Are you planning a trip to the capital of Estonia, Tallinn, or Helsinki, Finland? Well, how wonderful combining two cities in one trip. Here you’ll find the guide of the boat prices and timetables. But I recommend checking the ferries website before traveling as the schedule may change. Crossing with a ferry is the cheapest way between the two cities!
The city break to the capital of Estonia and Finland were excellent. Though while planning this trip, I seem to have an idea of what it looks like in the winter, and the trip turns out superb! The combination of the two cities is entirely worthy — Tallinn, which is two hours by boat from Helsinki, is a must-see, and a lot cheaper compared to Helsinki. If we have more time, I will stay a day or two to see more of the city.
Visiting Two Cities In One Trip
Tallinn may not be a popular city destination in Europe but genuinely worth a visit. The beautiful old town center is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. And while Helsinki, the capital of Finland, may not be the first place you think for a city break, but it is entirely worthy. Either you were flying to Tallinn or Helsinki, they both are accessible by ferry. For this trip, we flew to Helsinki with KLM. Read how to find cheap flights here.
My initial plan is to make a day trip to Tallinn. But the outward journey with a ferry takes two hours and another two hours on the return trip. So the drastic changes in the plan unlike from the usual planned. We decided to stay the night in Tallinn to make the most of it. However, I found one day too short to see the entire city. So worth repeating a trip in the future.
Three ferries to choose
Whether you take a ferry in Tallinn or Helsinki, there are three different companies on this route. And each of them has a website for online booking: Helsinki- Tallinn and vice versa ferries website:
They both have a terminal in Helsinki and Tallinn, where you can purchase a ticket. Online booking is easy, you can print out your voucher, and you’re ready to go. Onboard you can sit anywhere and free to roam.
These are a large ship that carries vehicles and foot passengers —a gigantic boat where you can move freely, and with lots of facilities onboard. I have never been on board a vessel with superfast free internet. I reckon it is essential to have free internet on board to keep you occupied during the two hours journey, because the route between Helsinki and Tallinn is boring, nothing to see on the way.
As mentioned above from the three ferry companies, Eckero Line is one of the most economical ferries; prices vary on time of departure as low as 12€. But booking in advance is recommended ensuring you can go on the day you want, especially in the high season. Tickets are available on the spot, but it is easy if you already have one beforehand, as no need to queue on the ticketing counter.
Different prices and time departure
Eckero Line: Has three daily trips Helsinki – Tallinn except on Saturday.
Helsinki- Tallinn: Monday to Friday and Sunday 9:00 – 15:15 – 21:40
Saturday only two trips: 9:00 – 15:15
Tallinn to Helsinki: Monday to Saturday
6:00 – 12:00noon – 18:30
Sunday limited with only two trips:
12:00noon – 18:30
Viking Line has two daily trips between Helsinki and Tallinn, with the price starts from 21€. They also have an overnight cruise, which allows you to sleep on board in a cabin.
Helsinki – Tallinn
Monday to Thursday and Saturday 10:30 – 20:30
As you can see, the timetable on a particular day is different.
Friday 07:45 – 14:15 – 21:00
Sunday 10:30 – 19:00
Tallinn – Helsinki
Sunday to Thursday 07:00 17:00 Friday 10:45 – 17:30
Tallink Silja, price is competitive; in fact, one of the best option as they have different departures in a day. Fare is low as 23€, for the price isn’t bad at all.
Helsinki – Tallinn
Monday to Sunday
07:30 – 10:30 – 13:30 – 16:30 – 18:30 – 19:30 -22:30
Tallinn – Helsinki
Monday to Sunday
07:30 – 10:30 – 12:30 – 13:30 – 16:30 – 19:30 22:30
How to get to the ferry terminal in Helsinki
Frequent trams are running to and from the city center. Trams number 6 and 7 going to the seaside area and stops on every terminal.
We’re fortunate didn’t need to take the tram, we staying at the hotel nearby which was a ten minutes walk to the ferry terminal. The Eckero Line locates on the farthest end of the port. If you come with a tram, it is only a minute walk from the tram stop.