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Travel info · Helsinki–Tallinn

Accessible
Travel

All four ferries on the Helsinki–Tallinn route have wheelchair-accessible cabins and toilets. Port assistance is free under EU law — the only thing that matters is registering 48 hours before departure.

48 h
Register for assistance ahead
93 cm
Door width, Tallink cabins
0 €
Port assistance (EU law)
4
Ships with accessible cabins
Overview

Accessible Ferries on the Gulf of Finland

Megastar, MyStar, Viking XPRS and Finlandia all have lifts between passenger decks, wheelchair-accessible toilets and accessible cabins. The differences come down to details — and registration deadlines.

EU Regulation 1177/2010
Assistance in the ports and during boarding and disembarking is free of charge, and the carriage of wheelchairs and mobility aids cannot be refused or charged for. In Helsinki and Tallinn, the port operator organises the terminal assistance.
A Cabin for 2 Hours?
On the short crossing, a cabin is optional — the public areas of all four ships can be reached without steps. Anyone who wants an accessible cabin should book early, since numbers are limited on every ship.
Tallink Silja Line

Megastar & MyStar — Accessibility

Tallink's two ships, Megastar and MyStar, offer comprehensive accessible facilities for passengers with reduced mobility.

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Accessible Cabins (Deck 10)
93 cm wide doors at both the cabin and bathroom, a shower with a fold-down seat and grab rails, and an SOS button. Megastar: 9 sqm for up to 3 people. MyStar: 9.5 sqm for up to 5 people, plus a baby-changing table.
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Wheelchairs to Borrow on Board
Megastar and MyStar carry a limited number of loan wheelchairs, available at the information desk. If you'll definitely need one, it's best to notify the Contact Centre in advance.
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Accessible Toilets
Wheelchair-accessible toilets with grab rails and an emergency call button — on the MyStar located on Deck 8 and Deck 9. Lifts connect all passenger decks.
Companion Travels Free
With Tallink, the companion (assistant) of a passenger with a disability travels free of charge, with no fuel or emissions surcharges. Booking the companion is handled through customer service, not online.
Travelling by Car: Don't Stay on Board
The car deck is closed during the crossing — staying in the vehicle is not permitted on Tallink. Wheelchair users are best off arranging a parking spot near the lift when registering for assistance through the Contact Centre.
Viking Line & Eckerö Line

Viking XPRS & Finlandia — Accessibility

The Viking XPRS and the MS Finlandia are also set up for passengers with reduced mobility — with some differences in the details.

Viking XPRS
  • Accessible cabin type “HB3 Inside” on Deck 6: 13.4 sqm, fitted out for wheelchair users, bookable subject to availability
  • Two wheelchair-accessible toilets on Deck 8 — in the bow area near the Red Rose Pub and by the arcade close to The Buffet
  • A spare wheelchair for emergencies is kept on board, with the assistance meeting point at the service desk
  • The service desk has an induction loop (T-symbol); the accessibility conditions are also available in Braille and large print
  • Limitation noted by Viking Line: large electric wheelchairs and Permobil-style chairs cannot reach every area
Eckerö Line — MS Finlandia
  • Lifts run between Deck 3 and Deck 8; the sun deck (Deck 9) is reached via separate lifts
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilets on Deck 7 and Deck 8
  • Accessible cabins with an adapted bathroom on Deck 6–7, in limited numbers
  • High-contrast surfaces and extended handrails; a few doors have safety-related thresholds
  • Note: the freight ferry Finbo Cargo is not wheelchair-accessible and has no assistance service — for accessible travel, take the Finlandia
Operator Comparison

Accessibility Compared

Here's how the three operators differ in the accessible features on their ships.

Feature Tallink (Megastar/MyStar) Viking Line (XPRS) Eckerö Line (Finlandia)
Accessible cabins Yes — Deck 10, 93 cm doors Yes — “HB3 Inside”, Deck 6, 13.4 sqm Yes — Deck 6–7, adapted bathroom
Wheelchair-accessible toilets Yes — MyStar: Deck 8 & 9 2 × Deck 8 Deck 7 & 8
Wheelchairs to borrow on board Yes, at the information desk (limited) Spare wheelchair for emergencies only Not documented — ask in advance
Registering for assistance 48 h ahead, Contact Centre 48 h ahead, tel. 0600 41577 48 h ahead, tel. 06000 4300
Companion Travels free (booked via customer service) No discount; mandatory if help is needed throughout Not documented
Induction loop Not documented Yes, service desk (T-symbol) Not documented

“Not documented” means the operator hasn't published official details — when in doubt, ask directly while registering for assistance (within the 48-hour deadline). As of August 2026.

Assistance Service

Registering for Assistance: the 48-Hour Rule

Under EU Regulation 1177/2010, assistance in the ports and during boarding and disembarking is free of charge. To make sure it's ready for you, all three operators use the same deadline: register at least 48 hours before departure.

Operator Registration On the Day of Departure
Tallink Through the Contact Centre, ideally right at booking. Luggage help for up to 2 pieces at 35 kg each is included. 60 min. before departure at the assistance meeting point in the terminal
Viking Line By phone on 0600 41577 (FI) or via the online “Passengers with reduced mobility” form. 60 min. before departure at the ISA meeting point in the terminal
Eckerö Line By phone on 06000 4300 (from abroad +358 9 228 8544) or by ticking “Passenger with reduced mobility” during online booking. Luggage help for up to 2 pieces at 35 kg each. 60 min. before departure at the meeting point in the terminal
Who Helps in the Terminal?
In Helsinki and Tallinn, the port operator handles terminal assistance, not the ferry company. In Tallinn, assistance can also be arranged directly with the port: +372 631 8550, at least 24 hours before departure.
Help on Board
Crew help with boarding and disembarking. Anyone who needs continuous support during the crossing travels with their own companion on Viking Line — on Tallink, that companion travels free of charge.
Terminals

Accessible Terminals

All four terminals on the route have step-free access, lifts, wheelchair-accessible toilets and marked assistance meeting points. Here's how to find your way around.

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Helsinki West Terminal T2 (Tallink & Eckero)
Step-free entrance, lifts, wheelchair-accessible toilets, accessible gangways. The assistance meeting point has a blue sign in the entrance area — be there 60 minutes before departure. Disabled parking is free for permit holders with no time limit; short-stay drop-off/pick-up spots are about 10 m from the terminal door (Atlantinkatu).
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Helsinki Katajanokka (Viking Line)
Same port standards as the West Terminal: step-free access, lifts, ramps, accessible toilets and a marked assistance meeting point (60 minutes ahead). Disabled parking is free, except for the reservation-only P5 area.
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Tallinn Terminal D (Tallink)
Meeting point for passengers with disabilities on the 1st floor, with a phone to call staff — be there at least 1 hour before departure. Accessible toilets, lifts and escalators to the ship; port staff can accompany you between the terminal and the ship with special vehicles on request. Free Kiss&Sail short-stay spots in front of the terminal, with a parking garage right next to it.
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Tallinn Terminal A (Viking & Eckero)
Also has a meeting point on the 1st floor (1 hour ahead), with lifts and accessible toilets. Register through the operator or directly with the port: +372 631 8550, at least 24 hours ahead. Note for electric wheelchair users: according to Eckerö Line, Tallinn has no gangway lifts suitable for electric wheelchairs — check with the operator beforehand.
Practical Tips

Tips for Accessible Travel

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Register 48 Hours Ahead
Register for assistance with the operator at least 48 hours before departure — easiest to do right at booking. That's the only way to guarantee help in the terminal.
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Arrive 60 Min. Early
On the day of departure, arrive at the marked assistance meeting point in the terminal one hour ahead — in Tallinn, it's on the 1st floor.
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Assistance Is Free
Help in the ports and during boarding and disembarking is free of charge under EU Regulation 1177/2010 — including the carriage of wheelchairs and mobility aids.
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Reserve a Cabin Early
Accessible cabins are limited on every ship. Optional for the 2-hour crossing — anyone who wants one should book early, especially June–August.
Important Notes

Good to Know

More information for travellers with reduced mobility on the Helsinki–Tallinn route.

Electric Wheelchairs
Bringing one on board is possible and free of charge — state the type and dimensions when registering 48 hours ahead. Two known limitations: in Tallinn, Eckerö Line reports no gangway lifts suitable for electric wheelchairs, and on the Viking XPRS, large Permobil-style chairs cannot reach every area.
Discounts
Blanket disability discounts aren't common on Finnish and Estonian ferries. The concrete benefit: on Tallink, the companion travels free of charge (booked through customer service), and assistance is free everywhere.
⚠️ Rough Weather Notice
In heavy seas, some areas of the ship may be temporarily restricted. The crew will assist you in such situations.
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: Accessible Travel Between Helsinki and Tallinn

Do I need to register for assistance in advance?
Yes, at least 48 hours before departure with the operator: Tallink via the Contact Centre, Viking Line by calling 0600 41577 or through the online form, Eckerö Line by calling 06000 4300 or ticking the box during booking. In Tallinn, it can also be arranged directly with the port (+372 631 8550, at least 24 hours ahead). On the day of departure, be at the assistance meeting point 60 minutes ahead.
Are there wheelchair-accessible cabins on the day ferry?
Yes, on all four ships: Megastar and MyStar on Deck 10 (93 cm wide doors, shower with a fold-down seat), Viking XPRS with the “HB3 Inside” cabin on Deck 6 (13.4 sqm), Finlandia with adapted cabins on Deck 6–7. Numbers are limited everywhere, so book early. For the 2-hour crossing, a cabin is optional.
Is port assistance free of charge?
Yes. Under EU Regulation 1177/2010, assistance in the ports and during boarding and disembarking is free of charge; the port operator is responsible for it in Helsinki and Tallinn. Tallink and Eckero also help with up to 2 pieces of luggage weighing 35 kg each.
Can wheelchair users board with a car?
Yes. Viking Line recommends boarding through the terminal and, on request (when registering 48 hours ahead), assigns a parking spot near the lift — staff help with getting out of the vehicle. During the crossing, the car deck is closed on all operators, so staying in the vehicle is not allowed.
Does a companion travel free of charge?
With Tallink, yes — the companion travels free, booked through customer service. Viking Line and Eckerö Line do not offer a companion discount; anyone who needs continuous help on board must travel with their own companion on Viking Line.
What applies to electric wheelchairs?
Bringing one on board is possible and free of charge — state the type and dimensions in advance. Two limitations are officially documented: according to Eckerö Line, Tallinn has no gangway lifts suitable for electric wheelchairs, and on the Viking XPRS, large Permobil-style chairs cannot reach every area. Clarify both with the operator before booking.
Book an Accessible Ferry
Book directly with the operator and select an accessible cabin during the booking process.
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