This is how you get to Sweden by ferry from the UK
Unfortunately, there is no direct ferry from The United Kingdom to Sweden. Yet you can get there by car and two ferries. Getting there with just one ferry ride and then driving the rest of the route is also possible. On this page, you can find the ways and ferry crossings you must board to get to Sweden from the UK.
The ferry is a comfortable way of traveling with a broad range of options, quite an experience.
Want to go to Sweden by ferry from the UK? Find all information on this page!
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Map with ferry routes to Sweden from the UK
In this overview, you can find the routes from the UK to Sweden on a map. First, you have to get to the Netherlands or France by ferry, from where you can drive to Denmark or Germany to take the ferry to Sweden. You can also get to Sweden via the Oresundbridge / Sontbridge, which connects Copenhagen (Denmark) to Malmö in Sweden.
Timetable, availability, and compare prices
Our online booking module makes it easy to find and book your desired ferry crossing. All you have to do is enter your departure port, destination, and travel dates. The system will show you the best routes and possible alternatives. You can then choose the ferry that best suits your needs and budget. Have a great trip!
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Compare prices and timetables of different ferry companies and routes on our booking engine or websites like Direct Ferries. You may find cheaper tickets or discounts depending on the season, the departure time, and the port of arrival. You can also book your tickets online in advance to avoid paying extra fees at the port or dealing with long queues.
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First, to the continent from the UK
It would be best if you first got to the European mainland to travel to Sweden from the United Kingdom. The options for this are the direct crossings to Holland or the various options from Dover to France.
The most significant disadvantages of traveling via France are the long drive to your next crossing to Sweden and the delays at the customs on busy days at Dover and Calais. On the other hand, the crossings between Dover and Dunkirk or Calais are much shorter and quicker. Therefore this is certainly a good option for travelers from Southern England.
For other travelers and tourists wanting to get to Sweden from the UK, The Netherlands seems a good first destination for your first crossing. From the UK to the Netherlands, you can choose to board the following ferries:
The UK⇔ Continent / Europe mainland
From Holland or France to Germany and or Denmark
This will most probably be a drive. Whether you sail to one of the French or Dutch harbors, you need to get to Germany or Denmark from here. You can travel by car to Germany and Denmark and use public transport.
Travel time by car after the first crossing
- From Rotterdam/Amsterdam to Kiel: ± 6.5 hours
- From Dunkirk to Kiel: ± 8 hours 30 minutes
- From Rotterdam/Amsterdam to Copenhagen: ± 9 hours
- From Calais / Dunkirk to Copenhagen: ± 12 hours
From the UK via Germany to Sweden
This is one option after crossing from the UK to the continent to travel further to Sweden from Germany, with one of the crossings leaving from Rostock, Travemünde, Kiel, or Sassnitz to Sweden. Some quick ferries will take you just 2,5 hours from Germany to the Southern tip of Sweden, like the Sassnitz to Trelleborg ferry service. Or you can travel a bit longer by ferry to, for example, Gothenborg via Kiel. This route is a 15,5 hour night crossing on a cruise ferry which lots of entertainment, restaurants, and comfort to start your journey.
You can also choose to travel from the UK and Germany via Denmark to Sweden with the Puttgarden-Rodby ferry service and then the Sontbridge from Copenhagen to Malmo or the Helsingor-Helsingborg ferry connection.
Germany ⇔ Sweden
From the UK via Denmark to Sweden
Depending on where you need to be in Sweden, you can choose one of these ferries or the Sontbridge from Copenhagen to Malmo. Copenhagen is located on Sjaelland – the most significant island of Denmark, where you can get via another bridge (the Great Belt Bridge) or by another ferry connection.
It is only a 20-minute drive from Copenhagen over the bridge to Malmö. This bridge, the Sontbridge, is also famous for the series named after it, ‘The Bridge' or ‘Bron.'
All the ferries from Denmark to Sweden sail within 5 hours from Denmark to Sweden and vice versa. The fastest connections are only 20 minutes from coast to coast.
Denmark ⇔ Sweden
Best way to travel to Sweden from the UK
If we have to single out one ferry route for travelers from the UK to Sweden, we will go for the Kiel to Gothenburg route. So from the UK through Dover-Calais or Dover-Dunkirk via Germany to Sweden. This somewhat longer ferry ride makes it a night crossing, which means an early start of your vacation, a lot of comfort and entertainment, and arriving well-rested in Sweden.
Our top 3 based on our experience:
- Two ferry crossings: Dover-Dunkirk (Better vessels than Calais-Dover) and then Kiel-Gothenburg.
- One ferry crossing: Dover-Dunkirk and Oresundbidge (long drives though you'll need to book hotels. Also, you'll face two to three expensive toll routes in Denmark)
- If you don't want to drive much at all and like to be on long ferries: Newcastle – Amsterdam and Rostock – Stockholm.
Frequently Asked Questions: ferry to Sweden from the UK
No, there are no direct ferries from the UK to Sweden. There are multiple options to get from the UK to Sweden by ferry, though. You can travel either from the UK to the continent (France or the Netherlands) and then to Germany or Denmark where you can get a ferry to multiple Swedish cities. You can also take the Sontbridge from Copenhagen to Malmo in Southern Sweden.
For example, from Hull, it takes around 22 hours to get to Malmo by car and ferry. If you depart from the Greater Londen Area, you reach Sweden in about 16 hours. This is an ideal scenario with two drivers, probably.
If you want to enjoy the most comfortable route, then take longer ferry rides instead of driving a lot.
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