Tallinn to Helsinki Ferry: Essential Things to Know

Are you visiting Tallinn or Estonia and would like to take a side-trip to Helsinki? The easiest, fastest, and cheapest way is to take the Tallinn to Helsinki ferry!

Why visit Helsinki in the first place?

Helsinki is a beautiful city and has a much different vibe than Tallinn. It is also bigger and there are a lot of places to explore so it is possible that you’ll need a day to see what the city has to offer. On top of that, there are tons of amazing day trips you can do while in Helsinki that will take you to amazing places such as Nuuksio National Park for hiking or Porvoo (Finland’s old capital).

The Helsinki to Tallinn route is often a more popular choice for Finns themselves and it is famously known as the booze cruise where Finns would cross borders to buy cheaper alcohol and tobacco to carry back home. I may, or may have not participated in that famous cruise but that’s a story for another day!

Otherwise, I’ve personally taken this cruise both ways (Helsinki to Tallinn and Tallinn to Helsinki) so many times I don’t even know how much.

I’ve once considered buying an apartment in Tallinn as I really loved the vibes of the city that I actually wanted to call it home at one point before deciding to settle down in Tampere.

Anyways, if you’re in Tallinn then I definitely recommend you to visit Helsinki either for a day or for a few days!

If you’re planning to visit Helsinki, find amazing hotel deals and a nice place to stay in Helsinki city center or hotels near Helsinki airport.

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Which ferry to take from Tallinn to Helsinki?

There are three major ferries that travel between Tallinn and Helsinki on a daily basis:

• Eckerö Line
• Viking Line
• Tallink

I’ve personally been to all three numerous times and honestly, the biggest difference for me between the three is nothing. I usually choose the cheapest and fastest option, board on it, find a cozy spot to spend the quick journey, and that’s it – I am in Helsinki.

I often just buy a ticket and sit on the floor the whole journey (it is only 2 to 2.5hrs) and head to the shop an hour before docking to buy what I want to buy. Most of the time I already bought what I need and want in Tallinn before boarding so often times my hands are already full.

However, if you want your journey to be a bit comfier, you can always book a cabin for maybe €20-€40 so you can sleep or have your privacy and have some peace.

How to book your Tallinn to Helsinki Ferry

I often just book the tickets straight from the cruise line’s website or I check availability through Laevapiletid – a comparison website that shows you ALL cruise line schedules every day and as well prices comparisons.

Otherwise, I am signed up to all three cruise line’s newsletters so I get dibs on their latest ticket sales and buy directly from there. I did use to visit Tallinn a lot so I needed to be aware of ticket prices to make sure I get the best deals!

How long is the ferry ride from Tallinn to Helsinki?

It takes between 2 to 2.5 hours per journey! It is really quick so you can easily go back after spending a few hours in Helsinki.

How much does the ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki cost

It cost anywhere between €11 to €30 per journey! You can check and compare each cruise line via Laevapiletid. They all take the same amount of time and honestly if you’re only looking to board and don’t do anything else on the boat then it doesn’t matter at all which cruise line you’ll take, they are all somewhat the same by the end of the day.

What to expect when you’re boarded at Tallinn to Helsinki ferry

Be mindful that depending on what time of the day you’re on board, your experience will definitely vary! The reason is that if you board in the morning, there’s a lot of chances that you’ll be cruising with Estonians and Finns heading back to Finland after a short vacay in Estonia – they’ll be tired but normal. Most likely carrying alcohol beyond the cruise limit hoping the border control will not notice (they do, I bet).

Also, taking the earlier boat to Helsinki could be cheaper and as well a bit more spacious as there would be fewer people on board.

However, if you board in the afternoon then you’re in for some special experience as most people will be Estonians and Finns heading back to Finland after an all-day (or multiple days) bender trying to “smuggle” back as much alcohol and tobacco they possibly can with their strollers and huge luggage. They will be chatty, talkative, and friendly – a sentence that you’ll least describe a Finn or an Estonian unless they are infused with some chatter potion also called alcohol.

It is a funny experience to witness. Also, if you board in the afternoon, there’s going to be a bit crowded and might be a bit busier than if you take the earlier ferry.

What to bring with you on the Tallinn to Helsinki ferry?

It depends on how many hours or days your wish to stay in Helsinki but I’ll take the weather-appropriate clothes with me, a change of clothes, toiletries, and so on if I’m staying for more than a day. If you’re there just for a day trip, just take a water bottle, an extra layer of clothes (if it is winter), a comfy pair of shoes for walking, and maybe a kindle or a book to pass time while in the boat.

How pass time while on the ferry? Is there Wifi!?

If I’m on this journey, I often prep a little bit beforehand because hear this, the wifi in all of these three ferries that goes between Tallinn and Helsinki is close to NON-EXISTENT. So, brace yourself if you like to browse on your phone a lot.

I choose which book to take with me, I download a movie or show from HBO or Disney plus to watch on my phone, and I buy a lot of snacks before I board – this routine has saved me in this wifi-less 2.5hrs journey!

To be honest, 2.5hrs is nothing and it passes real quick alone or if I am with friends on board, we just chatter and snack, and next thing we know, we’re in Helsinki.

Does the Tallinn to Helsinki ferry ticket come with a cabin?

A regular ticket does not come with a cabin. The ticket just basically gives you entry to the boat and that’s it. But of course, if you want your trip to be a bit more comfortable, you can buy a cabin for €20 to €40 and you can stay there for the whole duration of the trip (2.5hrs).

Otherwise, if the boat is quite empty then you can easily find seats either in the bar area, cafe, or entertainment area. The roof deck is also full of chairs and benches to sit on if it is summertime but be aware that seagulls exist and they are not very kind animals.

If the boat is at full capacity, then I’m sorry to say but there is plenty of floor space to sit on. Just find your place, camp there for 2.5hrs, and you’re set! I choose this more than the others as it can sometimes be the comfiest option.

Do I need a visa to enter Helsinki? What else to bring with you?

If you have a valid Schengen visa or you’re an EU citizen then you’re good! You also need your passport or a government-issued ID card (if you’re from Estonia or other EU countries) to cross the border.

Port of Tallinn (Harbor)

Unlike Helsinki, Tallinn only has one harbor that takes passenger cruise ships so it’s a bit simpler and it is also located about a 20-minute walk from Tallinn’s Old Town. The harbor has 4 terminals that are interconnected and pretty close to each other so the chance of you getting lost is slim.

Also, remember to arrive at least 1 hour early so you have time to check in! They close the doors 30 minutes before departure.

What to do in Helsinki? I got you!

Located in the southern part of the country and along the shore of the Gulf of Finland, Helsinki is Finland’s historic capital city.

Although it is relatively smaller and less populated, it brims with various historical and cultural attractions. Its size makes it a convenient and ideal destination for those chasing more serene destinations.

Another advantage of being a small city is the fact that tourists can easily hop from one attraction to another by walking.

Take a walk and find yourself immersed in the city’s stunning architecture, culture, and shopping destinations, verdant and impressive parks, and lush forests. You can also stroll along the coastline and catch a view of the numerous islands.

One of the city’s top attractions is the National Museum of Finland which showcases a significant volume of materials from the prehistoric periods to modern times. The museum’s building is a neomedieval castle, making it a photographic view as well.

Tourists who love learning history can likewise visit the University Museum and the Natural History Museum within the compound of the University of Helsinki. Learn more about the city’s 500-year history when you explore the Helsinki City Museum.

Tourists coming from Sweden Germany, and Tallinn in Estonia can take one of the daily ferry services to reach Helsinki. For more convenience, you can ask your chosen ferry company to take a car with you.