Rostock – Trelleborg

Ferries from Germany to Sweden

Key Facts

Crossing time
6h – 7h 30min
Frequency
6x daily
Operator
TT Line, Stena Line
Departures
07:15 – 23:45
Car transport
Yes

Route Overview

Crossing from Rostock to Trelleborg is the most direct ferry route between Germany and southern Sweden, with most sailings clocking in at around six hours across the Baltic. The two ports stay connected year-round through both daytime and overnight departures, and in summer the schedule thickens noticeably — this is one of the busiest road-trip arteries between continental Europe and Scandinavia. The car deck takes everything from family cars, motorcycles and campers to freight trucks heading north, and pets travel in dedicated areas or pet-friendly cabins. Onboard you'll find restaurants and bars, quiet lounges, cabins ranging from basic to comfort, Wi-Fi and a tax-free shop. For overnight sailings between June and August, it's worth booking a cabin early: that's when the route fills up fastest.

Operators & Schedule

The Rostock–Trelleborg route is run by Stena Line and TT-Line, the two operators that have shared the corridor for years. Their fleets are built around different priorities, which is worth knowing before you book. The Swedish company sails the Stena Vinga and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern — the latter a larger RoPax with a strong reputation for cabin comfort. Two daily sailings run year-round, usually one daytime and one overnight. TT-Line has just renewed its fleet here with the Nils Holgersson and Peter Pan, two of the newest LNG-powered ferries in the Baltic. Built for generous freight loads alongside passengers, the German operator is the easier choice for campers, caravans and oversize vehicles, and runs one to two daily departures in winter. Between June and August the combined schedule climbs to four sailings a day. Crossing time is broadly similar across both companies: around six hours for Stena Line, six to seven for TT-Line, depending on conditions in the southern Baltic.

Onboard Services

Both Stena Line and TT-Line treat the Rostock–Trelleborg crossing as a small overnight cruise rather than a quick hop, and the onboard offering reflects that. Cabins range from compact interior berths to outside rooms with sea views, and on TT-Line's newest ships you'll also find full suites with balconies — practical for sailings between June and August, when overnight crossings sell out fastest. Meals are served either at a buffet (the easy option for families) or in à la carte restaurants and cafés. The tax-free shops are part of the experience for many Swedish passengers, given how much cheaper spirits and tobacco are at sea than ashore in Sweden. Pets travel either in dedicated pet-friendly cabins or in your vehicle, with a small surcharge on top of the standard fare. Car decks handle the full mix that crosses this corridor: passenger cars, motorcycles, campers, caravans and freight trucks, with separate boarding lanes for the bigger vehicles. Wi-Fi is available onboard from both operators — usually free in public lounges and chargeable for cabin use or higher bandwidth.

Rostock

The ferry terminal at Rostock Port, on the Warnow estuary in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, is one of the busiest passenger ports in the southern Baltic. It sits about 10 km north of Rostock city centre, reached by car via the A19 motorway or by public transport from Rostock Hauptbahnhof in around 20 minutes. If you're driving, plan to arrive 60–90 minutes before departure: that's the window operators ask for to handle ticket checks, occasional customs spot-checks and lane assignment. Foot passengers can cut it closer — 30 minutes ahead is usually enough to clear the terminal and walk on. Boarding lanes are split by vehicle type, with separate queues for cars, campers and freight trucks, so it's worth checking the signs as you enter the harbour area. The terminal has its own paid parking for travellers leaving the car behind, plus a café and basic shop for last-minute supplies before the six-hour Baltic crossing.

Trelleborg

Trelleborg Port sits on the southern tip of Skåne, Sweden — historically the country's main gateway to continental Europe, with regular sailings to Germany, Poland and Lithuania alongside the Rostock route. Trelleborg Central Station is about 10 minutes away by bus, and Malmö is roughly 30 minutes by car along the E6. Vehicle check-in opens 90 minutes before sailing and closes 30 minutes ahead — turning up at the last minute is the most common reason travellers miss a crossing. Foot passengers should be at the terminal building at least 45 minutes before departure, ticket in hand, to allow for the walk to the gate. Paid public parking is available beside the terminal for short and longer stays, with marshalling yards for trucks separated from passenger lanes. Disembarkation is quick once the bow door opens — most cars are off the ship and on the road within 45 minutes — though there can be a brief queue at peak arrival times.

FAQ

How long is the Rostock to Trelleborg ferry crossing?

The crossing takes around six hours on Stena Line and six to seven hours on TT-Line, depending on weather and traffic in the southern Baltic.

Which companies operate the Rostock–Trelleborg route?

Two operators run regular sailings on this route: Stena Line, with the Stena Vinga and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and TT-Line, with the newer LNG-poweredNils Holgersson and Peter Pan

How many ferries depart per day from Rostock to Trelleborg?

Two daily departures run year-round between the two operators combined. In summer (June to August) the schedule increases to up to four daily sailings.

Can I take my car, camper or motorbike onboard?

Yes. Both operators carry passenger cars, motorcycles, campers, caravans and freight trucks. Boarding lanes are split by vehicle type at both ports.

Are pets allowed on the Rostock–Trelleborg ferry?

Yes. Pets travel either in dedicated pet-friendly cabins or with you in your vehicle, with a small surcharge added to the standard fare.

Do I need to book a cabin for the overnight crossing?

For overnight sailings between June and August a cabin is strongly recommended, as they sell out fastest in summer. On daytime sailings you can travel as a deck passenger.

How early should I arrive at the port before departure?

Drivers should arrive 60–90 minutes before departure for vehicle check-in, which closes 30 minutes ahead of sailing. Foot passengers should be at the terminal at least 30–45 minutes before departure.

How much does a Rostock to Trelleborg ferry ticket cost?

Fares vary by season and how early you book. As a guide, a car with two passengers ranges from around €100 in low season to €250 or more in peak summer. Cabins are charged separately.

Operating Ferry Companies

  • TT Line
  • Stena Line