Is the Ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki Worth it?
Tallinn to Helsinki Ferry Review: Is it worth it?
Planning to take the Tallinn to Helsinki ferry?
When we started planning a trip that included Stockholm, Tallinn, and Helsinki, we quickly realized we had the perfect excuse to experience one of the most popular ferry routes in Northern Europe. Rather than flying between Tallinn and Helsinki, we decided to see the Gulf of Finland the way many locals do — by ferry. After comparing the major ferry companies and sailing with Viking Line ourselves, we found it to be one of the easiest, most affordable, and most enjoyable ways to travel between Estonia and Finland.
Instead of dealing with airport security, baggage restrictions, and transfers, the ferry offers a seamless arrival between the two cities. The ferry offers plenty of scenic views along the journey across the Gulf of Finland as well as restaurants, shopping, lounges, and even private cabins onboard.
In this guide, we’ll compare the ferry companies, share our Viking Line review, explain the boarding process, and cover everything you need to know before booking your trip.
Quick Answer: Is the Tallinn to Helsinki Ferry Worth It?
Yes — absolutely.
If we had to choose between flying and taking the ferry again, we’d pick the ferry every single time.
Not only is the journey affordable and convenient, but it drops you right in the heart of Helsinki without the hassle of airports, security lines, or baggage claim. The crossing takes just over two hours, but honestly, it didn’t even feel that long.
Our favorite part was that the journey itself felt like part of the adventure. Instead of being confined to an airplane seat, we were able to wander around the ship, grab a bite to eat, and browse the shops, all while enjoying scenic views of the Baltic Sea and Helsinki Archipelago along the way. If exploring isn’t your thing, you can simply find a cozy spot, order a cup of coffee, and watch the coastline drift by.
And let’s be honest—it’s a whole lot more comfortable than squeezing into an economy seat for a flight.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Nunne Hotel (our personal favorite)- Click here for rates and availability
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⭐️⭐️ Rixwell Collection Savoy Hotel – Click here for rates and availability
Tallinn to Helsinki Ferry: What You Need to Know
Tallinn and Helsinki sit directly across the Gulf of Finland, making the ferry one of the most popular transportation options between Estonia and Finland.
The crossing takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the ferry company and sailing.
Three major companies operate the route:
- Viking Line
- Tallink Silja Line
- Eckerö Line
Most companies offer multiple departures daily, making it easy to plan a day trip or a longer stay. Many people travel from Helsinki for a day trip to Tallinn, and the ferry makes the journey quite easy.
Tallinn to Helsinki Ferry Price
Tallinn to Helsinki ferry prices vary depending on the season and ferry services.
Here are the average prices of the ferry lines
- Viking Line – €30-42 one way (90 min)
- Tallink Silja Line – €35 – 50 one way (90-120 min)
- Eckerö Line – €25-30 (90 min)
Tallin to Helsinki Ferry with car price
Yes, there are options to drive your car on board if you plan on driving in both locations. The ticket price will fluctuate depending on the season. When we took the ferry in May, there were a lot of cars preparing to board. If you do plan on taking a car, make sure to book in advance.
Comparing the Ferry Companies
Viking Line
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best overall value Popular with locals | Ships are slightly older than competitors |
| Convenient Helsinki terminal location | |
| Comfortable onboard experience Free Wi-Fi |
Tallink Silja Line
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Newer, more modern ships | Most expensive option |
| Usually the fastest crossing | Popular with tourists |
| Excellent onboard amenities | Can feel crowded during peak travel periods |
Eckerö Line
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Usually the cheapest tickets available | More basic onboard amenities |
| Reliable service | Less polished overall experience |
How to purchase tickets to the Ferry
There are a few different ways to purchase a ferry ticket for the Helsinki to Tallinn Route:
- Online – Each ferry line has its own website to purchase tickets in advance. This would be the best option during high season. Booking directly will provide you with more information about the dates and times of departures/arrivals. You can also book through ferry comparison websites.
Booking online is recommended, especially during high season when the most convenient routes can book up quickly; however, you can purchase tickets at the ports. There were plenty of ticket booth attendants as well as kiosk machines for contactless payment.
Tips for Booking the Tallinn to Helsinki Ferry
- Book 2–4 weeks in advance whenever possible.
- Ferry sailings can sell out during summer and holiday periods.
- You will need passport information when you book your tickets.
- Compare schedules between all three companies before booking.
- Consider reserving a cabin if you’re traveling with luggage.
- Arrive at least one hour before departure.
- Download transportation/Google Maps before arriving in Helsinki.
Why we chose the Viking Line
After comparing schedules, pricing, and reviews, we decided to sail with Viking Line.
For us, it offered the best balance between price, comfort, and convenience. One thing we noticed immediately was that many locals were using Viking Line rather than tourists, which made the experience feel more authentic.
The Helsinki terminal location, which Viking Line arrives at, is also one of the most convenient for reaching the city center. It’s just a short tram ride into the city center.
If we were booking again, we’d choose Viking Line without hesitation.
Arriving at the Ferry Terminal
We took a Bolt (Estonia’s version of Uber or Lyft) from Tallinn’s Old Town to the ferry terminal. The ride cost approximately €4 and only took a few minutes. Download the app here.
Once inside the terminal, you’ll find self-service kiosks where you can print your boarding passes. If you’ve booked a cabin, your ticket will also include your cabin number and act as your room key.
How Early Should You Arrive?
Most ferry companies recommend arriving at least one hour before departure.
In our experience, the actual check-in process took only a few minutes. Most of our extra time was spent waiting for boarding to begin.
Boarding the Ferry
Once you arrive at the ferry terminal, you’ll check in and wait in the main departure area until boarding begins. When it’s time to board, passengers are directed through a secondary waiting area before making their way onto the ship.
Once onboard, you can head straight to your cabin if you’ve booked one, or find a comfortable place to sit for the journey. From there, the ferry is yours to explore. Grab a coffee, browse the shops, check out the restaurants, or simply find a spot by a window and enjoy the views as you sail across the Gulf of Finland.
Should You Book a Cabin on Viking Ferry?
We decided to reserve a private cabin for the journey. Would we do it again? Yes! The additional cost was relatively small, and having a private space to store our luggage, relax, and use our own bathroom was worth it. That said, the interior cabin we were given was tiny, so don’t expect luxury accommodations. It wasn’t a space to spend a lot of time in, but it was a great space to leave your luggage and you have a private bathroom.
However, Cabins are completely optional. Many travelers simply keep their luggage with them or use onboard storage lockers.
What is the Viking Ferry Like?
The ferry felt surprisingly similar to most smaller cruise ships. After dropping off our bags, we explored the vessel and found:
- Restaurants and cafes
- Duty-free shopping
- Lounges
- Family play areas
- Entertainment spaces
- Quiet seating areas
- Free Wi-Fi (Viking Line)
Families will appreciate the large children’s activity areas, while remote workers and adults looking to relax will find plenty of quiet spaces throughout the ship.
Between grabbing food, browsing the shops, and enjoying the views, the crossing passed quickly.
Before we knew it, we were arriving in Helsinki.
Arriving in Helsinki
Depending on your ferry company, you’ll arrive at one of three terminals:
Viking Line
Katajanokka Terminal
Tallink Silja Line
Olympia Terminal
Eckerö Line
West Terminal 2
Each terminal has excellent public transportation connections into central Helsinki.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hotel St. George Helsinki – Click here for rates and availability
⭐️⭐️⭐️ NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa – Click here for rates and availability
⭐️⭐️ Scandic Simonkenttä (Great location) – Click here for rates and availability
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How to get from the Helsinki Ferry Terminal to the City Center
By Tram (Recommended)
The tram is by far the easiest and cheapest option. The ride costs approximately €3-4 and takes around 10 minutes.
Recommended tram routes:
Katajanokka Terminal (Viking Line)
- Tram 4
- Tram 5
West Terminal 2 (Eckerö Line)
- Tram 7
- Tram 9
Olympia Terminal (Tallink Silja)
- Tram 2
- Tram 3
How to purchase Tram tickets
Once you arrive at the Viking Line terminal in Helsinki, you have a couple of options for purchasing tickets to get into the city center.
The easiest option is to simply use contactless payment directly on the tram. Most Helsinki trams allow you to tap your phone, credit card, or other payment option when boarding. One important thing to note: each person in your group must have their own payment method, including children, so be sure to plan accordingly.
If you plan on using public transportation throughout the day, a Helsinki Day Ticket is often the better value. You can purchase HSL Tickets here or through the HSL app before your trip and enjoy unlimited rides on:
- Trams
- Metro
- Buses
We found Helsinki’s public transportation system incredibly easy to use, and the day pass can quickly pay for itself if you plan on exploring the city.
Can You Take a Day Trip Between Helsinki and Tallinn?
Absolutely. In fact, this is one of the most popular ways to experience both cities. If you’re short on time and can’t fit in an overnight in both cities, a day trip is perfect!
Many travelers take the first ferry of the morning and return on one of the last evening departures. Whether you’re staying in Tallinn and visiting Helsinki for the day or vice versa, the ferry makes for an easy and affordable day trip.
FAQ: Tallinn to Helsinki Ferry
How long is the Tallinn to Helsinki ferry?
Most ferry crossings take between 2 hours and 2 hours 30 minutes.
Which ferry company is best?
For value and convenience, we recommend Viking Line. Tallink Silja offers newer ships, while Eckerö is usually the cheapest option.
Is the ferry cheaper than flying?
In most cases, yes. When you factor in airport transfers, baggage fees, and security time, the ferry is often both cheaper and more convenient.
Do I need a cabin?
No. Most passengers travel without one. However, we found the cabin worth the extra cost for comfort, luggage storage, and a private bathroom.
Can I take a day trip from Tallinn to Helsinki?
Yes. Daily ferry schedules make day trips extremely easy and popular. Make sure to keep your passport with you at all times. Both Estonia and Finland are in the EU, but you will need your passport to get back on the ferry if you’re taking a day trip.
Final Thoughts: Is the Tallinn to Helsinki Ferry Worth It?
Yes, without question. Taking the Tallinn to Helsinki ferry ended up being one of the easiest and most enjoyable parts of our trip.
Between the scenic Baltic Sea views, comfortable onboard amenities, city-center terminals, and affordable ticket prices, the ferry offers a travel experience that’s both practical and enjoyable.
If you’re visiting either Helsinki or Tallinn, we highly recommend adding the ferry crossing to your itinerary.
