Ferries from Tallinn to Helsinki

Ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki

Helsinki is Europe's busiest passenger ports and many travelers head there from Tallinn. The journey takes you across the Baltic Sea and exposes you to some of the best parts of Baltic culture. Many Finnish travelers take these ferries for fun to enjoy the onboard entertainment and bar on the high seas. Approximately 16 ferries a day depart from Tallinn to Helsinki and it only takes 2 hours to travel between the two capitals. Travelers can choose between services provided by Tallink Silja, Eckerö Line or Viking Line.​ Ample luggage storage facilities are available on board so don't worry about fitting everything in a carry-on. Passengers should be advised to always carry their passport onboard as it is an international service and so subject to border control checks. 

Ferry Schedules Tallinn to Helsinki

On average, 16 ferries from Tallinn to Helsinki depart each day, from Monday to Friday. However, there is some variation in service from day to day, with Sunday having the least services per day. Tallink Silja offers the most services on this line, with approximately 8 departures a day. Eckerö Line and Viking Line provide approximately 4 services a day each between Tallinn and Helsinki. The first ferry departs around 7:30 a.m. each day and the last ferry departs around 10:30 p.m. each evening.  

All ferry services are direct and take approximately 2 hours to reach Helsinki from Tallinn on average. 

How to find cheap ferries from Tallinn to Helsinki?

The best way to find cheap ferries from Tallinn to Helsinki is to depart in the low season. Tickets during the late fall, winter, and early Spring can cost as little as €10. Whereas travelers who depart during the high season of the late spring, summer and early fall can pay as much as €80! If you intend to travel from Tallinn to Helsinki during the summer, you should book your ferry ticket in advance of departure; the best deals can be secured around 2 months in advance. Being flexible while booking the specific date and time you'll travel can also help you secure great deals.

How long is the ferry journey from Tallinn to Helsinki?

Ferries from Tallinn to Helsinki take approximately 2 hours to make their way between these capitals on the Baltic Sea. All ferry journeys are direct. The fastest ferry provider is Tallink Silja as their journeys take only 2 hours exactly. Eckerö ferries from Tallinn to Helsinki take 2 hours and 15 minutes, whereas Viking ferries take about 2 hours and 30 minutes. 

Passengers who will walk on the ferry are advised to arrive at the port a minimum of 45 minutes before boarding. Those passengers who wish to take their car onboard typically have to arrive 1 hour in advance, but the exact time they should arrive will be on their ticket after booking. 

 What do you need to know before traveling by ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki?

Ferries from Tallinn to Helsinki depart from various terminals, depending on which ferry service you board. However, all depart in the area of the Port of Tallinn. Travelers can reach the Port of Tallinn on foot, which only takes 22 minutes to walk the 1-mile (1.6 km) distance. For those who wish to catch public transport, they can board the number 1 tram or the 150 bus which takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the port from the historic center. 

Tallink Silja ferries depart from the D-Terminal at Lootsi 13. An electronic entry service is enabled for passengers with cars to have easy access to the port. Both a shop and café are available for priors to relax in prior to departure.

Both Viking and Eckerö ferries depart from the A-Terminal at Sadama 25/2, which is the closest terminal to the Old Town. 

Ferries from Tallinn to Helsinki arrive at various terminals near the Länsisatama port, which literally translates at 'Western Port' in English. The Western port is on the Western seafront of Helsinki city center. Passengers can walk there from Helsinki city center in 1 mile. However, travelers can board the tram 6, 7 or 9 from Helsinki city center which takes approximately 13 minutes to reach Länsisatama port. 

Tallink Silja​ ferries depart from Länsisatama 2, Tyynenmerenkatu 14. Passengers meanwhile disembark from the recently refurbished cobalt grey building which only services this line.

Eckerö ferries also depart from Länsisatama 2​, in the same cobalt grey building as Tallink Silja ferries. 

Viking Line ferries arrive at Katajanokanlaituri 8​. Viking Line are the only service whose ferries arrive in Helsinki city center, instead of the port. Katajanokanlaituri ​is in very close proximity to Helsinki's Old Market Square.

All ports have a café providing refreshments, but passengers might be wise to wait until their arrival in Helsinki city center to enjoy more competitive prices.