🗺 DAY TRIP

Guide 2026 · Helsinki–Tallinn

Day Trip
Helsinki–Tallinn

Experience Tallinn in one day: take the morning ferry, explore the UNESCO Old Town, return in the evening. Same-day return from €14 — the perfect day trip across the Gulf of Finland.

from €14

Same-day return

2:00 h

Crossing (Tallink)

6–8 h

Time in Tallinn

82 km

Distance

Optimal Schedule

Best Departure Times

For maximum time in Tallinn: take an early morning ferry and return with the evening ferry.

☀️ Recommended Outbound

07:30

→ 09:30

Tallink

from €12

08:00

→ 10:30

Viking Line

from €14

09:00

→ 11:30

Eckero Line

from €19

10:00

→ 12:00

Tallink

from €9

🌙 Recommended Return

16:30

→ 18:30

Tallink

from €18

18:00

→ 20:30

Viking Line

from €14

19:30

→ 21:30

Tallink

from €13

20:30

→ 23:00

Viking Line

from €14

Times in local time. Prices vary by season and booking date. As of March 2026.

Recommended Itinerary

Tallinn in One Day

A tried-and-tested schedule for the perfect day trip — with enough time for the Old Town, sightseeing and a leisurely lunch.

07:30

Departure from Helsinki (Tallink MyStar)

Check in at West Terminal 2. Breakfast on board at the Delight Buffet or coffee at the Garden Bar. The 2-hour crossing passes quickly.

09:30

Arrival at Terminal D, Tallinn

From Terminal D, it is a 15–20 minute walk to the Old Town. The route leads via Pikksilma Street directly to the city wall gate Suur Rannavärav.

10:00

Explore the Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage)

Start at Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats). Continue along Viru Street to St Catherine's Passage — one of the most photogenic lanes in the city.

11:00

Toompea Hill & Viewpoints

Ascend to the Cathedral Hill: visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, then the Kohtuotsa and Patkuli viewing platforms for panoramic views over the Old Town rooftops and harbour.

12:30

Lunch in the Old Town

Numerous restaurants around Town Hall Square. Try Estonian cuisine: dark bread, blood sausage, or hearty soups. Budget: €10–20 per person.

14:00

Telliskivi Creative Quarter or Shopping

Telliskivi Creative City is a 10-minute walk north of the Old Town — street art, design shops, cafes. Alternatively: buy souvenirs in the Old Town.

16:00

Last Coffee & Walk Back to Terminal

Leisurely walk back to Terminal D. Allow a 30-minute buffer. Check-in closes 20 minutes before departure.

16:30

Return to Helsinki

Departure on the Tallink Megastar. Shopping at the Traveller Superstore, dinner on board. Arrival in Helsinki at 18:30.

Day Trip Tickets

Cheapest Options Compared

All three ferry operators offer special day trip fares — Viking Line's same-day return is particularly affordable.

Operator	Day Trip Offer	Price	Conditions
Viking Line ★	Same-day return: 50% off the return trip	from €14 (round trip)	Departure Tallinn by 10:45 · Return from Helsinki from 19:00
Tallink	Day trip discount: up to 40% off round trip	from approx. €15 (round trip)	Outbound and return on the same day
Eckero Line	No special day trip fare	from approx. €30 (2x one-way)	Single tickets · 3:15 h crossing = little time in Tallinn

🏆 Best Value for Money

Viking Line's same-day return from €14 is the cheapest day trip fare. The catch: outbound departs from Tallinn (ideal for Tallinn residents visiting Helsinki) or use the SDR from Helsinki with an evening return.

💡 Tip: Mix and Match

For maximum flexibility: book a cheap Tallink ticket for the outbound (from €9) and a separate ticket for the return. This way you are not tied to fixed departure times.

Tallinn in One Day

What to See in Tallinn

🏰

Old Town (UNESCO)

One of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe. Cobblestones, city walls, Gothic towers.

⛪️

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Impressive Russian Orthodox cathedral on Toompea Hill. Free admission.

🏛️

Town Hall Square

Heart of the Old Town. Cafes, restaurants and the famous Town Hall tower (ascent possible).

🎨

Telliskivi

Creative quarter north of the Old Town: street art, design shops, craft beer bars, weekend flea market.

Cost Planning

How Much Does a Day Trip Cost?

Tallinn is considerably cheaper than Helsinki — a day trip is feasible even on a small budget.

Item	Budget	Comfort	Premium
Ferry round trip	€14–18	€25–35	€50–80
Lunch	€8–12	€15–25	€30–50
Coffee & snacks	€3–5	€6–10	€10–15
Admissions & sightseeing	€0 (on foot)	€5–15	€20–30
Souvenirs & shopping	€0–10	€15–30	€50+
Total per person	€25–45	€66–115	€160–225

Practical Tips

Good to Know

💳 Passport or ID Card

Both countries are in the Schengen Area, but a valid ID is required on board. For EU citizens, a national ID card is sufficient.

💶 Currency & Payment

Estonia uses the euro — no currency exchange needed. Card payment is accepted almost everywhere. On board the ferries, card payment only.

🕐 Time Zone

Both Helsinki and Tallinn are in the EET time zone (UTC+2). No need to adjust your watch — the same time applies in both cities.

🚶 From Terminal to Old Town

15–20 minutes on foot. The walking route is signposted. Alternatively: taxi approx. €5 or tram line 1/2 from Linnahall stop.

💡 Book Early

Especially in summer (June–August), early morning ferries sell out quickly. Booking 2–3 weeks in advance secures the best prices and seats.

📷 Luggage Tip

Travel with just a day backpack. There is no luggage limit on the ferries, but lockers in Tallinn cost extra. A small backpack is enough for the day.