Are you thinking whether or not you should take the Helsinki Tallinn ferry and visit Tallinn while in Helsinki?
I totally recommend making the Tallinn day trip if you:
- Have more than few days to spend in Helsinki.
- Wish to see two capitals within one holiday. Helsinki and Tallinn have a different vibe, and the old town of Tallinn is beautiful.
- Are interested in the Finnish archipelago and The Baltic Sea.
- Are fascinated by Finnish and Estonian culture.
- Are curious about seeing a lot of Finns enjoying their leisure day.
Spending a day in Tallinn is also a very Finnish thing to do. It is almost like going to a sauna.
In fact, I don’t know any Finn who hasn’t visited Tallinn by ferry. Young teenage couples, girl packs, old folk, business people and families with children – we are all on board!
To give you an idea of the magnitude, Helsinki harbor is the busiest sea passenger port in Europe with 12,1 million travelers in 2018.
Helsinki-Tallinn-Helsinki route draws the majority of people, around 9 million passengers annually!
Table of Contents
- 1 The Local’s Guide to the Helsinki Tallinn Ferry
- 2 What is a Helsinki Tallinn Ferry?
- 3 The Two Mistakes to Avoid when Booking a Tallinn Ferry
- 4 How to Get Started with Booking a Helsinki Tallinn Ferry Trip
- 5 The Helsinki and Tallinn Ferry Terminals
- 6 Tips for Traveling on the Helsinki Tallinn Ferry
- 7 Common Questions about the Helsinki Tallinn Ferry
- 8 The Last Thing You Need to Know about the Helsinki Tallinn Ferry
The Local’s Guide to the Helsinki Tallinn Ferry
So, the Helsinki Tallinn ferry is a mass sport. The facilities on board are practical, safe, and nice but not glamorous. Also, you may find some things a bit confusing, especially:
- Which ferry should you take?
- How to actually buy the tickets?
- Where is the terminal?
As I regularly travel on the Helsinki Tallinn ferry due to my work, I thought I’d make a comprehensive guide about this merry ferry business in Helsinki!
I’ll try to answer all those possible pain points and make you ready for your cruise!
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What is a Helsinki Tallinn Ferry?
The Helsinki Tallinn ferry is a route connection between the two capitals. A common misconception is that all Tallinn ships take you to Tallinn. This is not true!
There are two types of Tallinn ships.
One category of Tallinn ships are cruises which just circle a certain period on the Baltic Sea. These cruises have many names (like Tallinn cruise, which sucks, I know!) and nicknames (a party cruise or booze cruise).
Book a ticket and see how Finns party when they are *all-in* – however, you will not get to see Tallinn.
The second category is those Tallinn ships which are route connection ferries. They shuttle back and forth the two cities from early morning until midnight, on average.
The Two Mistakes to Avoid when Booking a Tallinn Ferry
Some Tallinn cruises are designed so that you get to visit Tallinn, others aren’t.
Yup. The ferry companies use their company language, so one company can have a Tallinn cruise which is just a party cruise and another company can have a Tallinn day cruise which is specially designed for those travelers who want to do a day trip to Tallinn. Yeah, confusing.
When you are booking, all companies state quite clearly if the cruise has some time in Tallinn or not, but you need to be careful so you don’t book a wrong cruise.
Another misconception is that all Helsinki Tallinn ferries use the same terminals.
They don’t. The terminal depends on the ferry company you are using. This is true in both cities. That’s why it’s super important that you know the terminal details.
What is nice in both cities, at least based on my experiences, is that taxi drivers always ask for the details to be sure they are not driving to the wrong terminal.
There are other ships, too.
Cruises are big business in Finland. Besides Tallinn, a very popular cruise is a two-day long “spend one day in Stockholm”-cruise. That offers a bit of that Love Boat feeling.
You can also travel to St. Petersburg and Mariehamn in Åland by ship from Helsinki.
How to Get Started with Booking a Helsinki Tallinn Ferry Trip
There are three companies which offer a regular Helsinki Tallinn ferry connection: Tallink Silja, Eckerö Line and Viking Line.
In a nutshell, Tallink Silja has the newest and most beautiful ferry, called Megastar. Hence, Tallink Silja is on average more pricey than Eckerö Line or Viking Line.
The biggest thing affecting the prices is the season. In the winter time, you can get a return ticket from Eckerö Line with 10 euros!
But, when it’s the weekend and we approach warmer months, all prices go up.
I recommend buying straight from the ferry companies and cut the middle man. You can print your tickets at home or save the ticket code on mobile.
At the terminal, you create your own ticket on an easy-to-use vending machine.
The Helsinki and Tallinn Ferry Terminals
Here are the terminal details for all three ferry companies.
Tallink Silja Helsinki and Tallinn Terminals
Tallink Silja in Helsinki: West Terminal 2 (Länsisatama 2 in Finnish). Address: Tyynenmerenkatu 14
Tallink Silja in Tallinn: D-Terminal. Address: Lootsi 13
In Helsinki, West Harbor is basically within walking distance from the center, but I recommend that you take the tram 7 or 6T. The final stop is the harbor.
Note that West harbor has a cool modern grey building and a red brick terminal. Tallink Silja uses the modern grey building for Megastar and Star ships. Only Tallink Silja Europa ship uses the red brick terminal.
Terminal D (Tallink Silja) is super conveniently close to the modern city center of Tallinn and the Old Town.
Eckerö Line Helsinki and Tallinn Terminals
Eckerö Line in Helsinki: West Terminal 2 (Länsisatama 2 in Finnish). Address: Tyynenmerenkatu 14
Eckerö Line in Tallinn: A-Terminal. Address: Sadama 25/2
West Harbor is basically within walking distance from the center, but I recommend that you take the tram 7 or 6T. The final stop is the harbor.
Note that West harbor has a cool modern grey building and a red brick terminal. Eckerö Line uses the modern grey building.
In Tallinn, Terminal A (Eckerö Line & Viking Line) is closer to the Old Town.
Viking Line Helsinki and Tallinn Terminals
Viking Line in Helsinki: Viking Line Terminal. Address: Katajanokanlaituri 8
Viking Line in Tallinn: A-Terminal. Address: Sadama 25/2
In Helsinki, Viking Line Terminal is very close to Helsinki Market square, right in the city center. In Tallinn, Terminal A (Eckerö Line & Viking Line) is closer to the Old Town.
Tips for Traveling on the Helsinki Tallinn Ferry
- Remember to take your ticket code or print your ticket.
- Remember to take your passport.
- Euros are used in both countries. Credit card works everywhere in both cities and on the ferry!
- There are restaurants on board. You can also bring your own snacks.
- Especially when leaving from Helsinki or when returning, go outside or take a window seat and admire the Finnish archipelago views.
Common Questions about the Helsinki Tallinn Ferry
Here are the most common questions that people have about Helsinki Tallinn ferry trips. I’d love to know if you have a question about this topic, just write it on the comments!
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How long is the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn?
On average, it takes around 2 hours from Helsinki to Tallinn.
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What the price for the Helsinki Tallinn ferry?
Depending on the season, the price for a return ticket (Helsinki – Tallinn – Helsinki) starts from 10 euros. During summer, it can be around 60-80 euros. Book early, if you’re traveling in the summer!
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Where can I find the Helsinki Tallinn ferry timetable?
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What should I know as a business passenger on a Helsinki Tallinn ferry?
For a business trip, I warmly recommend the business lounge of Megastar. It is stylish, the buffet is good and the business class internet works reasonably well.
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What’s the Helsinki Tallinn ferry like with a car?
- Super easy: just drive in and out yourself.
- Arrive 1,5 hours before departure
- Remember your printed ticket and passport!
The Last Thing You Need to Know about the Helsinki Tallinn Ferry
Finns love a Tallinn ferry because it is an easy and cheap way to travel to Estonia. You might notice that there are many who stack up on alcohol because it is less expensive in Estonia.
On the ship, you can do some of these Finnish things: Drink. Play bingo. Dance old hits. Get a bit bored. Eat. People-watch. Sing karaoke. Play slot machines. Dive into a ball pool (unfortunately many of us enthusiasts are over-aged).
What else you would like to know about the Helsinki Tallinn ferry? Are you going to visit Tallinn when in Helsinki? Let me know in the comments!
Looking for more information about cool day trip destinations from Helsinki and things to do in Helsinki? Check these other posts:
Warm wishes from Finland,
Varpu
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Hello there!
I’m Varpu. One blonde,
travel-loving,
Finnish engineer driving this site.
Hi. Really useful article. I am going with my son on a weekday in early September. I’d prefer not to book in advance (because I don’t know how long I want in Helsinki before we move on). I did read the stuff about being able to change ferries if necessary. But since we are just foot passengers (no car), is there any real danger of a ferry being full? (I realise you can only offer a guess and not a guarantee).
Thanks,
Nick
Hei Nick! Thank you so much, I’m so happy to hear that. I’d say there’s no need to book advance because there are so many ferries going each day, it’s not high season and you are foot passengers. 🙂
Do any of the Ferries have wifi? Thanks for the great tips!
Hei Karen! They do. Here is the good news: it’s free. But most of the time, it doesn’t work. 🙂 I always try to plan my work so that I’ll work offline on the ferry. Hope this helps!
Hei Varpu. That’s a beautiful photo of Helsinki at the front of the article. What is the lovely old house in the foreground? Thanks. David
Hei David! Thank you for your comment! Aren’t those buildings fabulous?! Both of them are restaurants – the bigger one is Restaurant Saaristo and the smaller one (with the green roof) is Restaurant NJK.
We are 6 travellers taking the ferry on September 1 after driving back to Helsinki from Savonlinna and dropping the hire cars at Helsinki airport. I guess we might need to wait till 19.00 to get a ferry. How far ahead do we need to book the one way ticket to Tallinn please?
Hei Veronica! If you know your timetable, you can for sure book the tickets already so that they are taken care of?
I am traveling with my support dog – do they allow pets or support animals on the ferries?
Hei Nicole, thank you for your question! Yes, pets and support dogs are allowed. Pets have to pay a fee but support dogs travel for free. You need to let the company know about any animals when you are making the booking. Hope that helped!
Hi varpu I’m traveling to helsinki this Thursday I wanted to book a helsinki tallinn ferry in eckero online it says 50euro for three passengers two adults and my 4years daughter. My worries is, Is that two way price or one way bit confused
Hi Varpu
can i ask if we can to travel to st. petersburg without visa
Hei! Thank you for your comment. Yes, you can but only by taking a cruise. If you go by car, plane or train from Finland, you will need a visa. 🙂
Hi Varpu… Love to read your usefull article. I plan to visit Helsinki and Tallinn on early September with my friends. I’m still wondering which is the right ferry for us. We want the ferry which its terminal in Tallin is the closest to tourism objects . Can you help me? Do we still need to book ferry in advance on early September?
We need to deposit our luggage in terminal in Helsinki, is there a safe place for it there?
We are going to visit Tallinn in 2 days, is it well enough?
Sorry for all of my many question. Thanks in advance
Hei Anita, happy to help! I think that Terminal D in Tallinn is in the middle of everything. I feel that two days is enough to explore the city, yes. Early September shouldn’t that busy, but of course, the ticket prices may be higher when booked at the last minute. All luggage safes are okay in Finland, there’s also a huge luggage safe in the basement of Helsinki main railway station which might be convenient for you guys!
Thank you. It’s a great article. I plan to fly to Helsinki with two kids and then take a ferry to Tallinn, my final destination. I am a bit afraid to book in advance (what if the flight is delayed or cancelled)? Any suggestions? Is it too risky to buy on a spot (apart from the expense)?
Hei Maria! Yes, I completely understand the problem. If it’s a high season, the only problem is that the ferry is full. That’s the only risk. I checked that, for example, Tallink Silja has it so that you can change the ticket if you make the change 45 minutes before the start time of the ferry. With the fee level in 2019, this will be 5 euros/ticket and you pay the difference if the next ferry you can book is more expensive than the one you originally booked. Hope that helped!
Hello! this post was very helpful. I am going to Helsinki for a conference, so I would be pretty busy everyday. I have one day and a half free! I was planning to go to Tallin during my free day, but I’m not 100% is worthy. I am going to Helsinki and….leaving to go to another place….How many hours do we need to have a nice stroll in Old Tallin? Is taking the ferry that arrives at 9.30 am and leaves at 12.30 enough? probably better the one that leaves at 13.30? or just focus on Helsinki?
OMGGG What do you suggest? Please!
Hei Mar, so great to hear you liked this post. Tallinn Old Town is charming for sure. It’s also very different from Helsinki and the two make a lovely combo. The distances in Tallinn are short and it is just a 15-minute walk from the harbor to the Old Town. So yeah, this of course only my personal opinion, but I would go. I would also try to enjoy a bit of Helsinki every conference day if you can. XD In Tallinn, you are able to see a lot even if you are there from 9.30-12.30!
Hi Varpu!
Thank you for the tips, I am planning a isit to Tallin from Turku. Looking directly through the company website is much easier, it´s true.
I am still a bit confused about the terminals though, do you know if Onnibus stops directly to the terminal or if I have to take another bus to get there? Should I take some time between the two journeys (bus and ferry) to make up my mind and find everything/be at the harbour earlier? I´ ve never took a ferry so I don´ t really know how it works.
Hi Emma! You are very welcome. 🙂 I totally understand, it’s confusing. On Onnibus site, put from “Turku” and start writing to “Helsinki”. You can see the different harbors (satama, in Finnish) listed, for example, “Länsisatama” is the harbor that Tallink Silja and Eckerö Lines use.
The search shows that you need to transfer at Helsinki bus station and the wait time is from 20-35 minutes. From a price point view, buying the complete connection is probably a good idea.
Another option is to buy the bus ticket from Turku to Helsinki and then hop on a tram (2,80€) in the Helsinki city center to reach the harbor of your ferry. 🙂
Hi,
We would like to take the ferry from Helsinki to Tallin and then return. We will be staying at Hotel Kamp in Helsinki. Is it best to take a taxi to ferry terminal. On our return we need to get out to Helsinki International airport. Is there a connection from the ferry or should we catch a taxi.
Really would appreciate your advice. Thanks so much,
Karen
Hei Karen! There is a straight tram connection from the Helsinki city center to the ferry terminal. It’s super handy. You could take the tram or take a taxi. For the airport, I’d take a taxi from the ferry terminal!
Hi Varpu, I will be taking a group frm Helsinski to Talinn by cruise (Talinn Cruise) M suppose to board at West Port. May I know which terminal n could you advise on the boarding procedures n also where to store the big bags?? Twvm
Hei Anne! I’m not sure which ferry company you are using? The boarding procedure is simple: you can go to a desk with customer service with your tickets. On the ferry (at least on Tallink Silja), there are safety lockers and a luggage room (fee is around 2 euros).
Thank you! You saved us from spending almost double by not booking through the company directly! We were shocked at how different the price was. Great tips. We’re very excited to visit Helsinki and Tallinn for the first time. Thanks for the tips!
Hei Susanna! I’m so happy to hear that you found this post helpful! <3 Enjoy Helsinki and Tallinn, they are both great! <3
We would like a take a morning ferry say 9.00 am from Helsinki for Tallinn and return by 6.00 pm ferry
Which is the best cost option and can I book online today. Kindly advise asap.
Hei Kewal, thank you for your comment! Please check each ferry companies’ sites to see which ferry is the best for you! You can see their online shops through the timetable links I provided. 🙂
I’m planning a trip to Turku to visit my son and grandchildren in February. I’ll be travelling with my other son and thought this could be done (sans kids!) I really enjoy your site and this was quite helpful and funny (things Finns do on the boat) Thank you again and if we do go I’ll update.
Hei Lori, so great to hear that this post was helpful! February is a fantastic winter month to visit Finland, snow & sunshine! Enjoy!!
Sartenada is right – lake cruises are great. We did one for a family reunion on Lake Päijänne, and stopped at one of the park islands for a hike and picnic. One of the crew even pulled out an accordion and my Finnish relatives jumped right up and danced on the pier – great fun. Of interest too is that a few of the lake cruise boats are genuine old steamers, powered by wood. I understand that a person might even be able to see the steam engine operating if the captain is willing.
What a great addition Rich, thank you so much! Lake cruises are indeed coming more and more popular! I just read in the newspaper that for example, Etelä-Konnenvesi national park has now a boat that can seat 100 peoples (if I remember right) because the old one was too small for the demand!
Nice set of stories. Thank you
Thank you so much Chris! I’m so glad you like my posts!
We took the overnight cruise from Stockholm to Helsinki and then went to Tallinn a few days later. Loved it, beautiful country. I have relatives in Finland and met a cousin and his family for a great visit.
Your trip sounds amazing! I’m so glad you were able to visit all three cities. They are all so pretty and each has a unique atmosphere!
I appreciate Your post very much. Well done, but You did forget one type of cruises – lake cruises.
Here is one example:
Cruise to Rock paintings.
In midsummer, a cruise on some of our lake is unforgettable. We have made one in Jyväskylä. Many tourists were excited about this cruise. Test it some day!
Thanks! A lake cruise is worth a visit, the scenery around Finnish lakes is awesome.