Ferry from Helsinki to Mariehamn

When planning your trip with the Helsinki to Mariehamn ferry, you can take advantage of the regular discounts available to specific passenger categories. These discounts differ from one company to another, but typically children and youths under 18 are entitled to lower ferry ticket prices, while infants and children up to 5 years old travel for free.

Tallink Silja Line and Viking Line serve the Helsinki - Mariehamn ferry route with conventional cruise ferries, such as the Silja Symphony and Viking Cinderella. These vessels are designed for long-distance travel and offer a cruise experience. The amenities and services differ between ferries, but generally you can expect:

• Comfy seats in air-conditioned lounges and spacious outer decks to enjoy the sea view
• Snack bars, cafés, and restaurants with hot and cold drinks, snacks and meals
• Luxury shops and kiosks with everything from the essentials to high-end gifts
• Onboard entertainment, including live music shows and playrooms for children
• Spa and sauna facilities, including pools or hot tubs, jacuzzis and a wellness bar
• Wi-Fi hotspot to stay connected during the trip, with a free option and data bundles to suit your needs

Accessibility

The ferries serving the route from Helsinki to Mariehamn are generally accessible to travellers with disabilities, featuring ramps and lifts between decks, as well as adapted cabins and amenities.

Both Tallink Silja Line and Viking Line offer boarding assistance upon request and at least 48 hr prior notification before your journey.

Important: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Cabins and accommodation

Can you sleep on the ferry from Helsinki to Mariehamn?

Yes, you can sleep in a private cabin during the overnight crossing on the Helsinki - Åland ferry. You can choose from budget-friendly economy and inside cabins, sea-view accommodation or premium cabins and suites. There are no separate VIP or business-class seats on the ships serving this route, so choose an upgraded cabin if you’d like extra comfort.

What cabins can I book on the ferry?

Both Tallink Silja Line and Viking Line offer a range of cabins which can accommodate up to 6 passengers. Depending on the operator and ferry, you can generally choose between:

• Economy and standard inside cabins
• Outside cabins with a sea view
• Family cabins and deluxe suites with extra room, a double bed, additional amenities, and a sea view
• Cabins for passengers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins

All cabins feature air conditioning, a wardrobe and an ensuite bathroom, while features such as TVs, minibars depend on the category.

Cabin prices start at about € 44.5.

Keep in mind that cabins are mandatory on Helsinki - Mariehamn ferry as crossing.

Can I travel first class?

Yes, Tallink Silja Line offers Commodore cabins and suites with access to the Commodore Lounge, while Viking Line offers Premium cabins and suites with additional perks and amenities.

Check your sailing’s accommodation options for the exact facilities and inclusions.

Luggage

When traveling with Tallink Silja Line and Viking Line, you can bring as many bags as you can carry onboard yourself, free of charge.

Traveling with pets

You can bring your pet with you on the Helsinki - Mariehamn ferry, provided you include it in your booking.

Make sure you bring along your pet’s travel and health documents, tickets and any pet supplies you may need for the ferry trip.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

On Tallink Silja Line and Viking Line ferries, you can book a pet-friendly cabin. There are no onboard kennels, and pets are not allowed to stay in vehicles.

The ferries generally have pet-friendly areas, however pets are not allowed in restaurants, bars, pubs and playrooms. When outside of your accommodation, smaller pets must be kept in a suitable carrier, while larger pets must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Helsinki to Mariehamn:

• The port of Helsinki can get quite busy, especially on weekends and from May to September, so it's best to be there at least 1 hr ahead of departure. If you are traveling with a car, we suggest being there at least 1.5 hr in advance for a smooth boarding.
• The sea can get a bit rough, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness medication before the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• For your return trip, book your tickets on the Mariehamn - Helsinki ferry well in advance, as cabins and car deck spaces are limited.
• As this is an overnight crossing, request a wake-up call from the reception: nighttime arrivals are not announced in cabins, and you must be ready to disembark before the brief stop.
• From Helsinki, you can also travel by ferry to Stockholm, Travemünde, and Tallinn. For more details on all routes, operators and ticket prices, check out the Helsinki ferry schedules!

Where to take the ferry from Helsinki to Mariehamn

Ferries to Mariehamn depart from 2 terminals in central Helsinki, depending on your ferry company.

• Tallink Silja Line uses Olympia Terminal, beside Kaivopuisto Park in the South Harbour.
• Viking Line uses Katajanokka Terminal, across the harbor from Market Square.

Both ferry terminals are about 2.5 km from Helsinki Central Station, and around 24 km from Helsinki Airport. Check your booking for the correct terminal and follow the departure screens and boarding signs when you arrive.

Both terminals have basic passenger facilities: at Olympia, you’ll find a bistro, a kiosk and luggage storage, while Katajanokka has a café at street level, plus a bar and café upstairs for departing passengers. Market Square and the Old Market Hall are nearby options if you have time before boarding.

How to get to the port of Helsinki?

• By car to Olympia Terminal (Tallink Silja Line): follow signs for Eteläsatama (South Harbour) and enter the vehicle check-in area from Ehrenströmintie.
• By car to Katajanokka Terminal (Viking Line): follow signs for Katajanokka and Viking Line, then use Gate C for passenger vehicles (Gate B serves freight traffic).
• To Olympia Terminal by public transportation: take tram 2 or 3 from the Central Station area to reach Olympiaterminaali in around 15-20 min, including a short walk and waiting time. Walking from the station takes roughly 30 min.
• To Katajanokka Terminal by public transportation: take tram 5 from the Central Station area to Katajanokan terminaali, or take tram 4 to Vyökatu, which is about 400 m from the terminal. The entire trip takes 15-25 min, depending on the connection.
• From Helsinki Airport: the I or P commuter train to Helsinki Central Station takes about 30 min and from there you can continue by tram to your terminal. Bus 600 also connects the airport with the city center.
• By taxi: the taxi ride to the port takes about 10-15 min from the Central Station, and 30-45 min from the airport.

Check-in and boarding at Helsinki

Check your booking before heading to the port: Tallink Silja Line departs from Olympia Terminal, while Viking Line uses Katajanokka Terminal. Aim to arrive at least 1-1.5 hr ahead of departure, with your booking confirmation and required identification ready.

Olympia Terminal (Tallink Silja Line)

Check-in usually opens 2 hr ahead of departure and closes 30 min before the ferry leaves.

• Foot passengers: check in inside the terminal using an eligible self-service kiosk or the staffed desk. For the regular 16:45 departure, staffed check-in runs 14:45–16:15. If your booking includes a cabin, Tallink requires terminal check-in.
• Vehicles: use the separate car check-in lanes, accessed from Ehrenströmintie, and follow staff instructions for boarding. For the regular departure, vehicle check-in runs 15:00–16:15.

Katajanokka Terminal (Viking Line)

Passenger and vehicle check-in normally opens 1.5 hr before sailing, while check-in and boarding close 20 min before departure.

• Foot passengers: be ready for check-in at least 30 min before departure. After collecting your boarding pass, follow the signs to the second-floor boarding gates.
• Vehicles: enter through Gate C and use the vehicle check-in lanes. Vehicles generally must be checked in and ready to board at least 30 min before departure, while vehicles over 2.4 m high must be checked in at least 45 min beforehand.

Where does the ferry arrive in Mariehamn?

Ferries from Helsinki arrive at Western Harbour, known as Västerhamn or Västra hamnen, on the western side of Mariehamn. The town center is within walking distance, and the Pommern museum ship and Åland Maritime Museum are nearby.

At the ferry terminal, you will find basic passenger amenities, including luggage storage, accessible toilets and a taxi stand, but there is no terminal café, so bring refreshments for your early arrival.

Onward travel from Mariehamn port

• On foot: the town center is approximately 1 km away, around 15-20 min on foot, depending on your destination. Follow the streets toward Esplanaden and Torggatan for central hotels, shops and cafés.
• By taxi: there’s a taxi stand outside the terminal, and Mariehamns Taxi operates 24/7. Prebooking is advisable for an early arrival, especially if you need an accessible vehicle or child seat.
• By bus: a Södra linjen stop is located outside the terminal. For connections farther across Åland, regional buses depart from the main bus station beside the city library.
• By car: follow the signs out of the harbor toward central Mariehamn and the main roads across Åland. Långnäs is approximately 30 km away, with the ride taking about 30 min.