Two capitals, two hours apart
Helsinki and Tallinn are about 80 km apart across the Gulf of Finland. The fastest ships make the crossing in around 2 hours, so a day trip is easy.
What is the best way to travel between Helsinki and Tallinn?
Ferries from Helsinki to Tallinn take about 2 hours on the fastest crossings and 2 hours 30 minutes on the others. Tallink Silja, Viking Line and Eckerö Line sail from two Helsinki terminals, West Terminal 2 and Katajanokka, to Tallinn's Old City Harbour, where Terminals A and D are about 1.5 km from the Old Town. On board you'll find restaurants, cafés and shops, and most ships also carry cars. Compare departures and book online — your booking link arrives instantly by email. Ferries run all year. Tallink Silja: about 2 h. West Terminal 2 to Terminal D, with the fastest ships. Viking Line: about 2 h 30 min. Katajanokka to Terminal A. Eckerö Line: about 2 h 15 min. West Terminal 2 to Terminal A.
Helsinki
Tallinn
~80 km
2h
fastest crossing
3
ferry operators
2h 30m
Viking Line crossing
2h 15m
Eckerö Line crossing
Year-round
ferry season
What makes the Helsinki–Tallinn ferry such an easy sea journey?
Choose your operator and terminal
Tallink Silja, Viking Line and Eckerö Line all sail this route, from different terminals at each end. Check the terminal on your ticket before you set off.
Tallinn's Old Town is a short walk away
Terminal D is about 1.5 km from the Old Town, an easy walk or a short taxi ride from the ship.
Bring your passport or ID card
Finland and Estonia are both in the Schengen area, but you still need valid travel documents to board. Check the rules for your nationality before you travel.
Bring the car, or skip it
Most ferries on this route carry cars, motorbikes and bicycles. Foot passengers board separately, so check your operator’s rules when you book.
Restaurants, cafés and shops on board
Even on a short crossing you’ll find places to eat, drink and shop, plus lounges where you can sit and watch the sea.
West Terminal 2 or Katajanokka: which Helsinki terminal should I use?
Your choice depends on the operator you book, and the two terminals are in different parts of the city. In Tallinn, Terminals A and D are a short walk apart.
Helsinki West Terminal 2
Tallink Silja and Eckerö Line sail from West Terminal 2, in the Jätkäsaari harbour area southwest of the city centre.
How to get to the port
Tram: ~20 min from Helsinki city centre
Taxi: ~15 min from Helsinki city centre
Taxi: ~35 min from Helsinki Airport
$ under $10 · $$ $10–40 · $$$ over $40, per trip
Address: West Terminal 2, Tyynenmerenkatu 14, 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 Tallinn Terminal D
Tallink Silja arrives at Terminal D in the Old City Harbour, about 1.5 km from the Old Town. Terminal A is a short walk away.
How to get from the port
Walk: ~20 min to the Old Town
Taxi: ~5 min to the Old Town
Taxi: ~15 min from Tallinn Airport
$ under $10 · $$ $10–40 · $$$ over $40, per trip
Address: Terminal D, Passenger Port (Old City Harbour), Tallinn
Arriving at Tallinn Terminal A
Viking Line and Eckerö Line arrive at Terminal A, on the western side of the Old City Harbour and a little closer to the Old Town than Terminal D.
How to get from the port
Walk: ~15 min to the Old Town
Taxi: ~5 min to the Old Town
Taxi: ~15 min from Tallinn Airport
$ under $10 · $$ $10–40 · $$$ over $40, per trip
Address: Terminal A, Passenger Port (Old City Harbour), Tallinn
What are the luggage rules on Helsinki–Tallinn ferries?
Foot passengers can usually bring as many bags as they can carry themselves, with no size or weight limit and no extra charge.
Bring your bags to your seat, or leave large cases in the luggage area if your ship has one.
Keep passports, medication and valuables in a small bag with you.
On a short crossing space is limited, so pack light if you can.
Travelling with a car? The car deck is closed during the crossing, so take what you need with you before you leave the vehicle.
Which seat is best on the Helsinki to Tallinn ferry?
Options vary by operator and ship, but most offer these four.
- Best value. Economy seat. A standard seat in the main lounge area. Book early for a window. The right choice for most travelers.
- Open air. Deck. Free to use on most ships, with sea views, but windy and cold outside summer.
- Quieter. Business lounge. A calmer area with more space. Worth it if you want to work or relax on the crossing.
- Private. Cabin. Not needed for a 2-hour crossing, but available on some ships if you want privacy.
If you get seasick
Sit mid-ship on a lower passenger deck, where the ship moves least, and watch the horizon. Avoid a big meal before boarding.
For the best views
Head to the open deck as you leave Helsinki and as the Tallinn skyline, with the spires of the Old Town, comes into view.
How do I board my ferry?
1
Arrive at the terminal at least 60 minutes before departure
Check-in closes before departure and can be busy at weekends, so leave extra time.
2
Find your terminal
Helsinki has two ferry terminals for Tallinn, West Terminal 2 and Katajanokka. In Tallinn it is Terminal A or D. 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 and settle in
Follow the signs to your seat or lounge, then head to the open deck as you leave the harbour.