Ferry companies compared

Between Rostock and Trelleborg, TT-Line and Stena Line run side by side, each with two ships. Both take around six hours during the day; the difference lies elsewhere: where your dog spends the crossing, how you sleep at night, and when you need to be at check-in. This page shows the differences; the two ferry companies in detail are described on the TT-Line and Stena Line pages.

The comparison at a glance

All figures as given by the ferry companies. Both ferry companies' prices are on the Prices & fares page.

Stena Line: the two 200-metre ships

Stena Line runs the route with two sister ships of equal length. The M/S Skåne was built in 1998 at Astilleros Españoles; the M/S Mecklenburg-Vorpommern comes from the Schichau Seebeckswerft in Bremerhaven, built 1996/2003. Both are 200 metres long, certified for 600 passengers each and sail at 21 knots. The Mecklenburg-Vorpommern carries 440 cars, the Skåne offers 3,295 lane metres on its vehicle decks.

On board the two are equipped almost identically: a restaurant, a shop, reclining seats, sleeping berths and cabins, including accessible and pet-friendly ones. The Mecklenburg-Vorpommern also has superior cabins with a double bed and TV. At night the ships take their time: 7.5 hours instead of six, so you arrive well rested early in the morning. Payment in the port and on board is by card only.

TT-Line: on the route since 1992

TT-Line has run between Rostock and Trelleborg since 1992 and mainly uses the Tom Sawyer and the Huckleberry Finn on it. Both ships have 134 cabins, plus Pullman seats for anyone travelling without a cabin. The Tom Sawyer is built for around 400 passengers and has a cafeteria, a lounge, a shop, a casino and a sauna; the Huckleberry Finn carries just over 400 passengers and also has a restaurant.

The strongest argument for TT-Line travels on four paws: dogs can join you on a short lead in all public areas, every restaurant has a dog zone, and there's a dog toilet on one outside deck. Wi-Fi in the public areas is free. TT-Line also sells Stena Line's departures; on those, Stena Line's rules apply on board and at check-in.

Which one suits you

You're travelling with a dog: TT-Line. Your dog spends the six hours at your side instead of in the car. With Stena Line you'd book a pet cabin if you don't want them left in the vehicle.

You're travelling overnight: Both are good night ferries. Stena Line takes longer at night, so you arrive more rested in the morning; without a cabin, the sleeping berth there is a good, affordable middle ground. With TT-Line you travel with no cabin obligation, in a Pullman seat.

You're cutting it fine: TT-Line closes check-in for vehicles 30 minutes before departure, Stena Line as early as 60 minutes before. If you've been stuck in traffic on the A19, TT-Line gives you more breathing room. All deadlines: Check-in.

You need a specific time: Both ferry companies' departures are spread across the day. The timetable shows who sails at your preferred time.

You're comparing price: Both sell dynamically, and the cheaper ferry company changes by the day. Compare the final total for your departure; the from prices are explained on the Prices & fares page.