If you are a city hopper, crossing the Baltic Sea by ferry provides a unique entrance to experience Helsinki and Tallinn, each with its distinctive charm. As the ship glides across the Baltic Sea and approaches the destination, passengers are treated to coastal views of historical landmarks and modern marvels dotting the shores.
Which ferry to choose?
Three ferry companies run between Tallinn and Helsinki: Eckerö Line, Tallink Silja, and Viking Line. There aren’t big differences between the ferries: they all have little shops (including a tax-free), cafes, bars and restaurants to spend a couple of hours on the journey. In total, around 100 ferry crossings occur between Helsinki and Tallinn every week, and the number gets even higher during the summer.
There isn’t a big difference in the price, generally ranging from 21 to 31 euros. One exception is the Viking Line XPRS which runs from Helsinki to Tallinn overnight. The journey takes from 8.30 pm to 6 am and costs 69 euros. There is no overnight ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki.
Another exception is Tallink Silja’s recently refurbished ferry Mystar, which costs 37 euros. For this slightly higher price, you’ll get a touch more modern look inside the ferry.
In total, there are about 15 crossings per day. Eckerö Line has the earliest departure of the three ferry companies running between Helsinki and Tallinn, leaving at 6 am from both sides of the Sea. Eckerö Line runs six times per day between Tallinn and Helsinki, and the tickets cost 22 euros.
Tallink Silja’s first departure is at 7.30 am and the last at 11 pm. The journeys take 2 hours (cost 30–31 euros) apart from one crossing which takes 3,5 hours (21 euros). Tallink Silja’s schedule is the same both ways, whether you’re travelling from Helsinki or Tallinn.
Viking XPRS’s earliest departure is at 10.30 am and the latest at 8.30 pm. The latter arrives in Tallinn at 11.30 pm but you can also stay on the ferry till the next morning at 6 am (65 euros). Viking XPRS runs from Tallinn to Helsinki twice daily, at 7 am and 5 pm.
How long does the ferry take – and what’s the view like?
The crossing takes about 2 hours. First, you’ll see the cities’ shoreline as the ferries leave right from the central parts of Tallinn and Helsinki. There is only the sea and the blue horizon in sight for most of the trip. Wind doesn’t generally affect the ferries too much, and usually, you can enjoy a pleasantly sunny crossing – or an eerie feel as the horizon is covered in a foggy mist.
Where are the harbours and how to get to the city?
The harbours in Helsinki and Tallinn are located closeby to the city centres.
Helsinki’s harbour is called Länsiterminaali (The West Terminal). It’s a big class structure hosting a couple of cafes with drinks and food on offer, as well as bathrooms. Take tram numbers 7 or 9, and you’ll be in the city centre shopping district Kamppi in 16 minutes, and at the central railway station in 21 minutes. Tram number T1 takes you to the city centre as well.
Tallinn’s harbour (Sadama) is also located right next to the city centre and the medieval Old Town. The harbour is recently upgraded and has now two different terminals, few minutes walk from each other. Walking to the medieval Old Town takes about 20 minutes, but you can cut this journey by stopping by the Rotterman Quarter along the way. This bundle of red-bricked buildings hosts dozens of cafes, restaurants and shops. I like to have a coffee break here in the RØST bakery.
