Ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki

When planning your trip by ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki, you can take advantage of the fixed discounts offered to specific passenger categories. The available discounts may vary from one ferry company to another, but typically you can expect lower-cost ferry tickets for:

• Children under 12
• Young travelers (under 18)

Note: infants and children up to 5 years usually travel for free. 

Viking Line and Tallink Silja Line operate the Stockholm to Helsinki ferry route with conventional cruise vessels, such as the Gabriella, Viking Cinderella, Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony. These vessels are designed for long-distance travel and are equipped with many modern amenities and services, such as :

• Air-conditioned lounges and spacious seating, as well as open-air deck areas offering sea views
• Buffet and à-la-carte restaurants, cafés, and bars serving drinks, snacks, and full meals
• Children’s play areas, often with special events and games
• Duty-free shops and onboard entertainment, which may include live music or nightlife venues
• Spa area with pools or hot tubs, Finnish‑style saunas, jacuzzis and a wellness bar
• Car decks for vehicle transportation
• Accessibility features, such as ramps, elevators, and adapted cabins and restrooms
• Wi-Fi access (often available for purchase or included in premium cabins)

Accessibility

The ferries serving the Stockholm to Helsinki route are generally accessible to travelers with disabilities, featuring ramps and elevators to move between decks, accessible seating and amenities in common areas, and adapted cabins for passengers with disabilities.

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

Note: 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 & accommodation

Can I sleep on the ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki?

Yes. In fact, sleeping on board is part of the experience, as ferries leave Stockholm in the afternoon or early evening and reach Helsinki the following morning.

You can choose a simple inside cabin if you mainly need somewhere comfortable to sleep, or upgrade to a sea-view cabin or suite for more space and additional amenities.

What cabins can I book?

Booking a private cabin is mandatory on the Stockholm - Helsinki ferry route and you can choose from a range of options, such as: 

• Standard inside cabins
• Outside sea-view cabins
• Luxury cabins and suites offering more space and additional amenities
• Accessible cabins with adapted toilets for passengers with disabilities
• Allergy-free cabins

Most cabins have a private shower and toilet, and amenities can include air conditioning, and a TV, depending on the operator and vessel. Premium cabins and suites may also include a double bed, breakfast, minibar items and access to an exclusive lounge.

Cabin prices usually range from around € 43 to € 606.9, depending on the cabin type and travel period.

Can I book a seat?

No, Viking Line and Tallink Silja Line do not offer numbered seats on the Stockholm to Helsinki ferry route. 

Luggage

On the Stockholm to Helsinki ferry trip with Tallink or Viking Line, you can bring as many bags as you can carry on board yourself, with no weight or size restrictions.

You can keep your luggage next to you or store your bags and suitcases in the designated luggage area. Keepin mind that there is no check-in procedure for luggage items.

Pet travel

You can bring your pet on the Stockholm to Helsinki ferry, provided you include it in your booking. Pet tickets cost around €15 to €20, depending on the operator.

When outside of their accommodation, smaller pets must be kept in a suitable carrier, while larger pets must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle. There are designated pet-friendly areas onboard, but keep in mind that dining areas, children’s playrooms and lounges are usually off-limits to pets.

Remember to bring your pet’s travel and health documents, tickets, and any pet supplies you may need for the duration of the trip.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

The pet accommodation options for each company serving the Stockholm - Helsinki ferry route are:

• Tallink Silja Line: you can keep your pet in most cabins, but not on the beds or in allergy-friendly cabins.
• Viking Line: you can book a pet-friendly cabin, for up to 3 pets.

Keep in mind that there are no kennels available on the ferries and you cannot keep any pets in your vehicle.

Have a look at some important tips for your Stockholm to Helsinki ferry ride:

• The terminals in Stockholm get busy, especially between May and September, so we recommend arriving at least 1-1.5 hr before departure to allow enough time for check-in and boarding. If you’re traveling with a vehicle, give yourself some extra time and always check the boarding deadline on your ticket.
• The sea can get a bit choppy, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness medication for the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• Remember to bring a passport or national photo ID to travel from Stockholm to Helsinki by ferry, as you are crossing an international border between Sweden and Finland.
• When planning your trip, keep in mind that there is a 1-hr time difference between Sweden and Finland.
• If you are heading to Finland on a short trip, make sure you book your return tickets on teh Helsinki - Stockholm ferry in advance, especially if you are traveling with a vehicle or during the high season.
• From Stockholm you can also sail to Turku, Mariehamn, and Långnäs in Finland, and Tallinn in Estonia. For more details and information on all routes, operators and ticket prices, check out the Stockholm ferry schedules on Ferryhopper.

Where to take the ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki

Ferries to Helsinki normally depart from 2 different terminals in Stockholm, depending on the operator: Stockholm Värtahamnen and Stockholm Stadsgården.

• Tallink Silja Line ferries leave from Värtahamnen (Värtaterminalen) at Hamnpirsvägen 10.
• Viking Line ferries depart from its terminal at Stadsgården, Tegelvikshamn, on the Södermalm waterfront.

As Stockholm has several passenger port areas, make sure to check the operator and terminal shown on your ticket before setting off.

Värtahamnen is around 4 km from Stockholm Central Station, while Stadsgården is around 3 km away and just 1 km from Slussen. Stockholm Arlanda Airport is roughly 42 km from the ferry terminals. Both terminals have passenger check-in facilities, taxis and parking nearby. At Värtahamnen, you can also find a bistro serving meals and drinks, while the Viking Line terminal at Stadsgården has luggage lockers, restrooms, vending machines and other basic passenger services.

How to get to the port of Stockholm

Getting to Värtahamnen terminal (Tallink Silja Line)

• By metro: take the Red line from T-Centralen toward Ropsten and get off at Gärdet, which is about 800 m away (a 10-15 min walk).
• By bus: bus 76 stops directly at Värtahamnens färjeterminal and connects the port with central Stockholm.
• By shuttle bus: Tallink Silja Line operates a daily transfer between Cityterminalen, next to Stockholm Central Station, and Värtahamnen. The ride normally takes around 20 min.
• From Arlanda Airport: the Arlanda Express reaches Stockholm Central Station in about 18 min and from there, continue by metro, shuttle bus or taxi. By car or taxi, the drive to Värtahamnen usually takes about 35-45 min.
• By car: enter Hamnpirsvägen 10 in your GPS. Paid parking is available at and around Värtaterminalen. If you are taking your vehicle on the ferry, follow the signs for vehicle check-in rather than the passenger-terminal entrance.

Getting to Stadsgården terminal (Tallink Silja Line)

• By metro: take the metro to Slussen. The Viking Line terminal is about 1 km away, or around a 15-min walk along the waterfront.
• By bus: take bus line 402 to Londonviadukten, the nearest stop to the terminal, and then continue on foot.
• By shuttle bus: Viking Line runs buses between Cityterminalen and the ferry terminal aligned with ship arrivals and departures, with the ride taking about 25 min.
• From Arlanda Airport: take the Arlanda Express to Stockholm Central Station and continue by Viking Line transfer bus, metro and walking, or taxi. The taxi or car ride usually takes around 35-45 min.
• By car: follow signs for Stadsgården / Viking Line. Short- and long-term parking is available in the parking garage by the terminal. If you are bringing a vehicle on board, follow the dedicated Viking Line vehicle check-in signs and allow extra time before departure.

Where does the ferry arrive in Helsinki?

Ferries from Stockholm arrive at 2 passenger terminals in the South Harbour area of Helsinki, depending on the operator: the Olympia Terminal and the Katajanokka Terminal.

• Tallink Silja Line arrives at the Olympia Terminal at Olympiaranta 1.
• Viking Line ferries dock at Katajanokka Terminal at Katajanokanlaituri 8.

Berth assignments can change, so follow the signs when you disembark.

Olympia Terminal is in the heart of Helsinki beside Kaivopuisto park, around 2 km from Helsinki Central Railway Station. Trams 2 and 3 stop at the terminal and take you toward the railway station and central Helsinki. The terminal has taxi services, car rental, parking, a bistro and kiosk, luggage storage, an ATM and passenger assistance facilities. Helsinki Airport is about 24 km away; you can take tram 2 or 3 to the railway station and continue on the I or P commuter train or bus 600.

Katajanokka Terminal is also centrally located, close to Market Square, Uspenski Cathedral and the waterfront attractions of Katajanokka. Helsinki Central Railway Station is about 2.5 km away, with tram 5 providing a direct connection; tram 4 also stops around 400 m from the terminal. You will find cafés, luggage lockers, an ATM, currency exchange, taxi services, car rental and parking around the terminal. Helsinki Airport is approximately 23 km away; take tram 5 to the railway station and continue by the I or P train or bus 600.