Ferries to Finland

On board you will find all the comforts of a mini-cruise: choose between several cabin categories, and enjoy restaurants, bars and an entertainment programme. If you want to unwind during the crossing, there is a sauna and fitness facilities on board. You arrive at the port of Vuosaari, east of Helsinki, with a direct route into the Finnish capital from there. Tip: in peak season, book several months ahead, as these ferries fill up quickly.

Via Sweden to Finland

If you would like to add Sweden to your trip, several ferry connections to Finland are available. The route from Stockholm to Helsinki is especially popular.

From Stockholm, ferries run by Tallink Silja Line and Viking Line take you overnight to Helsinki. During the crossing you glide through the stunning archipelago — the scenic islands and open sea make it a memorable voyage. These modern cruise ships are like small floating cities, with restaurants, duty-free shops and entertainment to keep you occupied.

Another, less well-known route runs from Umeå in Sweden to Vaasa in Finland. Ferry operator Wasaline runs this connection up to 11 times a week. The crossing takes about 3 hours 45 minutes.

This route particularly suits travellers driving their own car who want to combine both countries in a single road trip, as well as anyone keen to explore the less touristy parts of the Gulf of Bothnia. Vaasa lies in western Finland and makes a great starting point for trips into the Finnish Lakeland or to the UNESCO-listed Kvarken Archipelago.

There is a direct train connection from Stockholm to Umeå, taking around six hours. Driving from Stockholm to Umeå takes about seven hours, through the scenic region of northern Sweden.

Getting to Sweden

There are several ways to reach Stockholm or Umeå:

Via Denmark and the Øresund Bridge

The classic route runs via Denmark. Either from Puttgarden to Rødby — the Scandlines ferry is like a floating bridge and takes just 45 minutes — or from Rostock to Gedser. From Denmark, you cross the striking Øresund Bridge linking Denmark and Sweden.

Direct ferries to southern Sweden

Direct ferries to southern Sweden are a convenient option. From Rostock, Stena Line or TT-Line take about six hours to Trelleborg. Travemünde also has regular connections to Trelleborg and Malmö.

Via Gothenburg

A highlight for fans of Sweden's west coast is the route via Gothenburg. Stena Line runs a comfortable overnight connection from Kiel to Gothenburg. After the 14-hour crossing, it is about five hours on to Stockholm — or a detour to the west coast.