Ferry from Newcastle to Gothenburg in Sweden

The Newcastle to Gothenburg ferry route was once a popular way to travel between the UK and Sweden.

Operated by DFDS, it provided a direct connection across the North Sea, linking northern England with Sweden’s west coast. However, this service ceased in 2006, following a decline in passenger numbers and increased competition from low-cost airlines.

Alternative Routes

Although the Newcastle to Gothenburg ferry is no longer in operation, there are still several practical ways to reach Sweden by ferry and car. The most common route is to take the Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry, which sails daily and lands at IJmuiden, just outside Amsterdam. From there, travellers can drive through northern Germany and Denmark before continuing into Sweden via the Öresund Bridge or a second ferry crossing from Denmark.

Alternative route from Newcastle

Newcastle to Amsterdam

Car & 4 passengers from £230Car & 4 passengers from €266

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1 sailings per day       Sailing time: 15 hours

Another option is to sail from Harwich to Hook of Holland, followed by a scenic drive through mainland Europe. This is particularly useful for those coming from southern England who prefer to avoid the longer drive to Newcastle.

Alternative route from Harwich

Harwich to Hook of Holland

Car & 4 passengers from £159Car & 4 passengers from €184

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2 sailings per day       Sailing time: 7 hours

While the closure of the Newcastle to Gothenburg ferry may have been inconvenient, today’s overland alternatives are well-connected, scenic, and often more flexible. Travelling with a car gives you the freedom to explore along the way — whether it’s the canals of Amsterdam, the countryside of Schleswig-Holstein, or the Danish coast.

If you’re planning a journey to Sweden, be sure to browse our Sweden Destination Guide. You’ll find practical travel tips, suggested routes, and plenty of ideas to help you make the most of your Scandinavian adventure.