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

Ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki

When a trip to Helsinki is on the horizon, why not catch the ferry instead of flying? Three companies offer regular scheduled ferries from Stockholm to Helsinki, Viking Line, Tallink & Silja, and the St Peter Line. All of them cover the 247 miles (395 km) distance in between 16 and 17 hours, with no need to stop along the way. There are 15 ferries per week, with at least 2 per day, and most services depart around 4:30 p.m, arriving at Helsinki at approximately 10:30 a.m. the next morning. Cabins are available on all ferries, ensuring that travellers can relax and sleep during their crossings, and there are no luggage restrictions (beyond passengers' ability to carry their items). Dining, spa facilities, saunas, duty free shopping, cinema entertainment, and even "kids clubs" are available on board Stockholm to Helsinki services, making the journey even more enjoyable. All services cater for drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and foot passengers, with extra fees for vehicle storage.

Ferry schedules Stockholm to Helsinki

Ferries from Stockholm to Helsinki depart all year-round, so passengers won't encounter periods when there are no services. The three major carriers offer 15 departures every week, including 2-3 per day. All of them will leave the Port of Stockholm in the late afternoon or early evening, with sailings generally leaving between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. After that, all ferries travel overnight, arriving about 17 hours later at the Port of Helsinki. Tallink Silja ferries leave from Värtahamnen Terminal in the port, which has a bistro restaurant, toilets, and on-site internet connectivity. Viking Line sails from Stadsgården Terminal, which is slightly more basic, although it does have a cafe, vending machines, and a ticket office. Both terminals provide long-term parking spaces for a small extra fee.

How to find cheap ferries from Stockholm to Helsinki

Prices vary depending on a number of factors, but lowering costs should be possible. The cheapest way to travel is to choose an Economy cabin, leave vehicles at home, and board as a foot passenger. On-board food and drink can add extra costs to the journey, and passengers can't bring their own snacks onto the vessel, so many people choose to dine during the trip. In that case, choosing affordable meals or taking advantage of meal and cabin deals is a good idea. Booking ahead is advisable, and tends to lower the costs of travel via early bird "Low Fare" tickets. Discounts may also be available with all carriers. For instance, Interrail pass holders can claim 50% savings with Viking Line - so check for promotional offers.

How long is the ferry journey from Stockholm to Helsinki?

Travellers catching ferries from Stockholm to Helsinki can expect journey times of between 16 and 17 hours in all cases. However, as ferries sail overnight, this lengthy travel time can feel a lot shorter, and comfortable cabins are always available. Check in times vary by ferry line, with Viking commencing boarding 90 minutes before departure, and Tallink Silja recommending that travellers arrive 1 hour before sailing. Foot passengers should always aim to be ready to board 30 minutes before the designated sailing time, while vehicle owners should arrive 1 hour before sailing.

What do you need to know before traveling by ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki?

Departure port: Ferries to Helsinki leave from various terminals in the Port of Stockholm. Viking boats leave from Stadsgården, which has direct bus connections to Cityterminalen. Leave 15-20 minutes for the transfer. Passengers with Tallink Silja will need to get to Värtahamnen. In that case, the closest metro station (Gärdet) is within 500 metres, while transfer buses run from the city centre. St Peter Line ferries leave from Frihamnen, which is also close to Gärdet station, and has bus links to the centre of town. All terminals have cafes and toilets, as well as ample long-stay parking.

Port of arrival: St Peter Line and Tallink Silja ferries dock at Lansiterminaali - Helsinki's West Terminal, which hosts a cafe, luggage lockers and a cash machine, as well as ticket machines for trams which run to the city centre. Both short and long-stay parking are also available should passengers require them. Viking Line ferries dock at Katajanokka Terminal, which offers free WiFi, a cafe, money change facilities, along with various parking options. There's also a kiosk which stocks basic essentials. Tram connections make it easy to head from ferries directly to central Helsinki, while taxis are available outside as well. Expect journeys into town to take 15-20 minutes.