Germany
Kiel to Gothenburg Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Kiel
Schleswig-Holstein
Arrives
Gothenburg
Västra Götaland
At a glance
The Kiel to Gothenburg ferry takes about 14h. It is operated by Stena Line.
- Sailings listed
- 0
- Crossing
- 14h
Kiel to Gothenburg ferry timetable
Seasonal sailing times
The Kiel to Gothenburg 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 Kiel – Gothenburg crossing
The Kiel to Gothenburg ferry is Stena Line's overnight cruise-ferry from Germany to Sweden, sailing from Kiel up across the Baltic and Swedish west coast to Gothenburg. It runs once a day and doubles as a mini-cruise; see also the Gothenburg to Kiel return.
The crossing & how often it runs
The sailing takes about fourteen hours overnight — depart in the early evening, arrive the next morning — aboard the sister ships Stena Germanica and Stena Scandinavica, with one departure a day each way.
Terminals & getting there
Kiel lies at the head of its fjord in northern Germany, close to Hamburg and the motorway network. You arrive in Gothenburg, Sweden's second city, with its terminal near the centre and strong rail links across Scandinavia.
On board
The overnight cruise ferries carry a full range of cabins, restaurants and buffets, bars, shops and live entertainment — comfortable for the long crossing and popular as a mini-cruise.
Cars, bikes & pets
Cars, motorhomes, caravans, coaches and freight drive aboard, with pet-friendly cabins and kennels, and space for foot passengers and cyclists.
Tickets & fares
Fares include the vehicle, passengers and a cabin, in euros or Swedish kronor, and are cheaper booked ahead; mini-cruise return packages 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 Kiel to Gothenburg ferry?
About 14 hours overnight, leaving Kiel in the early evening and arriving in Gothenburg the next morning.
Who runs the Kiel–Gothenburg ferry?
Stena Line, with the cruise-ferries Stena Germanica and Stena Scandinavica, sailing once a day in each direction.
Is a cabin required on the Kiel to Gothenburg ferry?
Yes, as an overnight sailing it needs a cabin; options run from budget inside cabins to sea-view and premium.
Can I bring a motorhome and pets on the Kiel–Gothenburg ferry?
Yes — cars, motorhomes, caravans and coaches roll on and off, and there are pet-friendly cabins and kennels.
How do I get to Kiel for the ferry?
Kiel is in northern Germany at the head of the Kiel Fjord, close to Hamburg and the A7/A210 motorways.
Is the Kiel to Gothenburg mini-cruise worth it?
For many travellers yes — the return mini-cruise with time ashore in Gothenburg is often the best-value way to experience the overnight ferry.
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 car on this ferry?
Yes — Stena Line carries vehicles on this route. Book your car space in advance, especially in peak season, and check the specific sailing for size limits.
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 Gothenburg
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Gothenburg.
Same departure port
More ferries from Kiel
Other crossings departing Kiel.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Kiel or Gothenburg
Other ferries that stop at the same quays — handy for connections and nearby travel.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated July 21, 2026.
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