Kiel – Gothenburg

Ferries from Germany to Sweden

Key Facts

Crossing time: 14h 30min – 15h 30min
Frequency: 1x daily
Operator: Stena Line
Departures: 17:45 – 18:45
Car transport: Yes

Route Overview

The Kiel-Gothenburg ferry route establishes a regular maritime connection across the Skagerrak Strait and Kattegat Sea. Operated primarily by Stena Line, this approximately 250-nautical-mile journey typically maintains a daily frequency year-round. Standard crossing durations for this overnight service average between 14 hours 30 minutes and 15 hours 30 minutes, depending on specific vessel speed and prevailing sea conditions. During peak seasons, such as summer months (June-August) and around major holidays, booking demand frequently necessitates advanced reservations, with passenger capacity varying by vessel, for example, Stena Germanica accommodates up to 1,300 passengers. Off-peak seasons, generally from November to March, may see slight reductions in specific sailing times, though the daily service pattern is largely maintained. The route primarily caters to vehicle and foot passengers, offering a direct transit option between Northern Germany and Southern Sweden. Departure times from Kiel are consistently scheduled in the late afternoon or early evening, typically between 17:00 and 19:00 local time, arriving in Gothenburg the following morning. Conversely, departures from Gothenburg mirror this schedule. Freight services are also integrated into these sailings, utilizing dedicated deck space on the vessels. The total length of the sea passage underscores its role as a significant overnight transport corridor, avoiding extensive land routes through Denmark.

Operators & Schedule

The Kiel-Gothenburg route is exclusively serviced by Stena Line, utilizing modern roll-on/roll-off passenger (Ro-Pax) ferries. The primary vessels deployed on this route are the Stena Germanica and Stena Scandinavica, each with a capacity exceeding 1,200 passengers and 500 vehicles. These vessels maintain a consistent schedule, departing once daily from each port. From Kiel, sailings typically depart at 18:45 local time, arriving in Gothenburg at 09:15 the following morning, resulting in a 14-hour 30-minute crossing. From Gothenburg, departures are at 18:45, arriving in Kiel at 09:15, with a 14-hour 30-minute crossing. Seasonal variations in schedule are minimal, primarily limited to maintenance periods, during which alternative vessels may be deployed or specific sailing times adjusted by up to 60 minutes. Freight capacity is substantial, with multiple cargo decks allocated for heavy goods vehicles and unaccompanied trailers. The schedule is designed to facilitate overnight travel, optimizing business and leisure travel between Germany and Sweden.

Onboard Services

Onboard the Stena Germanica and Stena Scandinavica, a range of services are provided to enhance the overnight crossing. Accommodation options include various cabin categories, from standard internal cabins (approximately 9-12 sqm) to deluxe cabins with windows and suites, totaling over 500 cabins on each vessel. Dining facilities include a buffet restaurant, an à la carte restaurant, and a self-service cafe, each with distinct opening hours. The onboard shops offer duty-free goods, including confectionery, cosmetics, and alcoholic beverages. Pet travel is accommodated in designated pet-friendly cabins or in vehicle kennels, subject to booking availability and an additional charge; pets are not permitted in public areas. Vehicle transport includes standard car decks for passenger vehicles and dedicated freight decks, with height restrictions up to 4.2 meters for standard bookings. Wi-Fi access is available for purchase in public areas and within cabins, with various data packages offered, typically ranging from 2 hours of access to full crossing duration access. A small cinema, children's play area, and a bar venue complete the onboard facilities.

Kiel

Kiel's ferry terminal, located at Bollhörnkai alongside the Kiel Canal, serves as the primary departure point for services to Gothenburg. This facility accommodates large ro-pax vessels, with multiple vehicle lanes and passenger gangways. The port is approximately 3 kilometers from Kiel Hauptbahnhof (central station), accessible via local bus services 11, 41, or 42, with journey times around 10-15 minutes.

For vehicle check-in, passengers are generally advised to arrive 90-120 minutes prior to scheduled departure. Dedicated signs direct vehicle traffic to specific marshalling lanes based on booking details. Foot passengers typically check in at the terminal building, requiring photo identification and booking confirmation. Parking facilities, including short-term drop-off zones and paid long-term parking, are available adjacent to the terminal, offering approximately 100 parking spaces. Port amenities include waiting areas, restrooms, and limited vending machine services. Security protocols involve baggage screening for foot passengers and random vehicle inspections, aligning with EU maritime security regulations.

Gothenburg

The Port of Gothenburg's Stena Line terminal, referred to as Majnabbe, handles arrivals from Kiel. Located about 5 kilometers southwest of Gothenburg city center, it offers direct access to the E45 and E6 motorways, facilitating onward travel. Public transportation connections to central Gothenburg are available via tram line 3 or 9 from the stop 'Chapmans Torg', approximately a 10-minute walk from the terminal building, with journey times of around 15-20 minutes to the city center. Vehicle disembarkation procedures are executed efficiently, with vehicles typically cleared for departure within 30-45 minutes of docking. Foot passengers disembark via gangways directly into the terminal, where passport control may be conducted by Swedish Border Police. Terminal facilities include waiting areas, information desks, and taxi stands immediately outside. Check-in procedures for departing passengers from Gothenburg mirror those in Kiel, requiring arrival 90-120 minutes before sailing for vehicles and 60 minutes for foot passengers. Parking options adjacent to the terminal include short-term pick-up/drop-off areas and a multi-story car park.

Operating Ferry Companies

Stena Line