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
Route guide
Ferry Travemünde - Helsinki at a glance
Table of Contents
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.
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 3.80 m in height, such as tall motorhomes and coaches, check in at the harbour office.
Check-in and departure
From Travemünde, the ferry is scheduled to depart at night. The exact time and check-in deadline can vary by timetable and day of travel; if you're travelling with a motorhome or a car-and-trailer combination, allow plenty of buffer time. The time and check-in deadline are listed on the official Finnlines route page; operational changes and your booking confirmation take precedence.
Bring a valid ID document; a national ID card or passport is enough to prove your identity on 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 identical Star Class ships 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 as paid data packages, running over satellite.
Payments on board are cashless, in euros, with common cards such as Visa, Mastercard and Maestro accepted. Since Finland also uses the euro, you won't need any foreign currency for the crossing or on arrival.
Vehicle, bike and pet
Cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, caravans and bicycles are all carried; 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 (230 V) for a fee, and you'll need to 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 high-visibility vest within the port area.
Pets are welcome and must be registered when you book. There is a Pet Suite as well as pet cabins with a maximum of two animals per cabin; pets are not allowed in indoor areas such as the restaurant, bar and lounge. What applies for travel and entry is covered in our guide Taking your dog to Finland.
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 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
Book the outward and return journey with the same passengers, vehicle dimensions and cabin category if you want to compare offers. Discounts, refunds and rebooking depend on the Finnlines fare you select and on where you book; the conditions shown to you before purchase are the ones that apply.
Current prices for your travel date are shown in the booking window. What you need to keep constant for a fair comparison is explained in the price overview.
Travemünde - Helsinki
The only direct ferry from Germany to Finland
The Travemünde - Helsinki route is the only direct ferry connection 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.
Three identical Star Class sister ships, Finnstar, Finnmaid and Finnlady, work the route as combined passenger and freight ferries. For the two nights on board you book a cabin; on board you'll find a buffet restaurant, bar and café, a sauna area with whirlpool, and a sun deck. After arriving in Vuosaari, the centre of Helsinki is easy to reach by bus and metro.
- Crossing time
- around 30 hrs
- Operator
- Finnlines
- Frequency
- daily
Next departures
FAQ Travemünde - Helsinki
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Travemünde-Helsinki ferry connection
How long does the ferry from Travemünde to Helsinki take? +
Finnlines describes the route as taking around 30 hours. Depending on the specific timetable, the stated duration can range from about 30 to 31 hours. You depart Travemünde at night and reach the port of Vuosaari in Helsinki after two nights on board; what counts is the duration shown for your chosen departure.
How often does the ferry sail, and what are the departure times? +
Finnlines runs the route year-round on a daily scheduled service. Ferries from Travemünde usually depart at 02:00, or 02:30 on Saturdays; the return sailing from Helsinki departs daily at 15:00. You'll find the exact departures for your travel date in the timetable.
What does the ferry from Travemünde to Helsinki cost? +
The price depends on your travel date, direction, passengers, vehicle dimensions, cabin category and fare conditions. Only compare offers that include the same things. The price overview explains which details need to match.
.What ships and cabins are available on board? +
The route is served by the three identical Star Class ships Finnstar, Finnmaid and Finnlady from Finnlines. Cabins range from inside cabins (from 10 m²) to the Owner's Suite (38 m²), plus dedicated pet cabins for travellers with 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 add-ons; vehicles over 3.80 m in height check in at the harbour office. Motorhomes with a fridge can book a mains power hook-up (230 V) for a fee, and you'll need to 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 you book. There is a Pet Suite as well as pet cabins (maximum two animals per cabin); pets are not allowed in indoor areas such as the restaurant, bar and lounge. What to know for entry and the crossing is covered in our guide Taking your dog to Finland.