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Gothenburg Archipelago Ferries: A Tourist's Guide

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Ferry crossings in Gothenburg Archipelago

21 crossings in Gothenburg Archipelago — open any route for its full departure timetable, operators and fares.

Region guide

Your Gothenburg Tram Ticket Covers the Archipelago Ferries

The most important detail for visiting Gothenburg’s car-free southern archipelago is that your standard Västtrafik public transport ticket—the one you use for the city's trams and buses—is also valid for the ferries. There is no need to buy a separate boat ticket. This integrates a day trip to the islands seamlessly into the city’s transport network, making it a simple and affordable excursion.

This guide clarifies the three distinct ferry systems serving the islands near Gothenburg. We explain how to reach the popular car-free southern islands like Styrsö and Vrångö, the separate journey north to the historic town of Marstrand, and how to access the northern islands of Hönö and Öckerö with the free car ferry.

The Southern Archipelago: Car-Free Islands on Your City Ticket

Gothenburg’s southern archipelago is a protected environment where cars are not permitted. The islands are served by passenger-only ferries, which means you pay per person, not per vehicle. This system preserves the quiet atmosphere of the islands and makes them ideal for exploring on foot or by bicycle.

How the Journey Works: Tram to Ferry on One Ticket

For most visitors, the journey to the southern islands is a simple two-part trip using a single Västtrafik ticket. It is designed to be a continuous journey from the city to the islands.

  1. Tram to Saltholmen: From central Gothenburg, take tram line 11 towards Saltholmen. This is the end of the line and the location of the main ferry terminal for the southern archipelago.
  2. Ferry from Saltholmen: At Saltholmen, you simply walk from the tram stop to the adjacent ferry piers. Check the departure boards for your destination island and board the correct boat. Your Västtrafik ticket covers this leg of the journey as well.

The ferries are operated by Styrsöbolaget on behalf of Västtrafik. Although single tickets can be purchased on board using a card, having a valid day or period pass on your Västtrafik app or card is the most straightforward option. You must be able to show a valid ticket if requested by staff.

Direct Ferries from Central Gothenburg (Stenpiren)

A small number of direct ferries (lines 281/282) also depart for the southern islands from the Stenpiren terminal in the city centre. While convenient, these services are very limited, with only a couple of departures per day on weekdays. For flexibility, the tram-to-Saltholmen route is the primary and most frequent option for tourists.

Which Southern Island to Visit for a Day Trip?

If you only have time for one island, your choice depends on what you want to do. The main islands are served by ferry line 281 from Saltholmen, with departures roughly every hour.

  • For amenities and activity: Styrsö is the hub of the southern archipelago. It has a year-round population, with shops and restaurants making it a lively base. A scenic path leads to Stora Rös, the island's highest point, offering expansive views.
  • For beaches and nature trails: Vrångö is the southernmost inhabited island and is known for its sandy beaches. It features a marina and two distinct nature trails for hiking. The ferry journey from Saltholmen takes approximately 35 to 50 minutes.
  • For tradition and family beaches: Brännö offers a classic summer island experience. It is known for the traditional pier dance held at Brännö Husvik on Thursday evenings in summer. The island also has a popular family-friendly beach. The ferry ride is about 45 minutes.

Other key islands served from Saltholmen include Donsö, Köpstadsö (also known as Kössö), and Asperö.

Marstrand: The Bohuslän Coast Day Trip

Marstrand is not part of the same archipelago as Styrsö or Vrångö. It is a historic island town further north on the Bohuslän coast, dominated by the 17th-century Carlsten Fortress. Reaching it from Gothenburg involves a different journey, combining a bus and a very short ferry crossing.

How to Get to Marstrand from Gothenburg

  1. Bus from the city: Take a bus, such as the Marstrand Express (lines 302/312), from Nils Ericson Terminal, which is located at Gothenburg Central Station. This bus takes you along the coast to the harbour on the mainland side of Marstrand.
  2. The 200-metre ferry crossing: From the bus stop, walk to the quay for the passenger ferry to Marstrand island. The crossing from the mainland at Koön is only about 200 metres and runs very frequently throughout the day. This short trip is one of the world's shortest scheduled ferry journeys.

The Northern Archipelago: Hönö, Öckerö and the Free Car Ferry

The northern islands, including Hönö, Öckerö, Björkö, Hälsö, and Fotö, are distinct from the car-free southern archipelago. These islands are inhabited year-round and are accessible to vehicles via a free car ferry.

How to Reach the Northern Islands

The ferry to the northern archipelago departs from a different terminal called Lilla Varholmen. The crossing to Hönö takes about 10 to 12 minutes.

  • By car or bicycle: Drive along road 155 from Gothenburg towards Öckerö to reach the Lilla Varholmen ferry terminal. You can drive your car or take a bicycle directly onto the ferry. The vehicle ferry service is free of charge.
  • By public transport: You can also reach the islands without a car. Bus line 290, for example, departs from Järntorget in Gothenburg, drives to Lilla Varholmen, boards the ferry, and continues its route across the islands. This allows foot passengers to access the northern archipelago easily.

Comparing the Three Ferry Systems

To avoid confusion, it is useful to see the three systems side-by-side.

Feature Southern Archipelago (Styrsö, Vrångö) Marstrand Northern Archipelago (Hönö, Öckerö)
Mainland Terminal Saltholmen (or Stenpiren for limited services) Marstrand Harbour (Koön) Lilla Varholmen
How to get there from Gothenburg Tram 11 to Saltholmen, then passenger ferry. Bus (e.g., Marstrand Express) to harbour, then short passenger ferry. Car via road 155, or Bus (e.g., line 290) which boards the ferry.
Cars Allowed on Island? No, the islands are car-free. No, the island is primarily car-free. Yes, cars are common.
Ferry Type Passenger-only ferry. Passenger-only ferry. Car and passenger ferry.
Cost / Ticketing Included in standard Västtrafik public transport ticket. Separate ticket required for the short ferry crossing. The car ferry is free of charge for all passengers and vehicles.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Gothenburg's southern archipelago from the city centre?

Take tram line 11 from central Gothenburg to its final stop, Saltholmen. This is the main ferry terminal where you can board a passenger boat to islands like Styrsö, Vrångö, and Brännö. The entire journey is part of the Västtrafik public transport network.

Do I need a separate ticket for the archipelago ferries, or does my Västtrafik tram ticket work?

Your Västtrafik ticket is valid for the ferries to the southern archipelago. There is no need to buy a separate boat ticket if you already have a valid ticket or pass for Gothenburg's trams and buses. Simply use the same ticket for the entire journey.

How do I get from Saltholmen to Styrsö, and how long does the ferry take?

From the Saltholmen terminal, take ferry line 281 towards Vrångö. This ferry stops at several islands, including Styrsö Bratten. The journey time can vary depending on the specific route and number of stops, but you can consult the operator's timetable for precise durations.

Can I bring a car to the southern archipelago islands?

No, the southern archipelago islands like Styrsö, Brännö, and Vrångö are car-free. The ferries departing from Saltholmen are for passengers only. The northern archipelago islands, reached via the free ferry from Lilla Varholmen, do permit cars.

Which island in the Gothenburg archipelago is best to visit for a day trip?

This depends on your interests. For shops, restaurants, and a lively atmosphere, choose Styrsö. For sandy beaches and nature trails, head to Vrångö. For a traditional summer pier dance and family-friendly swimming, Brännö is an excellent choice.

How do I get to Marstrand from Gothenburg by ferry?

The journey to Marstrand is a combination of bus and ferry. First, take a bus like the Marstrand Express from Nils Ericson Terminal in Gothenburg to Marstrand's harbour. From there, you take a very short and frequent passenger ferry across the 200-metre channel to the island itself.

How much does the ferry to Marstrand cost and is the return crossing free?

The short ferry from the mainland at Koön to Marstrand island requires a ticket. For specific fares, you should check with the operator on the day. It is a local quirk that the return journey from the island back to the mainland is often free of charge.

How do I visit Hönö and the northern Öckerö islands, and is the car ferry really free?

You can reach the northern islands by taking the car ferry from the Lilla Varholmen terminal, accessible via road 155. You can drive a car or take a bike on board. Yes, this ferry service is completely free of charge for both vehicles and passengers.

Can I buy the archipelago boat ticket on board, or do I need to book in advance?

For the southern archipelago boats from Saltholmen, you do not need to book in advance. You can buy a single ticket on board using a card. However, the easiest method is to have a valid Västtrafik ticket or pass before you board.

How often do the ferries to the southern islands run, and do they operate year-round?

Ferries to the main southern islands, such as those on line 281, run year-round as they serve resident communities. Departures to the larger islands are roughly hourly, with increased frequency during the peak summer season. Always check the current Västtrafik or Styrsöbolaget timetables.