Wondering how to get to Visby? The medieval capital of Gotland is located on an island in the Baltic Sea, so every journey involves either a ferry or a flight. Most visitors travel by ferry from Nynäshamn or Oskarshamn, while flying is the quickest option from Stockholm and some seasonal destinations. This guide explains the best transport to Visby, including trains to the ferry ports, car travel, airport transfers and useful planning advice.
Where is Visby?
Visby is on the west coast of Gotland, Sweden’s largest island. It is approximately 90 kilometres east of the Swedish mainland, across the Baltic Sea. The town is famous for its well preserved medieval city wall, cobbled streets, church ruins and summer festivals.
Because Visby is on an island, there is no bridge, tunnel or direct train connection from mainland Sweden. You must travel by ferry or plane. The most suitable route depends on your starting point, whether you are bringing a car and how much flexibility you need.
How to get to Visby by ferry
For many travellers, the ferry is the most practical way to reach Visby. Destination Gotland operates the main passenger and vehicle ferries between Gotland and the mainland. The vessels carry cars, motorhomes, bicycles, pets and passengers on foot.
There are two main mainland ferry ports:
- Nynäshamn: the most convenient port for people travelling from Stockholm and central Sweden.
- Oskarshamn: a useful option for travellers coming from southern Sweden, Småland or parts of western Sweden.
The ferry crossing normally takes around three hours, although the exact sailing time depends on the service and vessel. Sailings can be more frequent during the summer holiday period and less frequent outside the main season. Always check the current timetable before arranging connecting trains or buses.
Ferry from Nynäshamn to Visby
Nynäshamn is usually the easiest ferry port for international visitors arriving in Stockholm. It is south of the city and has a direct commuter train connection from Stockholm Central Station. The journey takes approximately one hour, although you should allow extra time for walking between the station and the terminal and for check in.
The port is close to Nynäshamn railway station. Depending on your sailing, you may be able to walk to the ferry terminal, but check the directions and allow enough time if you have heavy luggage. Passengers travelling with vehicles normally follow the signs for vehicle check in.
When travelling from Stockholm, compare the ferry departure time with the commuter train timetable. It is sensible to arrive well before departure, particularly during July, weekends and public holidays. If you miss the check in deadline, changing to a later sailing may not be possible.
Ferry from Oskarshamn to Visby
Oskarshamn is often convenient for travellers from Kalmar, Jönköping, Växjö, Linköping and southern Sweden. The town is connected to the Swedish road network, making it a popular departure point for people driving to Gotland.
Public transport connections to Oskarshamn can require more planning than the route to Nynäshamn. There is no direct high speed train to the ferry terminal. Travellers commonly use regional trains to nearby towns such as Kalmar or Linköping and continue by regional bus, or travel by bus for the final section. Check the connection on the day of travel because bus services and ferry times do not always align perfectly.
If you are hiring a car on the mainland, Oskarshamn can be a practical choice because the terminal is easy to reach by road. However, compare the total driving time and ferry fare with the Nynäshamn option before booking.
Are there trains to Visby?
There are no trains to Visby because Gotland has no railway connection to mainland Sweden. You can, however, use trains for part of the journey. The most common rail route is a train to Stockholm followed by a commuter train to Nynäshamn and then a ferry to Visby.
From Stockholm Central Station, take the commuter train towards Nynäshamn. The journey usually takes about one hour. Make sure you select a train that arrives early enough for the ferry check in. A standard public transport ticket for Stockholm does not include the ferry, so you need separate bookings.
Travellers using trains from Gothenburg, Malmö, Copenhagen or other Swedish cities can travel to Stockholm and continue to Nynäshamn. Another option is to take a train to Kalmar or Linköping and then arrange a bus or car transfer to Oskarshamn. Since ferry times are fixed, avoid booking a very tight connection between a long distance train and the port.
Travelling from Stockholm by train and ferry
The train and ferry combination is one of the simplest ways to reach Visby without a car. Start by booking your ferry from Nynäshamn. Then use the departure time to choose a suitable commuter train from Stockholm. Leave a generous margin for delays, especially if you are travelling with children, luggage or bicycles.
If your long distance train arrives in Stockholm on the same day, consider arriving several hours before the ferry. An overnight stay in Stockholm can be worthwhile if the ferry departs early in the morning or if you want to avoid the risk of missing the sailing.
How to get to Visby by plane
Flying is the fastest way to get to Visby from Stockholm. Visby Airport, also known as Visby Airport or Visby flygplats, is located approximately five kilometres north of central Visby. The flight from Stockholm generally takes less than one hour, although the complete journey also includes travel to the departure airport, check in and the transfer into town.
Flight schedules change according to the season and airline. Stockholm Arlanda has traditionally offered the most useful year round connections, while routes from Stockholm Bromma and other Swedish cities can be seasonal or subject to change. Direct flights may also be available at certain times from destinations such as Gothenburg or Malmö, but you should check the current timetable before making plans.
Flying can be especially convenient for a short break, business trip or journey outside the summer ferry peak. It may be less convenient if you are carrying a car, camping equipment or a large amount of luggage. Compare the baggage rules and the cost of getting to the airport with the price of a ferry ticket.
Getting from Visby Airport to the town centre
Visby Airport is close to the town centre. A taxi is the simplest option and usually takes around ten minutes, depending on traffic and your final destination. Book through a recognised taxi company or use the taxi rank outside the terminal.
Local bus services may operate between the airport and Visby, with timetables that can vary by season and flight schedule. Check the current information from the regional public transport operator before travelling. If you are staying in central Visby, walking is possible for fit travellers with light luggage, but the route is not ideal with large bags or in bad weather.
Driving to Visby with a car
If you want to explore more of Gotland, taking your car on the ferry can be convenient. Gotland has long distances between some attractions, and public transport is less frequent in rural areas than in Stockholm or other major Swedish cities. A car gives you more freedom to visit beaches, nature reserves, fishing villages and historic sites outside Visby.
When booking, select the vehicle option and enter the correct height and length. Roof boxes, trailers, motorhomes and larger vehicles may affect the price and available space. Vehicle places can sell out during the high season, so reserve early if your dates are fixed.
On arrival, follow the signs from the ferry terminal towards Visby. The harbour is close to the town, and the centre can usually be reached quickly by car. Parking in the medieval centre is limited and some streets are unsuitable for through traffic. Check where your accommodation permits parking before driving into the old town.
Travelling to Visby as a foot passenger
You do not need a car to enjoy Visby. Foot passengers can board the ferry from Nynäshamn or Oskarshamn and walk off at Visby ferry terminal. The terminal is a short distance from the centre, although the exact walking time depends on your accommodation and luggage.
Taxis are available near the terminal, and local buses may connect the port with other parts of Visby and the island. If you are staying inside or near the medieval city wall, walking may be the easiest option. Streets in the old town can be uneven, so wheeled luggage may be difficult on cobblestones.
Visby is also a good base for cycling. You can bring your own bicycle on the ferry if space is available, or rent one after arriving. Bicycle policies, storage arrangements and fees should be checked when booking your ticket.
How to get to Visby from Stockholm
There are three main choices from Stockholm:
- Ferry via Nynäshamn: take a commuter train or drive to Nynäshamn, then continue by ferry. This is generally the best option for cars, bicycles and larger luggage.
- Flight from Stockholm: fly to Visby Airport for the quickest journey. Check whether the available flight departs from Arlanda or Bromma before booking.
- Organised transfer: some travel companies sell packages combining transport, accommodation and activities. These can be useful if you prefer one booking, but compare the terms with booking each part independently.
The ferry route usually takes longer from door to door, but it offers more space and a relaxed journey across the Baltic Sea. The flight is quicker in the air but requires airport transfers and standard aviation check in. For a weekend in Visby, flying may save time. For a longer island holiday, the ferry is often more flexible.
How to get to Visby from Gothenburg, Malmö and Copenhagen
From Gothenburg, Malmö or Copenhagen, most travellers first travel to Stockholm, Oskarshamn or another suitable mainland connection. The best route depends on current train schedules, ferry departures and whether you have a car.
From southern Sweden or Denmark, Oskarshamn may appear geographically closer, but the ferry connection is not always the fastest overall. A journey by train to Stockholm and a ferry from Nynäshamn may offer better connections on some dates. If a direct flight to Visby is available, it can be competitive for travellers without heavy luggage.
When travelling from Copenhagen, compare a train journey through Sweden with flights from Copenhagen Airport. Remember to include transfers, luggage costs and time spent waiting at the port or airport. Booking the ferry and international train separately means you are responsible for allowing enough time between services.
Booking tips for the ferry and flight
- Book summer ferry travel early, especially for weekends, public holidays and departures around major events in Visby.
- Check in at the time stated by the ferry operator. Vehicle passengers often need to arrive earlier than foot passengers.
- Enter your vehicle dimensions accurately, including a roof box or trailer.
- Compare return fares with two separate one way tickets, as the conditions may differ.
- Check baggage limits when comparing flights. A low headline fare may not include a cabin bag or checked luggage.
- Leave several hours between a long distance train and your ferry departure.
- Confirm cancellation and change conditions before paying, particularly for non flexible tickets.
What is the best way to get to Visby?
The best way to get to Visby depends on your priorities. Choose the ferry from Nynäshamn if you are travelling from Stockholm, want to bring a car or prefer a straightforward journey with generous luggage allowances. Choose Oskarshamn if you are driving from southern Sweden or the ferry timetable suits your route better.
Choose a flight if your time is limited and you are travelling with light luggage. Choose trains to the mainland ferry port if you want to avoid driving, but build in extra time for transfers. Once you have chosen your route, check the latest schedules from the ferry operator, railway company, airline and regional bus provider. Timetables change throughout the year, and summer services are often different from winter services.
Useful transport information after arriving in Visby
Visby’s main sights are concentrated in and around the medieval centre, so many visitors do not need a car in town. The city wall, cathedral, former churches and central squares are easy to explore on foot. Public buses serve parts of the island, but rural services may be limited in the evening and outside the summer season.
If you plan to visit places such as Fårö, Ljugarn, Hoburgen or the northern and southern coastlines, check connections carefully. A rental car, bicycle or organised excursion may be more practical than relying entirely on local buses. Reserve rental vehicles in advance during the busiest months, particularly if you are arriving by air and need a car immediately.