Ferry from Gothenburg to Kiel

When planning your Gothenburg - Kiel ferry trip, you can take advantage of the fixed discounts available for certain passenger categories. On Stena Line ferries, the following reductions usually apply:

• Infants and toddlers (up to 3 years old): free of charge
• Children (4-15 years old): 50% discount

The Gothenburg - Kiel ferry route is operated by conventional cruise ferries such as the Stena Germanica and Stena Scandinavica. These vessels are designed for overnight crossings and offer a comfortable travel experience with a wide range of modern amenities and services.

On board, you can typically expect to find:

• Air-conditioned lounges and access to outdoor decks to enjoy the sea views
• A variety of dining options, including buffet, à la carte restaurants, cafés and bars serving meals, snacks and drinks
• Shops with perfumes, cosmetics, gifts, confectionery and travel essentials at discounted prices
• Entertainment options, such as TV lounges, casino games and relaxation areas
• Children’s play areas for younger passengers
• Wi-Fi access, including premium packages for faster browsing and streaming
• Sun decks where you can relax and enjoy fresh sea air during the journey
• Car decks for the transportation of vehicles

Cabins and accommodation

The Gothenburg - Kiel route is served by overnight conventional cruise ferries, so cabins are the only accommodation option available on board. This makes them the standard choice for resting during the journey and arriving in Germany refreshed for the onward trip.

What types of cabins are available on the ferry from Gothenburg to Kiel?

On Stena Line ferries, you can choose from several cabin categories depending on your budget and travel needs, including:

• Standard cabins
• Superior cabins with extra amenities
• Deluxe cabins with more space and premium features
• Accessible cabins for passengers with reduced mobility
• Pet-friendly standard cabins

Most cabins come with an en suite bathroom, TV, and a comfortable sleeping area. Depending on the cabin type, you may also find additional perks such as Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, a mini fridge, extra toiletries, and more spacious interiors.

Cabin prices on the Gothenburg - Kiel ferry usually start at around €128.

Can I book a seat instead of a cabin?

No, on the Gothenburg - Kiel route, only cabins can be booked. There are no airline-style seats, reclining seats or business-class lounge seats available as an alternative accommodation option.

How much luggage can I bring on board?

On Stena Line ferries operating the Gothenburg - Kiel route, luggage policies are generally flexible and depend on how you are traveling.

• Passengers traveling with a vehicle: there is no limit to the amount of luggage you can carry, as it will remain in your vehicle on the car deck during the crossing.
• Foot passengers: there are no strict luggage restrictions, provided that you can carry your bags on board yourself.

Keep in mind that access to the car deck is usually not allowed during the journey, so make sure to take any essential items with you before boarding.

Traveling with pets

You can travel with your pet on the Gothenburg - Kiel ferry, provided you include it in your booking in advance.

Where can pets stay during the crossing?

Pets must stay in a pet-friendly cabin, which is mandatory on this route.

Note: pets are not allowed to stay in vehicles during the journey, and travel is not possible without booking a pet cabin. Availability is limited, so early booking is recommended.

Where are pets allowed on board?

Pets are generally not permitted in indoor public areas, such as lounges, restaurants or shops. Outside the cabin, access is typically limited to designated outdoor areas.

Dogs must be kept on a leash and may be required to wear a muzzle, while smaller animals should remain in a suitable carrier.

What should I keep in mind before traveling?

• Bring all required health and travel documents, including an EU pet passport, microchip ID and valid rabies vaccination
• Make sure your pet is included in your booking and properly registered at check-in
• Carry any necessary pet supplies, such as food, water bowls and hygiene items

Good to know: guide and assistance dogs can usually travel free of charge and are allowed in passenger areas, provided they have the appropriate certification.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Gothenburg to Kiel:

• The port of Gothenburg can get busy, especially during peak season, so it’s best to arrive at least 1 hr before departure. If you are traveling with a vehicle, plan to be there around 2 hr in advance.
• The Kattegat and Baltic Sea can occasionally be choppy, so if you are prone to motion sickness, consider bringing seasickness medication for a more comfortable trip.
• For your return journey, you can book tickets on the Kiel - Gothenburg ferry in advance, especially if you are traveling with a vehicle or during busy periods.
• From Gothenburg, you can also travel by ferry to Denmark on the Gothenburg - Frederikshavn route.
• Kiel is a major ferry hub in northern Germany, with connections to destinations such as Lithuania via the Klaipėda - Kiel ferry and Norway via the Oslo - Kiel ferry.
• For more travel options from Germany, take a look at all available Kiel ferry routes and plan your trip with ease.

Where to take the ferry from Gothenburg to Kiel

You can catch the ferry to Kiel from the Stena Line Germany Terminal at the port of Gothenburg, located at Elof Lindälvs gata, in the Majnabbe / Älvsborgsbron area on the Göta River. This is the dedicated terminal for sailings from Gothenburg to Germany and is well signposted from the main road network.

At the terminal, you will find useful facilities, including ticket services, waiting areas, toilets, free Wi-Fi, accessible toilets, disability assistance, as well as short-term and long-term parking and a drop-off area.

How to get to the port of Gothenburg

• By tram: you can take tram 3 or 9 from Gothenburg city center or Gothenburg Central Station and get off at Chapmans Torg. From there, the terminal is about a 5-min walk.
• By bus: local buses also stop near Chapmans Torg, which is a short walk from the terminal.
• By car: the terminal is easy to reach from the E6 and other major roads, following the signs for the Germany ferry terminal.
• By taxi: taxis are readily available from the city center and Gothenburg Central Station, and pre-booking is also possible.

Where does the ferry arrive in Kiel?

Ferries from Gothenburg normally arrive at the Schwedenkai terminal in the port of Kiel, on Germany’s Baltic coast. The terminal is centrally located, within easy walking distance of the city center and around 10 min on foot from Kiel Central Station (Kiel Hbf).

At the terminal, you will find basic facilities such as toilets, free Wi-Fi, and access to taxi ranks nearby. Kiel is also a major ferry hub, making it a convenient arrival point for onward travel across northern Germany and beyond.

How to continue your journey from Kiel port

• On foot: Kiel Central Station is just over 800 m from the terminal via Kaistraße, making it especially convenient for foot passengers.
• By train: from Kiel Hbf, you can catch regional and long-distance trains to destinations across Germany. There are also hourly regional trains to Hamburg, with a journey time of about 1 hr 15 min.
• By bus: several local bus lines connect the terminal area with the rest of Kiel. For the city center and the main station, you can use stops such as Bootshafen or Holstenbrücke.
• By coach: if you are continuing your trip by long-distance bus, FlixBus also serves Kiel with connections to other German cities.
• By car: the port is easily accessed by road from the A7 and other major routes, making onward travel by car straightforward.
• By taxi: taxis are available near the terminal for quick transfers around Kiel or to the station.