Visby to Stockholm: Complete Travel Guide
Traveling from Visby to Stockholm offers several options with different trade-offs between time, cost, and convenience. Whether you prefer a quick flight or a scenic ferry journey, this guide compares all your options with current schedules and pricing information for 2025.
Flying from Visby to Stockholm
Flying is the fastest option to travel from Visby to Stockholm, with direct flights taking just 45 minutes. This is ideal for business travelers or those with limited time.
Direct Flights and Schedules
Two main airlines operate the Visby to Stockholm route:
- SAS (Scandinavian Airlines): Operates up to 5 daily flights between Visby Airport (VBY) and Stockholm Arlanda (ARN)
- Norwegian Air: Offers 2-3 daily flights, primarily during peak season
Flights typically operate every 4 hours throughout the day, with the earliest departures around 6:00 AM and the latest around 8:30 PM, according to Rome2Rio’s route comparison (2023 data).
Prices and Booking Tips
Flight prices from Visby to Stockholm typically range from 700-1500 SEK for a one-way economy ticket, depending on how far in advance you book and the season.
Airports and Transfers
When flying from Visby to Stockholm, you’ll need to consider ground transportation:
- Visby Airport (VBY): Located just 3.5 km from Visby center. Taxis take about 10 minutes and cost 150-200 SEK. Bus line 61 connects the airport to the city for around 30 SEK.
- Stockholm Arlanda (ARN): Located 40 km north of Stockholm. The Arlanda Express train (299 SEK) takes 20 minutes to Stockholm Central. Flygbussarna airport coaches (119 SEK) take 45 minutes. Taxis cost approximately 550-650 SEK for the same journey.
When calculating total travel time, remember to add about 60-90 minutes for airport procedures and transfers on both ends of your journey.
Ferry Options from Visby to Stockholm
Traveling by ferry offers a more relaxed journey with scenic views of the Baltic Sea. While no ferries go directly to central Stockholm, they connect to nearby ports with easy transfers to the city.
Routes and Operators
The main ferry operator is Destination Gotland, which runs ferries from Visby to two mainland ports:
- Visby to Nynäshamn: The most common route for travelers heading to Stockholm. Nynäshamn is located about 60 km south of Stockholm.
- Visby to Oskarshamn: An alternative route, though less convenient for Stockholm travelers as Oskarshamn is about 250 km southwest of the capital.
According to Ferrygogo’s ferry guide (2024), Destination Gotland is the primary operator handling these routes year-round.
Schedules and Travel Times
The ferry journey itself takes approximately 3 hours from Visby to Nynäshamn, as reported by Viking Line’s transport guide (2024). From Nynäshamn, you’ll need additional transport to reach Stockholm:
- Bus: Commuter buses connect with ferry arrivals and take approximately 1 hour to reach Stockholm
- Train: The commuter train (pendeltåg) takes around 1 hour to Stockholm Central
- Taxi: Takes about 45 minutes but costs 700-1000 SEK
Daily departures vary by season, with more frequent sailings during summer (up to 5 daily) and fewer in winter (1-2 daily).
Costs and Discounts
Ferry ticket prices fluctuate based on season and demand:
- Adult passenger ticket: 300-500 SEK one-way, according to Direct Ferries pricing data (2024)
- Vehicle transport: Additional 700-1500 SEK for a standard car
- Cabins: Optional private cabins available for daytime journeys (250-600 SEK)
| Route | Operator | Journey Time | Adult Price Range | Frequency (High Season) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visby – Nynäshamn | Destination Gotland | 3 hours | 300-500 SEK | 3-5 daily |
| Visby – Oskarshamn | Destination Gotland | 3-3.5 hours | 300-450 SEK | 1-3 daily |
| Nynäshamn – Stockholm (Bus) | SL/Destination Gotland | 1 hour | 80-120 SEK | Connects with ferries |
Comparison: Time, Cost and Convenience
When choosing between flying and taking the ferry from Visby to Stockholm, consider these key factors that will impact your journey experience.
Pros and Cons of Each Option
Flight Advantages
- Fastest option (45 min flight time)
- Multiple daily departures
- Direct access to Stockholm’s transportation network
- Less weather-dependent than ferries
Flight Disadvantages
- More expensive (typically 700-1500 SEK)
- Airport security and check-in time
- Additional cost for luggage
- Higher environmental impact
Ferry Advantages
- More affordable (300-500 SEK)
- Scenic Baltic Sea views
- More comfortable seating and movement
- Can bring vehicle or larger luggage
Ferry Disadvantages
- Longer total journey (5+ hours)
- Requires additional transport to Stockholm
- Weather can affect sailing schedule
- Fewer departures, especially off-season
Best Choice Based on Budget
When comparing total costs from Visby to central Stockholm:
| Transport Option | Base Ticket | Additional Transfers | Approx. Total Cost | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight + Airport Express | 700-1500 SEK | 299 SEK (Arlanda Express) | 999-1799 SEK | 2 hours |
| Flight + Airport Bus | 700-1500 SEK | 119 SEK (Flygbussarna) | 819-1619 SEK | 2.5 hours |
| Ferry + Bus/Train | 300-500 SEK | 80-120 SEK (SL transit) | 380-620 SEK | 5-5.5 hours |
| Ferry + Taxi | 300-500 SEK | 700-1000 SEK (taxi) | 1000-1500 SEK | 4-4.5 hours |
According to Rome2Rio’s transportation data (2023), the most economical option is the combined ferry and public transit, with a total cost of around 380-620 SEK and travel time of approximately 5 hours.
Additional Tips for Travelers
- Best for business/short trips: Flights provide the most time-efficient option despite higher costs
- Best for leisure/families: Ferry offers more comfort, space, and significant savings, especially when traveling with children (who receive discounts) or vehicles
- Seasonal considerations: Book well in advance for summer travel (June-August) when demand is highest
- Weather impact: Winter ferry crossings (December-February) occasionally face delays or cancellations due to Baltic Sea conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to travel from Visby to Stockholm by ferry?
The ferry journey from Visby to Nynäshamn takes approximately 3 hours. From Nynäshamn, you’ll need an additional 1 hour by bus or train to reach central Stockholm, making the total journey around 4-5 hours including connection time. This information is based on Viking Line’s 2024 transportation guide.
What does a flight from Visby to Stockholm cost?
A one-way flight from Visby to Stockholm typically costs between 700-1500 SEK for an economy ticket. Prices vary significantly based on booking time, season, and availability. Additional costs include airport transfers (119-299 SEK) and any checked luggage fees.
Which airlines fly the Visby-Stockholm route?
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) and Norwegian Air are the primary carriers operating direct flights between Visby Airport (VBY) and Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN). SAS typically offers more frequent service with up to 5 daily flights, while Norwegian operates 2-3 daily flights, with increased frequency during summer months.
Are there direct ferries from Visby to central Stockholm?
No, there are no direct ferry services from Visby to central Stockholm. Ferries operated by Destination Gotland connect Visby with Nynäshamn (60 km south of Stockholm) or Oskarshamn (250 km southwest of Stockholm). From these ports, you’ll need to take a bus, train, or taxi to reach Stockholm city center.
How can I get discounts on Destination Gotland ferries?
Destination Gotland offers several ways to save money: join their customer club for 5-10% discounts, book return tickets rather than one-way journeys, travel during off-peak periods (September-May, excluding holidays), look for package deals that include accommodation, and check for special promotions on their website. Children, students, and seniors often qualify for reduced fares.
