Looking For The Best Ferry From Helsinki to Tallinn?  

Since I was already in Finland for a teaching conference, I figured why not cross over into the Baltic states to explore afterward.  But how?? My usual forms of transportation between countries are planes, trains, and automobiles. But when I looked up how to get from Helsinki to Tallinn, it seemed ferry was my best option, which was a new experience for me.  It seemed to be a pretty standard mode of transportation, so I wanted to find out which was the best ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn!  Please enjoy the benefits of my ridiculous research and experience 🙂

What Companies Offer a Helsinki to Tallinn Cruise?  

There are 3 major companies that offer a Helsinki to Estonia ferry: Eckerö Line, Tallink Silja, and Viking Line.   

I picked the same day a few weeks in the future for them to get a comparison of prices, but these are not set prices as they do vary from time to time.  Please use the following chart (in Euros) as a guide.

 

From the chart, you can see that Eckerö is generally the cheapest of the options.  Its negatives would be being less environmentally friendly, and it takes a longer time to cross.  However, it’s a short amount of time!

Tallink Silja is more expensive, but it has a lot more departures by a long shot!  Even though the prices don’t really indicate it, it seemed to be the most luxurious from the pictures on the website.

Viking Line is the most environmentally friendly and definitely touts it all over their site, which I think is amazing!  If you’re a conscious traveler, that might be the one for you!

Their similarities are that they all have wifi, and the price to cross with a car are all about the same!  

Eckerö is the cheapest, and that’s the one that I used.

 

Where Is There To Sit?

On all the ferry options, you have a few choices as to where you can be when the ferry is in motion.  There are cabins you can purchase, lounges you can access (some paid and some free), bars and restaurants, chairs, or just literally anywhere on the floor!  

Most of the time, I sat and charged up my phone and camera because I wanted to be all ready to go once I landed in Tallinn!

 

What Do I Do on the Tallinn Helsinki Ferry (and Vice Versa)?

Whether you’re going from Tallinn to Helsinki or Helsinki to Estonia, I’m sure you’ve gotta be wondering what is there to even do!  Well, I think you’d be surprised what you could get into during that time to make it fly by!

Shop

There are duty-free shops around the ferry, and I took this as an opportunity to buy the best chocolate I’ve ever had. I bought 2 large bars, and I wish I had gotten more!  There are lots of snacks to buy, bottles of alcohol (some you can even sample), flats of beer and soda, and or even nice souvenirs and presents.

Gamble

At least on the Eckero ferry that I was on, there were digital slot machines! I only put in a few coins, couldn’t read anything so just hit the big green button to “go,” and lost it all haha.  I’m not much of a gambler, but if you are, it was a way to pass the time.

Photoshoot

Ok, I’m probably the one person that does this, but the wind was just too good to not!  People pay good money for wind machines! So, up I went to the outer deck, braved the rain, and forced my new friend to take a burst shot to get my epic picture hahah #ForTheGram #WorthIt

Music and Entertainment

Viking and Tallink Silja actually offer clubs and musical entertainment!  That’s pretty cool, and I would definitely be into that for a longer cruise, but honestly, the Tallinn Helsinki ferry is only like 2 hours, so I can find something to do in that short amount of time.  But hey, it’s nice to have options, right?

Spa

Oh yea, you read that right! Viking and Tallink Silja actually have onboard spas and saunas while you’re on the ferry (Tallinn Helsinki or Helsinki Tallinn).  That would have definitely been a pleasant way to pass the time, especially on one of the longer ferry services that they offer.

 

Is there WIFI on the Tallinn Helsinki Ferry?

Can anyone even survive without wifi?  All three companies offer wifi free of charge, although don’t expect it to be the best in the world.

Best Way to Book Helsinki to Tallinn Cruise (and back)

You’re absolutely welcome to go straight to the company’s website of the company you’re the most drawn to based on all the information I’ve given you so far… but if you’re on the fence, or you’d like to compare all of your options, you need to go to Direct Ferries.  This is a website similar to Skyscanner in which you put where you’re going and when, and it shows you all your options.  

Using that website will really save you time, especially if you don’t care which line you use or if you’re just hunting for a specific time.

 

FAQ About Ferry (Tallinn Helsinki)

How long does the ferry take from Tallinn to Helsinki?

It’s between 2 and 2.5 hours depending on the company to go from Helsinki to Tallinn or back. 

How far in advance do I need to arrive?

Similar to a flight, you do need to arrive early and get settled.  You need to arrive about an hour in advance because everyone can’t all get there at once! Also similar to a flight, if you get there too close before departure, they also won’t let you on.  Get there before 20 minutes before departure. If you have a car with you, definitely get there earlier.

Where do the “Estonia to Helsinki” and “Helsinki to Estonia” Ferries Depart?

From Helsinki, Eckero and Tallink leave from the same ferry terminal, and Viking is a little farther away.  Make sure you check the exact address when you book. In Tallinn, there is one main port, but the ships dock at diff places.  I plotted them on the map for you below. Feel free to zoom in!

What is the Tallinn to Helsinki Ferry Cost? Same as the Helsinki to Estonia Ferry?

A standard one-way ticket should be about 20 Euros, but that price depends on how far in advance you purchase, which company you use, and what add-ons you include.  Please refer to the chart farther up for more specifics. 

Is Tallinn worth visiting?

Uhm, YES!  Tallinn has actually become one of my favorite European cities.  I absolutely loved the vibe and architecture of the Old Town. It is so much less crowded and less touristy than some other places say like Prague, Budapest, and Munich.  

Is Helsinki expensive?

In a word, yes.  Please read my Finland budget to get exact prices from my whole trip!  In short, I found the food, alcohol, and hotels to be more expensive, but activities and souvenirs were an average price.

Is it possible to be Tallinn to Helsinki Ferry Foot Passenger?

Yes, you are absolutely able to utilize the services of the ferries without the car.  There is ample room for a person without a car to hang around on the ship.

 

In Conclusion, Which is the Best Ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn?

For most people, I feel like the Eckero will be your best bet!  It seems to be consistently the cheapest with enough amenities to make it a comfortable trip!

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