4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest ferries from Helsinki to Tallinn
Cheapest price
£10
Average price
£33
Fastest journey
2 h
Average duration
2 h
Ferries per day
11
Distance
82 km
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Helsinki to Tallinn is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Helsinki to Tallinn will cost around £33 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap ferry tickets today for only £10.
Of the 11 ferries that leave Helsinki for Tallinn every day 11 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun 21 Dec the direct ferries cover the 82 km distance in an average of 2 h but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 2 h .
The slowest ferries will take 2 h and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
VICTORIA
Viking Line
Eckerö LineMEGASTARVICTORIAMEGASTARMYSTARMYSTARMEGASTARMEGASTAR
Travel Information
Compare coach and ferry for Helsinki to Tallinn
Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Helsinki to Tallinn among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the ferry with prices starting from £9. For those with little time consider booking a ferry which can get you there in 2h 26m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the ferry is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of £9, and a coach costs an average of £29.
Distance: 44 nautical miles (82 km)
Compare ferry with
Most popular Ferry | Coach |
|---|---|
£15 Average Price Cheapest | £48 Average Price |
3h 26m Average total duration Fastest 2h 26m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 9h 41m Average total duration 9h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular ferry company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Helsinki to Tallinn Ferry Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Viking Line | Departure Time 07:45 | Arrival Time 10:00 | Duration 2h15 | Sailing Days Tue |
Operator Tallink Silja Line | Departure Time 13:30 | Arrival Time 15:30 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Everyday |
Operator Viking Line | Departure Time 20:30 | Arrival Time 23:00 | Duration 2h30 | Sailing Days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat |
Operator Tallink Silja Line | Departure Time 18:35 | Arrival Time 08:00 | Duration 13h25 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun |
Operator Tallink Silja Line | Departure Time 16:30 | Arrival Time 18:30 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Everyday |
Operator Viking Line | Departure Time 21:00 | Arrival Time 23:30 | Duration 2h30 | Sailing Days Tue |
Operator Eckerö Line | Departure Time 09:00 | Arrival Time 11:15 | Duration 2h15 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri |
Operator Eckerö Line | Departure Time 21:40 | Arrival Time 00:10 | Duration 2h30 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun |
Operator Tallink Silja Line | Departure Time 10:30 | Arrival Time 12:30 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Everyday |
Operator Tallink Silja Line | Departure Time 07:30 | Arrival Time 09:30 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun |
Operator Tallink Silja Line | Departure Time 22:30 | Arrival Time 00:30 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Sun |
Operator Viking Line | Departure Time 19:00 | Arrival Time 21:30 | Duration 2h30 | Sailing Days Sun |
Operator Eckerö Line | Departure Time 15:15 | Arrival Time 17:30 | Duration 2h15 | Sailing Days Tue, Fri, Sat |
Operator Viking Line | Departure Time 14:15 | Arrival Time 16:45 | Duration 2h30 | Sailing Days Tue |
Operator Viking Line | Departure Time 10:30 | Arrival Time 13:00 | Duration 2h30 | Sailing Days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun |
Operator Tallink Silja Line | Departure Time 19:30 | Arrival Time 21:30 | Duration 2h00 | Sailing Days Everyday |
Live departures
Helsinki to Tallinn ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Helsinki to Tallinn ferries for today, Saturday 20 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEGASTAR | 08:30 West Terminal 2 | 2h00 | 10:30 Port of Tallinn (Terminal D) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Viking Line | 08:30 Helsinki (Katajanokka Terminal) | 2h30 | 11:00 Tallinn Port (Terminal A) | 0 changesdirect | |
| MYSTAR | 11:30 West Terminal 2 | 2h00 | 13:30 Port of Tallinn (Terminal D) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Eckerö Line | 13:15 West Terminal 2 | 2h15 | 15:30 Tallinn Port (Terminal A) | 0 changesdirect | |
| MEGASTAR | 14:30 West Terminal 2 | 2h00 | 16:30 Port of Tallinn (Terminal D) | 0 changesdirect | |
| VICTORIA | 16:35 West Terminal 2 | 13h25 | 06:00 Port of Tallinn (Terminal D) | 0 changesdirect | |
| VICTORIA | 16:35 West Terminal 2 | 3h25 | 20:00 Port of Tallinn (Terminal D) | 0 changesdirect | |
| MYSTAR | 17:30 West Terminal 2 | 2h00 | 19:30 Port of Tallinn (Terminal D) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Viking Line | 18:30 Helsinki (Katajanokka Terminal) | 2h30 | 21:00 Tallinn Port (Terminal A) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last ferry of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Helsinki to Tallinn by coach or ferry
Compare coach and ferry prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
20 Dec
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24 Dec
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28 Dec
29 Dec
30 Dec
31 Dec
01 Jan
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06 Jan
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09 Jan
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Overview: Ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn
Finland
Estonia
Ferries from Helsinki to Tallinn run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 26m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at £9 if you book in advance.
There are 12 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 00:30, the last at 23:00. The fastest ferry covers the 44 nautical miles (82 km) distance in 2h 0m. There are 83 sailings per week. Ferries from Helsinki to Tallinn are available to foot passengers.
Distance 44 nautical miles (82 km) |
Average sailing duration 2h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Ferries per day 12 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 83 |
Fastest ferry 2h 0m |
First ferry 00:30 |
Last ferry 23:00 |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
Ferry operators: Tallink Silja Line, Eckero Line, Viking Line from Helsinki to TallinnYou can travel by ferry between Helsinki to Tallinn with Tallink Silja Line, Eckero Line, Viking Line for as low as £9. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.
Tallink Silja Line
Eckero Line
Viking Line
Taking the Ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn
Introduction
It’s easy to forget just how close Helsinki and Tallinn really are, but a quick two-hour ferry ride connects the two capitals. While traveling through the Baltic countries, I knew I wanted to see Helsinki as well, so I booked a return journey across the Gulf of Finland. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or an extended overnight stay, hopping between these cities is surprisingly simple.
Route Overview
Helsinki has multiple ferry terminals, and the one you use depends on the ferry operator. Tallink and Eckerö Line depart from Länsiterminaali (West Harbor), while Viking Line uses the Katajanokka Terminal. Each terminal has a small cafe and shop, but I’d recommend grabbing food beforehand or waiting to eat on the ferry itself.
Tallinn also has multiple ferry terminals: Terminal A is used by Eckerö Line and Viking Line, while Terminal D serves Tallink passengers. All ferries take between two hours and two hours and 15 minutes, so there’s no denying that this is the best way to get from Helsinki to Tallinn.
Transportation Experience
It’s easy to book ferry tickets on Omio. Just use the website or app to find, select, and pay for your journey. After that, your tickets will be sent to your email or stored in the app for easy access.
I didn’t consider flights to Tallinn for this trip. While they’re available and take just 30 minutes in the air, once you factor in travel to the airport, check-in, and waiting time, the total journey isn’t likely to be any faster. Plus, on the ferry, you can stretch your legs, grab a meal, or simply enjoy the views from the deck.
Another option is the Helsinki to Tallinn bus, which also travels on the ferry but includes transport to and from each city center. I was happy to walk to the ports myself, but this could be a convenient option for anyone traveling with bulky luggage.
Route Details
Departure & Arrival Details
Depending on the ferry company you choose - I went with Tallink and had a good experience, though I’ve also used Viking Line for Stockholm to Helsinki ferries - you’ll depart from either Länsiterminaali or Katajanokka Terminal.
Länsiterminaali is located approximately 4.75 kilometers from Central Helsinki - I traveled here by tram from the center and used contactless to pay.
Katajanokka Terminal is situated just over 1.5 kilometers away, sitting amongst landmarks like Upenski Cathedral and Helsinki Cathedral at Senate Square.
Schedule & Frequency
There are around six sailings per day across the three main ferry providers, and they’re known for being very punctual, even in the winter when temperatures drop well below freezing. Mine left at around 10 am, so it was mostly light, which meant I could enjoy the gorgeous Baltic scenery - Helsinki has lots of stunning islands around it!
Onboard Experience & Services
I had a standard ticket for the ferry, which doesn’t include reserved seating, but a reservation isn’t really necessary. There were two restaurants onboard (a buffet and an à la carte) serving mains like seafood and potatoes. I’d already eaten, so I just took a seat in the bar/café. There are also several open seating areas, including a heated deck. Power outlets were readily available, and I enjoyed a warm glögg (Nordic mulled wine) while watching Helsinki slip away and Tallinn come into view!
There was no Wi-Fi, but I had mobile reception from either country for nearly the entire crossing. The ship was clean and well-decorated, and the staff - who spoke English, Finnish and Estonian - were friendly and helpful throughout the journey. There are no luggage limitations, but passengers are expected to carry all their bags. I only had a small backpack, so this wasn’t a problem for me!
Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown
The Helsinki to Tallinn ferry is a popular route, and ticket prices tend to increase closer to the travel date. So, I’d recommend booking tickets as early as possible. With Omio, you can compare providers and select the best or cheapest one. All ferry companies serving the route are of high quality.
Here’s a breakdown of everything I spent:
- Return ferry ticket: €62
- Glögg on the ferry: €6
- Tram ticket in Helsinki: €2.95
- Total: €70.95
Top Tips & Personal Recommendations
- Try the buffet: Ferries here are famous for the buffet, which can seem expensive (€30–€40) but are worth trying!
- Cross in daylight: The views around Tallinn and Helsinki are wonderful.
- Buy a one-day Helsinki transport card: If you’re traveling around the Finnish capital, it will work out cheaper.
- Don’t forget your passport: Both countries are in Schengen, and it may not be checked, but you’re still crossing an international border.
Conclusion
Traveling from Helsinki to Tallinn by ferry is an easy and speedy addition to any trip through Finland and Estonia—and well worth it, even if you’re just planning a day trip. It’s also a great option for anyone looking to travel overland from the Nordics to Eastern Europe without flying. Just keep in mind that tickets can sell out during peak times, so book in advance on Omio to avoid last-minute disappointment.
About the Author: Claire Martin
Job Title: Travel Journalist and Videomaker
Bio: I’m a full-time travel journalist, blogger, and videomaker who specializes in train and ferry travel around Europe.
Ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn
Taking a ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn is a convenient way to travel between the two capitals. You can choose between ferries from any of the three companies on the route- Eckerö Line, Tallink Silja, and Viking Line. The journey is one of the most popular in the Baltic Sea. For this reason, there are around 12 daily ferries, which averages to about 84 ferries per week. While the duration of the journey may vary greatly, the average travel time is 2 hours and 18 minutes. However, the fastest ferries cover the 51 miles (82 km) in 2 hours.
Each ferry has different amenities and classes onboard, including business lounges, cabins, restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops. You can select any of the categories to suit your budget. Since you'll be travelling between two countries, remember to bring your passport. You can also bring your car onboard the ferries from Helsinki to Tallinn.
Ferry schedules Helsinki to Tallinn
As with most sea journeys, the duration and timetable can vary greatly. A stable schedule does not exist because the weather and operators can change things quickly. However, on average, the ferries take approximately 2 hours and 18 minutes. If you want to arrive in Tallinn early, consider booking the earliest ferry around 7:30 a.m. You can also book the fastest ferries and travel in about 2 hours. Since the ferry schedules change erratically, always confirm the sail time before booking. This will help you plan a better trip between the two cities. All the routes are direct, with no stopovers on the way.
Many travellers take ferries from Helsinki to Tallinn, however, ticket prices vary seasonally. Generally, ferry tickets are cheap in winter but rise drastically during summer. Friday and Sunday are some of the busiest days, especially in summer. To avoid the crowds, try booking a ferry on alternative days. Travellers also swarm the ferries during the Estonian Song Festival and Christmas.
How to find cheap ferries from Helsinki to Tallinn
As earlier mentioned, the prices may vary depending on the season and events. The operators also charge differently depending on the day and the type of ferry. Because of this, ensure that you compare different ferries from Helsinki to Tallinn on Omio. As you browse, compare the prices on various travel days to find the cheapest deals.
How long is the ferry journey from Helsinki to Tallinn?
On average, a ferry ride between Helsinki and Tallinn takes 2 hours and 18 minutes. However, some ferries complete the trip in around 2 hours. Besides the sail time, remember to be in the port at least an hour in advance. If you are travelling with a car, motorbike or bicycle, arrive at least 1 hour and 30 minutes early to avoid missing your trip. It may seem early, but remember that most ferries close check-in 30 minutes and 1 hour before departure for foot passengers and passengers with cars, respectively.
What do you need to know before travelling by ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn?
Departure port: The ferry operators from Helsinki to Tallinn use different terminals at the Port of Helsinki. In Helsinki, Tallink Silja and Eckerö Line use West Terminal 2 (spelt Länsisatama 2 in Finnish) for shuttles. The shuttle ferries from Tallink Silja are Star and Megastar. If you book the cruise ship Silja Eropa, go to West Harbour Terminal 1 for boarding. The harbour is a walking distance from the city centre, but you can also board the tram 7 or 6T and exit at the port. For Viking Line ferries, look for the Viking Line terminal. It is at Katajanokanlaituri 8 and is very close to the Helsinki market square. You can walk or take Tram route 5.
Arrival port: Tallink Silja ferries end their trip at D-Terminal in Tallinn port. The terminal is approximately 15 minutes away from the city centre. Alternatively, you can take a taxi. If you wish to store your luggage, you can pay for large or small lockers at the port. Other amenities in D-Terminal include cafes, ATMs, currency exchange, and shops.
Eckerö Line and Viking Line ferries use A-Terminal in Tallinn. The terminal is a walking distance from downtown Tallinn. If you want to go to the city centre or airport, take Bus 2; it leaves the port approximately every 30 minutes from 7:00 a.m. until midnight. Alternatively, look for tram 1 and 2. There are also taxis around the port but remember to negotiate prices before travelling. For luggage storage, the terminal has a luggage room and large and small lockers for hire. Other amenities at the terminal include accessible restrooms, baby care tables, bar, cafe, money exchange, ATMs, pharmacy, and elevators.
FAQs: Helsinki to Tallinn ferries
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Helsinki to Tallinn by ferry. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest ferry, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Tallinn, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
When departing from Helsinki, you have various port options to start your journey from including West Terminal 2 and Helsinki (Katajanokka Terminal). When arriving in Tallinn, you can end your journey in ports like Port of Tallinn (Terminal D) and Tallinn Port (Terminal A).
Passengers board the ferry most frequently from West Terminal 2, which is located around 1.9 miles (3 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the ferry at Port of Tallinn (Terminal D), located 1.1 miles (1.7 km) away from the city centre.
popular ferry ports
Important Stations and Airports in Helsinki and Tallinn
Wifi
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Ticket Office
- 06:00-22:00
- Sat-Sun: 07:00-22:00
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant Faro Channelside Bar & Restaurant (0.3km)
- Restaurant Loiste (0.6km)
- Restaurant Merimakasiini (0.9km)
- Main companies are Lähitaksi and Taksi Helsinki.
- Free
- Tram Line 7, West Terminal stop
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office- 06:00-22:00
- Sat-Sun: 07:00-22:00
- Free WiFi
- Johan & Nyström (0.3km)
- Ravintola Nokka (0.4km)
- Holiday Bar (0.6km)
- Main companies are Lähitaksi and Taksi Helsinki.
- Free
- Tram Line 4, Katajanokan Terminal stop
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWC
HotelTicket Office
Bike Parking
Car Rental- Mon-Sun 06:00-19:00
- Free WiFi
- Kaks Kokka (0.6km)
- Restoran ORE (0.8km)
- Restaurant Bordoo (1km)
- Main companies are Tulika Takso and Tallink Takso.
- Free
- Bus lines 2 and 20, stop Reisisadam D-terminal
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office- 06:00-19:00
- Sat-Sun: 07:00-18:00
- Free WiFi
- Kaks Kokka (0.4km)
- Restoran Olevi Residents (0.8km)
- Leib Resto ja Aed (0.9km)
- Main companies are Tulika Takso and Tallink Takso.
- Free
- Bus: Line 2, Stop: Reisisadam
More options for your journey from Helsinki to Tallinn
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular ferries to and from Tallinn and Helsinki
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