Looking for day trips from Visby by train? There is one important detail to know before planning your itinerary: Gotland has no passenger railway. Visby is connected to the rest of the island by buses, roads, ferries and cycling routes rather than trains. However, that does not limit your options. Several charming towns, fishing villages, historic sites and natural attractions are easy to reach from Visby in a day, and many make excellent alternatives to traditional train excursions.
Can you take a train from Visby?
No. Gotland does not currently have an operating passenger train network, so there are no direct day trips from Visby by train. The island once had an extensive railway system, but the lines closed during the twentieth century. Small reminders of this history remain in places such as Dalhem, where the Gotland Railway Museum operates heritage train services on selected dates.
For most visitors, the best way to explore the island is by regional bus, rental car, bicycle or organised tour. Buses connect Visby with many nearby towns and villages, while a car gives you more flexibility for remote beaches, nature reserves and archaeological sites. In summer, cycling can also be a rewarding way to see the countryside, especially on shorter routes close to the city.
This guide explains the most practical alternatives for day trips from Visby by train, including nearby towns that are simple to reach without a railway. It also covers travel times, transport tips and what to see at each destination.
Best alternatives to day trips from Visby by train
Although trains are not available, Gotland is compact enough for a wide range of day trips. Visby is located on the west coast, making it a convenient base for exploring both the northern and southern parts of the island. The journey times below are approximate and can vary according to the season, road conditions and transport connections.
- Tofta and Klintehamn are good choices for beaches and coastal scenery.
- Ljugarn offers a relaxed seaside atmosphere, sandy beaches and historic villas.
- Roma is ideal for visitors interested in medieval ruins and cultural performances.
- Slite provides access to the northeastern coast, limestone landscapes and swimming areas.
- Fårösund is the departure point for the short ferry to Fårö.
- Burgsvik and Hoburg provide access to southern Gotland and dramatic coastal landscapes.
Bus travel is usually cheapest when you plan around the timetable. A rental car is generally more convenient if you want to visit several places in one day or travel outside the main summer season.
Roma: monastery ruins and cultural history
Roma is one of the easiest historical day trips from Visby. The village lies approximately 20 kilometres east of the city, and the journey by bus or car usually takes around 25 to 35 minutes. Roma is best known for the ruins of Roma Abbey, a former Cistercian monastery founded in the twelfth century.
The abbey church and surrounding stone walls stand in a peaceful rural setting. The site is atmospheric at any time of year, although summer visitors can often attend performances at the nearby Romateatern. The theatre stages plays in the monastery ruins, creating a memorable combination of Swedish drama, medieval architecture and open-air scenery.
Things to do in Roma
- Explore the remains of Roma Abbey and read the historical information on site.
- Attend an outdoor theatre performance during the summer season.
- Walk through the surrounding countryside and farmland.
- Combine the visit with a stop at a local café or farm shop.
Roma works well as a half-day excursion, leaving time to return to Visby for an afternoon walk along the medieval walls. Check opening hours and performance schedules in advance, since services and attractions can be limited outside summer.
Ljugarn: a classic seaside day trip
Ljugarn, on Gotland’s east coast, is one of the island’s most popular beach destinations. It is around 50 kilometres from Visby, with a driving time of about 45 minutes to one hour. Bus journeys can take longer, so check the current route and connections before leaving.
The village has a long history as a summer resort and is known for its attractive wooden villas, restaurants and broad sandy beach. The coastline around Ljugarn is easy to explore on foot, with rocky sections, pine forest and open sea views. The Folhammar nature reserve, just south of the village, is particularly worth visiting for its distinctive limestone sea stacks.
How to spend a day in Ljugarn
- Start with a walk along Ljugarn beach and the seafront.
- Visit Folhammar to see limestone formations shaped by wind and waves.
- Explore the village’s historic holiday homes and quiet residential lanes.
- Have lunch or coffee at one of the seasonal cafés and restaurants.
Ljugarn is a strong choice for travellers who want a relaxed beach day rather than a packed sightseeing schedule. In July and August, popular restaurants may fill quickly, while some businesses close or reduce their hours during the shoulder season.
Slite and the northeastern coast
Slite is a working harbour town approximately 35 kilometres northeast of Visby. The trip normally takes around 40 minutes by car, with bus times depending on the service. Slite is less polished than some of Gotland’s resort villages, but it offers a useful base for exploring the northeastern coastline.
The town has a marina, small shops, places to eat and access to nearby swimming areas. The surrounding landscape reflects Gotland’s limestone geology, with exposed rock, pine woodland and coastal meadows. From Slite, you can also continue towards places such as Asundens rauk, a striking sea stack area on the eastern coast.
Why visit Slite?
- Enjoy a quieter alternative to Visby’s busiest summer attractions.
- See harbour views and local coastal scenery.
- Use the town as a starting point for walks and short drives along the northeast coast.
- Combine the trip with a visit to nearby limestone formations and beaches.
Slite is most practical with a car, particularly if you want to explore beyond the town centre. If travelling by bus, plan carefully around the return service and allow extra time for connections.
Fårösund and a day trip to Fårö
Fårösund is the northernmost significant town on Gotland and the gateway to Fårö. It is approximately 55 kilometres north of Visby. From Fårösund, a free vehicle ferry crosses the narrow strait to Fårö. The crossing takes only a few minutes, but queues can develop during busy summer periods.
Fårö is famous for its rauks, windswept beaches and distinctive cultural landscape. The island was also the home of film director Ingmar Bergman, and visitors can learn more about his life and work at the Bergmancenter. Other highlights include the rauk fields at Langhammars and Digerhuvud, the historic Fårö church and beaches such as Sudersand and Ekeviken.
Planning a Fårö excursion from Visby
- Leave Visby early, especially in July and August.
- Check ferry information before travelling, even though the crossing is free.
- Bring food or plan stops carefully, as distances between cafés can be significant.
- Allow a full day if you want to see several parts of Fårö.
Public buses can reach Fårö, but services are less frequent than on the mainland of Gotland. A rental car or bicycle is usually more convenient. Cycling is possible, although distances, wind and limited services should be taken seriously.
Southern Gotland: Burgsvik and Hoburg
The southern part of Gotland is too far for a quick excursion, but it can still work as a long day trip by car. Burgsvik is around 85 kilometres south of Visby, while Hoburg and Hoburgen lie farther south. The drive to Hoburgen usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours each way.
Burgsvik is a small coastal settlement with cafés, galleries and a harbour. It is also close to the Vamlingbo area, known for open landscapes, historic churches and cultural attractions. At Hoburgen, the coastline rises into dramatic limestone cliffs, and the famous Hoburgsgubben sea stack is one of southern Gotland’s best-known landmarks.
Highlights of southern Gotland
- Walk along the coast at Hoburgen and look for limestone formations.
- See Hoburgsgubben, the rock formation named for its resemblance to a face.
- Visit galleries, cafés and local craft businesses around Burgsvik.
- Explore the open agricultural landscape of the Storsudret peninsula.
This is one of the best options for travellers who want expansive scenery and a less urban experience. Because the journey is long, choose only a few stops and check return transport before setting out. A guided tour can be useful if you prefer not to drive.
Klintehamn and the west coast
Klintehamn is a coastal town about 30 kilometres south of Visby. By car, the journey takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes. The town is a practical base for visiting the west coast, including the beaches and nature areas around Klinteberget and Ekstakusten.
The nearby Ekstakusten coastal road is especially scenic. It looks west towards the small islands of Stora and Lilla Karlsö, and the sunset views can be excellent on clear evenings. Boat trips to the Karlsö islands operate during parts of the warmer season, although these usually require advance booking and should be treated as a separate full-day activity.
What to see near Klintehamn
- Walk along sections of the Ekstakusten nature reserve.
- Look across the sea towards the Karlsö islands.
- Visit Klinteberget for elevated views over the surrounding landscape.
- Stop in Klintehamn for supplies, coffee or a simple meal.
Klintehamn is a good choice for visitors who want to combine a nearby town with coastal walks. It is also easier to fit into a half-day itinerary than destinations in southern Gotland.
Train-themed excursions near Visby
If your interest in train excursions is specifically about railway history, look into the Gotland Railway Museum in Dalhem. Dalhem is located east of Visby and preserves equipment and memories from the island’s former railway network. On selected dates, heritage trains may operate on a short restored section of track.
These services are seasonal and event-based rather than a regular form of public transport. Always check the museum’s official information for operating dates, ticket details and special events. A heritage railway visit can be combined with a broader road trip through central Gotland, but it is not a direct train from Visby to another town.
Tips for visiting the railway museum
- Check the event calendar before planning your route.
- Confirm whether trains are running on the date of your visit.
- Allow time for the museum displays as well as any train ride.
- Use a car or local bus, since regular passenger rail services do not operate.
How to travel around Gotland without a train
For most day trips from Visby by train searches, the practical answer is to choose the right alternative transport. Gotland’s regional buses serve many larger villages, but rural services can be infrequent. Timetables may also change between winter and summer, so use the official public transport planner when arranging your journey.
By bus
Buses are useful for direct trips to places such as Roma, Slite, Klintehamn and Ljugarn. They are affordable and remove the need to navigate unfamiliar roads. However, a bus itinerary may not work well for visiting several remote attractions in one day. Check the final return departure before leaving Visby.
By rental car
A car offers the greatest flexibility, particularly for Fårö, southern Gotland and the coastal nature reserves. It allows you to stop at small villages, farm shops and viewpoints that are not close to bus stops. Book early during the high season, when availability can be limited.
By bicycle
Cycling is a memorable way to explore the countryside around Visby and nearby coastal areas. The island is often windy, and some routes have limited shade or services, so carry water, snacks and a charged phone. Longer journeys to Fårö or southern Gotland require careful preparation and are not suitable for every visitor.
With an organised tour
Guided tours can simplify visits to several attractions, especially if you have only one or two days on Gotland. Tours may focus on medieval history, rauks, beaches, local food or the island’s film heritage. They are often a good substitute for train excursions because transport and sightseeing are combined in one itinerary.
Practical planning advice
Before booking any excursion, consider the season. Summer has the most frequent buses, open cafés and scheduled tours, but it also brings the largest crowds and highest accommodation prices. Spring and early autumn are quieter and often pleasant for walking, although some attractions have shorter opening hours.
- Check bus times and return connections before setting out.
- Allow extra time for ferry queues when travelling to Fårö.
- Carry water and food on rural routes, particularly outside summer.
- Wear sturdy shoes for rauk fields, limestone paths and coastal walks.
- Book popular boat trips, guided tours and rental cars in advance.
- Keep a flexible plan in case of strong wind or changing weather.
Visby itself also deserves enough time. Before or after visiting the nearby towns, walk along the medieval city wall, explore the cathedral and visit the Gotlands Museum. The city is compact, so these attractions can easily be combined with a half-day excursion outside the centre.
Choosing the right day trip from Visby
The best destination depends on the experience you want. Roma suits history and culture, while Ljugarn is ideal for beaches and a relaxed seaside day. Fårö offers the most distinctive natural scenery, but it requires an early start. Slite is a practical choice for the northeast, and Klintehamn provides easy access to west coast views. If you want dramatic landscapes and have a full day available, southern Gotland is worth the longer drive.
So, while genuine day trips from Visby by train are not possible today, exploring Gotland without a railway can be straightforward and rewarding. With buses, bicycles, rental cars and local tours, you can reach a wide variety of nearby towns and landscapes while travelling at a pace that suits your trip.