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 only 2 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.
Why take the Helsinki to Tallinn Ferry?
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).
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 13 sailings a day currently (spring 2020) and sailings will increase as we come into summer and this article will be updated with new timetables. See below for current timetable.
Tallink has 6 sailings each day and is the fastest crossing at exactly 2 hours
Eckero is the cheapest with a one-way ticket costing as little as $12.
Viking Line has only two sailings per day.
How long does the Helsinki to Tallinn Ferry take?
Tallink Silja – 2 Hours
Eckero – 2.25 Hours
Viking – 2.5 Hours
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 15 Euros one-way for a foot passenger.
2020 Helsinki to Tallinn Ferry Timetable
Tallink (30th March 2020 to 20th December 2020)
Helsinki to Tallinn
| Departure | Arrival | Sailings | Ship |
| 07:30 | 09:30 | Every Day | Star |
| 10:30 | 12:30 | Every Day | Megastar |
| 13:30 | 15:30 | Every Day | Star |
| 16:30 | 18:30 | Every Day | Megastar |
| 18:30 | 22:00 | Every Day | Silja Europa |
| 19:30 | 21:30 | Every Day | Star |
| 22:30 | 00:30 | Mon, Wed to Sun | Megastar |
| 23:00 | 01:00 | Tues | Megastar |
Tallinn to Helsinki
| Departure | Arrival | Sailings | Ship |
| 07:30 | 09:30 | Every Day | Megastar |
| 10:30 | 12:30 | Every Day | Star |
| 12:30 | 16:00 | Every Day | Silja Europa |
| 13:30 | 15:30 | Every Day | Megastar |
| 16:30 | 18:30 | Every Day | Star |
| 19:30 | 21:30 | Every Day | Megastar |
| 22:30 | 00:30 | Mon, We to Sun | Star |
| 23:30 | 01:30 | Tues | Star |
Viking Line (until 2nd April 2020)
Helsinki to Tallinn
| Departure | Arrival | Sailings | Ship |
| 10:30 | 13:00 | Every Day | M/S Viking XPRS |
| 20:30 | 23:00 | Every Day | M/S Viking XPRS |
Tallinn to Helsinki
| Departure | Arrival | Sailings | Ship |
| 17:00 | 19:30 | Every Day | M/S Viking XPRS |
| 07:00 | 09:30 | Every Day | M/S Viking XPRS |
Eckero Line (until 5th April 2020)
Helsinki to Tallinn
| Departure | Arrival | Sailings | Ship |
| 09:00 | 11:15 | Every Day | M/S Finlandia |
| 15:15 | 17:30 | Every Day | M/S Finlandia |
| 21:40 | 23:50 | Sun to Fri | M/S Finlandia |
Tallinn to Helsinki
| Departure | Arrival | Sailings | Ship |
| 06:00 | 08:15 | Mon to Sat | M/S Finlandia |
| 12:00 | 14:15 | Every Day | M/S Finlandia |
| 18:30 | 21:00 | Sun to Fri | M/S Finlandia |
How to get to the Helsinki Ferry Terminal
Talink 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 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 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.
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
Here at thetripgoeson we love sea crossings. If you are looking for something a little more adventurous than the Helsinki Tallinn ferry, why not check out these other routes:
Crossing the Caspian Sea from Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan by cargo ship
Crossing from Qingdao in China to Seoul in South Korea by ferry.
Hydrofoil between South Korea and Japan
Travelling by container ship to one of Japan’s remote islands in the Pacific.
