Helsinki to Tallinn ferry - Times and cheap Tallink Silja Line ferry tickets

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.