Compare Destination Gotland services with EUFerry, from route planning and onboard considerations to
current departure availability and fares for your chosen journey.
Nynäshamn & Oskarshamn Around 3 hours Visby & Gotland
High-speed passenger and vehicle ferry service to Gotland
About the operator
The main sea link between mainland Sweden and Gotland
Destination Gotland AB operates the principal ferry service linking Visby with Nynäshamn and
Oskarshamn. The company is wholly owned by Gotlandsbolaget AB and operates the state-contracted
service to Gotland under an agreement extending to 31 January 2035.
The network is compact but intensive. In summer, additional departures increase capacity
substantially, while the core journey remains simple: choose the mainland port that best fits your
road or rail journey, then cross directly to Visby in around three hours.
The service carries foot passengers, cars and touring vehicles as well as bicycles and motorcycles.
Because the crossing is relatively short, the onboard product centres on reserved seating, lounges
and private compartments rather than the overnight cabin model familiar on longer Baltic or North
Sea routes.
Planning note: Destination Gotland’s timetable varies by date and season. Use the live sailing result for the definitive departure time, and choose Nynäshamn or Oskarshamn according to your mainland travel plans rather than treating them as interchangeable ports.
Mainland Sweden to Gotland
Destination Gotland routes
Destination Gotland’s passenger network is built around two direct mainland gateways. Both connect
to Visby, but the best choice depends on where your Swedish road or rail journey begins.
Core routeStockholm region
Sweden
Nynäshamn
Gotland
Visby
Nynäshamn is the principal mainland option for travellers approaching from Stockholm and central
Sweden. The crossing is direct to Visby and the operator describes the journey to Gotland as taking
around three hours.
Practical for Stockholm and the Mälaren region
Foot passengers, bicycles and booked vehicles are carried
Frequency increases substantially during busy summer periods
Oskarshamn is the southern mainland gateway, well placed for travellers coming from Småland,
southern Sweden or routes that make Stockholm an unnecessary detour. The sea crossing is again
around three hours.
Useful for southern and south-eastern Sweden
Direct arrival at Visby’s ferry terminal
Vehicle and bicycle places should be reserved with the correct category
Destination Gotland operates the same two mainland corridors in both directions, giving island
residents and visitors frequent return options from Visby.
This schematic summarises the three representative current route groups described above. It is not a
complete network map or timetable; the live operator booking result is definitive.
For planning with Destination Gotland, use the map to compare the representative route groups above,
including Nynäshamn–Visby, Oskarshamn–Visby, Visby–Mainland Sweden. It is most useful for judging
which departure or arrival point best fits the rest of the journey rather than as a substitute for
the live timetable.
After choosing the most practical route, compare the live Destination Gotland sailing for departure
time, calling pattern, passenger requirements and the facilities or accommodation shown for that
service. The complete itinerary and arrival location can matter more than a small difference in the
headline fare.
Summer schedules can include many more departures than quieter periods. Confirm the exact sailing
time, terminal opening and boarding information for the date you book.
Illustrative Destination Gotland route map. Routes and operating patterns can change; check the live timetable for your date.
Ports and places
Gateways for a Gotland journey
For most travellers, the important decision is not where to arrive on Gotland—the ferry arrives in
Visby—but which mainland gateway creates the easiest overall journey.
Island gateway
Visby
Visby is the ferry hub and the natural starting point for exploring Gotland. The medieval city
walls, harbour and old-town streets are close to the terminal, while the island’s beaches and
countryside open out beyond the city.
Nynäshamn is the obvious port for many Stockholm-region travellers. Allow time for local traffic or
rail connections and check the terminal instructions before departure rather than timing your
arrival only to the advertised sailing time.
Stockholm is not the ferry departure port, but it is a major source of onward rail, coach and road
traffic to Nynäshamn. Build the transfer into your itinerary and keep a sensible margin before ferry
boarding closes.
Compare the full mainland journey. Nynäshamn is normally the natural choice from Stockholm and
central Sweden, while Oskarshamn can remove a substantial detour for travellers starting farther
south.
Choose your comfort level
Seats, lounges and private compartments
The Gotland crossing is much shorter than an overnight Baltic voyage, so comfort is based mainly on
reserved seating and private seated compartments. The exact categories depend on the vessel assigned
to your sailing.
Reserved lounge seating can provide a calmer base for the roughly three-hour crossing. Passenger spaces are designed for a daytime crossing rather than a hotel-style overnight voyage.
Economy area
On SF1500 vessels, an economy place is available in the economy lounge/restaurant area rather than a
reclining seat.
Best considered forBudget-conscious travellers on a straightforward daytime crossing
Recliner lounges
Aft, middle and forward lounge options provide reserved reclining seats, with the exact lounge
choice depending on vessel type.
Best considered forTravellers wanting a reserved seat and predictable personal space
Family and forward lounges
Selected vessels include family-oriented seating near play facilities, while forward lounges can
include entertainment screens during the crossing.
Best considered forFamilies or passengers who prefer a specific lounge environment
Pet lounge
Dedicated animal lounge seating allows passengers to remain with booked pets in an approved
passenger-deck area.
Best considered forPet owners who do not want their animal to remain in the vehicle
Private compartment
Private seated compartments include sofas, television, WC and USB-equipped power points. Inside and
outside versions are offered on relevant vessels.
Best considered forFamilies, small groups or anyone wanting extra privacy
Accessible and allergy options
Relevant vessels include wheelchair-friendly and allergy-friendly compartments, with availability
limited and advance booking recommended.
Best considered forPassengers with specific mobility or sensitivity requirements
Cabin booking tip
Search early for summer weekends and school-holiday dates. A cabin category can sell out even when
passenger and vehicle space remains available, and a last-minute upgrade should never be assumed.
During the crossing
Food, family spaces, shopping and sea views
Destination Gotland is designed around a busy three-hour passenger crossing, with food and drink,
retail and a selection of lounge environments rather than the extensive entertainment programme of
an overnight cruise ferry.
Restaurant service uses Swedish and Gotland-sourced ingredients where possible. The onboard shop carries snacks, reading material, gifts and Gotland products. Family-oriented spaces can make the crossing easier for younger travellers. Outdoor areas provide fresh air and Baltic Sea views when conditions permit.
Restaurant
Meals are prepared with Swedish and Gotland ingredients where possible, with vegetarian, vegan and
allergy-aware choices available.
Bistro and café
Quick meals, sandwiches, wraps, coffee, snacks and cold drinks are available from different outlets
depending on the sailing.
Passenger lounges
Several seating environments let you choose between economy, recliner and more private options when booking.
Shop and kiosk
Passengers can buy snacks, ice cream, reading material, gifts and selected Gotland products during
the crossing.
Family facilities
Family lounge choices and play areas on relevant vessels can make the crossing more manageable with children.
Meal pre-ordering
Meals can be ordered in advance until 12 hours before departure, then collected or prepared onboard
using the operator’s voucher process.
Images in this section are from EUFerry’s general ferry-travel library and illustrate facility
types; they are not presented as photographs of a particular Destination Gotland vessel. Confirm the
facilities on the ship assigned to your sailing.
Travel with your own transport
Vehicles, bicycles, pets and accessibility
Destination Gotland carries a broad mix of passenger vehicles and makes specific provision for
cyclists, motorcycles, touring vehicles, pets and travellers who need assistance.
Motorhomes and caravans need to be booked in the correct vehicle category and prepared safely for sea transport. Bicycles and e-bikes are booked as vehicles and use the vehicle access route. Pets can remain in a vehicle or use a booked pet lounge or pet compartment.
Cars, motorhomes and caravans
Book the actual vehicle type and dimensions. Touring vehicles carrying LPG must comply with the
operator’s safety requirements throughout the terminal and crossing.
Keep the LPG main valve closed during the crossing
Make the gas bottle accessible and storage compartment identifiable
Follow crew instructions during vehicle loading
Bicycles and motorcycles
Bicycles and e-bikes are checked in as vehicles. Motorcycles have dedicated positions on the car
deck with securing straps provided at each position.
Use the vehicle access route for bicycles and mopeds
Motorcycles should always be secured
Declare the correct moped or motorcycle category when booking
Travelling with pets
Pets may remain in the passenger vehicle, with one visit permitted during the crossing, or travel in
bookable pet lounges and pet compartments on relevant vessels.
Tell check-in staff when a dog or cat is travelling
Pets are not allowed in ordinary lounges or compartments
Disable the vehicle alarm if an animal remains on the car deck
Reduced mobility and assistance
Assistance should be arranged no later than 48 hours before departure. Accessible toilets and a
limited number of adapted compartments are available on the relevant vessel types.
Arrive at the marked assistance meeting point 60 minutes before sailing
Request a vehicle position near a lift when needed
Guide and assistance dogs may accompany passengers in permitted areas
Before you reach the ferry
Boarding cards, check-in, luggage and documents
The boarding process is straightforward, but the cut-off is firm. Download boarding cards early,
arrive with time to spare and keep identity documents accessible for every adult traveller.
Boarding cards can be downloaded before travel or collected from terminal check-in machines. Access closes 20 minutes before departure, so do not plan to arrive at the terminal at the last moment.
Recommended travel sequence
When booking
Choose the correct port, passengers and vehicle
Make sure names, vehicle type, bicycle, pet and comfort selections are accurate before payment.
3 hours before
Download boarding cards
The lead passenger can receive SMS and email instructions three hours before departure. Save each
traveller’s boarding card to a phone or print it.
By 60 minutes before
Report to the assistance meeting point if required
Passengers who have booked mobility assistance should be at the marked terminal meeting point no
later than 60 minutes before departure.
No later than 20 minutes before
Complete access to the ferry
Destination Gotland states that access opens no later than 1 hour 30 minutes before departure and
closes 20 minutes before sailing.
During loading
Follow terminal and crew instructions
Foot passengers scan boarding cards at terminal access; vehicle passengers present boarding cards
and adult identification at the vehicle control.
Choose the mainland gateway
When Destination Gotland is the practical choice
Destination Gotland is the natural sea route when you want to take a car, motorhome, motorcycle or
bicycle to Gotland, or simply prefer a direct ferry to Visby rather than combining air travel with
vehicle hire. The roughly three-hour crossing is short enough to travel comfortably in a seat while
still offering a meaningful range of lounge and private-compartment upgrades.
The key planning decision is the mainland port. Nynäshamn is normally the obvious choice from
Stockholm and much of central Sweden; Oskarshamn can be considerably more direct from southern and
south-eastern Sweden. Compare the road or rail approach, departure time and total journey rather
than choosing purely on the ferry fare.
Because summer demand is high, vehicle spaces and the more specialised comfort categories can sell
ahead of the foot-passenger capacity. Book early when travelling with a motorhome, pet compartment,
accessible accommodation or a fixed holiday schedule.
Common planning questions
Destination Gotland FAQs
Where does Destination Gotland sail?
Destination Gotland operates the main ferry links between Visby on Gotland and the Swedish mainland
ports of Nynäshamn and Oskarshamn. Timetables and frequencies vary by date and season.
How long is the ferry to Gotland?
Destination Gotland describes the crossing from Nynäshamn or Oskarshamn to Visby as taking around
three hours. The booked timetable is the definitive source for the exact sailing time.
Can I take a car or motorhome on Destination Gotland?
Yes. Cars, motorhomes, caravans, motorcycles, bicycles and other permitted vehicles can travel when
booked in the correct category and subject to deck availability.
When does boarding close for Destination Gotland?
Access to the ferries closes 20 minutes before departure. Destination Gotland says access opens no
later than 1 hour 30 minutes before departure, and travellers should allow additional time during
busy periods.
How do Destination Gotland boarding cards work?
Three hours before departure, the person who made the booking can receive an SMS and email with
instructions to download boarding cards. Boarding cards can also be obtained from terminal check-in
machines.
Can pets travel with Destination Gotland?
Yes. Pets can remain in a passenger vehicle during the crossing, with one visit permitted during the
voyage, or travel in bookable pet lounges or pet compartments on the relevant vessel type.
Does Destination Gotland offer cabins?
The operator offers seated comfort categories and private compartments rather than a typical
overnight cruise-ferry cabin product. Private compartments include sofas, TV, WC and USB power;
accessible, pet and allergy-friendly variants are available on relevant vessels.
What luggage can I take as a foot passenger?
Foot passengers check larger baggage at the terminal. Destination Gotland sets a maximum weight of
25 kg per checked bag, while hand luggage carried into passenger areas is limited to 56 × 45 × 25
cm.
Can I take a bicycle on Destination Gotland?
Yes. Bicycles and e-bikes are booked as vehicles and use the vehicle access route. Crew direct
passengers to the correct bicycle storage position during loading.
How do I request assistance?
Passengers who need assistance with boarding or disembarkation should contact Destination Gotland
customer service no later than 48 hours before departure and should be at the marked terminal
meeting point 60 minutes before sailing.
Facility photographs are examples; the vessels shown are identified below. Facilities vary by ship.
250120 1029 MV Glen Sannox loading, Port of Troon ferry terminal.jpg — Dave souza; CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:250120_1029_MV_Glen_Sannox_loading,_Port_of_Troon_ferry_terminal.jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0. Resized for display.
Bikes on MV Coho.jpg — Loneshieling; CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bikes_on_MV_Coho.jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0. Resized for display.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (49687542022).jpg — Chris Hunkeler from Carlsbad, California, USA; CC BY-SA 2.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cavalier_King_Charles_Spaniel_(49687542022).jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0. Resized for display.
Check-in, Holyhead Ferry Terminal - geograph.org.uk - 7757104.jpg — JThomas; CC BY-SA 2.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Check-in,_Holyhead_Ferry_Terminal_-_geograph.org.uk_-_7757104.jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0. Resized for display.
Deckchair on ferry.jpg — User:Amada44; CC BY 3.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Deckchair_on_ferry.jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0. Resized for display.