🐾 PETS

Travel Info · Helsinki–Tallinn

Travelling with Pets
on the Ferry

All three ferry operators on the Helsinki–Tallinn route allow pets on board — with specific rules, surcharges and different options for dogs, cats and other small animals.

Operators allow pets

EU Pass

Pet passport required

<8 kg

In carrier allowed

Oct–Apr

Free in car

Overview

Pets welcome on all ferries

Tallink, Viking Line and Eckero Line allow pets on the Helsinki–Tallinn route. The rules differ depending on the operator, animal size and season.

EU Pet Passport

For the crossing between Finland and Estonia, a valid EU pet passport with current rabies vaccination and microchip number is mandatory.

Surcharge & Booking

Pets must be declared when booking. All operators charge a surcharge — costs vary depending on the transport method and cabin choice.

Rules & Regulations

What is allowed?

The key rules for bringing pets on Helsinki–Tallinn ferries at a glance.

🐶

Small animals (<8 kg)

May be taken in a closed carrier to most areas of the ship. No access to children's play areas and restaurants.

🐕

Larger animals (8–20 kg)

Must be kept in a kennel on the car deck or in a special pet cabin. Leash required throughout the ship, muzzle recommended.

🚗

In the car (Oct–Apr)

From October to April, pets can stay in your vehicle on the car deck free of charge. The car deck is closed during the crossing.

⚠️ Important: Bad weather

In bad weather or rough seas, restrictions for pets on the car deck may apply. If in doubt, book a pet cabin.

Operator Comparison

Pet rules compared

How Tallink, Viking Line and Eckero Line differ when it comes to travelling with pets.

Criteria	Tallink Silja Line	Viking Line	Eckero Line
Pets allowed	Yes, with surcharge	Yes, with surcharge	Yes, with surcharge
Pet cabins	Yes — no carpet, with water bowl	Limited availability	No
Pet passport	Recommended	EU pet passport required	Recommended
Carrier	Required for animals <8 kg	Required for animals <8 kg	Required for animals <8 kg
Leash required	Yes, everywhere	Yes, everywhere	Yes, everywhere
Muzzle	Recommended	Recommended	Recommended
In car (Oct–Apr)	Free in vehicle	Free in vehicle	Free in vehicle

Tallink Highlight

Tallink pet cabins

Tallink offers special cabins on the Megastar and MyStar, designed for travellers with pets.

No carpet flooring

Pet cabins have easy-care flooring instead of carpet — hygienic and easy to clean.

Water bowl included

Each pet cabin comes with a water bowl. You should bring your own food.

Book early

Pet cabins are limited and sell out quickly, especially during the summer season. Reserve well in advance.

Surcharge

The pet surcharge is calculated automatically during the booking process on tallink.com and added to the ticket price.

Checklist

Before travelling with your pet

📄

EU Pet Passport

Valid EU pet passport with rabies vaccination and microchip number. Available from your veterinarian.

📦

Carrier

Closed, leak-proof carrier for animals under 8 kg. Must fit under the seat.

🍞

Food & Water

Bring your own food, water and waste bags. Pet food is not available for purchase on board.

📍

Booking

Declare your pet during the online booking process. Adding pets later is not always possible.