Ferries to Stockholm

Travemünde - Trelleborg

The Lübeck-based operator TT-Line (named after the initial letters of the two ports it connects, Travemünde and Trelleborg) sails the Travemünde → Trelleborg route several times a day. The crossing is possible both by day and overnight. The onward drive from Trelleborg to Stockholm takes around 6 hours.

Travemünde - Malmö

The Finnish operator Finnlines sails three times a day from Travemünde to Malmö and back. The approach to Malmö, passing right under the Öresund Bridge, is especially striking. The onward journey to Stockholm takes around 5 hours 30 minutes by car, or only around 4 hours 30 minutes by train.

Rostock - Trelleborg

Up to six ferries sail daily from Rostock to Trelleborg. TT-Line and Stena Line have sailed this route separately since September 2018, so always check prices with both operators. Until 2012 the route was run by Scandlines. The onward drive from Trelleborg to Stockholm takes around 6 hours.

Via Denmark to Sweden

A popular route to Stockholm is to cross by ferry to Denmark and continue via the Öresund Bridge to Malmö. The operator offers combined tickets covering both ferry routes to Denmark plus the Öresund Bridge crossing.

Puttgarden - Rødby (Vogelfluglinie)

The classic "Vogelfluglinie" (bird flight line) from Hamburg to Copenhagen follows the flight path of cranes, which is how it got its name. The ferry crossing from Puttgarden (on the island of Fehmarn) to Rødby (on the Danish island of Lolland) takes only 45 minutes, and the onward journey from Rødby via the Öresund Bridge to Stockholm takes around 8 hours.

Rostock - Gedser

An alternative route runs from Rostock to Gedser on the Danish island of Falster. Here too, the onward journey via the Öresund Bridge to Stockholm takes around 8 hours.

Via Poland direct to Stockholm

If you're travelling from eastern Germany, from Berlin for example, this connection could be an alternative for you. The Polish operator Polferries sails several times a week from Gdańsk to Nynäshamn, around 60 km south of Stockholm. The crossing takes about 18 hours. Nynäshamn is connected to Stockholm's commuter rail network via the Pendeltåg. From Berlin, you reach Gdańsk by car in around 6 hours.

Via Norway to Sweden

Ideal for anyone who also wants to visit the Norwegian capital, Oslo. Color Line sails daily overnight from Kiel to Oslo. The connection has existed since 1961 and is the only direct link between Germany and Norway. The onward drive from Oslo to Stockholm takes around 6 hours, and the direct fast train only 5.5 hours.

Via Finland to Stockholm

A truly special experience is the crossing with the Finnish operator Finnlines from Travemünde to Helsinki. Once there, you can hop straight onto the next ferry from Helsinki to Stockholm.

Direct to Stockholm: the ferries from Finland, Åland and Estonia

The only ferries that actually dock in Stockholm come across the northern Baltic. Viking Line and Tallink Silja sail every night from Helsinki and several times a day from Turku to the Swedish capital, each calling at Mariehamn or Långnäs on Åland along the way. From Estonia, Tallink Silja sails overnight from Tallinn to Stockholm. The Värtahamnen and Stadsgården terminals lie within the city, with connections to the Tunnelbana and the Pendeltåg.

Three ports in greater Stockholm

Location, routes and operators for all Swedish ports are compared on the Ferry ports in Sweden page.

Which route is right for me?

• The fastest route. If you just want to get there quickly and don't mind a long drive, choose the Vogelfluglinie.
• The most popular route. Very likely the Stena crossing from Kiel to Gothenburg.
• For families. Overnight crossings are recommended, whether with Stena to Gothenburg, or from Travemünde to Trelleborg or Malmö. The latter two routes also combine nicely with a visit to Astrid Lindgren's World in Vimmerby (a detour into Småland).
• The most unusual route is almost a Baltic cruise in itself: from Kiel to Oslo, then on by train to Stockholm. For the return trip, take the ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki, then the direct ferry back from Helsinki to Travemünde.

Operators' prices follow supply and demand, so it's often noticeably cheaper to book some time in advance. In peak season, popular dates (such as the start of the summer holidays) are often booked out early. Either way, it's worth comparing prices across the different routes, as there are often big differences. And why not try a different route for once?