Stockholm to Helsinki Ferry: Essential Things to Know

What are the essential things to know about the Stockholm to Helsinki ferry for a more convenient travel experience? Find out more in this article and learn why the Stockholm to Helsinki cruise is a can’t-miss part of your adventure to Finland and the Nordics.

Traveling to Finland from one of the Nordic countries is relatively easy and fast via an airplane. But that’s a typical practice of most tourists, right? So, if you want to add an extra dose of adventure and thrill to your journey, you might as well do so via a Helsinki ferry or cruise.

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Stockholm to Helsinki Ferry Trip: Step-by-step guide

Step 1: Choose which cruise line to take

There are several cruise lines that travel between Stockholm and Helsinki and you can choose between Tallink or Viking Line. In my honest opinion, Viking Line is the more popular cruise line that most Finns take when heading to Stockholm but otherwise, either one will take you to Helsinki and back.

Step 2: Book your tickets, choose which class, day of departure, and any other additional extras

You can book your tickets directly from the cruise line website: Tallink and Viking Line. You can compare the prices and choose which one fits your schedule!

Here is where you can have fun and choose which cabin class you’d like to stay in to maximize your overnight experience on board. Most people would take the standard cabin that fits 4 people with an en suite toilet and shower combo as it is often the cheapest option and most people rarely stay in their cabins besides sleeping. However, they do have more luxurious options from premium (basic hotel looking rooms) to suites that have a large window and sometimes, even a balcony.

I personally am fine with a standard cabin as you often spend most of your evening onboard exploring the cruise ship while the next day is spent exploring Helsinki (if you chose to do the overnight cruise).

While booking, you can also choose to add extra amenities during your stays such as a massage, a spa, or even a table reservation at one of the restaurants. I highly suggest trying out their evening buffet, it is always quite good filled with tons of Finnish and Swedish delicacies to your liking.

Step 3: Board and enjoy your cruise between Stockholm and Helsinki

When you’re boarding, expect to show your passport with a valid visa (if you need one) and your ticket either printed or your phone (they need the QR code).

Finland is a Schengen country just like Sweden so as long as you have the visa for Sweden, it should be enough. If you’re from the EU, you don’t need a visa to enter Finland.

What to do once you’re on board?

There is a lot of entertainment on board so you won’t have any lack of things to do. There are live bands to watch, bars to hang out, restaurants to eat at, shops to shop at, sauna and spa amenities, and so on. Just walk around, enjoy, and relax.

Alternatively, you can hang out in your cabin and just chill until you’re in Helsinki the next morning. The number of activities will all depend on you.

What to bring with you inside the cruise ship?

You can bring your change of comfy clothes for sleeping, formal/party clothes if you want to check out the bars and fancy restaurants, and weather-appropriate clothing for when you’re in Helsinki. Bring your own toiletries, as well, and anything that you think you may need while on the cruise ship!

I personally bring my Nintendo for personal entertainment and kindle for reading along with my toiletries and change of clothes.

Some people bring some snacks with them from Stockholm to save on the ridiculous ferry grocery prices but buy alcohol on board as they are tax-free and cheaper. My sister and I also once brought our own meals on board so we don’t have to eat at any restaurants so we can splurge a bit more when we got to Stockholm (we were boarding from Turku). So, up to you! You do you.

Why take the Stockholm to Helsinki Ferry?

One of the most popular routes between Sweden and Finland is the Stockholm to Helsinki ferry route. This route links the capital city of Stockholm in Sweden with the capital city of Finland namely, the iconic Helsinki.

Stockholm, known for its breathtaking natural wonders, bizarre UNESCO heritage sites, well-preserved culture, and rich history, is spread across several islands off the coast of Sweden.

From here, the ferry will take tourists to Helsinki which albeit small, thrives with various architectural wonders including museums. It also hosts different natural sceneries including jaw-dropping lakes and lush forests.

Many tour organizers also provide day trips to countless destinations from Helsinki, adding to the variety of experiences you’ll enjoy there.

The three operators host up to 15 ferries running per week via the said route. That’s a lot considering the population so there is no shortage of ferries to choose from. Note that the companies operating from Stockholm to Helsinki also offer a car ferry.

Note, however, that there are variations on the sailing durations and frequency of the Stockholm to Helsinki ferry and that depends on the season and month.

What are the Stockholm to Helsinki ferry time schedules?

What is the Stockholm to Helsinki ferry time schedules? There are various factors that affect the ferry schedule for this route including ferry operators, changes to the ferry route, seasonal changes, and other similar issues.

Note that there are up to 15 ferries operating every day and these are managed by three ferry companies. So, just check Tallink and Viking Line‘s web pages and check which dates suit you best!

How long does the Ferry to Helsinki from Stockholm take?

Due to a variety of reasons, ferry sail durations on this route can range from 16 hours to 17 hours. These time differences are due to various factors such as weather conditions at the time of the departure, ferry operators, ferry route, and other external factors.

Note that the ferry from Sweden to Finland can sometimes take 18 hours if there are other environmental factors involved.

Overall, it is an overnight cruise so expect to leave from Sweden in the afternoon and be in Finland by morning and vice versa.

Also, Viking Line stops in Åland Island or Ahvenanmaa for a brief period between the Stockholm-Helsinki-Stockholm route for fuel or to drop off passengers.

Otherwise, expect to be onboard between 16-18 hours.

Stockholm to Helsinki Ferry Prices

Upon a quick research, the prices for a standard cabin that fits 4 people costs between €70 to €120 one-way (€160 to €240 return).

If you’re traveling with a partner or a group of friends, it is a lot cheaper! You can divide the cabin price between two, three, or four! If you travel with three of your friends, you’ll end up paying €40 to €60 for return tickets each!

That said, Viking Line and Tallink do have seasonal discounts throughout the year so you can keep an eye on that. A friend of mine actually scored an €8 standard cabin once!

So in a nutshell, it can be quite pricey for one but cruises are fun with friends so make sure to tag them along.