Ferries Gothenburg

When planning your Gothenburg ferry trip, you can take advantage of the fixed discounts available to specific passengers. Typically, children under 16 are entitled to lower ferry ticket prices, while infants and toddlers up to 3 years old travel for free.

There are currently 2 available ferry routes to Gothenburg:

Frederikshavn - Gothenburg

The ferry connection from Frederikshavn to Gothenburg is available year-round, usually with 2-4 daily crossings. The journey, which connects Denmark to Sweden, takes as little as 3 hr 15 min, and ferry ticket prices start at about €20.

Kiel - Gothenburg

You can travel by ferry from Germany to Sweden on the Kiel - Gothenburg route, which operates year-round with up to 7 weekly crossings. The journey normally takes approximately 14.5 hr and ferry tickets start at about €158 with a cabin.

Stena Line serves all routes to Gothenburg with conventional ferries.

How much luggage can you take on the ferry to Gothenburg?

Stena Line has a very flexible luggage policy on routes between Denmark, Germany, and Sweden, so you can bring as many bags as you can carry on board yourself, with no size or weight restrictions.

The duration of a ferry trip to Gothenburg depends on your point of departure. More specifically:

• Frederikshavn - Gothenburg: approximately 3 hr 15 min
• Kiel - Gothenburg: approximately 14 hr 30 min

Which is the fastest route to Gothenburg?

The fastest route to Gothenburg is from the port of Frederikshavn, a Danish town in the region of Nordjylland located on the northeast coast of the Jutland peninsula. The crossing takes approximately 3 hr 15 min.

What is the cheapest ferry route to Gothenburg?

The cheapest ferry route to Gothenburg is from Frederikshavn, with passenger tickets starting at €20.

Keep in mind that the final ticket cost depends on vehicle selection, discounts, offers, and cabin type.

Which port of departure should I choose?

Choose your departure port based on your location and travel preferences:

• Frederikshavn is the fastest and most economical option. With several daily departures and a short crossing, it's ideal if you're traveling from Denmark or continuing by road through Scandinavia.
• Kiel is a great choice if you're traveling from Germany. Although the crossing takes around 14 hr 30 min, it's an overnight journey with cabins, restaurants, and onboard entertainment, allowing you to arrive in Gothenburg well-rested. The route is also popular with travelers bringing vehicles on board.

What other factors should I consider?

A few additional tips can help you choose the best route to Gothenburg:

• Seasonality: both routes operate year-round, but crossings during the summer and holiday periods can sell out quickly. Booking several weeks in advance is recommended.
• Travel time vs. price: the Frederikshavn - Gothenburg route is shorter and usually less expensive, while the overnight ferry from Kiel offers a more relaxed travel experience with cabins and extensive onboard facilities.
• Departure times: Frederikshavn offers several departures throughout the day, providing greater flexibility. The Kiel route usually operates as an overnight crossing with one departure per day.
• Luggage and pets: both routes have a flexible luggage policy and offer pet-friendly travel options. Be sure to check the specific pet and luggage policies before booking.
• Traveling with a vehicle: both routes accommodate cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and campervans, making them convenient choices for road trips through Sweden and Scandinavia.

Can I travel on the ferry to Gothenburg with a car?

Yes, all ferries to Gothenburg are equipped with car decks for transporting vehicles.

Always check the availability and keep in mind that car deck spots may be more limited during peak months. Also, make sure you bring along your driver’s licence, vehicle registration and insurance documents.

How much does it cost to bring my car to Gothenburg?

Prices on Stena Line ferries to Gothenburg for vehicle transportation depend on your chosen route:

• Kiel - Gothenburg: prices start at around €100 to transport a car and €35 for a motorbike.
• Frederikshavn - Gothenburg: prices start at around €120 to transport a car and €50 for a motorbike.

Can I take my camper van or motorhome on the ferry to Gothenburg?

Yes, you can take your van, motorhome, or caravan on routes to Gothenburg. Here are indicative starting prices for each route:

• Kiel - Gothenburg: €110 for a camper van
• Frederikshavn - Gothenburg: €135 for a camper van.

Stena Line operates the ferry routes to Gothenburg with conventional vessels, such as the Stena Germanica and Stena Danica. On board, you can typically expect to find:

• Comfy air-conditioned lounges and seating on outer decks to enjoy the sea view
• Cafés, bars, and restaurants (buffet and à la carte)
• Duty-free shops and kiosks selling snacks, gifts, and travel essentials
• Entertainment including TV lounges, children’s play areas, and casino games for adults
• Wi-Fi hotspot

Cabins & accommodation

Are there cabins on the ferries?

Cabin availability depends on the route. More specifically:

• There are no cabins available on the Frederikshavn - Gothenburg route, as the journey is relatively short. Instead, passengers can choose from comfortable seating options, including standard reserved seats and quieter lounge areas.
• The Kiel - Gothenburg crossing is overnight, and cabins are compulsory on the ferries. This means that you can sleep on the ferry and be fresh when you reach Sweden in the morning.

What types of cabins are available?

On Kiel - Gothenburg ferries, you can book cabins for up to 5 passengers for greater privacy and comfort. Typically, you can choose between:

• Standard inside and outside cabins
• Deluxe cabins and premium suites with more room, a double bed, bunk beds, a tea & coffee maker, and a sea view
• Family cabins with a double bed, bunk beds, and a sea view
• Adapted cabins for passengers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins
• Shared cabins

All cabins have a TV, air conditioning, a desk, a wardrobe, and an en-suite bathroom.

Cabin prices normally start at €158.

What type of seats can you book?

Seating options on ferries to Gothenburg depend on the route:

• Frederikshavn - Gothenburg: standard deck/lounge seating is included with the ticket. Alternatively, you can also book a numbered reclining seat for a more comfortable ride. Prices for numbered seats typically start from around €32.
• Kiel - Gothenburg: cabins are compulsory on this route, and there are no deck/lounge airline-style seats or business-class seats available.

Can I travel first class?

The Frederikshavn - Gothenburg route does not have a business-class seating option, but you can book a numbered reclining seat for a more comfortable ride.

On the Kiel - Gothenburg route, cabins are compulsory, and there are no deck/lounge airline-style seats or business-class seats available. For a more comfortable journey, you can usually book deluxe cabins or suites, which typically have extra room and perks.

Are the ferries accessible?

Yes, Stena Line ferries are equipped with accessibility features, including ramps and elevators between decks and lounges, and wheelchair-accessible toilets in public areas.

There are also adapted cabins, with wider doorways and bathrooms equipped with grab rails and fold-down shower seats, for passengers with reduced mobility on the Kiel - Gothenburg route.

Boarding assistance is typically available upon request and with prior notification to the ferry company before your journey.

Important: accessibility features vary by vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Can you take pets on the ferry to Gothenburg?

Pets are generally allowed on all Gothenburg ferries, provided you include them in your booking.

Make sure you bring along your pet’s health and travel documents, as well as any pet supplies you may need for the trip.

Where do pets stay on board?

Pet accommodation on ferries to Gothenburg depends on the route:

• On ferries from Frederikshavn, you can book a place for your pet in the on-board kennels, or your pet can stay in your vehicle for the duration of the crossing. If you decide to leave your pet in your vehicle, it is recommended to leave a window slightly open.
• When traveling with a pet from Kiel to Gothenburg, you must book a pet-friendly cabin. Pets are not allowed to stay in vehicles, and there are no kennels on board. Pets are generally not permitted in indoor public areas, such as lounges, dining areas, or shops. However, there are designated pet-friendly areas on the outer decks. When outside your cabin, smaller pets must be kept in their carrier, while larger pets must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle.

Is there Wi-Fi on the ferries?

Yes, Stena Line ferries to Gothenburg offer a Wi-Fi hotspot with free and premium options so you can stay connected during your trip.

Is there entertainment on the ferries?

Stena Line's ferries to Gothenburg offer onboard entertainment for an enjoyable crossing, including TV lounges, children’s play areas, and casino games for adults.

What travel documents do I need to travel by ferry to Gothenburg?

Gothenburg is connected to Denmark and Germany by international ferry routes, so you'll need the appropriate travel documents before departure:

• A valid passport is required for all passengers traveling on international ferry routes.
• Depending on your nationality, you may also need a visa or other travel authorization. Always check the latest Swedish entry requirements before your trip.
• If you're traveling with a vehicle, bring your driver's license, vehicle registration, and valid motor insurance. If you're driving a rental or leased vehicle, you may need written authorization from the rental company.
• If you're traveling with a pet, make sure it complies with Sweden's pet entry requirements, including identification, vaccinations, and any required documentation.

How to book ferry tickets

You can easily book ferry tickets to Gothenburg on Ferryhopper in just a few clicks:

1. Select Gothenburg as your destination, along with your port of departure and travel dates.
2. Add passengers, pets, and vehicles.
3. Compare ferry operators, travel times, and ticket prices.
4. Complete your booking securely online.

Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive your ferry tickets by email. Ferryhopper lets you manage your booking, check for updates, and access customer support all in one place.

Check-in and boarding procedures

We always recommend arriving at the port well in advance of departure. More specifically:

• Foot passengers: arrive at least 1 hour before departure.
• Passengers travelling with a vehicle: arrive 2 hours before departure.
• Have your passport and booking confirmation ready for inspection at check-in.
• Follow the instructions provided by terminal staff for boarding. If you're traveling with a vehicle, you'll be directed to the appropriate vehicle lane before embarkation.
• If you're traveling on the overnight Kiel–Gothenburg route, boarding usually begins well before departure, giving passengers enough time to settle into their cabins.

Good to know: during the summer season and holiday periods, it's a good idea to arrive a little earlier, as ports can be busier than usual.

Can I board with an electronic ticket?

Stena Line does not currently support electronic tickets. Therefore, you will have to collect your paper tickets before boarding your ferry to Gothenburg.

We recommend that you always review your confirmation email carefully for operator-specific instructions and arrive at the port on time, with your booking reference and identification documents readily available.

Gothenburg, Sweden's second-largest city located on the country’s west coast, delights visitors with its laid-back vibes, scenic canals, verdant parks, and thriving culinary and cultural scene. Historic neighborhoods and waterfront promenades blend seamlessly with contemporary cafés, award-winning restaurants, and innovative museums, creating a city that is both welcoming and dynamic. From strolling through the charming Haga district and exploring the picturesque archipelago by day to enjoying live music, cozy bars, and bustling squares after sunset, Gothenburg is a prime example of modern Scandinavian allure.

For more info on what not to miss at the largest port in the Nordic countries, head to our Gothenburg travel guide.

Here are some handy tips to keep in mind when travelling by ferry to Gothenburg:

• The sea can get a bit rough on crossings to Gothenburg. If you are prone to seasickness, consider staying in indoor lounge areas closer to the center of the vessel.
• If you are traveling to Sweden with a vehicle, book your return trip tickets on the Gothenburg - Frederikshavn or Gothenburg - Kiel route well in advance, as car deck spaces are limited.
• Gothenburg is one of the best spring ferry destinations, so it’s best to book your ferry tickets a few weeks early, especially around major holidays and long weekends.

Best time to book

Both ferry routes to Gothenburg operate year-round, but demand varies depending on the season:

• If you're traveling during the summer (June to August) or around public holidays, it's best to book 2 to 3 months in advance, especially if you're bringing a vehicle or booking a cabin on the overnight Kiel - Gothenburg route.
• During the spring and fall, booking 3 to 6 weeks ahead is usually sufficient.
• In the winter months, tickets are generally easier to find, although holiday crossings may still fill up quickly.

The port of Gothenburg is located about 8 km from the city center and is easily accessible by public transport. It is about 25 km from Landvetter Airport and only 10 minutes from the Gothenburg Central Railway Station.

Ferries from Frederikshavn normally dock at the Danmarksterminalen (Denmark Terminal) in the Masthuggskajen area of the port. This terminal is on the southern bank of the Göta älv river, about 2 km from the city center.

Ferries from Kiel normally dock at Stena Line’s Germany terminal at Elof Lindälvs gata in the Majnabbe / Klippan area on the Göta River. The terminal is located west of the city center, close to the Älvsborg Bridge.

Are there traveller amenities at the port of Gothenburg?

At the Gothenburg port, you’ll find ticket offices, cafés, toilets, free Wi‑Fi, and waiting areas, plus a drop‑off zone and accessible facilities. Within walking distance of the port, you will find public transportation to reach the city center.

How to get to the port of Gothenburg

• By car: the terminal is easily accessible via Gothenburg's main road network. Long-term parking is available near the ferry terminal for passengers leaving their vehicles behind.
• By bus: bus routes stop near Chapmans Torg and Jaegerdorffsplatsen, providing convenient connections from Gothenburg Central Station and other parts of the city. The nearest bus stops are within a 5- to 10-min walk of the terminal.
• By tram: take tram line 9 towards Kungsten and get off at Chapmans Torg. From the tram stop, it's about a 10-min walk to the Stena Line terminal.
• By taxi: taxis are readily available from the city center and Gothenburg Central Station, and pre-booking is also possible.
• From Landvetter Airport: the airport is about 25 km away. You can take the Flygbussarna airport coach to the city center and then transfer to a tram, or take a taxi directly to the port, which takes about 25-30 min.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Gothenburg, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.