Finland ferries
Tallinn - Helsinki
Three ferry operators, one route - frequent sailings between the Estonian and Finnish capitals
- Up to 13 daily departures with Tallink Silja, Viking Line and Eckerö Line
- Shortest crossing at around 2 hours across the Gulf of Finland
- Cars, motorhomes, bikes and pets welcome - both ports within walking distance of the old town
Three operators, one route
Frequent sailings between the Estonian and Finnish capitals
The Tallinn - Helsinki route connects the capitals of Estonia and Finland in around two hours across the Gulf of Finland. Three ferry operators run the crossing: Tallink Silja with the day ferries MyStar and Megastar, Viking Line with the Viking XPRS, and Eckerö Line with the MS Finlandia. Between them they offer up to 13 departures a day, so you can almost always find a sailing that fits your schedule.
Because the crossing is short, you won't need a cabin: on board you'll find cafés and restaurants, onboard shops and lounges with Wi-Fi. In Tallinn the ferries dock at the Old City Harbour, just a few minutes from the old town; in Helsinki you arrive at either the West Harbour or Katajanokka, both close to the centre.
- Crossing time
- approx. 2 - 2.5 hrs
- Operators
- Tallink, Viking, Eckerö
- Frequency
- up to 13x daily
- From
- €17
- Tallink & Silja Line
- Eckerö Line
- Viking Line
Next departures
Route guide
Tallinn - Helsinki ferry - route guide
Everything you need to know about the Tallinn - Helsinki route with Tallink Silja, Viking Line and Eckerö Line - getting to the ports, check-in times, what to expect on board, rules for vehicles and pets, and onward travel from Helsinki.
Getting to the terminals in Tallinn
In Tallinn, all ferries depart from the Old City Harbour (Vanasadam), right below the old town. Tallink Silja sails from Terminal D (Uus-Sadama 24), while Viking Line and Eckerö Line use Terminal A (Sadama 25). Both terminals are within a few minutes'' walk of the city centre; if you're driving, the harbour is well connected via the port access roads, and paid parking is available on site. Foot passengers can reach the harbour from the city centre by tram.
Check-in and departure
Check-in deadlines vary by operator. With Tallink Silja, registration opens 24 hours before departure; vehicles must be checked in at least 90 minutes beforehand, while foot passenger registration closes 30 minutes and boarding around 20 minutes before sailing. Eckerö Line opens check-in two hours before departure and closes it for all passengers 45 minutes beforehand. Viking Line closes check-in and boarding around 20 minutes before departure, though drivers should arrive earlier. The easiest option with all three operators is to check in via their app beforehand. Carry a valid ID card or passport - Estonia and Finland are both part of the Schengen Area, so there are normally no routine border checks.
On board
The route is served entirely by day ferries: Tallink Silja's MyStar and Megastar, Viking Line's Viking XPRS, and Eckerö Line's MS Finlandia. For the roughly two-hour crossing, you won't need a cabin. On board you'll find cafés and restaurants, duty-free shops and Wi-Fi lounges; the MS Finlandia also has a business lounge and regular live music. Payment is in euros - since both Estonia and Finland use the euro, there's no need to change currency, and major cards are widely accepted.
Vehicles, bikes and pets
All three operators carry cars, motorbikes, motorhomes and caravans; enter your vehicle's dimensions accurately when booking, as the fare is based on these. Bikes travel too. Pets are welcome on board: with Eckerö Line they travel free of charge, small animals in a carrier are allowed in most passenger areas, and there are dedicated pet cabins; Tallink Silja and Viking Line also carry pets. Register your pet when booking, as spaces are limited. For entry requirements, see the guide Travelling with a dog.
Arriving in Helsinki and onward travel
In Helsinki, where you arrive depends on the operator: Tallink Silja and Eckerö Line dock at West Terminal 2 (Tyynenmerenkatu 14) in the Jätkäsaari district, while Viking Line uses the Katajanokka terminal (Katajanokanlaituri 8), right on the edge of the city centre. Both harbours are quickly reached from the centre and the main railway station by tram. From Helsinki Central Station, long-distance trains continue north to destinations such as Tampere, Turku or Lapland.
Tickets and fares
With three operators serving the same route, it's well worth comparing prices. Each offers single and return tickets, plus early-booking discounts and return-fare savings. Foot passengers pay considerably less than those bringing a vehicle, and off-peak departures are usually cheaper. The booking window shows current prices and available fares for your travel date.
FAQ Tallinn - Helsinki
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Tallinn - Helsinki ferry route
Which ferry operators run the Tallinn - Helsinki route?+
The route is served by three operators - Tallink Silja with the day ferries MyStar and Megastar, Viking Line with the Viking XPRS and Eckerö Line with the MS Finlandia. Between them they run up to 13 departures a day, so you can choose the operator and time that suits you.
How long does the ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki take?+
The fastest crossing is on Tallink''s MyStar and Megastar, taking around 2 hours. Eckerö Line''s MS Finlandia takes about 2 hours 15 minutes, and the Viking XPRS around 2 hours 30 minutes. All three sail by day - a cabin isn''t necessary on this short crossing.
How much does the ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki cost?+
The fare depends on the operator, travel date, demand and how far ahead you book. Foot passengers pay considerably less than travellers bringing a vehicle, and booking early usually gets you a better rate. With three operators competing on the route, it pays to compare - the booking window shows the current starting price for your travel date.
Which terminals do the ferries use?+
In Tallinn all ferries depart from the Old City Harbour: Tallink Silja from Terminal D (Uus-Sadama 24), Viking Line and Eckerö Line from Terminal A (Sadama 25). Both terminals are just a short walk from the old town.
In Helsinki, Tallink Silja and Eckerö Line use West Terminal 2 (Tyynenmerenkatu 14, in the Jätkäsaari district), while Viking Line uses the Katajanokka terminal (Katajanokanlaituri 8). All three are quickly reached from the centre by tram.
When do I need to check in at the terminal?+
This depends on the operator. With Tallink Silja, vehicles must check in at least 90 minutes before departure; for foot passengers, check-in closes 30 minutes and boarding around 20 minutes before sailing. Eckerö Line closes check-in for all passengers 45 minutes before departure. Viking Line closes check-in and boarding around 20 minutes beforehand, though vehicles should arrive earlier.
Carry a valid ID card or passport - both countries are part of the Schengen Area, so there are normally no routine border checks.
Can I bring my car or motorhome?+
Yes, all three operators carry cars, motorbikes, motorhomes and caravans, and bikes travel too. Enter your vehicle''s length and height accurately when booking, as the fare is based on these dimensions.
Can I bring my pet on the ferry?+
Yes. With Eckerö Line, pets even travel free of charge; small animals in a carrier are allowed in most passenger areas, and there are also dedicated pet cabins. Tallink Silja and Viking Line carry pets too. Register your pet when booking, as spaces are limited. For entry requirements, see the guide Travelling with a dog.