Where is Poland?
Poland is one of Central Europe’s most diverse and rewarding destinations, stretching from the Baltic Sea coastline in the north to historic cities and cultural landmarks inland. It borders Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Lithuania, making it a key gateway for European travel.
Many travellers reach Poland by taking a ferry from the UK to the Netherlands, before continuing by road into Poland . From the medieval streets of Kraków, to the maritime heritage of Gdańsk, the modern energy of Warsaw, and the coastal charm of Gdynia, Poland offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic landscapes.
While many travellers fly, travelling by ferry opens up flexible, scenic routes. Especially when combining road trips across Europe.
How do I get to Poland?
There are currently no direct ferry routes from the UK to Poland, but travelling by ferry is still one of the most flexible and popular ways to get there.
Most popular option:
|
Car & 4 passengers from £185Car & 4 passengers from €184
|
|
Car & 4 passengers from £462Car & 4 passengers from €270
|
You can drive through Germany using routes outlined in our Germany travel guide, before continuing into Poland. From there, Poland is ~6–10 hours by car depending on destination.
Direct ferry to Poland:
|
Car & 4 passengers from £133Car & 4 passengers from €148
|
|
Car & 4 passengers from £161Car & 4 passengers from €198
|
The Malmö to Świnoujście ferry route is another direct connection between Sweden and Poland, operated by Finnlines. This route links southern Sweden with Poland’s northwest coast, offering a convenient alternative to routes into Gdynia.
Arriving into Świnoujście places you close to the German border, making it ideal for travellers combining ferry routes from Sweden to Poland with onward driving into western Poland or eastern Germany.
👉 Best for:
- Travellers heading to western Poland
- Road trips between Scandinavia and Central Europe
- Avoiding longer drives from northern Sweden
Why choose a ferry to Poland?
Travelling by ferry offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you’re bringing a vehicle.
Key benefits:
- 🚗 Take your car, campervan, or motorbike
- 🧳 No baggage restrictions like flights
- 🛏️ Overnight cabins available on longer crossings
- 🌍 Combine multiple destinations (Netherlands, Germany, Scandinavia)
- 🐾 Pet-friendly travel options
Ferries are especially popular for travellers planning road trips across Europe, allowing easy access from ports like Hook of Holland or Gdynia.
What are my ferry options for travalling to Poland?
Here are the main ferry routes for travelling to Poland:
🇬🇧 UK → Netherlands → Poland
Sail to Holland, then drive to Poland via Germany.
This route is ideal if you’re starting in the UK and want maximum flexibility. You can break up the journey with stops in cities like Hamburg or Berlin using routes highlighted in our Germany destination guide.
|
Car & 4 passengers from £185Car & 4 passengers from €184
|
|
Car & 4 passengers from £462Car & 4 passengers from €270
|
This is the most popular option for UK travellers. Roads are excellent, and you can easily stop in cities like Hamburg or Berlin along the way.
🇸🇪 Sweden → Poland
Compared to other Sweden to Poland ferry routes, the Karlskrona to Gdynia crossing is one of the most frequent and well-established options, making it a popular choice for both short trips and longer European road journeys.
|
Car & 4 passengers from £133Car & 4 passengers from €148
|
|
Car & 4 passengers from £161Car & 4 passengers from €198
|
Perfect for travellers already in Scandinavia or looking to avoid long drives. Gdynia provides quick access to the Tricity area (Gdańsk, Sopot, Gdynia).
🇳🇱 Netherlands → Poland (via road)
After arriving via a ferry to Hook of Holland or Rotterdam, you can drive directly into Poland.
|
Car & 4 passengers from £185Car & 4 passengers from €184
|
|
Car & 4 passengers from £462Car & 4 passengers from €270
|
This route connects seamlessly with major European motorways and is one of the most efficient ways to reach cities like Warsaw or Kraków.
Which is best ferry to Poland?
The best ferry route to Poland depends on your starting point:
💡 Best overall option:
UK → Hook of Holland → Drive to Poland
(Best balance of flexibility, cost, and availability)
Who runs the ferries to Poland?
The main ferry operators serving routes to Poland include:
These operators offer:
- Cabins
- Vehicle transport
- Onboard dining & facilities
Where do the ferries to Poland go?
Key ferry ports for Poland travel:
- Gdynia (Poland)
The main arrival port for ferries from Sweden
- Świnoujście (Poland)
A key port on Poland’s northwest coast, served by the Malmö to Świnoujście ferry route, with easy access to both Poland and nearby Germany.
- Hook of Holland (Netherlands)
A major entry point when travelling from the UK via
- Rotterdam (Netherlands)
A key port with excellent motorway access into mainland Europe
What can I do when I get to Poland?
Travelling to Poland by ferry allows you to combine multiple destinations into one trip. Many travellers arrive via ferries from the Netherlands or ferries from Sweden before continuing on to cities such as Kraków, Gdańsk, Warsaw, and Gdynia, making ferry travel an ideal option for exploring the country at your own pace.
Kraków is one of Europe’s most historic cities, known for its medieval Old Town, Wawel Castle, and cultural heritage. It’s a popular destination for travellers arriving via ferry routes to Poland and driving through Germany.
👉 Explore more in our Kraków travel guide
Gdańsk is a historic port city on the Baltic coast, famous for its colourful architecture and maritime history. It’s easily reached from Gdynia ferry port, making it one of the most convenient coastal destinations for travellers arriving by sea.
Travellers arriving via southern Baltic routes such as the Malmö to Świnoujście ferry often explore western Poland before continuing east towards cities like Gdańsk or Warsaw.
👉 Plan your visit with our Gdańsk destination guide
Warsaw, the capital of Poland, blends modern development with reconstructed history. It’s commonly visited as part of a longer journey starting with a ferry to Holland and driving to Poland.
👉 Discover more in our Warsaw travel guide
Gdynia is Poland’s main ferry hub and a modern coastal city with beaches and waterfront attractions. It’s the arrival point for the Sweden to Poland ferry route and a great base for exploring the Baltic coast.
Many travellers arriving on this route continue on to nearby destinations such as Gdańsk or travel further inland towards cities like Warsaw and Kraków.
👉 Learn more about Gdynia as a ferry destination
What should I know before going to Poland?
- Driving from Holland to Poland takes 6–10 hours
- Roads across Germany and Poland are well maintained
- The best time to visit is May–September
- Poland uses the Polish złoty (PLN)
If you’re planning a multi-country trip, combining ferry routes across Europe with driving is one of the most efficient ways to travel.
FAQ
If you’re planning to travel from the UK to Poland by ferry, you may have a few questions about routes, travel times, and what to expect. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about ferry travel to Poland.
