Time to read: 4 minutes
What’s the easiest and quickest way to get between Helsinki in Finland and Tallinn in Estonia? That’s right, it’s the Helsinki to Tallinn Ferry (well, ferries)! The distance between the two cities is only 90km across the Gulf of Finland.
It takes just two hours so it’s quicker than flying as the “check-in” is much quicker than at the airport and the ports are within walking distance from their respective town centres.
In this article you’ll learn everything there is to know about the Tallinn Helsinki Ferry, including prices, timetable, how to get to the ports and more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The fastest crossing takes just two hours.
There are over ten sailings per day.
Prices start from as little as €19 per person for a foot passenger.
Why take the Helsinki to Tallinn Ferry?
- Fast (just 2 hours)!
- Cheap (from just €19)!
- Amazing views of the Gulf of Finland!
- Take advantage of Estonia’s cheap prices!
- Discover one of Europe’s most charming old towns!
There are many reasons for a day trip (or longer) to Tallinn while in Helsinki. The medieval old town is beautiful, with expansive views across the gulf. There are plenty of attractions in the city including many wonderful traditional restaurants.
It’s no secret that Scandinavia and Finland in particular are expensive, so taking the trip to Estonia is a great way to have a day out for a fraction of the cost (and stock up on cheap booze if you feel so inclined).
Did you know Helsinki is one of the most walkable cities in the world?
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About the Helsinki Tallinn Ferry
There are three companies that operate Helsinki to Tallinn ferries; Tallink Silja Line, Viking Line and Eckero Line. There are around 13 sailings per day currently. See below for the current timetable.
- Tallink has eight sailings each day and is the fastest crossing at exactly 2 hours
- Eckero has three sailings per day.
- Viking Line has only two sailings per day.
How long does the Helsinki to Tallinn Ferry take?
- Tallink Silja – 2h00m
- Eckero – 2h15m
- Viking – 2h30m
How to buy tickets for the Helsinki to Tallinn Ferry
You can purchase tickets at the port in Helsinki, however, as the route sells out it’s best to book in advance and this can be done online through companies like Direct Ferries.
Prices start from as little as €12 one-way for a foot passenger. Prices increase in summer and around holiday periods.
Book the Helsinki Tallinn Ferry today with Direct Ferries
Helsinki to Tallinn 2023 Ferry Timetable
Tallink Silja Line
Helsinki to Tallinn Ferry
| Departure | Arrival |
| 07:30 | 09:30 |
| 10:30 | 12:30 |
| 13:30 | 15:30 |
| 16:30 | 18:30 |
| 18:30 | 22:00 |
| 19:30 | 21:30 |
| 22:30 | 00:30 |
Viking Line
Helsinki to Tallinn
| Departure | Arrival |
| 07:45 | 10:00 |
| 10:30 | 13:00 |
| 13:30 | 16:00 |
| 14:15 | 16:45 |
| 19:00 | 21:30 |
| 20:30 | 23:00 |
| 21:00 | 23:30 |
Eckero Line
Helsinki to Tallinn
| Departure | Arrival |
| 09:00 | 11:15 |
| 15:15 | 17:30 |
| 21:40 | 23:50 |
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How to get to the Helsinki Ferry Terminal
Tallink Silja & Eckero Line ferries depart from Helsinki West Harbour, Terminal
Address: Tyynenmerenkatu 14, 00220 Helsinki
Open from 06:00 to 22:30 6 days per week (Tuesday 06:15 to 23:30)
How to get there: The West Harbour is within walking distance from the centre of Helsinki. You can also take Tram 6T and 7 to the Terminal (final stop).
Viking Line ferries depart from Terminal A right in front of the market square in central Helsinki.
Address: Katajanokanlaituri 8 (Mastokatu 1), 00160 Helsinki
How to get there: The West Harbour is within walking distance from the centre of Helsinki. You can also take Tram 5 to the Terminal (final stop).
Check-in opens 2 hours prior to departure.
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How to get from the port in Tallinn to the Old Town
Tallink Silja Line ferries arrive at Terminal D in Tallinn which is a 15-minute walk southwest of the old town. Bus 2 leaves from Reisisadam at Terminal D.
Eckero and Viking Line ferries arrive at Terminal A which is closer to the old town and train station. Bus 2 leaves from Reisisadam at Terminal A. Trams 1 & 2 leave from stop Linnahall.
Things to see in Tallinn
Now you’ve worked out how to take the Helsinki to Tallinn ferry, check out my One Day in Tallinn article for a quick itinerary. Below are some of the top attractions:
- Medieval Old Town
- Town Hall Square
- Viru Gate
- Toompea Hill
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- City Walls
- KGB Headquarters
If you are travelling around the Baltic countries, be sure to check out my guide to backpacking the Baltics!
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Read my Other Articles about Ferries and Sea Travel
About the author:
Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.
Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World. See the About page for more info.
Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲
Hello, thanks for your suggestions.
There might be a mistake regarding the address of Vicking Line in Helsinki.
is it really the West Harbour ? as you say it’s in front of the market…
Thanks.
Thanks Philippe, I’ll double-check the correct address and update the article if it’s wrong.
Is it possible to take suitcases on the ferry? Is there a place to check them?
Hi Dawn, yes you can take suitcases onboard, but you will need to keep them with you.
I would have like to know until what time it is possible to buy a ticket at the port (in this case, in Tallinn) as I am arriving at Tallinn Airport from Saaramaa at 11.55 noon (small ATR plane, but I will have checked luggage) and want to continue to Helsinki as quickly as possible. There is a ferry at 13.30 by “Tallink Grupp”, but I am not sure if I could make it and therefore, wouldn’t want to buy a ticket in advance and then maybe lose it if my flight is a little late. The next ferry goes at 16.30 with same company, but then I won’t have any time left in Helsinki on that day to see anything. Any experiences or suggestions?
Hi Wolf, as this route has frequent sailings, it should be no problem to buy a ticket at the port an hour or so before the sailing (I’ve done this myself before). Hope that helps. Best, Steve
Can you leave a parked car overnight?
Going for a day trip. How many hours would you recommend?
Hi Gwen,
Tallinn is perfect for a day trip as most of the sights are located within the old town and all within easy walking distance. I’d recommend around eight hours.
Best,
Steve
Thanks so much for this detailed information, very helpful.
Glad you found it useful Barbara.