sea and the Bay of Biscay. Founded in 1947, the company started out with six old steamships intended to strengthen the Finnish merchant fleet. Today Finnlines employs around 1,700 people across seven countries.
The fleet comprises around 20 vessels with a combined capacity of about 88,000 lane metres; the average ship age is around 15 years. Finnlines runs roughly 190 departures a week. For travellers, the Baltic Sea passenger network is what matters most, while freight dominates the rest of the company's operating area.
Part of the Grimaldi Group
Finnlines is wholly owned by the Grimaldi Group, a multinational logistics company headquartered in Naples. The group ranks among the world's largest ro-ro ship operators and is Europe's largest provider linking passenger and freight traffic on the "Motorways of the Sea."
The Grimaldi Group is family-owned by the Grimaldis, operates more than 130 ships and employs around 17,000 people. As part of this network, Finnlines' reach extends well beyond the Baltic, as far as South America, West Africa and the Mediterranean.
Finnlines to Sweden
For your trip to Sweden, the route that matters is Travemünde – Malmö - the only direct ferry from Germany to Malmö. In around nine hours, Finnlines carries you from the Skandinavienkai terminal in Lübeck-Travemünde across the Baltic Sea to southern Sweden, with up to three sailings a day (daytime, evening and overnight). Shortly before arrival, the ferry passes under the Öresund Bridge, a highlight of the crossing; from Malmö, Copenhagen is a short trip away across the bridge. Finnlines has also served the Świnoujście – Malmö route since 2024, adding a useful option for travellers coming from further east.
If you'd rather turn the crossing into a short break, book the route as a Travemünde – Malmö mini cruise: a return crossing bundled together, two nights on board and a full day in Malmö in between.
FAQ Finnlines
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about Finnlines and the ferry route to Sweden
Which ferry route does Finnlines run to Sweden?+
For travel to Sweden, the key route is Travemünde – Malmö - the only direct ferry from Germany to Malmö. The crossing takes around 9 hours, with up to three sailings a day (daytime, evening and overnight). Shortly before arrival, the ferry passes under the Öresund Bridge. Full details on the route are on the Travemünde – Malmö page.
When was Finnlines founded?+
Finnlines was founded in 1947, starting out with six old steamships to bolster the Finnish merchant fleet. From those beginnings it grew into one of the leading shipping lines on the Baltic Sea for freight and passengers.
Is Finnlines part of the Grimaldi Group?+
Yes. Finnlines is wholly owned by the Grimaldi Group, headquartered in Naples, one of the world's largest operators of ro-ro vessels. The group is family-owned by the Grimaldis and operates more than 130 ships.
Can I travel with a car, motorhome or pet?+
Yes. Large ro-pax ferries run on the Travemünde – Malmö route, carrying cars, motorhomes and foot passengers; bicycles travel free. Your dog or other pet is welcome on board too.