Ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn
Tickets, Prices & SchedulesThere are up to 10 daily ferry connections from the port of Helsinki in Finland to the port of Tallinn in Estonia. Crossing times range from about 2 to 3.5 hr, with ticket prices starting around €15. The route is served by Eckerö Line, Viking Line, and Tallink Silja Line, all operating conventional ferries.
Find up-to-date info, compare timetables, companies and prices, and book your ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn, Estonia on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.
Discounts
Take advantage of the available discounts and travel by ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn, Estonia with lower-cost ferry tickets. Ferry companies offer special discounts for specific passenger categories, including:
- Children
- Large groups of travelers
- Eurail and Interrail Pass holders
Note: infants and toddlers up to 5 years travel for free.
On-board services and amenities
The conventional ferries serving the Helsinki, Finland to Tallinn, Estonia ferry route are equipped with a wide range of facilities, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed journey. On most ferries, you can generally expect cafes, restaurants, bars, gift shops, restrooms, and free Wi-Fi.
Cabins and accommodation
The ferries traveling from Helsinki to Tallinn have cabins, as well as numbered seats.
Luggage
During your Helsinki to Tallinn ferry trip with the companies Tallink Silja Line, Viking Line or Eckerö Line, you can keep your luggage next to you or store your bags and suitcases in the designated luggage area.
Good to know: bear in mind that there is no check-in procedure for luggage items.
Tip: we would recommend you not carry too much luggage to avoid delays and board with ease.
Traveling with pets
You can travel with your pet on the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn, Estonia. In order to be allowed on board, all pets should hold a ticket. Small pets in carriers may enter certain passenger areas, while larger pets must stay in pet cabins or in the vehicle, depending on the company and route. Restaurants, children’s playrooms, and lounges are usually off-limits for animals.
Tallink Silja Line allows pets in carriers in most areas and has no weight limits, though pets must be leashed and should ideally wear a muzzle. Viking Line offers free car-deck travel on the ferry Helsinki - Tallinn route in winter months. Eckerö Line transports pets for free, with small animals allowed in passenger areas except restaurants and lounges, while larger pets must stay in a car or pet cabin.
Tip: make sure to have all the documents required for your journey such as a valid health card.
Useful tips for your ferry trip to Tallinn from Helsinki
Here are some tips for your Helsinki, Finland to Tallinn, Estonia ferry trip:
- In the busy months between May and September, we suggest you arrive at the port of Tallinn at least 60 min in advance to avoid delays. The same applies to ferry trips on weekends.
- Remember to bring a passport or national photo ID to travel from Helsinki to Tallinn by ferry, as you are crossing an international border between Finland and Estonia.
- Check the on-board services on the ferry between Helsinki and Tallinn to make the journey more comfortable.
- If you’re looking for a premium travel experience with stylish restaurants, bars, luxurious cabins, and trendy shops, explore Tallink Silja Line's vessel MyStar and its first-class amenities for a truly relaxing cruise.
Where to take the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn
Ferries to Tallinn depart from the port of Helsinki, about 4 km from the city center.
- Tallink Silja Line and Eckerö Line use West Harbor Terminal 2 in the Jätkäsaari district, accessible via trams 7 and 9.
- Viking Line leaves from the Katajanokka Terminal.
All terminals are equipped with traveler-friendly facilities, including cafés, restaurants, restrooms, luggage storage, shops, ATMs, and public parking.
How do I get from Helsinki airport to ferry?
Traveling from Helsinki Airport to the ferry terminals is straightforward:
- Take the I or P commuter train from the airport to Helsinki Central Railway Station (about 29 min. From there, transfer to tram 7 or 9 for West Harbor Terminal 2, or tram 5 for Katajanokka Terminal. Total travel time is approximately 45-60 min and an ABC zone ticket is required.
- Alternatively, bus 600 runs from the airport to Helsinki Central in 40-45 min, with easy connections to the trams serving the ferry terminals.
Where does the ferry arrive in Tallinn?
Ferries from Helsinki arrive at Tallinn’s Old City Harbour:
- Eckerö Line and Viking Line use Terminal A (Sadama 25), a short walk from the Old Town. Tram No. 2 connects the terminal to the city center, and a footbridge links Terminals A and D.
- Tallink Silja Line ferries arrive at Terminal D (Uus-Sadama 24), about a 15-min walk from downtown, or accessible via tram No. 2 to the Vanasadam stop.
How long is the ferry ride from Helsinki to Tallinn?
The Helsinki, Finland to Tallinn, Estonia ferry trip lasts between 2 and 2.5 hr, depending on the company and the type of vessel you’re traveling with.
Helsinki - Tallinn ferry companies
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FAQs
The best ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn, Estonia depends on your priorities—speed, comfort, modern amenities, or price. Tallink Silja Line is often considered the top choice for a premium travel experience, while Viking Line and Eckerö Line provide comfortable and reliable options at more affordable prices.
- Tallink Silja Line: fastest crossings (2 hr) with their modern vessels M/S MyStar and M/S Megastar, which are new, environmentally friendly, and offer top-tier passenger comfort
- Viking Line: good value, comfortable but slightly older ferries, and crossings in about 2.5 hr.
- Eckerö Line: most budget-friendly, with the MS Finlandia offering a relaxing trip in about 2 hr 15 min.
Yes, a day trip from Helsinki to Tallinn is easy and popular thanks to frequent ferry departures and short crossing times. You can explore the highlights of the Estonian capital and return on the evening ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki, usually departing around 22:30.
Yes, ferries traveling from Helsinki to Tallinn have car decks, so you can bring along your vehicle on the trip. Prices typically start at around €20 to transport a car and €15 for a motorbike.
Tip: car check-in is required about 1 hr before departure.
No, the connections to Tallinn are only operated by conventional ferries. The fastest ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn, Estonia reaches the port in 2 hr.
The Helsinki (Finland) to Tallinn (Estonia) ferry crossing is usually smooth, as the Gulf of Finland is relatively sheltered and modern ferries are designed to handle rougher conditions. However, crossings can become choppy, particularly between October and March, when storms and stronger winds can create waves of 2-4 m. Passengers prone to seasickness may feel discomfort in these conditions, but most travelers find the journey quite comfortable. Even in rough weather, cancellations are rare, and ferries continue to operate reliably.
The distance between Helsinki and Tallinn is approximately 43 nautical miles (80 km).
When booking your Helsinki, Finland - Tallinn, Estonia ferry trip with Tallink Silja Line on Ferryhopper, you can easily check in online, get your tickets on your phone, and board the ferry directly with your e-ticket without collecting any paper tickets at the port.
With Viking Line and Eckerö Line, you can book your tickets online on Ferryhopper and pick them up in paper form from the company’s collection points at the port before the trip.
Find detailed answers to all your questions about ferry ticket changes, cancellations and refunds.
Remember that you can also use Ferryhopper's online booking modification service, available with certain ferry companies.