Ferry to Finland
Umeå - Vaasa
The fastest ferry link between Sweden and Finland, across the Gulf of Bothnia in under 4 hours
- 2-4 departures a day across both directions, all year with Wasaline
- A direct crossing of around 4 hours on the Aurora Botnia
- Cars, motorhomes, bikes and pets carried - pet lounge on board
Route guide
The Umeå - Vaasa ferry at a glance
Table of Contents
Everything about the Umeå - Vaasa route with Wasaline: getting to the terminal in Holmsund, check-in times, what is on board the Aurora Botnia, the rules for vehicles and pets, and how to travel on from Vaasa.
Getting to the port and terminal at Umeå
The ferry sails from the terminal in Holmsund, around 20 kilometres south-east of Umeå. Set your sat nav to Blå Vägen 4, 91332 Holmsund; on the E12 you are at the harbour a good 20 minutes out of the centre. There is paid, unsupervised parking right at the terminal, run by UPAB, paid by SMS or through the EasyPark and Parkster apps.
Arriving without a car, take the transfer bus: it leaves Ålidhem 1 hour 30 minutes before departure and calls in the town centre 1 hour 20 minutes before. Book your seat at least 3 hours ahead - it is cheaper online than on board.
Check-in and departure
With a vehicle you have to be checked in at least 60 minutes before departure; on foot, 30 minutes is enough. Boarding closes 20 minutes before the ship leaves. Only one vehicle can be entered per booking, which keeps the automated check-in running smoothly. Carry valid photo ID, as identity checks do happen. Registered guests can also use the Wasaline app as a mobile cabin key.
On board
The ship on the route is the Aurora Botnia, with LNG and battery hybrid propulsion. On deck 7 you will find three restaurants, a bar with a pub and an on-board shop, along with the Business Lounge (34 seats with coffee, tea and its own wi-fi), the Comfort Lounge with 42 reclining seats, and the Pet Lounge. Wi-fi on board is free and needs no sign-up. You can book a cabin for the crossing; once the ship is in port you cannot stay in it.
You pay on board by card, with Visa and Mastercard preferred. Wasaline takes cash only in the port of Vaasa, not in the port of Umeå. You can pay in euros or Swedish kronor, and there is no currency exchange on board.
Vehicles, bikes and pets
Cars, motorhomes, trailer combinations, motorcycles and bicycles are carried; give the dimensions and the registration when you book, as longer vehicles are charged at a higher rate. Travelling by motorhome, you will find the details in the motorhome guide.
Pets are welcome on board and are registered when you book; the fee applies whether your animal stays in the vehicle or comes into the passenger areas with you. In the Pet Lounge on deck 7 a door leads straight onto the open deck for a short walk, or your animal can travel in a pet-friendly cabin. The entry rules are summarised in the guide Travelling with your dog.
Arriving in Vaasa and travelling on
In Vaasa the ferry berths on Vanha Satamatie (65170 Vaasa), on an island just off the town and close to the centre. Without a car you take the transfer bus: it leaves the Travel Centre at the viaduct over the tracks around 1 hour before departure, stops at Vaasanpuistikko and by the Scandic Waskia among others, and runs back into the centre about 10 minutes after arrival. If the ferry docks at night between 00:00 and 02:00, no transfer bus runs.
Tickets and fares
Wasaline sells the crossing as a one-way trip, as a day cruise (out and back the same day) and as a hotel package. Children under 6 travel free and older children pay reduced fares; regulars benefit from the frequent traveller programme. An environmental and fuel surcharge is added to every ticket.
Whether you can cancel, rebook or get a refund depends on the Wasaline fare you booked and on where you booked it. The terms are in your confirmation; if you booked through a partner, the seller named there is your contact for support. The booking shows the actual prices for your travel day, and the prices page explains how to compare them.
Umeå - Vaasa
The fastest ferry between Sweden and Finland
Umeå - Vaasa is the shortest ferry link between Sweden and Finland: Wasaline crosses the Kvarken, the narrowest point of the Gulf of Bothnia, in around four hours depending on the sailing. The official timetable lists two to four departures a day across both directions, which usually means one or two sailings a day from Umeå to Vaasa.
The ship on the route is the Aurora Botnia, a RoPax vessel that entered service in 2021 with an LNG and battery hybrid propulsion system. On board there are restaurants, an on-board shop, several lounges and cabins. In Vaasa the harbour lies close to the town, and a transfer bus takes you into the centre.
- Crossing
- around 4 hrs
- Operator
- Wasaline
- Frequency
- 2-4 daily, both directions
- Fare from
- €37
Next departures
FAQ Umeå - Vaasa
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Umeå - Vaasa ferry
How long does the ferry from Umeå to Vaasa take? +
The crossing of the Kvarken takes around four hours, depending on the sailing. Do allow for the time difference: Finland (Vaasa) is one hour ahead of Sweden (Umeå), and the timetable gives departure and arrival in local time. So work with the crossing time shown for your own departure.
Which operator and which ship serve the route? +
The route is served by Wasaline with the Aurora Botnia, a RoPax ship that entered service in 2021 with an LNG and battery hybrid propulsion system. She has room for 935 passengers, 68 cabins, three restaurants, a bar and an on-board shop, plus a business lounge, a comfort lounge and a pet lounge on deck 7.
What does the ferry from Umeå to Vaasa cost? +
The price depends on the season, how full the ship is and your vehicle. Children under 6 travel free and older children pay reduced fares. Wasaline also adds an environmental and fuel surcharge to every ticket. The booking shows the current lead-in fare for your travel date, and the prices page gives you the overview.
How often does the ferry sail and when are the departures? +
Depending on the day of the week and the season, Wasaline schedules two to four departures a day across both directions. From Umeå to Vaasa that usually means one or two sailings. You will find the exact times in the timetable and on Wasaline's own pages.
Can I bring my car or motorhome? +
Yes, you can bring cars, motorhomes, motorcycles and bicycles. Give the dimensions and the registration correctly when you book, because longer vehicles and trailer combinations cost more; only one vehicle per booking is possible. The details of the vehicle package are in the motorhome guide. With a vehicle, be at the terminal at least 60 minutes before departure.
Can I bring my dog or cat? +
Yes, pets are welcome on board and have to be registered when you book; a fee applies. There is a dedicated pet lounge on deck 7 with direct access to the open deck, or your animal can travel in a pet-friendly cabin or in the vehicle. What you need in order to enter the country is summarised in the guide Travelling with your dog; carry the EU pet passport with valid vaccinations.
How do I get to the ferry terminals in Umeå and Vaasa? +
The Umeå terminal is in Holmsund (Blå Vägen 4, 91332 Holmsund), around 20 km south-east of the town on the E12. A transfer bus leaves Ålidhem 1 hour 30 minutes before departure and the town centre 1 hour 20 minutes before; it has to be booked at least 3 hours in advance.
In Vaasa the harbour is on Vanha Satamatie (65170 Vaasa), close to the town. The transfer bus leaves the Travel Centre around 1 hour before departure and heads back about 10 minutes after arrival. There is no transfer bus for night arrivals between 00:00 and 02:00.