How long does the Tallinn–Helsinki ferry crossing take?

With Tallink (Megastar or MyStar) the crossing takes exactly 2 hours. Viking Line takes about 2.5 hours, Eckerö Line around 2 hours 15 minutes.

Do I need a passport for the Tallinn–Helsinki ferry?

Yes — passport or national ID card. This is an international border crossing between Finland and Estonia (both Schengen Area).

Can I take my car on the Tallinn–Helsinki ferry?

Yes, all three operators transport vehicles. Eckerö Line: ticket from €15, with the car price depending on the vehicle size.

Can I bring a pet on the Tallinn–Helsinki ferry?

Yes, Tallink and Viking Line allow pets for a surcharge. Animals under 8 kg in a carrier bag; larger animals in a pet cabin. Pet passport required on Viking Line.

Do children travel free on the Tallinn–Helsinki ferry?

Children aged 0–5 travel free with all operators. Children aged 6–11 receive approx. 50% discount (Viking Line).

How early should I arrive at the ferry terminal?

Foot passengers: at least 30 minutes before departure. With a vehicle, check in earlier. Boarding closes 20 minutes before departure.

Gulf of Finland · 43 nautical miles · 3 ferry operators

Ferry
Tallinn–Helsinki
Compare directly.

All departures, live prices, and tickets from Tallink, Viking Line and Eckerö Line — independent, transparent, up to date.

12 daily

departures per day, per direction

from 9€

lowest price

2:00 h

fastest crossing

ferry operators

Why Gulf of Finland Ferries

The Route at a Glance

🛳

Most departures per day, per direction — peaking on Fridays

⚡

2:00 h

Fastest crossing (Tallink Megastar / MyStar)

💶

from 9€

Cheapest tickets — prices vary by day, flexible fare classes

🌿

LNG

Megastar & MyStar run on LNG — lower CO₂ emissions

3 Operators Compared

The Right Ferry for You

Each operator has its own strength — from the fastest crossing to the cheapest fare for your car.

2:00 h

Crossing

Departures/day

MyStar

Flagship

LNG

Propulsion

Megastar & MyStar — the most modern ships on the route
Business Lounge (buffet included) and Comfort Class available
Traveller Superstore across two decks
Multi-trip tickets: 8-, 14-, 24-trip packages

2:30–2:40 h

Crossing

Departures/day

XPRS

Flagship

50%

Return Discount

Katajanokka Terminal — right by Helsinki Market Square
Same-day return from €14 (50% off until 31 Dec 2026)
Cabins available (limited capacity)
Onboard playroom, ship's cat Ville Viking on board Fri–Sun

2:15 h

Crossing

Departures/day

FIN

Flag

15 €

Ticket from

Tickets from €15 — car price depends on vehicle size, and on the 6-hour mini cruise your car travels from €0
Ticket books for frequent travellers — fixed price, transferable
Early-morning departure Tallinn → Helsinki at 06:00 (Mon–Sat)
Hotel packages for Helsinki & Tallinn available

Detailed Comparison

All Operators at a Glance

Feature	🛳Tallink Silja	⚓Viking Line	🏳Eckerö Line
Journey Time	2:00 h	2:30–2:40 h	2:15–2:30 h
Departures/Week	~42	~15	~20
Price from	^€9 One-Way	^€14 Same-Day Return	^€15 One-Way
Ship	Megastar / MyStar	Viking XPRS	MS Finlandia
Helsinki Terminal	West Terminal 2	Katajanokka ⭐	West Terminal 2
Tallinn Terminal	Terminal D	Terminal A	Terminal A
Vehicles	✓	✓	✓
Pets	✓	✓	✓ free of charge
Cabins	✓	✓ limited	✓ limited
LNG Propulsion	✓ 🌿	–	–
Multi-Trip Tickets	✓ 8/14/24 trips	–	✓ Ticket Books
Children free	up to age 5	shown at booking	under 6

Ferry Tallinn–Helsinki: Overview

The ferry between Tallinn and Helsinki operates 12 times daily in both directions across the Gulf of Finland (43 nautical miles). Three ferry companies serve the route: Tallink (vessels Megastar and MyStar, crossing time 2 hours), Viking Line (vessel Viking XPRS, crossing time 2.5 hours) and Eckerö Line (vessel MS Finlandia, crossing time 2 hours 15 minutes). The cheapest tickets start from €9 one-way (Tallink). All ferries carry passengers, vehicles and cargo. In Helsinki, ferries depart from West Terminal 2 (Tallink, Eckerö) and Katajanokka Terminal (Viking Line). In Tallinn, ferries depart from Terminal D (Tallink) and Terminal A (Viking Line, Eckerö Line). Both countries are in the Schengen Area — a valid passport or national ID card is required.

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Ferry Tallinn–Helsinki Compare directly.

The Route at a Glance

The Right Ferry for You

All Operators at a Glance

Ferry Tallinn–Helsinki: Overview

Everything You Need to Know

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Ferry
Tallinn–Helsinki
Compare directly.