An overnight cruise, not just a crossing
The ferry takes about 17 hours. It leaves in the late afternoon and arrives the next morning, so you sleep on board and save a hotel night.
What is the best way to travel between Helsinki and Stockholm?
The Helsinki to Stockholm ferry is an overnight cruise of about 17 hours. Tallink Silja and Viking Line each sail every evening, leaving between 16:30 and 17:30 and arriving the next morning at about 10:00. Tallink Silja sails from Olympia Terminal in Helsinki to Värtahamnen in Stockholm; Viking Line sails from Katajanokka Terminal to Stadsgården. On board you'll find cabins, restaurants, tax-free shopping, a spa and entertainment. Compare departures and book online — your booking link arrives instantly by email. Ferries run all year. Tallink Silja: about 17 h. Olympia Terminal to Värtahamnen, on Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony. Viking Line: about 17 h. Katajanokka Terminal to Stadsgården.
Helsinki
Stockholm
~480 km
~17h
overnight crossing
2
ferry operators
16:30–17:30
evening departures
~10:00
morning arrival
Year-round
nightly sailings
What makes the Helsinki–Stockholm ferry a journey in itself?
Two operators, two terminals
Tallink Silja sails from Olympia Terminal in Helsinki to Värtahamnen in Stockholm. Viking Line sails from Katajanokka Terminal to Stadsgården. Check your terminal before you set off.
Sailings every night, all year
Both Tallink Silja and Viking Line sail nightly between Helsinki and Stockholm throughout the year.
Sail through two archipelagos
The route threads through the islands off Helsinki and Stockholm, so keep an eye on the deck as you leave and arrive.
Cabins, restaurants and a spa on board
Both operators offer cabins, restaurants, tax-free shopping, entertainment and spa areas on board.
Bring the car, or leave it at home
Both operators carry cars. Foot passengers board separately, so check the rules for your ticket when you book.
Olympia or Katajanokka: which Helsinki terminal should I use?
Your choice depends on the operator you book, Tallink Silja or Viking Line, and the terminals are in different parts of the city. Stockholm has a matching pair, Värtahamnen and Stadsgården.
Helsinki Olympia Terminal
Tallink Silja sails from Olympia Terminal, on the south shore of Helsinki, close to the city centre.
How to get to the port
Tram: ~15 min from Helsinki city centre
Taxi: ~10 min from Helsinki city centre
Taxi: ~35 min from Helsinki Airport
$ under $10 · $$ $10–40 · $$$ over $40, per trip
Address: Olympia Terminal, Olympiaranta 1, Helsinki
Helsinki Katajanokka Terminal
Viking Line sails from Katajanokka Terminal, on the Katajanokka peninsula close to the city centre.
How to get to the port
Tram: ~15 min from Helsinki city centre
Taxi: ~10 min from Helsinki city centre
Taxi: ~35 min from Helsinki Airport
$ under $10 · $$ $10–40 · $$$ over $40, per trip
Address: Katajanokka Terminal, Katajanokka, Helsinki
Arriving at Stockholm Värtahamnen
Tallink Silja arrives at Värtahamnen, on Stockholm's northern waterfront, a few kilometres from the city centre.
How to get from the port
Public transport: ~25 min from Stockholm city centre
Taxi: ~15 min from Stockholm city centre
Taxi: ~45 min from Arlanda Airport
$ under $10 · $$ $10–40 · $$$ over $40, per trip
Address: Värtahamnen, Stockholm
Arriving at Stockholm Stadsgården
Viking Line arrives at Stadsgården, on Södermalm near Slussen and a short distance from the Old Town, Gamla stan.
How to get from the port
Walk: ~15 min to Gamla stan
Taxi: ~10 min from Stockholm city centre
Taxi: ~45 min from Arlanda Airport
$ under $10 · $$ $10–40 · $$$ over $40, per trip
Address: Stadsgårdsterminalen, Stadsgårdsleden, Stockholm
What are the luggage rules on Helsinki–Stockholm ferries?
Foot passengers can usually bring as many bags as they can carry themselves, with no size or weight limit and no extra charge.
Take your bags to your cabin when you board, so you do not have to carry them around the ship.
Keep passports, medication and valuables in a small bag with you.
It is an overnight trip, so pack a small bag for the night with toiletries, a charger and a change of clothes.
Travelling with a car? The car deck is closed during the crossing, so take what you need for the night before you leave the vehicle.
Which cabin is best on the Helsinki to Stockholm ferry?
Cabin types vary by operator and ship, but most offer these four.
- Best value. Inside cabin. A simple cabin without a window. The right choice if you just want somewhere to sleep.
- Sea view. Outside cabin. A window onto the sea, worth it for the morning arrival through the islands.
- Quieter. Premium cabin. A larger cabin with extra comfort, usually on a higher deck. Worth it for a special trip.
- Private. Suite. The most space and privacy, best for families and groups.
If you get seasick
Choose a cabin mid-ship on a lower deck, where the ship moves least, and watch the horizon from the lounge. Avoid a big meal just before sailing.
For the best views
Head to the open deck as you sail out through the islands in the evening, and again in the morning as you arrive.
How do I board my ferry?
1
Arrive at the terminal 60–90 minutes before departure
Overnight ships are busy at weekends and in summer, so leave extra time.
2
Find your terminal
Tallink Silja uses Olympia Terminal in Helsinki and Värtahamnen in Stockholm. Viking Line uses Katajanokka and Stadsgården. Your ticket tells you which.
3
Show your ticket and ID
Scan the QR code from your phone and carry your passport or ID card.
4
Board, find your cabin and settle in
Follow the signs to your cabin or the reception desk, drop your bags, then head up on deck as the ship leaves the harbour.