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Thinking of taking the ferry from Estonia to Finland? In this comprehensive guide, we provide you with all the information you need for the Tallinn to Helsinki Ferry. This article covers everything from booking tickets, how to get to the port, the check-in process, facilities and much more!
The Tallinn to Helsinki ferry takes just two hours to make the crossing and costs from just €17.00 per person. There are up to 15 sailings per day making this one of the best ways to get from Estonia to Finland.
I’ve travelled this route many times and it’s a fantastic experience with stunning views of the Gulf of Finland, Tallinn old town and Helsinki. Avoid the stress of flying and reach your destination refreshed after a quick voyage across the Baltic Sea!
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You might also like my other ferry travel articles:
Is there a Ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki?
There are three companies operating ferries from Tallinn to Helsinki. Tallink Silja Line, Eckero Line and Viking Line run daily services for the route with up to 15 crossings each day during the high season (with around 8 crossings in winter).
Tallink Silja and Viking Line also offer an overnight service. You’ll spend the night onboard in either Tallinn or Helsinki and set sail/disembark the following morning.
Tallink Silja Line offers a foot passenger service only, and Eckero and Viking Line can carry vehicles.
How Long is the Ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki?
The quickest crossing from Tallinn to Helsinki takes just two hours with Tallink Silja Line.
- The Tallink Silja ferry takes two hours (2h00m).
- The Eckero Line ferry takes two hours and thirty minutes (2h30m).
- The Viking Line ferry takes two hours and thirty minutes (2h30m).
Book today with Direct Ferries
About the Route
After leaving Tallinn, the boat will cross the Gulf of Finland, part of the Baltic Sea, and travel in a straight line the 50 miles (80 km) to Helsinki.
There is no time difference between Estonia and Finland which makes reading the timetables a lot easier and avoids potential missed connections (been there, done that).
Why take the Ferry?
- Enjoy a leisurely trip without the stress of flying
- Cheap – tickets start from just €17.00
- Amazing views of the Gulf of Finland
- Discover one of Europe’s most charming waterside cities
- Arrive right in the centre of Helsinki with no need for transfers
There are many reasons to visit the charming northern European city of Helsinki. From the gorgeous old town to the iconic churches and buildings across the skyline to the Soumolina Fortress, the city is bursting with fun and interesting places to visit.
If you fancy a drink while in Finland, then be sure to stock up on alcohol in Tallinn as the prices are significantly lower than in Finland which is one of the most expensive places in Europe for booze (if not the most expensive, and I speak from experience).
Book today with Direct Ferries
Tallinn to Helsinki Ferry Time 2023
| Line | Vessel | Depart Tallinn | Arrive Helsinki | Duration |
| Tallink Silja | Star | 06:30 | 09:00 | 2h30m |
| Tallink Silja | MyStar | 07:30 | 09:30 | 2h00m |
| Tallink Silja | Megastar | 10:30 | 12:30 | 2h00m |
| Tallink Silja | MyStar | 13:30 | 15:30 | 2h00m |
| Tallink Silja | Megastar | 16:30 | 18:30 | 2h00m |
| Tallink Silja | MyStar | 19:30 | 21:30 | 2h00m |
| Tallink Silja | Megastar | 22:30 | 00:30 | 2h00m |
| Tallink Silja | Megastar | 22:30 | 06:00+1 | 7h30m |
| Eckero Line | MS Finlandia | 06:00 | 08:15 | 2h15m |
| Eckero Line | MS Finlandia | 12:00 | 14:15 | 2h15m |
| Eckero Line | MS Finlandia | 18:30 | 21:00 | 2h30m |
| Viking | Viking XPRS | 07:00 | 09:30 | 2h30m |
| Viking | Viking XPRS | 17:00 | 19:30 | 2h30m |
Book today with Direct Ferries
Tallinn to Helsinki Ferry Price
The cost of a ticket starts at just €17.00 for a foot passenger for the daytime service.
| Service | Sailing | Ticket |
| Tallink Silja Line | Daytime | €28.00 |
| Eckero Line | Daytime | €17.00 |
| Viking Line | Daytime | €19.00 |
Book today with Direct Ferries
About the Tallinn to Helsinki Ferries
There are five ferries running this route:
- Star (Tallink Silja)
- MyStar (Tallink Silja)
- Megastar (Tallink Silja)
- MS Finlandia (Eckero)
- Viking XPRS (Viking)
Facilities on Board
- Free wifi throughout the vessels
- Sun deck
- Cafeteria
- Children’s play area
- Conference room
- Tax-free shop
How to buy tickets for the Tallinn to Helsinki Ferry
You can purchase tickets at the port in Tallinn, however, as this one of the most popular routes in Europe it sells out fast, especially in summer. You can book tickets online in advance through companies like Direct Ferries.
Prices start from as little as €17 one-way for a foot passenger. Prices increase in summer and around holiday periods.
You can use the below widget to search for your journey or click here to book with Direct Ferries.
How To Get To Tallinn Ferry Terminal
The ferry departs from Tallinn’s terminal D, which is very close to the old town.
Address: Tallinn D-Terminal, Uus-Sadama 24, 10151 Tallinn
Port Operating Hours
Monday to Friday: 06:00 – 01:00
Saturday: 06:00 – 22:30
Sunday: 08:0 – 01:00
How to get there: Tallinn’s port is easily reachable from the old town on foot. The walk takes around 15 minutes.
Check-in opens 2 hours prior to departure.
- Facilities at the port
- Currency Exchange
- ATM
- Cafe (12:00 – 19:00)
- Shops
- Lockers
Book today with Direct Ferries
Things To Do in Helsinki
Helsinki is a wonderful city that I have visited many times over the last 20 years. I first spent three days exploring on my way to Siberia, Russia in 2009 and last visited with friends a couple of years ago.
There is a lot to see and do from exploring some of the fascinating architecture to visiting the island fortress of Suomenlinna, and old German U-boat and lots of great bars, cafes and restaurants.
There are even a few small beaches around the city which are perfect for swimming in the summer months.
Here are some of the top things to do while in Helsinki:
- Temppeliaukion Church
- Suomenlinna Island Fortress
- Helsinki Cathedral
- Esplanadi
- Senate Square
- Helsinki beaches
- Waterfront cafes
- Old Market Hall
Looking for a place to stay in Helsinki? Check out our top recommendations:
Budget: The Yard Hostel
Mid-range: Hotel Bastian
Luxury: Solos Sokos Hotel
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Don’t Delay, Book Today!
So, now you know everything about taking the Tallinn to Helsinki ferry, what are you waiting for? Book your ticket now with Direct Ferries!
If you are travelling around the Baltic countries, be sure to check out my other guides:
About the author:
Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has travelled to over 60 countries, lived in China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.
Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of Europe and Asia by train, bus and boat.
Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲
Thank you! Very detailed and helpful info
Thanks Julia. Glad you found it useful.
I am terrified of boats but travelling Europe with my partner in late November. Is the Tallinn to Helsinki crossing very rough? Thank you for the article!
Hi Stella, I complletely understand as I’m terrified of planes! No, the crossing isn’t usually rough as it’s just a short hop across the Gulf of Finland, which is more protected than large bodies of open water. Hope this helps. Best wishes and happy travels. Steve
Hi Steve thank you for information it’s very helpful for me👍👍👌🚢
Thanks for your comment Stratos. Glad you found the article helpful. Happy travels!
Hi Steve, thanks so much for your informative site. We are thinking about getting the 6 am morning ferry on some date close to Christmas after visiting the Depeche Mode Baar for the evening. Do you know if the terminal stays open all night? What I’m asking is do you know if we can we arrive at 2am and hang around until the ferry leaves? We don’t want to be walking the streets for 4 hours after DM Baar closes in minus conditions waiting for the ferry terminal to open. Cheers
Hi Michael, wow, I didn’t realise there was a Depeche Mode bar in Tallinn. They are one of my favourite bands (especially as a native Essex boy myself). As far as I’m aware, the port closes at midnight and reopens at 4am so “It’s no Good” I’m afraid. My suggestion would be to just find either a 24-hour cafe or hostel as you can get a dorm bed for well under 10 Euros per night (and means you can leave your bags there while you hit the DM bar). Here’s a list of late-night snack bars that might be useful: https://wolt.com/en/est/tallinn/late-night-snack-venues
All the best, Steve
Thanks for the info Steve, and yes, that’s a good plan. I’ll let you know if the DM club ‘Get’s the Balance Right’