The most important ferry connections to Gotland depart from the Swedish mainland. Ferries operated by Destination Gotland run all year round from Nynäshamn (60 km south of Stockholm) and from Oskarshamn (on the southern east coast) to Visby on Gotland.
There is also a direct connection from Stockholm in the summer: the shipping company Viking Line then offers cruises from Stockholm via Mariehamn (Åland) to Visby. This seasonal connection is primarily aimed at foot passengers and complements the year-round offer from Destination Gotland.
The crossing with the regular Gotland ferries takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on the route. The journey from Nynäshamn to Visby takes around 3 hours 15 minutes, from Oskarshamn around 3 hours.
The summer cruise from Stockholm to Visby is significantly longer: it departs in the afternoon and reaches Gotland the next morning (around 16 hours including a stopover on Åland).
The ferries from Destination Gotland run all year round and several times a day in the high season. There are several departures a day from Nynäshamn, especially in summer (usually 1-2 a day in the low season). There is at least one daily connection from Oskarshamn, with additional sailings in the summer months.
The Viking Line cruise from Stockholm to Visby only runs seasonally, usually once or twice a week during the summer months.
Yes, it is advisable to book your Gotland ferry tickets in advance. Departures are often in high demand, especially in the peak summer season, so early booking is recommended - especially if you are traveling with your own vehicle or want to book a cabin.
Tickets can be purchased online via the Destination Gotland or Viking Line websites. Short-term tickets are sometimes also available at the port, but to avoid disappointment, it is better to plan ahead.
Allow plenty of time and ideally arrive at the ferry terminal around 60 minutes before departure. Especially during peak travel times or if you are checking in by car, it makes sense to arrive early to ensure a smooth check-in.
Note that the shuttle train or bus to Nynäshamn can be fuller at peak times and delays can occur. A buffer before departure will give you peace of mind in case of unexpected delays.
Yes, you can take your car with you on the Destination Gotland ferries. The ferries offer space for several hundred vehicles and transport thousands of cars to the island every year.
However, no vehicles are permitted on the Viking Line summer cruise from Stockholm to Visby. This connection is designed exclusively for foot passengers, so you cannot take your car with you.
Pets are allowed on the regular Gotland ferries. You can take your dog or cat with you in special pet areas or designated cabins, or it can stay in the vehicle during the crossing (with the option to check on the animal in between).
However, neither pets nor cars are allowed on the Viking Line cruise to Visby. If you want to travel to Gotland with your pet, you should therefore use the regular ferries from Destination Gotland.
On board the Destination Gotland ferries you will find a comprehensive range of services for a pleasant crossing. There are restaurants and cafés for meals and snacks, as well as an on-board store with magazines, sweets, souvenirs and regional products. Relaxation areas and play areas for children are also available. If required, you can even book a cabin to have a private retreat during the three-hour journey.
The Viking Line ferry, which sails to Visby in summer, is also a cruise ship and therefore offers numerous amenities. There are several restaurants, bars, duty-free stores and even wellness and entertainment facilities on board. As this crossing is overnight, cabins are also mandatory for all passengers, so you can sleep comfortably during the journey.
The port of Nynäshamn is easy to reach by public transport from Stockholm. A shuttle train (regional train) runs approximately every hour from Stockholm Central Station to Nynäshamn and takes around 60 minutes. Alternatively, during the season there are special shuttle buses from Destination Gotland (so-called Båtbussar), which run directly from the Cityterminalen bus station in Stockholm to the Nynäshamn ferry terminal, for example.
There are also bus connections to the port of Oskarshamn, for example from larger cities in southern Sweden (e.g. ferry buses from places like Växjö, Kalmar or Jönköping). You can plan your journey to the port when booking - Destination Gotland provides information on public connections and parking at the port.