Ferry from Kiel to Gothenburg

When planning your Kiel - Gothenburg ferry trip, you can take advantage of the fixed discounts available to specific passengers. Typically, children under 16 are entitled to lower ferry ticket prices, while infants and toddlers up to 3 years old travel for free.

Stena Line operates the Kiel - Gothenburg ferry route with conventional cruise ferries, such as the Stena Germanica and Stena Scandinavica, which are designed for long-haul travel. On board, you can typically expect to find:

• Comfy air-conditioned lounges and seating on outer decks to enjoy the sea view
• Cafés, bars and restaurants (buffet and à la carte) serving a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks and meals (including vegetarian and child-friendly options)
• Duty-free shops and kiosks selling snacks, gifts and travel essentials
• Entertainment including TV lounges, children’s play areas, and casino games for adults
• Wi-Fi hotspot with free and premium options available to stay connected during the trip

Accessibility

The ferries from Kiel to Gothenburg are generally accessible to travelers with disabilities, featuring ramps and elevators between decks and lounges and adapted amenities such as wheelchair-accessible toilets in public areas. Additionally, the ferries have adapted cabins for travelers with reduced mobility with wider doorways and bathrooms equipped with grab rails and fold-down shower seats.

Boarding assistance is typically available upon request and prior notification to the ferry company before your journey.

Important: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Cabins and accommodation

The Kiel - Gothenburg crossing is overnight and cabins are compulsory on the ferries. This means that you can sleep on the ferry and be fresh when you reach Sweden in the morning.

What types of cabins are available?

On Kiel - Gothenburg ferries, you can book cabins for up to 4 passengers, for greater privacy and comfort during the trip. Typically, you can choose between:

• Standard inside and outside cabins
• Deluxe cabins and premium suites with more room, a double bed, bunk beds, tea & coffee maker, and a sea view
• Family cabins with a double bed, bunk beds and a sea view
• Adapted cabins for passengers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins

All cabins have a TV, air conditioning, wardrobe, and an ensuite bathroom.

Cabin prices normally start at € 146.6.

Can I book business-class seats?

No, cabins are compulsory on the Kiel - Gothenburg ferries, and there are no airline-style seats or business-class seats available. For a more comfortable journey, you can usually book deluxe cabins or suites, which typically have extra room and perks.

Luggage

Stena Line has a very flexible luggage policy on routes between Germany and Sweden, so you can bring as many bags you can carry on board yourself, with no size or weight restrictions.

If you are traveling with a vehicle, you can store your luggage there. Alternatively, the ferries have a dedicated luggage storage area, but keep in mind that it is not accessible during the trip.

Traveling with pets

Pets are generally allowed on Kiel - Gothenburg ferries operated by Stena Line, provided you include them in your booking.

Make sure you bring along your pet’s health and travel documents, as well as any pet supplies you may need for the trip.

Where do pets stay on board?

When traveling with a pet, you must book a pet-friendly cabin. Pets are not allowed to stay in vehicles and there are no kennels onboard.

Pets are generally not permitted in indoor public areas, such as lounges, dining areas or shops, however there are designated pet-friendly areas on the outer decks.

When outside your cabin, smaller pets must be kept in their carrier, while larger pets must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle.

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

• The port of Kiel can get busy, especially in the summer, 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 sea can get choppy, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness medication. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• Keep in mind that Kiel port and the ferry are cashless. Only cards are accepted at the terminals in Kiel and Gothenburg or aboard the Stena Germanica and Stena Scandinavica.
• If you’re taking your car, remember Gothenburg’s congestion tax. The charge also applies to vehicles registered outside Sweden, including German cars.
• For your return journey, you can book tickets on the Gothenburg - Kiel ferry in advance, especially if you are traveling with a vehicle or during busy periods.
• From Kiel, you can also catch a ferry to Klaipėda in Lithuania and Oslo in Norway. For more details and information on all routes, companies and prices, take a look at the Kiel ferry schedules.

Where to take the ferry from Kiel to Gothenburg

Ferries to Gothenburg usually depart from the Schwedenkai (Sweden Quay) in the port of Kiel. The ferry terminal is located centrally and is within walking distance of downtown Kiel and the Kiel Central Station (Kiel Hbf).

At the port, you can will find basic traveler amenities, such as ticket offices, toilets, a waiting area, accessible facilities, baby-changing facilities, a drop-off area, and short-stay parking. You can find more shops and amenities in town.

How to get to the port of Kiel

• On foot: the terminal is located directly in the city center, about 5 to 10 min on foot from the Kiel Central Station (Kiel Hauptbahnhof).
• By car: take the A7 or A215 to Kiel and once there, follow the signs for Fähren and Schwedenkai.
• By bus: several local bus lines stop at Kiel Hauptbahnhof, the main hub in town which is a very short walk from the terminal.
• From Hamburg Airport: the Kielius airport bus usually runs hourly and takes about 1.5 hours to reach the Kiel Central Station, right next to the port.

Check-in and boarding at Kiel

For the Kiel - Gothenburg ferry, the Stena Line check-in at Kiel normally opens at 14:00, while boarding starts at 16:00. Check-in closes 30 min before the scheduled departure, so make sure you arrive at the terminal with enough time to complete the necessary checks and boarding procedures.

Tip: Check the exact check-in and boarding times shown on your booking confirmation before traveling, as timings may vary depending on the sailing or season.

Where does the ferry arrive in Gothenburg?

Ferry from Kiel normally dock at Stena Line’s Germany terminal in Gothenburg, at Elof Lindälvs gata in the Majnabbe / Klippan area on the Göta River. The terminal is located west of the city center, close to the Älvsborg Bridge.

The terminal is well-equipped, with basic passenger amenities, including lounge, snacks, and automated check-in kiosks. Within walking distance of the port, you will find public transportation to reach the city center.

The port is about 2-3 km from the Gothenburg Central Station and the Haga district, about 8 km from central Gothenburg and around 25 km from Göteborg Landvetter Airport.