Stockholm is surrounded by water and a large archipelago, making it an excellent location for arriving by boat. The city has many harbors, with several located in the central city. In summer, more boat options become available as cruise companies increase their capacity from June to August.
Cruise ships
Tallink Silja Line
Tallink Silja Line has cruises from Finland (Helsinki and Turku), Estonia (Tallinn) and Åland (Mariehamn). They operate seven ships and you arrive at the Värtahamnen port in the northeastern Östermalm district.
Viking Line
Viking Line has cruises from Finland (Helsinki and Turku), Estonia (Tallinn) and Åland (Mariehamn). They operate five ships and arrive at the Stadsgårdskajen Port in the Södermalm district.
Polferries
Polferries has cruises from Poland (Gdansk). They operate five ships and arrive in Nynäshamn Port, south of Stockholm.
Stena Line
Stena Line has cruises from Latvia (Ventspils). They operate 40 ships and arrive in Nynäshamn Port, south of Stockholm.
Finnlines
Finnlines has cruises from Finland (Naantali). They operate 23 ships and arrive in Kapellskär Port, in the city Norrtälje north of Stockholm.
Ports and terminals
For traveling to Stockholm by boat, you will most likely arrive at the ports Frihamnen, Stadsgården, or Värtahamnen in central Stockholm – or Kapellskär and Nynäshamn, located some distance north and south of the city (approximately 90 km/56 miles and 60 km/37 miles, respectively).
Viking Line Terminal (Stadsgården port)
The Viking Line Terminal is located in the Stadsgården port. This port is also used by Birka Gotland that operates the MS Birka Gotland for cruises from Stockholm to Mariehamn and Visby.
Värta Terminal (Värtahamnen port)
The Värta Terminal, located in the Värtahamnen port, is the departure point for Silja Tallink cruise ships.
Special ferry buses depart from the terminal and go directly to Central Station in about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can walk 15 minutes to Gärdet metro station and take a 7-minute ride to Central Station. Another option is bus 76, which runs from Värthamnens färjeterminal to Kungsträdgården in central Stockholm.
Frihamnen port
The Frihamnen port is just a 10 minutes walk from the Värtahamnen Port. You have the same transportation options as from the Värtahamnen Port. This is the main port for several international cruising companies that visit Stockholm each year.
Nynäshamn port
Nynäshamn port is a major port located in Nynäshamn, a coastal city 60 km (37 miles) south of Stockholm. The fastest way to go from Nynäshamn to Stockholm is by the local commuter train, which will take about an hour. If you go by car or taxi it will take about 45 minutes.
Kapellskär port
The Kapellskär port is located in the city Norrtälje, about 70 km (43 miles) north of Stockholm. The easiest way to travel from Kapellskär is by car, which takes about 70 minutes. Public transportation is also an option, though it involves multiple transfers. Start by taking bus 631 from Kapellskär to Campus Roslagen, then transfer to bus 676 heading to Danderyds sjukhus. From there, switch to the subway and ride five stops to Stockholm Central Station. The entire journey takes about two hours.