When you think if Helsinki and Tallinn, you’d be forgiven for thinking they were worlds apart. Whilst one is part of the Nordic region, the other is firmly planted in the ex-Soviet Baltic States and both come with all the baggage of the relevant stereotypes.
Unknown to many outside of this region is how much these two neighbours across the sea share, from both speaking similar languages from the same obscure family, to a love of all things sauna.
I’ve heard them being described as “cousins who grew up next door to each other“, and that they share a lot of the same family traits, but have their own unique upbringing!
Sitting just across The Gulf of Finland, I discovered that each city is a short ferry ride apart. In fact, they’re close enough that it’s entirely possible (and popular amongst locals) to do a day trip.
You’ll need to do some planning in advance, however.
Costs vary at different times of the year and all three ferry companies arrive at different terminals. A little research goes a long way to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Quick Answer: The Best Ways To Get From Helsinki From Tallinn
Ok, we’re not here to mess around, let’s get right to the point.
If you’re looking for the best and cheapest way to take the ferry between Tallinn and Helsinki, that would be to book online via 12Go.
This way you have all options laid out in front of you so you can select the best times, cheapest options and get an instant confirmation. If you’re travelling in summer (especially over a weekend) I would recommend booking as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Fortunately, with 12Go you can book before you leave home.
If you are a little unsure, the easiest way to take a day trip is to book a guided tour with transfers included. This option is a little more expensive but it means you’ll be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation and you’ll also have a guided tour of Helsinki.
How To Get To Helsinki From Tallinn
Taking the ferry between Tallinn and Helsinki is not just a popular way for visitors to the area to hit up two different countries, but it’s also super popular for locals wanting a change of scenery for the day.
Taking the ferry is mega easy, but there are a few considerations you should bear in mind.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
What Helsinki to Tallinn ferry companies are available?
There are three different ferry companies offering the route – Tallink Silja, Eckerö Line and Viking Line. They’re all a little bit different, but they take about the same amount of time to get from one city to the other.
I took the Viking Line for two reasons:
It leaves early in the morning so it gave me a good amount of time in Helsinki, and the second is that it’s usually the cheapest. When I went in the winter, it was only €10 each way. Even in the summer it rarely breaks €20.
Eckerö Line is a little more expensive. From what I’ve heard from locals, there isn’t really a lot of difference between Eckerö Line and Viking Line in terms of service. What makes it worth it is that their ferry departs Helsinki later, giving you more time in the city if you are taking a day trip from Tallinn.
So what about Tallink Silja? This is the newest ferry on the route and it’s more geared towards the tourist market. It is more expensive, but if you want a little bit more of an upmarket and modern vibe, this is the one for you. It’s only an extra €10 on average.
You’ll need to keep in mind that these ferries all depart from different terminals.
In Tallinn, they’re all pretty close to each other, but in Helsinki, you’ll need to make sure you arrive at the right one. Taxi drivers on both ends will know which one departs from where, so make sure to tell them which company you are sailing with. If you’re going by public transport, make sure to check the address on your ticket.
Practical Information For The Helsinki to Tallinn Ferry
Finland and Estonia are both in the Schengen Area, so there aren’t any border controls between them. If you are arriving from outside the area they will both count towards the three months on your Schengen Visa. Crossing from one country to the other feels just like taking a ferry between different cities in the same country.
You are advised to arrive at least an hour before check-in. It closes for foot passengers 30 minutes before departure, and 45 minutes before for vehicles. Bicycles and e-scooters are classed as vehicles for check-in purposes, though on all lines bicycles won’t incur any extra charges.
You might be denied boarding if you arrive drunk, although in practice, this usually only applies to those who are disruptive and the ferry actually gets full up with drunks at the weekend! You can only drink alcohol bought in the restaurants – the shop operates like an airport duty-free, so this should be kept sealed until you leave the ship.
It’s actually quite common for locals from Helsinki to buy their alcohol on this route since it’s a lot cheaper than it is at home. And if you’re a smoker, there’s a smoking area on the outdoor deck.
I’ll also warn you a little bit about seasickness. I’m not usually seasick but I felt quite queasy on this route. The sea can get pretty rough in the winter, so make sure you prepare.
Sleeping is not allowed in public areas, so if you think you might need to lie down it’s worth considering a cabin. Though, in my experience, you’re not going to get thrown overboard if you drop off whilst sitting in one of the lounges!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Getting to the Harbours
Tallinn: The harbour in Tallinn is located within a close distance from the city and it takes around about 15 minutes to walk. Alternatively, you can take bus line 20 and you’ll be there in under 4 minutes.
Helsinki: Again, the port isn’t a massive distance from the city, so it only takes 30 minutes to walk. You could also take Tram Line 4 which will take around 10 minutes.
The Best Way to Take The Tallinn To Helsinki Ferry
Viking Line for me is the best option for this route.
Its early morning ferry leaves at 7:00 am (arriving in Helsinki at 9:30 am), which was an ideal balance between getting there first thing and also not ending up exhausted.
An 8:30 pm return (arriving back in Tallinn at 11:00 pm) gave me enough time to explore without it getting too late.
Plus, I could easily book online beforehand and found their prices to be the most competitive.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
The Easiest Way to Take The Ferry From Tallinn To Helsinki
Whilst taking the ferry yourself is super easy, even for the inexperienced traveller, I understand that for some people it might seem like too much to organise.
Never fear, because this trip is accessible to all and everyone.
On Get Your Guide it’s easy to book a day tour which includes transfers to and from your accommodation to the ferry port as well as having a guide meet you in Helsinki. This way you’ll really be able to maximise the time you have in Helsinki without worrying about missing your ferry back!
You’ll also have some free time after your tour to explore Helsinki on your own.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Where Else Can I Go?
Tallinn to Helsinki is the most popular route on the Baltic Sea, but it’s not the only one by any means. You can sail from both cities to the Åland Islands, a unique Finnish archipelago with Swedish heritage.
Speaking of Sweden, there’s also a popular ferry trip from both cities to Stockholm, though this does take a lot longer.
Always wanted to visit Russia but were put off by the arduous visa process? If you take the ferry from Tallinn or Helsinki to St Petersburg you can stay in the city for 72 hours without a visa. You just need to make sure you tick a few boxes.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
You never know when that rough sea might take a turn, especially if you’ve had a few bevvies at the bar! Make sure to get yourself some decent travel insurance before you travel just to be on the safe side.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About The Ferry From Tallinn To Helsinki
Final Thoughts On The Tallinn to Helsinki Ferry
Alrighty then, there you have it. Hopefully, I’ve given you enough information so you can make this fantastic journey for yourself. I had a great time visiting Helsinki on a day trip from Tallinn. Being literally flat-out broke backpackers at the time (not much has changed!), it meant we could visit what is quite an expensive country on a shoestring budget.
What’s more, in the 11 hours we spent there we managed to do a whole heap of fun stuff, including taking another ferry around the archipelago.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking in Finland.
- Have a look at our guide to where to stay in Helsinki to choose the perfect area!
- You’ll need a hostel in Helsinki – it’s a great way to start your trip!
- Find out the cost of travel in Finland.
- Check out this epic guide to the best hostels in Tallinn before your trip.
- Have a look where to stay in Tallinn to select the right area for you.
- If you’re staying for longer, have a look at this guide to being a digital nomad in Tallinn.
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