Ferry to Finland
Travemünde – Helsinki
The only direct ferry from Germany to Finland - a relaxed crossing of the Baltic Sea to the Finnish capital
- Daily departures year-round on Finnlines' scheduled service
- Direct crossing in around 30 hours from Skandinavienkai to Vuosaari
- Cabins, sauna and buffet on board the Star Class ships
Travemünde – Helsinki
The only direct ferry from Germany to Finland
The Travemünde - Helsinki route is the only direct ferry link from Germany to Finland. In around 30 hours, Finnlines takes you from Skandinavienkai in Lübeck-Travemünde across the Baltic Sea to the port of Vuosaari in eastern Helsinki. The ferry departs daily, so you can plan your travel day freely - Skandinavienkai is easy to reach via the A1 and A226 motorways, or by air into Hamburg and on by road.
The route is served by three sister ships of the Star Class - Finnstar, Finnmaid and Finnlady - combined passenger and freight ferries. For the two nights on board you book a cabin; amenities include a buffet restaurant, bar and café, a sauna area with whirlpool, and a sun deck. After arriving in Vuosaari, the centre of Helsinki is a short bus and metro ride away.
- Crossing time
- around 30 hrs
- Operator
- Finnlines
- Frequency
- daily
- From
- €133
Next departures
Route guide
Ferry from Travemünde to Helsinki at a glance
Everything about the Travemünde - Helsinki route with Finnlines: getting to Skandinavienkai, check-in times, what to expect on board, vehicle and pet rules, and onward travel from the port of Vuosaari in Helsinki.
Getting to the terminal in Travemünde
The ferry departs from Skandinavienkai. As a sat-nav destination, enter Zum Hafenplatz 1, 23570 Travemünde, or simply "Skandinavienkai". By car, take the A1 to Lübeck and then the A226 straight to the terminal; from Hamburg it's just over an hour's drive. If you're flying in, Hamburg Airport is the nearest international hub, roughly 90 minutes from the terminal by car or rail plus onward transfer.
There's a paid long-stay car park right at the harbour: a camera captures your number plate on entry and exit, so there's no paper ticket. If you're travelling without a car, a bus connects Lübeck main station and the central bus station (ZOB) with the Skandinavienkai terminal; the earlier direct rail shuttle has been discontinued. Vehicles over 3.8 m in height, such as tall motorhomes and coaches, check in at the harbour office.
Check-in and departure
From Travemünde the ferry departs daily at 02:00, or 02:30 on Saturdays. Check-in opens the evening before at 20:30 and closes two hours before departure. Build in plenty of buffer time, especially if you're travelling with a motorhome or a car-and-trailer combination.
Bring a valid ID document - a passport or national ID card is enough to board. Finland is part of the Schengen Area, so there are no routine border checks during the crossing.
On board
The route is served by the three sister ships of the Star Class - Finnstar, Finnmaid and Finnlady. For the two nights on board it's worth booking a cabin, ranging from an inside cabin to a spacious suite; in summer you can also travel in a reclining seat on Deck 11 and 12. On board you'll find a buffet restaurant, the Star Café and a bar, plus a sauna area with whirlpool, a gym, the Sailor's Shop and a Kids Corner for children. Wi-Fi is available via paid data packages, running over satellite.
Payments on board are cashless, in euros, with common cards such as Visa, Mastercard and Maestro all accepted. Since Finland also uses the euro, you won't need any foreign currency for the crossing or on arrival.
Vehicles, bikes and pets
Cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, caravans and bicycles are all welcome; enter your dimensions correctly, including add-ons such as bike racks or roof boxes. Motorhomes with a fridge can book a mains power hook-up (230V) for a fee - bring a suitable adapter of your own; full details on the vehicle package are in our motorhome guide. Charging electric cars is not possible on board, though two charging points are available in front of the harbour building in Travemünde. Cyclists must wear a hi-vis vest within the port area.
Pets are welcome and must be registered when booking. There's a Pet Suite as well as dedicated pet cabins with a maximum of two animals per cabin; pets are not allowed in indoor areas such as the restaurant, bar and lounge. Our dogs on board guide covers what applies for travel and entry.
Arrival in Helsinki and onward travel
In Helsinki the ferry docks at the Hansaterminal in the port of Vuosaari, Provianttikatu 5 (sat-nav destination Seilorinkatu 5), 00980 Helsinki, in the east of the city. Coming from Travemünde, you reach Vuosaari around 10:00 the following morning.
Without a car, you can reach central Helsinki by bus (route 90 or 90A) to Vuosaari metro station and onward by metro; alternatively, bus 818 connects the port with Mellunmäki metro station. By car, follow Ring Road III towards the city centre. Due to tunnel works in Vuosaari, traffic has been routed via a signposted diversion since early 2026.
Tickets and fares
The easiest way to book is online, as a one-way or round trip. Booking a round trip saves you 20 percent on the return leg. The free Star Club adds a further 5 percent off all passenger, cabin and vehicle fares, and if two adults share a cabin, a third and fourth passenger travel free. Finnlines also markets the route as a multi-day mini cruise with full board.
Booking early gets you the best fares. Current prices for your travel date are shown in the booking window, with an overview on our prices page.
FAQ Travemünde - Helsinki
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Travemünde-Helsinki ferry
How long does the ferry from Travemünde to Helsinki take?+
The crossing from Travemünde to Helsinki takes around 30 hours. You depart Travemünde at night and reach the port of Vuosaari in Helsinki after two nights on board.
How often does the ferry sail, and what are the departure times?+
Finnlines runs the route year-round on a daily scheduled service. Ferries usually depart Travemünde at 02:00, or 02:30 on Saturdays; the return sailing from Helsinki departs daily at 15:00. You can find the exact departures for your travel date in the timetable.
How much does the ferry from Travemünde to Helsinki cost?+
The fare depends on the season, cabin category and vehicle; current rates are shown in the booking window, with an overview on our prices page. With the free Star Club you get 5% off all passenger, cabin and vehicle fares, and booking a round trip saves you 20% on the return leg. If two adults share a cabin, a third and fourth passenger travel free.
What ships and cabins are available on board?+
The route is served by the three sister ships of the Star Class - Finnstar, Finnmaid and Finnlady - operated by Finnlines. Cabins range from inside cabins (from 10 m²) to the Owner's Suite (38 m²), with dedicated pet cabins for travellers bringing an animal. In summer you can also travel in a reclining seat on Deck 11 and 12.
Can I bring my vehicle on the ferry?+
Yes, you can bring cars, motorhomes, caravans, motorcycles and bicycles. Enter your vehicle's dimensions correctly, including any roof boxes or bike racks; vehicles over 3.8 m in height check in at the harbour office. Motorhomes with a fridge can book a mains power hook-up (230V) for a fee - bring your own adapter. Charging electric cars is not possible on board. Full details on bringing a vehicle are in our motorhome guide.
Can I bring my pet on board?+
Yes, pets travel too and must be registered when booking. There is a Pet Suite and dedicated pet cabins (maximum two animals per cabin); pets are not allowed in indoor areas such as the restaurant, bar and lounge. Our dogs on board guide covers what to know for entry and the crossing.