Sweden
Gothenburg to Kiel Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Gothenburg
Västra Götaland
Arrives
Kiel
Schleswig-Holstein
At a glance
The Gothenburg to Kiel ferry takes about 14h. It is operated by Stena Line.
- Sailings listed
- 0
- Crossing
- 14h
Gothenburg to Kiel ferry timetable
Seasonal sailing times
The Gothenburg to Kiel ferry is operated by Stena Line, and the crossing takes about 14h. Sailings change with the season, and departures are confirmed ahead of each sailing period.
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Gothenburg – Kiel crossing
The Gothenburg to Kiel ferry is Stena Line's overnight cruise-ferry link between Sweden and Germany. Sailing down the Swedish west coast and across the Baltic to Kiel, it is as much a mini-cruise as a crossing, with one departure a day in each direction.
The crossing & how often it runs
The sailing takes about fourteen hours overnight, leaving in the early evening and arriving the next morning — so the journey time doubles as a night's accommodation. There is one sailing a day each way, operated by the large sister ships Stena Germanica and Stena Scandinavica.
Terminals & getting there
Gothenburg (Göteborg) is Sweden's second city, with its ferry terminal close to the centre and good rail links across Scandinavia. Kiel sits at the head of its fjord in northern Germany, an easy start for Hamburg and the German motorway network.
On board
Because it is an overnight cruise ferry, the ships carry a wide choice of cabins, restaurants and buffets, bars, shops and live entertainment — many travellers book it as a "mini-cruise" round trip for the experience alone.
Cars, bikes & pets
Cars, motorhomes, caravans, coaches and freight drive aboard, and there are pet-friendly cabins as well as kennels; foot passengers and cyclists are carried too.
Tickets & fares
Fares combine the vehicle, passengers and a cabin (required on the overnight sailing), in euros or Swedish kronor, and are cheaper booked ahead. Mini-cruise fares — a return trip with a few hours ashore in Kiel — are often the best value.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Cruise-ferry cabins
- Lounges & restaurants
- Vehicle & freight decks
- E-Flexer & methanol ships
Vehicle space is available on this route — book early, especially in peak season. Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Gothenburg to Kiel ferry?
About 14 hours overnight — it leaves in the early evening and arrives the next morning, so the crossing doubles as a night's sleep in a cabin.
Who operates the Gothenburg–Kiel ferry?
Stena Line, using the large cruise-ferries Stena Germanica and Stena Scandinavica, with one sailing a day in each direction.
Do I need a cabin on the Gothenburg to Kiel ferry?
Yes, because it is an overnight sailing a cabin is required; the ships offer everything from budget inside cabins to sea-view and premium options.
Can I take a car and dog on the Gothenburg–Kiel ferry?
Yes — cars, motorhomes, caravans and coaches roll aboard, and there are pet-friendly cabins and kennels.
What is a Gothenburg–Kiel mini-cruise?
It is a return trip on the overnight ferry with a few hours ashore in Kiel, sold as a cruise-style package; it is often the best-value way to book the route.
How often does the Gothenburg to Kiel ferry sail?
Once a day in each direction, all year round, operated by Stena Line.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (Stena Line) for current fares.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailing frequency on this route varies by season. Confirm current dates with the operator before travelling.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with Stena Line, so declare your pet when booking.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Where can I check live sailing times?
The timetable on this page shows the latest published sailings for this route. Always confirm with the operator before travelling, as schedules change seasonally.
Continue your journey
Onward sailings from Kiel
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Kiel.
Same departure port
More ferries from Gothenburg
Other crossings departing Gothenburg.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Gothenburg or Kiel
Other ferries that stop at the same quays — handy for connections and nearby travel.
Schedule data compiled from Trafiklab, Sweden's national public-transport open data.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated July 21, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
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