The main ferry connections to Gotland depart from the Swedish mainland. Year-round ferries operated by Destination Gotland run from Nynäshamn (60 km south of Stockholm) and from Oskarshamn (on the southern east coast) to Visby on Gotland.
Additionally, there is a direct connection from Stockholm in summer: 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 service offered by Destination Gotland.
The crossing with the regular Gotland ferries takes about 3 to 3.5 hours depending on the route. From Nynäshamn to Visby you'll be traveling for around 3 hours 15 minutes, from Oskarshamn about 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 travel time including the stopover in Åland).
The ferries operated by Destination Gotland run year-round and several times daily during high season. From Nynäshamn there are several departures per day, especially in summer (usually 1-2 daily in low season). From Oskarshamn there is at least one daily connection, with additional sailings during the summer months.
The Viking Line cruise from Stockholm to Visby operates only seasonally, usually once or twice per week during the summer months.
Yes, it is advisable to book your Gotland ferry tickets in advance. Especially during the peak summer season, departures are often in high demand, so early booking is recommended - particularly if you're traveling with your own vehicle or want to book a cabin.
You can purchase tickets online through the websites of Destination Gotland or Viking Line respectively. Last-minute tickets are sometimes available at the port, but to avoid disappointment, it's better to plan ahead.
Plan enough time and be at the ferry terminal about 60 minutes before departure. Especially during peak travel times or when checking in with a car, arriving earlier is sensible to ensure a smooth check-in process.
Note that the commuter train or bus to Nynäshamn can be fuller during rush hours and delays may occur. Having a buffer before departure gives you security in case of unexpected delays.
Yes, you can take your car on the Destination Gotland ferries. The ferry ships have space for several hundred vehicles and transport thousands of cars to the island annually.
On the Viking Line summer cruise from Stockholm to Visby, however, no vehicles are permitted. This connection is designed exclusively for foot passengers, so you cannot take your car on this service.
Pets are allowed on the regular Gotland ferries. You can take your dog or cat in special pet areas or designated cabins, or it can remain in the vehicle during the crossing (with the possibility to check on the animal intermittently).
On the Viking Line cruise to Visby, however, neither pets nor cars are permitted. If you want to travel to Gotland with a pet, you should therefore use the regular ferries operated by Destination Gotland.
On board the Destination Gotland ferries you'll find comprehensive facilities for a pleasant crossing. There are restaurants and cafés for meals and snacks, as well as an onboard shop with magazines, sweets, souvenirs and regional products. Rest areas provide relaxation, and there are also play areas for children. If needed, you can even book a cabin to have a private retreat during the approximately three-hour journey.
The Viking Line ferry that sails to Visby in summer is also a cruise ship and therefore offers numerous amenities. On board there are several restaurants, bars, duty-free shops and even wellness and entertainment facilities. Since this crossing lasts overnight, cabins are also mandatory for all passengers, so you can sleep comfortably during the journey.
Nynäshamn port is easily accessible from Stockholm by public transport. A commuter train (regional railway) runs approximately hourly from Stockholm Central Station to Nynäshamn and takes around 60 minutes. Alternatively, there are special shuttle buses operated by Destination Gotland during the season (so-called Båtbussar), which run directly from Cityterminalen bus station in Stockholm to the Nynäshamn ferry terminal.
There are also bus connections to Oskarshamn port, including from larger cities in southern Sweden (for example ferry buses from places like Växjö, Kalmar or Jönköping). You can plan your journey to the port when making your booking - Destination Gotland provides information about public connections and parking facilities at the port.