How to get from Tallinn to Helsinki

Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Estonia · Finland · Urban & Cultural · Helsinki · Tallinn

Tallinn to Helsinki is one of Europe’s easiest international hops: most travelers ride a fast ferry across the Gulf of Finland (around 2–2.5 hours). You can go as a foot passenger, drive your own car onto the ferry, join a guided day trip, or (far less common) fly. Below are the pros/cons, how to book, and exact steps with map links.

At A Glance (Tallinn to Helsinki)

Mode Duration Best For
⛴️ Fast Ferry (Foot Passenger) ~2–2.5h crossing (+ check-in) Most travelers, frequent daily departures
🏷️ Cost: ~€20–60 one-way (dynamic pricing) » compare sailings | more listings
🚗⛴️ Car Ferry (Drive-On) ~2–2.5h crossing (+ loading/unloading) Road trips, families with luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~€60–160+ per car + passengers (seasonal) » need a rental?
🧭 Organized Day Trip (Ferry + Guide) ~12–14h round trip Hassle-free sightseeing, first-time visitors
🏷️ Cost: ~€80–200 pp (includes ferry & guiding) » browse tours
✈️ Flight (TLL → HEL) ~30–40m in air (+ airport time) Niche schedules; when seas are rough and a direct flight runs
🏷️ Cost: highly variable; check current availability » search flights | Trip.com fares

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

  • Fastest & easiest for most: Fast ferry as a foot passenger (lots of daily departures, café/lounge seating, easy terminals).
  • Bringing a car or lots of gear: Drive-on car ferry for seamless door-to-door road trips on both shores.
  • Want a guided experience: Organized day trip packages ferry tickets plus Helsinki highlights.
  • Flight only if it fits: TLL→HEL routes are limited; ferry is usually cheaper and just as quick city-center to city-center.

How to Book and Practical Tips

⛴️ Option #1 — Fast Ferry (Foot Passenger, Most Popular)

Frequent ~2–2.5h Budget-friendly

  • Overview: Comfortable high-capacity ships run year-round. Typical operators: Tallink, Viking Line, Eckerö Line. Facilities include cafés, buffet, lounges, and duty-free.
  • How to book (with price): ~€20–60 one-way (dynamic). Compare times/cabins on GetYourGuide or Trip.com experiences. Official sites: Tallink Silja, Viking Line, Eckerö Line.
  • Pros: Many departures; easy terminals; city-center to city-center. Cons: Prices rise close to departure; popular sailings can be busy.

Step-by-step: Fast Ferry (Foot Passenger)

  1. Choose a sailing time and operator; book online (GYG/Trip.com or the ferry’s site). Consider adding a reserved seat or lounge for peak times.
  2. In Tallinn, get to your terminal: D-Terminal (Tallink) or A-Terminal (Eckerö/Viking). Use taxi/ride-hailing or walk from Old Town (~15–25 minutes).
  3. Arrive ~45–60 minutes before departure; follow signs for foot passengers, scan your code, and board.
  4. Enjoy the 2–2.5h crossing. In Helsinki, you’ll arrive at West Terminal 2 (Tallink/Eckerö) or Katajanokka (Viking). Continue by tram/taxi to the center.

Getting to the main embarking points (Tallinn & Helsinki ferry terminals)

  • Tallinn to terminals: Walk or take a short taxi/ride-hail to D-Terminal or A-Terminal.
  • Helsinki from terminals: From West Terminal 2 take tram 7/9 toward the center; from Katajanokka take tram 4.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗⛴️ Option #2 — Car Ferry (Drive-On, Best with Lots of Luggage)

Door-to-door Family-friendly Reserve early

  • Overview: Take your own car or a rental onto the ferry. Check-in for vehicles closes earlier than for foot passengers; arrive in time to queue for loading.
  • How to book (with price): ~€60–160+ per car (size/season) plus passenger fares. Compare Tallinn car rentals on Booking.com Car Rental. Official booking: Tallink, Viking Line, or Eckerö vehicle tickets.
  • Pros: No repacking; perfect for a Finland road trip. Cons: Higher price; arrive earlier for vehicle check-in.

Step-by-step: Car Ferry

  1. Reserve a vehicle space on your chosen ferry (time and terminal) and add passengers during booking.
  2. Pick up your car (if renting) and drive to Tallinn D-Terminal (vehicles) or A-Terminal vehicle lanes; follow signage to the check-in booths.
  3. Arrive 60–90 minutes before departure; staff will direct you onto the car deck. Lock the car and go to passenger decks.
  4. On arrival in Helsinki, drive off the ferry at West Terminal 2 (most operators) or Katajanokka (Viking) and continue to your destination.

Getting to the main embarking points (Vehicle lanes & exits)

  • Vehicle check-in lanes: Clearly marked at both Tallinn terminals; have ID, booking reference, and car papers ready.
  • Driving out in Helsinki: Observe speed limits near terminals; trams have priority in city streets.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🧭 Option #3 — Organized Day Trip (Ferry + Guide, Hassle-Free)

Guided highlights Tickets handled Fixed schedule

  • Overview: A single voucher covers ferry tickets and a guided Helsinki city tour. Ideal if you want stories, efficient routing, and guaranteed timings.
  • How to book (with price): ~€80–200 per person depending on inclusions (guided walk, transit tickets, museum entries). Compare options on GetYourGuide.
  • Pros: Zero planning, good for first-timers. Cons: Less free time; group pace.

Step-by-step: Organized Day Trip

  1. Pick a tour with ferry times that suit you (early out, late back) on GetYourGuide.
  2. Meet at the designated Tallinn terminal or hotel pickup point; collect boarding passes if required.
  3. Sail to Helsinki; meet your guide on arrival at West Terminal 2 or Katajanokka and follow the itinerary (Senate Square, Market Square, Temppeliaukio, etc.).
  4. Return on your scheduled ferry; your guide/ticket includes instructions for check-in and boarding.

Getting to the main embarking points (Meeting points & terminals)

  • Meeting points: Tours usually start at the ferry terminal or a central Tallinn hotel—details on your voucher.
  • In Helsinki: Guides often use trams between sights; carry a contact number in case you get separated.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #4 — Flight (TLL → HEL, Limited Schedules)

Shortest airtime Weather-proof Airport time adds up

  • Overview: When available, direct flights cover the hop in ~30–40 minutes, but airport procedures and transfers reduce the time advantage versus ferries.
  • How to book (with price): Check current availability and fares on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
  • Pros: Useful in rough sea weeks. Cons: Limited schedules and usually pricier than ferries.

Step-by-step: Flight

  1. Search and book a TLL→HEL itinerary on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; check baggage rules.
  2. Get to Tallinn Airport (TLL) by taxi/ride-hail or tram line 4; arrive ~2 hours before departure.
  3. Land at Helsinki Airport (HEL); continue by train (I/P lines) or taxi/transfer to the city.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airports)

  • TLL transfers: Tram 4 connects the airport with central Tallinn; taxis are plentiful.
  • HEL to city: Local trains I/P run every ~10 minutes to Helsinki Central; for meet-&-greet compare GetTransfer or Welcome Pickups.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Tallinn to Helsinki)

How early should I arrive for the ferry?
Arrive 45–60 minutes before departure as a foot passenger; with a car, 60–90 minutes to allow for vehicle check-in and loading.

Which operator should I choose?
Tallink has many fast departures to West Terminal 2; Viking Line uses Katajanokka near central Helsinki; Eckerö Line offers competitive fares to West Terminal.

Can I work on board?
Yes. Ferries have Wi-Fi, power outlets in lounges, and quiet corners. Reserve a comfort/business lounge for extra space.

What about seasickness?
The Gulf crossing is short, but conditions vary. Sit midship and consider motion tablets if prone.

Do I need my passport/ID?
Carry a valid travel document per Schengen/airline/ferry rules. Random checks can occur at terminals.

Is there luggage storage near the terminals?
Yes—use station lockers or third-party services like Radical Storage Tallinn and Radical Storage Helsinki if your check-in/out times don’t align.

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