Sweden is the largest country in Scandinavia, stretching from the Baltic Sea in the south to the Arctic Circle in the north. Known for its forests, lakes, modern cities and coastal landscapes, Sweden combines outdoor adventure with stylish urban culture. Visitors travel to Sweden for everything from Stockholm’s island-lined waterfronts and Malmö’s modern architecture to Gothenburg’s seafood scene and Uppsala’s Viking-era history.
Sweden is also one of the best countries in Northern Europe for road trips. Travelling by ferry allows passengers to bring their own vehicle and explore multiple Scandinavian destinations at their own pace, whether driving north through Sweden itself or combining Sweden with Denmark, Norway, Finland or Germany.
While there are currently no direct ferries from the UK to Sweden, travellers from Britain can still reach Sweden easily via mainland Europe using ferry connections through the Netherlands, Germany or Denmark.
How Do I Get to Sweden?
There are currently no direct ferry routes from the UK to Sweden. Most travellers from Britain take a ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam or Hull to Rotterdam before continuing by road into mainland Europe and boarding a connecting ferry to Sweden.
The most popular ferry crossings to Sweden depart from Germany and Denmark, with additional routes available from Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Norway. These services connect southern Sweden with key ports including Gothenburg, Malmö, Trelleborg, Karlskrona, Karlshamn and Stockholm-area ports.
For travellers driving from the UK, ferry travel offers one of the easiest ways to reach Sweden with your own car, motorhome or motorcycle.
Recommended UK travel combinations:
- Newcastle → Amsterdam → drive to Germany → Rostock to Trelleborg
- Hull → Rotterdam → drive to Kiel → Kiel to Gothenburg
- UK → Netherlands → Denmark → Frederikshavn to Gothenburg
Why Choose a Ferry to Sweden?
Travelling to Sweden by ferry gives passengers more flexibility, comfort and luggage freedom compared with flying. Ferry travel is especially popular for road trips through Scandinavia, family holidays and long-distance European touring.
Choosing a ferry to Sweden allows travellers to:
- Bring cars, campervans, motorcycles and bicycles
- Avoid airline baggage restrictions
- Travel overnight on long-distance crossings
- Explore multiple Scandinavian countries in one trip
- Enjoy direct access into Sweden’s coastal regions
Many Sweden ferry routes also offer onboard cabins, restaurants, lounges and pet-friendly travel options, making them ideal for longer journeys from Germany, Poland or Latvia.
For travellers planning Scandinavian road trips, ferry crossings into Sweden often connect naturally with onward travel into Norway, Finland and Denmark.
Ferry Routes to Sweden
Denmark to Sweden Ferries
Grenaa to Halmstad Ferry
Ferries From Grenaa to Halmstad
 |
Prices from £0
Operated by Stena Line, the Grenaa to Halmstad route connects eastern Denmark with Sweden’s west coast. This crossing is popular with travellers driving from mainland Europe who want quick access to southern and central Sweden without travelling through the Öresund Bridge.
Halmstad is also a useful entry point for road trips towards Gothenburg, Malmö and inland Sweden.
Frederikshavn to Gothenburg Ferry
Ferries From Frederikshavn to Gothenburg
|
The Frederikshavn to Gothenburg route is one of the fastest and most popular ferry crossings between Denmark and Sweden. Operated by Stena Line, this route provides direct access into Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city and a major gateway to western Scandinavia.
This route is especially popular with travellers combining Denmark and Sweden in a single Scandinavian itinerary.
Germany to Sweden Ferries
Rostock to Trelleborg Ferry
Ferries From Rostock to Trelleborg
|
The Rostock to Trelleborg ferry is one of the busiest Sweden ferry routes from Germany. Operated by Stena Line, this crossing offers direct access into southern Sweden and is widely used by drivers travelling from mainland Europe.
Trelleborg provides excellent onward road connections to Malmö, Gothenburg and Stockholm.
Kiel to Gothenburg Ferry
Ferries From Kiel to Gothenburg
|
Operated by Stena Line, the Kiel to Gothenburg ferry is one of the most comfortable overnight routes to Sweden. This crossing allows passengers to travel directly from northern Germany into Gothenburg while avoiding long overland driving routes through Denmark.
The route is particularly popular with families, motorhome travellers and passengers heading into western Norway or central Sweden.
Travemünde to Malmö Ferry
Ferries From Travemünde to Malmö
 |
The Travemünde to Malmö route, operated by Finnlines, connects northern Germany with southern Sweden. This overnight crossing is ideal for travellers heading directly towards Malmö, Copenhagen or southern Scandinavian road trips.
Malmö also serves as a convenient gateway to Stockholm and eastern Sweden.
Latvia to Sweden Ferries
Ventspils to Nynäshamn Ferry
Ferries From Ventspils to Nynäshamn
|
Operated by Stena Line, the Ventspils to Nynäshamn route connects Latvia with Sweden’s east coast. Nynäshamn is located south of Stockholm and provides convenient access into the Swedish capital region.
This route is commonly used by travellers exploring the Baltic region and Scandinavia together.
Poland to Sweden Ferries
Gdynia to Karlskrona Ferry
Ferries From Gdynia to Karlskrona
|
The Gdynia to Karlskrona ferry, operated by Stena Line, is one of the main ferry routes between Poland and Sweden. The crossing connects northern Poland with Sweden’s southern coastline and is popular for both freight and passenger travel.
Karlskrona is well positioned for onward travel to Malmö, Stockholm and southern Sweden.
Świnoujście to Malmö Ferry
Ferries From Świnoujście to Malmö
|
Operated by Finnlines and Stena Line, the Świnoujście to Malmö route provides another major connection between Poland and Sweden. Malmö’s location near Copenhagen makes this route particularly useful for travellers combining Sweden and Denmark.
Estonia to Sweden Ferries
Paldiski to Kapellskär Ferry
Ferries From Paldiski to Kapellskär
 |
The Paldiski to Kapellskär route is operated by DFDS and connects Estonia with the Stockholm region. Kapellskär is located north of Stockholm and offers fast road access into central Sweden.
This route is especially popular for Baltic-to-Scandinavia freight and self-drive travel.
Lithuania to Sweden Ferries
Klaipėda to Karlshamn Ferry
Ferries From Klaipėda to Karlshamn
|
Operated by DFDS, the Klaipėda to Karlshamn ferry links Lithuania with southern Sweden. Karlshamn provides easy onward access towards Malmö, Gothenburg and inland Sweden.
This route is widely used by travellers combining Sweden with Baltic road trips.
Norway to Sweden Ferries
Sandefjord to Strömstad Ferry
Ferries From Sandefjord to Strömstad
 |
The Sandefjord to Strömstad ferry is operated by Color Line and connects southern Norway with western Sweden. This short crossing is ideal for travellers exploring both Norway and Sweden during the same Scandinavian holiday.
Strömstad also provides quick access towards Gothenburg and Sweden’s west coast.
Which Ferry Route to Sweden is Best?
The best ferry to Sweden depends on where you are travelling from and which part of Sweden you want to visit.
- Best overnight ferry: Ferry from Kiel to Gothenburg
- Best route for southern Sweden: Rostock to Trelleborg ferry route
- Best route for Stockholm access: Ferry from Ventspils to Nynäshamn
- Best short crossing: Frederikshavn to Gothenburg ferry route
- Best for Scandinavian road trips: Ferry from Travemünde to Malmö
- Best for Norway and Sweden combined: Sandefjord to Strömstad ferry route
Travellers heading to Malmö and Copenhagen usually prefer crossings into southern Sweden, while routes into Gothenburg work best for western Scandinavia and Norway itineraries.
Ferry Operators to Sweden
Several major ferry companies operate routes to Sweden from across Northern Europe.
Stena Line
Stena Line operates many of the largest ferry routes to Sweden, including crossings from Germany, Denmark, Poland and Latvia.
Finnlines
Finnlines connects Germany and Poland with southern Sweden using comfortable overnight ferry services.
DFDS
DFDS operates routes between Estonia, Lithuania and Sweden, helping connect Scandinavia with the Baltic states.
Color Line
Color Line operates the Sandefjord to Strömstad ferry between Norway and Sweden.
Swedish Ferry Ports
Gothenburg
Sweden’s largest west coast port and a major Scandinavian transport hub with ferry connections to Denmark and Germany.
Malmö
Located close to Copenhagen, Malmö is one of southern Sweden’s most important ferry gateways.
Trelleborg
Trelleborg handles many of Sweden’s ferry arrivals from Germany and Poland.
Karlskrona
A historic naval city and key southern Sweden ferry port for routes from Poland.
Karlshamn
Karlshamn provides ferry access between Sweden and Lithuania.
Strömstad
Popular for Norway-Sweden travel and short Scandinavian ferry crossings.
Nynäshamn
A Stockholm-region port connecting Sweden with Latvia.
Kapellskär
Located north of Stockholm, Kapellskär is an important Baltic ferry gateway.
Destinations in Sweden
Stockholm
Stockholm is Sweden’s capital and one of Scandinavia’s most visited cities. Spread across a network of islands connected by bridges, the city combines historic architecture, modern Scandinavian culture and waterfront scenery. Visitors can explore Gamla Stan’s medieval streets, tour the Vasa Museum or take boat trips through the Stockholm archipelago.
Stockholm works particularly well as part of longer Scandinavian itineraries combining Sweden, Finland and the Baltic states. Travellers arriving via Nynäshamn or Kapellskär can reach the city easily by road or rail.
Gothenburg
Gothenburg is Sweden’s second-largest city and one of the country’s main ferry gateways. Located on the west coast, the city is known for seafood restaurants, canals, green parks and easy access to the Swedish archipelago.
Gothenburg is ideal for travellers arriving from Denmark or Germany and works well for road trips into western Sweden or southern Norway. The city is also popular for family holidays thanks to attractions such as Liseberg amusement park.
Malmö
Malmö is Sweden’s southern gateway and sits just across the Öresund Bridge from Copenhagen. The city combines modern Scandinavian design with historic architecture and a growing food scene.
Malmö is one of the easiest Swedish cities to reach from mainland Europe and works particularly well for travellers exploring both Sweden and Denmark in one trip.
Uppsala
Located north of Stockholm, Uppsala is one of Sweden’s oldest cities and is famous for its university, Viking history and cathedral. The city offers a quieter alternative to Stockholm while still providing excellent access to central Sweden.
Uppsala fits naturally into Sweden road trips focused on history, culture and smaller Scandinavian cities.
Travel Tips for Sweden Ferries
- Book overnight cabins early during summer.
- Sweden ferry prices are usually highest in July and August.
- Motorhome and caravan spaces can sell out quickly.
- Winter crossings may experience weather disruption in the Baltic Sea.
- Ferry routes from Germany often offer the shortest driving distance from the UK.
- Gothenburg and Malmö are usually the easiest arrival ports for first-time Sweden visitors.
- Check vehicle size restrictions before booking campervan travel.
- Bring valid ID for all Scandinavian ferry crossings.
FAQ
If you’re planning to travel from the UK to Sweden 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 Sweden.