Europe > Sweden > Gothenburg (GOT)
The Car or no Car advice for Gothenburg can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Gothenburg ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Gothenburg ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Gothenburg?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.Gothenburg without a car 🚋🚶♀️
Gothenburg is one of the easiest large cities in Northern Europe to enjoy without a car. The tram network is the backbone of daily life and is extensive, reliable, and easy to use for visitors. Trams reach most major neighbourhoods, museums, shopping streets, and waterfront areas. Buses fill in the gaps, while ferries act as extensions of the public transport network rather than tourist novelties.
The city centre itself is compact and walkable. Areas such as Haga, the canals around Brunnsparken, and the main shopping streets work best on foot. Cycling is also very popular, supported by good infrastructure and bike-hire options.
Islands and ferries 🌊⛴️
One of Gothenburg’s greatest strengths is its southern archipelago. Remarkably, many islands are car-free and reached by public ferries included in the standard public transport ticket. This means you can enjoy coastal scenery, swimming, walking, and small fishing communities without any need for a rental car at all.
When a rental car becomes useful 🚗
A car starts to make sense if you want to explore further afield. The Bohuslän coast to the north, with its granite cliffs and villages like Smögen and Fjällbacka, is far easier to visit by car. The same applies if you plan to head inland to lakes, forests, or more remote nature reserves.
Car hire can also be useful for onward travel into Norway or deeper into western Sweden, especially if you prefer flexible schedules or plan to combine multiple rural stops in one trip.
Conclusion – should you rent a car in Gothenburg? ✅
For the city and nearby islands, no car is needed at all. Public transport is excellent and even reaches the archipelago. However, for coastal road trips or rural exploration, a rental car adds freedom and convenience 🚋➡️🚗.
