Ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki: Everything You Need To Know
Thinking of taking the ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki to visit Estonia and Finland, but out of your comfort zone?
Knowledge is power, so I’ve compiled everything you need to know about how to plan, book and enjoy your cross-border ocean experience.
I researched this trip extensively before taking this Tallinn Helsinki sea crossing journey myself. So now I can guide you step-by-step with useful details and handy top tips – it’s all here, all in one place.
I’ll also share local transport options, recommend sightseeing locations like the National Library and Sibelius Monument, and include places to stay to help you get the most out of your visit.
So if you’re ready to start planning your city-hop between these two vibrant capitals, read on.
Introduction
The ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki route is one of the busiest short sea crossings in Northern Europe. The journey is around 80km across the Gulf of Finland and links Estonia and Finland, which takes between two to three hours.
Each year, over 9 million passengers make this crossing (source: Statista Research Department). That includes commuters, day-trippers and fellow weekend adventurers – like you and me.
For us travellers on a time budget, it’s a perfect way to visit two capitals in one trip.
Planning Your Helsinki Ferry Trip: Essential Details
Planning your ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki crossing in advance can save you money, time and stress. And when you’re using limited annual leave and budget, that really matters.
Ferry Companies: Which to Choose?
There are three main ferry companies that operate this route; Tallink Silja, Viking Line and Eckerö Line:
| Operator | Duration | Price Range (One-way) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tallink Silja | 2 hours | From €30 | Fast, modern ships, restaurants |
| Viking Line | 2.5 hrs | From €25 | Affordable, scenic journey |
| Eckerö Line | 2.15 hrs | From €20 | Cheapest, comfortable lounges |
I personally went with Viking Line because of the price and early departure time, which allowed me to maximise my time in Helsinki.
However, if you’re after greater savings, Eckerö Line often has the lowest prices. But for me, I find that Viking Line strikes a balance between comfort, availability and cost.
Schedules: Finding the Right Departure
All three companies offer multiple sailings per day. Morning and evening slots are, of course, the most popular with commuters.
Check the Tallinn to Helsinki timetable directly on each operator’s site, or use platforms like Omio (there’s a handy availability and price checker at the end of this post).
- In summer, sailings start from 6am and can run past 10pm.
- In winter there are fewer crossings, especially on Sundays.
I booked a 7am departure on a Monday. This gave me plenty of time to explore the city before our next ferry departure later that afternoon (more on that later!). The earlier sailings also allow you to maximise your time if you’re taking a single-day trip.
Booking Tickets: A Step-by-Step Guide
Booking is simple and quick. Here’s a quick summary of how, and then I’ll go into detail on each option:
- Visit the operator’s website, or use booking engine Omio to compare options
- Select your travel date, time, and passenger type
- Choose your ticket type (standard, lounge, or cabin)
- Add extras if needed: meals, luggage, Wi-Fi
- Pay online and download your e-ticket
Tip: I found that booking 2 to 4 weeks in advance got me the best fare. Weekend tickets sell fast, especially in spring and summer.
Ticket Options and Pricing: Understanding the Costs
The good news? There’s a ticket type for every budget, with some operators offering additional services. Typically, these are:
- Standard: The cheapest option, which includes access to open seating
- Business/Star Class: Offers a quieter area, with food and drink included
- Cabins: A private space for resting. These are ideal for overnight routes, but really aren’t necessary for such a short crossing
Price Factors: What Influences the Cost?
The Tallinn to Helsinki price varies based on the following factors:
- Season – summer and school holidays are going to pricier
- Time of day – early and late sailings are usually cheaper
- How far in advance you book – usually the earlier the better
- Ticket type and extras – it’s not rocket science, but the more you add the more it costs
Prices can swing by up to 50%. I paid €29 for a Monday morning crossing at the end of March, but Saturday evening tickets that week were closer to €50.
Discounts and Deals: Saving Money on Your Trip
Don’t miss out on easy savings. Look for:
- Student, family, group and senior discounts
- Same-day return discounts
- Interrail & Eurail ticket holder discounts
- Loyalty programmes with each operator
- Bonus trips for on-board store purchases
- Newsletter sign-ups for promo codes
- Key worker discounts
Tip: Some sites offer return-trip discounts. Compare single vs round-trip bookings if you’re making the crossing both ways.
Preparing to Travel: Before You Board
Terminal Locations: Where Will You Depart?
Tallinn has two main ferry terminals, Click each one for the exact Google Maps location:
- Terminal D: Tallink Silja
- Terminal A: Viking Line and Eckerö Line
Both are a short taxi or tram ride from the Old Town. A taxi costs around €7 to €10, or take tram 1 or 2 for under €2.
Where I stayed: Citybox Tallinn hotel is an ideal base if you’re due to catch an early or late crossing. It’s modern, clean, has great facilities (including a kitchen, laundry room, various social spaces and luggage storage) and it’s less than a 5-minute walk from both terminals.
Check availability and prices for Citybox Tallinn here.
Check-in and Boarding: A Smooth Process
Check-in is usually 1 hour before departure, especially for foot passengers. If you check in online, you can arrive as late as 30 minutes before.
If you haven’t checked in online, you’ll need to use the self-service touchscreen kiosks at the terminal. But allow extra time for this in peak season in case of queues. Boarding is only permitted up until 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time, and it’s a bit of a walk from the terminal entrance, so make sure you leave plenty of time.
Make sure to have your ticket ready to scan, and your passport or ID, in case of inspection. Both countries are in the Schengen area, so you may not be asked but you must still carry it with you in case you are.
You’ll find your gate shown on the departures board, and the signs will guide you. I found the terminal really easy to navigate.
The Ferry Experience: What To Expect Onboard
This isn’t just a ferry ride – it’s part of your trip experience! These ferries are well-equipped with plenty to do.
Onboard Amenities: Food, Shopping, and Entertainment
Every ferry offers:
- Cafes and bars
- Duty-free shops (save on chocolates, perfumes, alcohol)
- Lounges with comfy seating
- Play areas for kids
- Quiet zones
Some even have live music, depending on the time of day! I treated myself to a croissant and latte from the onboard café, and relaxed in the on-board cafe area.
I’d also recommend going up to the top levels and heading outside to enjoy the view as you arrive into Helsinki.
Luggage tip: Foot passengers can take luggage onboard free of charge. The Viking Line ferries offer open luggage storage as well as secure lockers, which are operated by contactless payment (we paid around €4 for the duration of the journey). Find these located on the exit level.
Ferries are also accessible, with lifts and wide corridors. Wheelchairs and pushchairs can be used easily, and special assistance can be arranged for those with a disability.
Cabin Options: Is it Worth it?
For most, cabins aren’t necessary for this short journey. But if you’re travelling early or late, or continuing onward, a cabin gives privacy and somewhere quiet to sleep. Plenty of passengers used the floor space near to the stairs to catch up on their rest, but this didn’t look particularly comfortable or peaceful!
Cabins range from basic to deluxe. I didn’t book one for this journey, but I did for the overnight Viking Line ferry we took later that same day and even the basic cabin was comfortable and functional.
Arriving in Helsinki: Getting Around
Terminal Locations: Where Will You Arrive?
Viking Line and Eckerö Line ferries dock at Katajanokan Terminal, while Tallink Silja Line ferries often use the Olympia Terminal on the other side of the city.
Both are well-connected by tram and bus. Signage is clear, even if you’re tired or arriving late. We decided to walk from Katajanokan Terminal, as there were a few places we wanted to see on the way, including the SkyWheel and Uspenski Cathedral.
Tip: If you’re visiting for the day, leave your luggage in one of the storage lockers located within the terminal’s departures hall ready to collect later.
Transportation from the Terminal: Options and Tips
To reach Helsinki city centre:
- Tram: Both terminals have tram stations nearby. Tickets are €2.80, and the journey takes around 15 minutes
- Taxi: A taxi will cost around €15 – €20. Bolt or Uber are both available in Helsinki and will likely be cheapest (use Uber referral code abbt4jeee7f1 for 50% of your first 5 trips).
- Walk: Around 15 minutes
- e-Scooter: Use apps like Bolt or Voi to hop and off as you need
Tip: Consider getting a Helsinki Day Ticket. It covers unlimited travel on trams, buses, and metro. Great value if you’re sightseeing.
Helsinki Highlights: What to See and Do
In Helsinki, there’s no shortage of sightseeing to be done. My top picks are:
- Old Market Hall – find fresh seafood and souvenirs at this quaint indoor market, plus more stalls outdoors
- Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral – for stunning architecture
- National Library of Finland – a hidden gem, and beautiful inside.
- Fazer Café Kluuvikatu – an art nouveau masterpiece! The unlimited soup buffet was delicious and great value, plus help yourself to free water refills
For something different, head to Sibelius Park by scooter. The monument there is unique and photo-worthy.
Tips for a Smooth Ferry Trip
What to Pack: Essentials for the Journey
Here are some essentials you should bring for the journey:
- Passport
- Printed or digital ticket
- Snacks and drinks
- Warm clothing (the decks can be breezy)
- Book, headphones, or entertainment
Missing something? Check out my recommended Amazon travel accessories in my storefront here.
Dealing with Seasickness: Prevention and Remedies
Although the journey is short, if there’s rough weather it can make you feel seasick. Our journey was smooth sailing, thankfully, but this won’t always be the case.
If you’re prone to seasickness, or start feeling unwell during the crossing, here are my top tips:
- Sit in the middle of the ship – this is where any movement is felt the least
- Focus on the horizon – sit at a window or outside with a direct view of the sea in the direction of travel
- Use travel tablets, seasickness bands and/or ginger sweets to combat nausea
I don’t sail well, I never have. But I find that I’m absolutely fine if I take a travel sickness tablets 30 minutes before departure and look out at the horizon when we first leave the harbour. Boots’ own brand ‘Travel Calm’ tablets are excellent, so check with a pharmacist to see if they can help you too.
Staying Connected: Wi-Fi and Mobile Data
Most of the ferries offer free or paid Wi-Fi. Signal can drop mid-journey, though.
Roaming is usually included across the EU, but check with your provider. If you’re staying longer, consider a local eSIM like this one from aloSIM.
Taking the Ferry with a Car
Travelling on the ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki with a car is a brilliant option if you’re road-tripping or heading to the Finnish countryside. It’s easy, flexible, and gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace once you arrive.
Car Ferry Prices: What to Expect
Adding a vehicle to your Tallinn Helsinki ferry ticket changes the price quite a bit. Expect to pay (in addition to your passenger ticket):
- €35–€90 for a car, depending on size and season, plus €20–€30 extra for a roof box or bike rack
Tip: Check for package deals that include car and passengers. These can offer good value, especially on Eckerö Line.
Arriving and Boarding with a Car
Car travellers should arrive at least 1.5 hours before departure. This gives time for check-in and boarding.
Follow the signs for “Vehicle Check-in” at the ferry terminal, signage will guide you and you’ll be given a lane number. Wait until a staff member waves you forward.
You’ll drive onto the lower vehicle deck. Once parked, switch off the engine, grab anything you need, and head upstairs.
Important: You can’t return to your car during the journey, so bring essentials with you.
Arrival in Helsinki
Once docked, vehicle disembarkation starts quickly. Follow the flow of cars and exit straight onto the local roads. It’s less than a 10-minutes drive to the city centre.
Fuel tip: Petrol is slightly more expensive in Finland, so it can be worth topping up in Estonia before you board.
Multi-Country Connection Options
One of the best things about this part of the world is how easy it is to visit multiple countries. The Baltics and Scandinavian states are so closely connected, and good transport links makes a cross-border adventure quick and easy.
Finland and Estonia
You can travel one way, or return on the Helsinki Tallinn ferry later that day. Many do this as a day trip.
Or spend a night in each city to soak it all in. I did one night in Tallinn and just the day in Helsinki as part of a tight 5 countries in 5 days itinerary.
Sweden and Norway
From Helsinki, take an overnight ferry to Stockholm. It’s a scenic journey with comfortable cabins and great food.
From Stockholm, take the train north to Narvik and continue by bus to Tromsø for Arctic adventures.
Latvia and Lithuania
From Tallinn, you can:
- Fly to Riga with Air Baltic – the flight is about 45 minutes
- Take a FlixBus to Riga – this takes around 4.5 hours. You can read more about the top sights to see in Riga in my blog post here.
- From Riga, you can visit Vilnius, Lithuania by bus or train. Or join a day tour over the border to the Hill of Crosses, like I did.
Conclusion
Travelling by ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki is one of the easiest and most scenic ways to explore two amazing capitals. You get flexibility, comfort, and the chance to add extra countries to your trip.
By planning ahead, comparing ferry companies, and using the tips in this guide, you can make the most of your time off.
Start your journey today by checking routes and prices with my handy Omio availability and price checker! It’s fast, easy, and helps you find the best option for your adventure.
Bonus: Ferry Price and Availability Tool
Happy sailing!
