Guide
Taking a motorhome to Finland
Every ferry crossing with a motorhome compared - prices, vehicle dimensions, compulsory cabins and tips for the trip
- Direct ferry from Travemünde: Helsinki in around 30 hours with Finnlines
- Always check vehicle dimensions, cabins and the rules on board for your operator and route
- Or go via Sweden, with Viking Line, Tallink Silja and Wasaline
Vehicle dimensions & rules
What you need to know about your motorhome
When you book, the price follows the total length including everything fitted to the vehicle (bike rack, towbar). A few centimetres can turn into a problem at check-in.
Total length
Maximum height
Gas and safety
Compulsory cabin
Price comparison
Motorhome ferries to Finland compared
Crossing time, cabin rules and destination region for the motorhome routes at a glance. The fare for your vehicle and your date is shown when you book on the relevant route page.
Routes, crossing times and cabin rules
| Route | Operator | Crossing time | Cabin | Destination in Finland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travemünde - Helsinki | Finnlines | around 30 hrs | Compulsory | Helsinki (southern Finland) |
| Stockholm - Helsinki | Viking Line / Tallink | around 16 hrs | Compulsory (night) | Helsinki (southern Finland) |
| Stockholm - Turku | Viking Line / Tallink | around 11 hrs | Optional (day) | Turku (south-west Finland) |
| Kapellskär - Naantali | Finnlines | 8 to 9 hrs | Optional | Naantali (Turku region) |
| Umeå - Vaasa | Wasaline | around 4 hrs | Optional | Vaasa (western Finland) |
| Tallinn - Helsinki | several | around 2 hrs | No cabins | Helsinki (via the Baltic states) |
Table of Contents
Taking a motorhome to Finland means crossing the Baltic. The only direct ferry from Germany takes you with Finnlines from Travemünde to Helsinki in around 30 hours with no stop on the way. If you want to build Sweden into the road trip, drive up through southern Sweden first and cross from Stockholm to Helsinki or Turku.
The routes for motorhomes
There are three basic ways into Finland:
- Direct: Travemünde - Helsinki with Finnlines, around 30 hours and two nights on board.
- Via Sweden: Stockholm - Helsinki, Stockholm - Turku, Kapellskär - Naantali or, further north, Umeå - Vaasa.
- Through the Baltic states: Tallinn - Helsinki as a short final crossing.
Booking and costs
You book online on the website of the operator concerned. You have to give the exact vehicle dimensions, because they largely decide the price.
Giving the right vehicle dimensions
Motorhomes are sorted into length and height categories that differ from operator to operator. When you book:
- Total length: always include bike rack, rear box, drawbar and trailer.
- Total height: measure with roof box, air conditioning, satellite dish and anything else on the roof.
- Limits: do not carry them over from one operator to another; what counts are the categories and the confirmation for your own sailing.
Prices and fare options
The direct ferry Travemünde - Helsinki combines a long crossing with the cabin product you book, and in return saves you the drive through Sweden. With the alternatives, the drive to the port, fuel, tolls and possibly a night on the way belong in the overall sum. The ferry price itself depends on vehicle length and height, the season, the day of the week and the fare. The full price is shown when you book on the relevant route page, and the price overview explains how to compare like with like.
Preparing your motorhome
During the crossing there is no access to the car deck, which matters most on the 30-hour direct ferry. Pack a bag with everything you need for the journey.
What to take on board
- Overnight things and washbag (two nights on the direct ferry)
- Valuables and important documents (ID card or passport)
- Electronic devices, chargers and medication
Gas supply and keeping food cold
Finnlines requires gas bottles to be turned off before boarding. The further details, any check seal and access to the gas locker follow the operator, the ship and the instructions in the port.
The fridge will not run without gas, so turn it up to maximum 24 hours before departure and have thoroughly frozen cool packs ready. On the long direct ferry to Helsinki, planning that well is especially worthwhile.
Finnlines sets out its gas rules and the limited number of electricity connections under Good to know. For Viking Line, Tallink Silja and Wasaline, the booking notes for the sailing you choose apply.
On the road in Finland with a motorhome
Wild camping and pitches
Like Sweden, Finland has the right to roam (jokamiehenoikeus), but it does not apply to motor vehicles. Motorhomes may not leave made-up roads. One night in public rest areas and car parks is usually allowed, as long as you do not behave as if you were on a campsite. Finland is thinly populated, so quiet spots are easy to find; the many campsites and official motorhome pitches are the most comfortable option.
Tolls and traffic rules
Finland has no road or bridge tolls at all, neither motorway charges nor a city toll. That makes the country especially appealing for motorhome travellers. Do bear in mind that winter tyres are compulsory from 1 December to the end of February (and in wintry conditions from Nov to Mar). Studded tyres are allowed. One more thing to know: in Finland headlights are required all year round, in daylight as well.
Common questions
FAQ - Taking a motorhome to Finland
The key questions about the motorhome ferry to Finland, answered briefly.
What is the best way to get to Finland with a motorhome? +
The most direct way is the direct ferry Travemünde - Helsinki run by Finnlines: around 30 hours across the Baltic with no stop on the way, ideal if you want to avoid the long drive through Sweden. The alternative is to drive first to southern Sweden (Trelleborg or Malmö) and carry on via Stockholm - Helsinki or Stockholm - Turku (Viking Line, Tallink Silja). If you are travelling through the Baltic states, you finish with the short crossing Tallinn - Helsinki (around 2 hours).
Do I have to book a cabin on the ferry? +
On the direct ferry Travemünde - Helsinki a cabin is compulsory; the crossing takes around 30 hours with two nights on board. A cabin is compulsory on the overnight sailings Stockholm - Helsinki too. On the daytime crossing Stockholm - Turku and on Kapellskär - Naantali and Umeå - Vaasa it is optional. On the short crossing Tallinn - Helsinki there is no cabin requirement.
How big can my motorhome be? +
There is no single maximum size across all routes. The online categories and acceptance limits differ by operator, ship and sailing. Finnlines states a vehicle height of up to 4.4 metres on its route; for length, car-and-caravan combinations and other operators, what counts are the categories offered when you book with that operator. Always give the total length and height including everything fitted to the vehicle.
What happens to my gas bottles on the ferry? +
Gas bottles must be turned off, and the gas locker must stay unlocked. A check seal is fitted as you board. Since the fridge cannot run on gas during the long crossing, it is worth freezing cool packs and turning the fridge up to maximum 24 hours beforehand. On the 30-hour direct ferry that matters most.
Can I wild camp with a motorhome in Finland? +
Like Sweden, Finland has the right to roam (jokamiehenoikeus), but it does not apply to motor vehicles. Motorhomes may not leave made-up roads. One night in public rest areas and car parks is usually allowed, as long as you do not behave as if you were on a campsite. Finland is thinly populated, so quiet spots are easy to find, but the many campsites and official motorhome pitches are the most comfortable option.
Are there tolls in Finland? +
No - Finland has no road or bridge tolls at all. There are no motorway charges, no city toll and no toll bridges. That makes Finland especially appealing for motorhome travellers: once you are off the ferry, nothing more is charged along the way.
Do I need winter tyres in Finland? +
Yes, winter tyres are compulsory in Finland. They are required from 1 December to the end of February, and in wintry conditions from November to March as well. Minimum tread depth: 3 mm. Studded tyres are allowed (usually Nov to Mar or April). With a car-and-caravan combination the rule applies to the trailer too. If you are travelling in winter, plan for the right tyres.
Do I need a special driving licence for my motorhome? +
For motorhomes up to 3.5 tonnes, category B is enough. From 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes you need category C1. For combinations there are several steps: category B up to 3,500 kg, B96 up to 4,250 kg and BE up to 7,000 kg. Holders of the old German class 3 licence (issued until 1998) may, under Annex 3 of the German Driving Licence Regulation, drive motorhomes up to 7,500 kg and combinations up to 12,000 kg, and three-axle combinations above that as well.
What do I need to know about entering Finland with a dog? +
To enter, your dog needs an ISO microchip, a valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before entry) and an EU pet passport. Finland also requires a tapeworm treatment with praziquantel, carried out 24 to 120 hours before arrival and recorded in the passport. Without that record, entry can be refused. On the direct ferry and the night ferries, a cabin is compulsory if an animal is travelling with you. All the details are in the guide Taking your dog to Finland.
Ready for the motorhome trip to Finland?
Compare the current motorhome fares with the operators and book at the best price.