Ferry to Gotland
The in-depth guide to the Gotland ferry: choosing between Nynäshamn and Oskarshamn, ticket types, check-in and how to book officially.
By gotland.de editorial team · Travel editors · Last updated: August 2026
Contents
One ferry, two departure ports
The regular ferry to Gotland sails from Nynäshamn or Oskarshamn to Visby. Both routes are operated by Destination Gotland and carry foot passengers, bicycles and vehicles. Choosing a port isn't just about the lowest nominal fare, it's about the whole journey to get there.
| Port | Best suited to | Orientation |
|---|---|---|
| Nynäshamn | a stay in Stockholm, travelling without a car, a route through central Sweden | south of Stockholm, connecting to Visby |
| Oskarshamn | travelling via southern Sweden, Trelleborg or the Öresund crossing | on Sweden's south-east coast, connecting to Visby |
The fast crossing takes around three hours on both routes. Departure times and frequency change over the year, though, so use the official timetable for your specific date.
If you're still weighing up ferry versus flight, or planning your whole route to Gotland, start with the Getting There guide. This page covers the ferry itself: choosing a port, tickets, check-in and boarding.
Ticket types: Mini, Flexi and Flexi+
Destination Gotland offers three levels of flexibility:
- Mini: the lowest price, but neither changeable nor refundable once booked.
- Flexi: can be changed or cancelled up to one hour before departure; the Flexi surcharge itself is not refunded.
- Flexi+: can be changed or cancelled up to one hour before departure; cancelling also refunds the Flexi surcharge.
For vehicles there are also package fares such as Alla+bilen and Alla+husbil, covering up to five people plus a vehicle. According to the operator, these packages cannot be rebooked or refunded. Check your vehicle's dimensions and category first, then decide between a package and individual tickets.
The full terms are published by Destination Gotland under Ticket Types and Discounts.
Comparing prices properly
Ferry fares are dynamic. Season, departure time, demand, vehicle length and fare type all affect the final price; advertised starting prices often apply only to selected departures. A fixed evergreen figure would be misleading, so we don't quote one here.
For your date, compare at least:
- both departure ports,
- passenger and vehicle category,
- Mini against the value of extra flexibility,
- the cost and time of getting to each port.
The price shown at the official booking step is the most reliable one. Destination Gotland also notes that bookings made by phone or at the terminal may carry a service fee.
Check-in and boarding
According to the operator, the digital boarding pass is issued three hours before departure. Check-in opens at the latest 90 minutes before and closes 20 minutes before departure. That's the absolute cut-off, not a recommended arrival time, with a car, a bicycle, children or checked luggage, allow a much bigger buffer.
Foot passengers scan their boarding pass at the terminal. On a joint booking, each person gets their own pass. Drivers show all passengers' passes at the vehicle entrance; adults should have valid photo ID ready. The operator gathers the current requirements under Before Your Trip.
Travelling by car, motorhome or bicycle
Book your vehicle category by actual length, including any roof boxes, trailers or caravans. In busy summer weeks, secure your vehicle space early and check where to stay at the same time. Bicycles and e-bikes are checked in via the vehicle entrance and stowed on board as directed.
For motorhomes and caravans, the gas system must be shut off during the crossing and in the terminal area. Other vehicle-specific rules can change, so check them directly with the operator before departure.
Pets and luggage
Depending on the option booked, pets can travel in the vehicle or in designated pet areas. They are not allowed in the other lounges and cabins. If your pet stays in the vehicle, let staff know at check-in, access to the car deck is restricted during the crossing.
Foot passengers have separate rules for hand and checked luggage. If you're travelling with oversized items, an e-scooter or an e-bike, check the current classification before booking.
Arriving at the port
Nynäshamn is also reachable from Stockholm by public transport, with the terminal close to the station. Oskarshamn is mainly convenient if you're driving up through southern Sweden. Parking, access roads and counter hours change, so the official terminal pages are the best source right before you travel.
In Visby you arrive just below the old town and can walk into the centre from there. For getting around the rest of the island, see the Gotland map, the region's bus timetables and the car hire guide.