Helsinki to Stockholm ferry with Tallink Silja Line

Ferry Operators for Helsinki to Stockholm

Ferry from Helsinki to Stockholm

The ferry route between Helsinki and Stockholm connects two major port cities in Finland and Sweden – a journey that spans the Baltic Sea, and offers travelers a scenic and comfortable way to explore two of Northern Europe's most iconic cities.

There are two ferries that depart from Helsinki each day; one provided by Tallink Silja and the other by Viking. The average ferry journey time is around 17 h 45 mins and crosses 245 miles (395 km) to reach the Swedish capital. Read on to discover how to book cheap ferry tickets, what amenities you’ll find onboard, how to reach the ports and ferry schedules between Helsinki and Stockholm.

Ferry Schedules from Helsinki to Stockholm

There are around 14 weekly sailings between Helsinki and Stockholm, with an average of two ferries departing each day. Both the Viking Line and Tallink Silja service depart in the evening at around 17:00 p.m.and arrive in Stockholm at around 10 am the next morning. Bear in mind that Finland is one hour ahead of Sweden, so while passengers will gain an hour in the morning, the journey time is still an average of 17 hours 45 minutes. Passengers should arrive at the port 1 hour before departure to go through the necessary check-in procedures.

What Ferries go from Helsinki to Stockholm?

Viking Line

Viking Line: the Finnish ferry operator began services in 1959 and provides daily crossings between Finland, Sweden, Estonia and the Aland Islands. Each year, the company transports around 2 million passengers across the Northern Baltic regions and connects cities such as Turku, Tallinn, Helsinki, Stockholm and Mariehamn.

• Sailing per day: average 1 a day
• Foot passengers: yes
• Car passengers: yes

Services onboard Viking Line ferries between Helsinki to Stockholm:

• M/S Gabriella: operating on the Helsinki–Stockholm route, the M/S Gabriella is a large passenger ferry with the capacity to take 2,420 people onboard. Its onboard facilities include cafes and restaurants, including the Viking Line buffet which showcases the best of Scandinavian cuisine. There are several cabin options, including Economy, Standard cabin (which sleeps 4 and includes a TV), plus Suite cabin (the luxurious cabin with a panoramic sea view). There’s also a shopping world and fashion space, a family cafe and children’s play area onboard. The ferry is equipped with wheelchair-accessible public toilets, lift-access parking and lifts throughout.

Tallink Silja Ferries

Tallink Silja: an Estonian shipping company that operates state-of-the-art, mini-cruise ferries across the Baltic region. Tallink Silja is the largest shipping company in the Baltics, with 15 vessels operating between Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Latvia, and the Aland Islands.

• Sailing per day: average 1 a day
• Foot passengers: yes
• Car passengers: yes

Services onboard Tallink Silja ferries between Helsinki and Stockholm:

• Silja Serenade: Tallink's grand Silja Serenade cruise ferry offers high-end food, accommodation and amenities onboard to ensure a smooth journey between Helsinki and Stockholm. The ship features a 142m long promenade running through the center and includes top seafood restaurant the Happy Lobster. Designed for ultimate comfort, Silja Serenade offers different travel classes, ranging from the luxurious Executive Suites and Commodore cabins to Family Moomin cabins. Additional facilities on this ferry include a shopping superstore and a spa. There are lifts and wheelchair accessible facilities onboard and an assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility.
• Silja Symphony: Tallink's Silja Symphony is a modern cruise ferry with a capacity for 2852 passengers onboard. Its offers top tier service in modern, European cuisine including the Grande Buffet restaurant, Tavolàta – a cozy Italian restaurant – the New Grill House restaurant plus the Baltic Sea in Sushi & Co restaurant. There is a large play area for children, tax-free superstore, luxury shopping, a spa plus a range of cabin options ranging from the luxurious Executive Suites and Commodore cabins to Family Moomin cabins. There are lifts and wheelchair accessible facilities onboard and an assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility.

Find cheap ferries from Helsinki to Stockholm?

The cheapest ferry tickets from Helsinki to Stockholm are usually available outside the summer high season from late October until April. To secure cheap tickets, passengers should aim to book well in advance of departure, ticket prices increase exponentially close to the departure date and the best time to secure a deal is around 10 weeks before you intend to travel. Travelers can expect to pay an average of 92€ for a ticket. Omio gathers the latest schedules and ticket options on one platform, making it easy for travelers to find the best deal for their trip. Download the Omio app today to search and book your ticket.

Can I bring a pet aboard the Helsinki to Stockholm ferries?

Each different ferry operator have different guidelines for carrying a pet aboard the ship. Viking Line accepts pets, with an additional booking fee. On Tallink Silja, small pets (under 20kg) can come aboard in a carry cage. Guide dogs can travel on all ferries. Please ensure your pet has a pet passport when traveling around the EU.

Port Information ferry from Helsinki to Stockholm?

Helsinki departure port: Ferries from Helsinki to Stockholm depart from two different terminals. Katajanokka​ terminal is for travelers using Viking Line. Katajanokka is around 1.5 miles from the city center and takes about 30 minutes to get there on foot. Alternatively, there’s the option to get trams 4 or 5 which takes only 15 minutes. Katajanokka Terminal is very modern with a large range of amenities for passengers. Passengers can grab a bite at the restaurant, withdraw cash at the ATM and buy last-minute souvenirs in the shop.

Helsinki's Olympia Terminal is used by Tallink Silja ferries. Olympia Terminal is around 1 mile outside of Helsinki city center and 15 minutes on foot or connected to the center on Tram 2. Olympia Terminal does not have as many facilities as Katajanokka, providing only luggage storage and an ATM.

Arrival port: Ferries from Helsinki to Stockholm arrive at two different terminals. Stadsgårdskajen port is used by Viking Lineferries, and is close to the hip Södermalm neighborhood. Stadsgårdskajen​ is approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) outside of Stockholm city center. Buses from the port include the number 53 public to Stockholm central station or the Flygbussarna​ coach service. There is a café, restrooms, baby-changing facilities and accessible toilets available at the Viking Line terminal.

Stockholm Värtahamnen terminal is used by Tallink Silja ferries. Stockholm Värtahamnen is roughly 2.5 miles (3.9 km) outside the city center and is connected via the 76 bus, or the subway stop at Gärdet. Gärdet subway stop is a 15 minute walk from Värtahamnen and is well signposted to the port. Stockholm Värtahamnen has free WiFi available<.strong> throughout the terminal and a café. Restrooms are available, including those for passengers with limited mobility.