Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and is also the country’s main port. It is located on the northern coast, overlooking the Baltic Sea. It is only 80 kilometers from Helsinki, which is the capital of Finland. This makes it very convenient and simple for people to book a ferry trip from Helsinki to Tallinn. Keep reading to learn more.
You might be wondering, why is now (with the cold weather) the ideal time to travel. Well, the answer is that Tallinn has one of the most magical Christmas markets in Europe. In fact, for some years, the city was voted as the continent’s best and most beautiful Christmas Market. So it’s a great opportunity to visit and experience the magic for yourself.
How to travel from Helsinki to Tallinn by boat
… to see the most impressive Xmas Market in Europe
As we don’t have any direct flights from Greece to Tallinn, what you can do is fly to Helsinki, Finland and book your ferry tickets from Helsinki to Tallinn using Ferryscanner. In just two hours you will have reached your destination by boat. It’s a very exciting experience, especially at this time of year!
You will be able to see and hear first-hand all of the ice breaking as the ship passes overhead, which is a unique opportunity for visitors to revel in their environment.
Which ferry companies sail from Helsinki to Tallinn
A few companies operate the route between Helsinki and Tallinn by ferry (and vice versa). What essentially changes is the terminal where the boats depart, the transfer time (ranging from 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes) and the prices. It is possible to pre-buy tickets and reserve specific seats and even cabins. If you prefer to pay as little as possible, then you can buy your ticket for the deck area, without a numbered seat.
Viking Line is one of the largest ferry companies in the region and operates up to six times a day, starting at 8:00. The ferries depart near Central Market in the historic centre of Helsinki. The journey time ranges from 1 hour 45 minutes to 2.5 hours at the latest. Prices generally range between €20 and €30 roundtrip.
Terminals: Katajanokka Viking Terminal Helsinki, Finland – Sadama 25-2 Tallinn, Estonia Term. A
Eckerö Line has routes between these two cities from €15 each way. Services are happening up to 3 times a day (the first one starts at 8:30 am). This company has very economical return tickets that are around 20 euros. The route takes 2.5 hours, it departs at 8:30 am from Helsinki and arrives at 11:00 at Tallinn. If you want to return the same day, departure is at 18:30 from Tallinn and arrival is at 21:00 in Helsinki.
Terminals: Tyynenmerenkatu 14 Helsinki, Finland – Sadama 25 Tallinn, Estonia Term. B
Linda Lines is the most expensive company (prices start from €19) because it has mostly speedboats and a trip that takes only 1 hour 40 minutes. There are 3 sailings available per day (the first one at 8:00). It’s worth booking a trip with this company if you want to spend as little time as possible on board.
Terminals: Makasine Terminal, Eteläsatama Helsinki, Finland – Patarei Sadam, Linnahalli Tallinn, Estonia
Tallink Silja has up to 7 sailings per day (the first one starts at 7:30). The trip lasts 2 hours and the return ticket costs between €34 and €45, depending on the time. It also has restaurants, bars and even a spa with pools and saunas (at an extra cost of €8 per person). If you want to experience the most amenities on board, this is likely the best company to choose!
Terminals: Olympiaranta 1 Helsinki, Finland – Silja Line Terminal Tallinn, Estonia Term. D
You can find more information about these companies on the Ferryscanner website. Once you are on our site, you can also book your ferry tickets and finalize your trip.
Timetables
There are very frequent services in both directions, seven days a week. Whether you want to wake up early and get to Tallinn in the morning, or you prefer to arrive in the evening, you will find the time that suits you best!
If you’re a morning person, then Tallink Silja Line has the most morning service from Helsinki departing at 7:30. This is perfect if you choose to take a day trip from Helsinki to Tallinn. Services run at regular intervals throughout the day until the last departure at 23:30.
Eckero Line has the earliest departure from Tallinn with the first ferry departing at 6:00. This is particularly ideal if you are already in Tallinn and want to take a day trip to Helsinki as you will arrive in the Finnish capital at 8:00.
The Tallinn Christmas market
25/11/22 until 8/1/23
This year, the Tallinn Christmas Market is even more impressive, with heart-shaped ornaments on the Christmas tree in the centre of Raekoja Square and on the stage. The choice of heart-shaped ornaments was made for several reasons. First, because the heart is a symbol of love and Christmas is probably one of the most giving and loving holidays. Secondly, the Old Town of Tallinn, which is the Christmas Market area, is also heart-shaped if you see it from above!
Every year, more than half a million people visit the Tallinn Christmas Market from all over Europe. This year is your chance to see it in person.
While you could practically fly between these two European capitals by plane. However, it wouldn’t be nearly as interesting or as comfortable as travelling by boat.
Choosing the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn is not only cheaper than a plane (by far) but also it’s relatively quick and easy! The short journey starts by passing by the small islets and islands of Helsinki. It ends up in the open waters of the Baltic Sea. As the ferry approaches Tallinn, the sight of the medieval buildings is truly magical. A travel experience!
You have until 8 January to get there before the Christmas market ends! Book your ferry tickets now!