All ferry routes 2024 / 2025
The direct ferry connection from Rostock to Stockholm was unfortunately suspended in 2023 due to high fuel costs. It remains to be seen whether the route will be resumed in 2024.
However, it doesn't always have to be the direct route: there are a number of good options for crossing the Baltic Sea by ferry and then continuing on to Stockholm by car, bike or train.
The prices charged by the shipping companies depend on supply and demand, so it is often much cheaper to book some time in advance. In the high season, popular dates (e.g. the start of the summer vacations) are often fully booked early. In any case, you should compare the prices of the different routes, as there are often very big differences. And why not try a different route?
Depending on how you are traveling, whether from the south, west or east of Germany, the following routes and ferry connections are available:
From Germany to Sweden
Taking a direct ferry across the Baltic Sea to Sweden - for many people, this is the best way to get to Stockholm. You can find a complete overview of all direct ferry connections here: Ferries to Sweden.
Kiel - Gothenburg
The classic and for many the most popular route: the Swedish shipping company Stena Line operates daily overnight services from Kiel to Gothenburg. The big advantage: you save a lot of time and arrive in Gothenburg refreshed in the morning. The onward journey by car from Gothenburg to Stockholm only takes around 4:30 hours, and the onward journey by train takes just under 3 hours.
[Kiel — Göteborg]
Travemünde - Trelleborg
The Lübeck ferry company TT-Line (named after the first letters of the two connected ports of Travemünde and Trelleborg) operates the Travemünde → Trelleborg route several times a day. The crossing is possible during the day or overnight. The onward journey from Trelleborg to Stockholm by car takes approx. 6 hours.
3 Sailings Daily
9 hTravemünde - Malmö
The Finnish shipping company Finnlines sails from Travemünde to Malmö and back three times a day. The entrance to Malmö under the Öresund Bridge is particularly impressive. The onward journey by car to Stockholm takes approx. 5 hours and 30 minutes, by train only approx. 4 hours and 30 minutes.
[Travemünde — Malmö]
Rostock - Trelleborg
There are up to six daily ferry connections from Rostock to Trelleborg. The providers TT-Line and Stena Line work together on this route, but you should always check prices with both providers! Until 2012, the route was operated by Scandlines. The onward journey from Trelleborg to Stockholm by car takes approx. 6 hours.
Sassnitz - Trelleborg
[Trelleborg — Sassnitz]
Via Denmark to Sweden
A popular route to Stockholm is to travel by ferry to Denmark and then across the Öresund Bridge to Malmö. The shipping company offers combined tickets for the two ferry routes to Denmark plus a trip across the Öresund Bridge.
The classic "Vogelfluglinie" from Hamburg to Copenhagen follows the flight of the cranes (hence the name). The ferry trip from Puttgarden (on the island of Fehmarn) to Rødby (on the Danish island of Falster) takes just 45 minutes, while the onward journey from Rødby across the Öresund Bridge to Stockholm takes around 8 hours.
An alternative route leads from Rostock to Gedser on the Danish island of Lolland. Here, too, the onward journey over the Öresund Bridge to Stockholm takes approx. 8 hours.
Puttgarden - Rødby (Vogelfluglinie)
Rostock - Gedser
Directly to Stockholm via Poland
If you are traveling from the east of Germany, e.g. from Berlin, this connection could be an alternative. The Polish shipping company Polferries sails several times a week from Gdansk to Nynäshamn, approx. 60 km south of Stockholm. The crossing takes approx. 19 hours. Nynäshamn can be reached via the Pendeltåg already connected to the Stockholm S-Bahn. From Berlin you can reach Gdansk by car in approx. 6 hours.
Gdansk - Stockholm
[Danzig — Nynäshamn]
Via Norway to Sweden
Ideal for those who also want to visit the Norwegian capital Oslo. A Color Line ferry departs daily overnight from Kiel to Oslo. The connection has existed since 1961 and is the only direct connection between Germany and Norway. The onward journey from Oslo to Stockholm by car takes approx. 6 hours, the direct connection by express train only 5 1/2 hours.
Kiel - Oslo - Stockholm
Via Finland to Stockholm
A very special experience is the trip with the Finnish shipping company Finnlines from Travemünde to Helsinki. Once there, you can immediately board the next ferry from Helsinki to Stockholm.
Travemünde - Helsinki
Helsinki - Stockholm
Which route is right for me?
- The fastest route. If you simply want to arrive quickly and are prepared to accept a long car journey, you should choose the Vogelfluglinie.
- The most popular route. Probably the trip with Stena from Kiel to Gothenburg.
- For families. We recommend the ferry crossings at night, either with Stena to Gothenburg, or from Travemünde to Trelleborg or Malmö. The latter two routes can also be ideally combined with a visit to the Astrid Lindgren World in Vimmerby (detour to Småland).
- The most unusual route is almost a cruise through the Baltic Sea: from Kiel to Oslo, continuing by train to Stockholm. For the return journey, take the ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki and then the direct ferry from Helsinki to Travemünde.
Stockholm Port Information
More ferry ports in the area
Stockholm 
