Ferry to Tallinn from Helsinki: how to Book, Prices and Hours

A ferry to Tallinn from Helsinki offers comfort, speed and tranquility. It is the best way to visit the iconic capital of Estonia, which stands out for its medieval atmosphere and contrasts with the more modern districts. It is two hours away and although there are flights connecting the two cities, they often have layovers that seem to take forever. As for the buses, I'm afraid to tell you that they are not up to the heights of the Gulf sights.

No wonder this getaway is so famous, as it combines the wonders of both cities and can give you an unparalleled experience. The best time to take this excursion aboard a ferry is in summer, when the gentle sea breeze makes the trip more enjoyable.

The most complete option

Round Trip Ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn

Cross the Gulf of Finland and enjoy a self-paced tour of Tallinn, return ticket assured

Take advantage of a relaxing cruise to one of the Baltic's most idyllic destinations. With round-trip tickets, as well as plenty of free time to explore on your own.

From $48 at Hellotickets

You have to take advantage of how easy it is to travel from one city to another and save the airport formalities. It is best to buy a round-trip ferry ticket from 45 euros, to avoid the stress of buying the return at the last minute at the ticket office. Generally, the visit can be done independently, to tour Tallinn at your own pace and choose the places of interest of your choice.

For many reasons I recommend traveling by ferry, first because it is the easiest way to cross the Gulf and enjoy a day full of adventures. Another reason to prefer this means of transportation is the direct connection in most cases. In addition, some people prefer to stay a couple of days in Tallinn, or participate in the best excursions from Helsinki to get to know the city in depth with a guide or audio guide.

Recommended if... you want to take an independent tour of Tallinn from Helsinki, but don't want to worry about tickets at the last minute.

There are different pricing options for buying a Tallinn ferry ticket from Helsinki. The best option covers round-trip transfers and costs approximately 45 euros. Booking both trips directly is the best way to ensure a quick, comfortable and hassle-free return (in case you plan to continue your journey through the Finnish capital). Please note that food and beverages are not usually included, but can be purchased on board.

What is usually included in this price is WiFi on board and the option to enjoy a long tour of Tallinn, with total peace of mind. Of course, the price may vary depending on your preferences and needs. The most modern ferries tend to be more expensive, offering high speed routes and private cabins, usually ranging between 60 and 80 euros per trip. The cost can vary depending on the season, if you plan to visit Helsinki in winter, you can take advantage of the low season to catch lower prices with options from 10 euros.

On the other hand, on weekends the prices increase a bit, as it is the preferred destination for locals and tourists. In that case, I recommend you to buy in advance, to avoid queues at the ticket office and ensure your dream vacation in Northern Europe at a reasonable price. Another thing to consider before choosing, is that there are ferries that have parties on board. Prices are high and there are usually no stops for a tour, so you'll have to settle for a quick look from the boat.

Three routes operate from Helsinki with a variety of options, offering approximately 6 daily departures and 75 crossings per week. There are no tickets with preferential access, but the entrance to the ferry facilities is quite fast and without queues.

Solo tends to be a bit chaotic during high season and in such a case it is advisable to book in advance, to avoid the step of buying at the ticket office. Although you can find preferential or VIP tickets to enjoy exclusive luxuries and comforts inside the boat, such as private cabins.

Undoubtedly, the trip to Tallinn is one of the best excursions from Helsinki Here are all the types of tickets you can find:

• One-wayticket: it is ideal for those who plan to make a trip between cities, thus do not plan to return to Helsinki. It can also be a good alternative if you are a free spirit and want to decide on the fly how many days you will stay in Tallinn.
• Round-trip ticket: this is the best option if you plan at least 3 days in Helsinki or less, as you will have a window of time to tour Tallinn and then you can return to the capital. Generally, you can select your return time and enjoy comfortable seats and WiFi on board.
• Megastar ticket: this is a more modern ferry that usually offers high speed routes, although in general most ferries cover the route in the same time. One thing that makes this type of ticket special is that you can book a cabin to rest during the trip. The trip is not that long, so this type of comfort is optional.
• Ticket with vehicle: if you plan to spend a couple of days in Tallinn, you may want to take your vehicle with you. It is subject to availability, so it is advisable to book in advance.
• Guided tour ticket: if you want to enjoy the company of a guide, see the city in a group or buy an audio guide, this type of ticket is the ideal option.

Unfortunately, there is no tourist pass that includes the ferry to Tallinn from Helsinki and you must purchase tickets separately. However, the Tallinn Card can make your trip easier as you can book it for 1 or 3 days. This way, you can see more than 40 attractions for free, including the TV Tower, the Estonian History Museum and St. Olaf's Church.

In Helsinki you will find a variety of options that take you to see the capital of Estonia, including ferry trips that include guided tours and independent tours with audio guides. These are recommended options for tourists charting their first adventure through the Baltic region, as they offer an extra helping hand in getting to know this wonderful medieval city and appreciating its sights. It is worth it if you plan to be at least 3 days in the city and want to make a quick trip, but do not know where to start. It is also a good choice if you want to enjoy comfort at all times.

You will be able to spend time getting to know the history of Tallinn, whose old town will leave you speechless. You will also eliminate the stress of planning every detail, just enjoy a relaxing evening. Another good news is that it can be found in different languages, including Spanish. Not in vain is one of the best excursions from Helsinki and a must during your stay in Northern Europe.

Generally, this type of experience includes the tickets, so you won't even have to worry about selecting them. According to your availability, you can choose the best option and take the opportunity to visit the Old Town Square, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral or Toompea Castle, which are usually favorite destinations during this type of tours. Occasionally, you may also receive free time to explore the city at your own pace, in which case I suggest you consider:

• Tallinn Walls: the medieval hallmark of the Estonian capital that you cannot miss during your visit.
• Maakri district: the most modern representation of the city, with imposing skyscrapers that will leave you overwhelmed (in a good way).
• Toompea viewpoints: an excellent option to take panoramic pictures of the city and appreciate the historic center from another perspective.
• Saiakang Alley: an iconic passageway that interconnects the city, especially with Pühavaim Street.

Some companies may offer discounts for students and senior citizens, but it all depends on the service provider. It is difficult to establish when discounts may be available for this trip, but here are some tips to help you find the best prices:

• Low season: buying from September to May can assure you discounts on the ticket, you can even find excursions from 10 euros. My recommendation is to consider visiting Helsinki in winter, when there are less tourists and more friendly offers.
• Book in advance: booking online can ensure you a magical experience, at a lower price than usual.
• Compare prices: before making a decision, make comparisons to choose the best option according to your budget, itinerary and places of interest you plan to visit.
• Buy a round-trip ticket: by buying both tickets, you save a lot of time and money.

Children are rewarded on such trips, as they usually pay a little less and receive some discounts. In general, infants and children under 4 years of age pay absolutely nothing, but they must travel with a responsible adult who has their documents up to date. Likewise, children between 4 and 11 years old can receive a discount of up to 50%, depending on the company. Additionally, children under eighteen can get options from 15 euros.

Of course, some parents or families prefer all the comforts for children and opt for a ticket with a private cabin, which raises the price considerably and does not usually include discounts. Some ferries have such offers limited to a certain amount per trip, being one of the best activities in Helsinki, I recommend you to book in advance and notify that a little one is on board.

Buying at the ticket office involves many risks that you may want to avoid, such as sold out tickets, arriving late for check-in or waiting in line for a long time. Some of the reasons why it pays to buy online include:

• Cheaper prices: it is possible that at the last minute the price of tickets may increase, especially when there is high demand. In many instances, buying online can be cheaper and more flexible.
• No more queues: many times ticket offices have queues and it is annoying to wait. Online you can reserve your seats in a matter of minutes.
• Secure luggage: last minute purchases at the ticket office can bring unpleasant surprises. For example, there may not be enough space for your luggage, so you will face weight restrictions. By buying online, you can ensure the type of suitcase you want to take.
• Guaranteed availability: when buying online you can choose the date and time of your preference, as well as resolve your doubts in advance. At the ticket office you run the risk of not having seats available.

How to buy at the box office

If for any reason you have to buy at the box office, I recommend you to arrive early in order to do it without inconveniences. You should go to the ticket offices located in the port of Helsinki in terminal 2 and 3, although in general you can find different booths of the different companies that operate the route. They usually open a couple of hours before the tours start. You will be asked for the date and time of travel, the number of passengers and you must indicate if you have any vehicles you want to add. The advantage is that here you can pay with cash or card.

How to book your ticket online: step by step

To make your purchase easier, here's how you can book a return ferry to Tallinn from Helsinki in just three steps:

• Step 1: Choose the date and time of your convenience, indicating how many tickets you want.
• Step 2: Add your personal and contact information, remember that your email will receive the booking details.
• Step 3: Make your payment and receive a confirmation.

Generally, the ferry to Tallinn operates from 7:30 to 23:00, it may vary depending on the season, among which it is preferable to travel in summer to Helsinki to take advantage of this excursion. Be punctual, usually you will not get a refund if you miss the activity or arrive late. It is recommended to arrive at the terminal at least 45 minutes before departure, in order to complete all boarding formalities. In fact, check-in closes 30 minutes before and if you are not present, your ticket is likely to be cancelled.

Most ferries to Tallinn from Helsinki have an approximate duration of two hours and fifteen minutes, the famous high-speed ferries do not make much difference, offering a journey time of approximately two hours. Of course, sea conditions can increase the travel time, so it is recommended to take advantage of this activity when the weather is good.

As for the season, this activity is ideal if you are looking for things to do in Helsinki in summer or spring, as the temperatures in these seasons make the trip more pleasant. If you plan to visit the city in winter, you can take advantage of the excursion but you should consider that the weather conditions are not the most favorable, the winter landscapes make up for it a bit.

As for the best time, it is probably early in the morning to return to Helsinki before sunset. That way you will have enough time to explore Tallinn and its medieval beauties. Also, if you are looking for low prices you can take advantage of the low season in Helsinki which runs from September to May, or visit in low season in Tallinn which runs from October to May.

There are other ways to get to Estonia's wonderful capital, although nothing matches the ferry experience. For example, you can get rides from 10 euros on buses operated by FlixBus that last approximately two hours. The downside is that it departs once a day, so you don't have many schedule options.

Traveling by plane is a more suitable option for those who don't enjoy boat rides, you can find tickets from €80, but if you buy at the last minute prices go from €320. The trip takes two hours and is operated by different airlines such as Scandinavian Airlines and AirBaltic that make stops in Stockholm and Oslo that can increase the duration of the trip up to seven hours. Perhaps for this reason, I do not recommend it for short trips.

To soak up the outstanding beauties of Tallinn, it is enough to set aside one day for this getaway. This amount of time is ideal, especially if you will only bein Helsinki for about 3days. Generally, some people stay between four and seven hours to discover its medieval surprises at their leisure. If you want an in-depth visit, I recommend a more flexible itinerary and consider spending 4 days wandering the streets.

Whether you have free time, or you want to make an independent visit, here are the must-sees of this Baltic city:

• Pikk Street: where most medieval buildings are concentrated, in fact the house 71 is the oldest in the city.
• St. Catherina's Passage: to take hundreds of photos on the wall of a former convent.
• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the most important of Tallinn, which has the character of Russian architecture, because it was built by the Russian Empire during the nineteenth century.

• Travel in low season, i.e. from September to May. If you are lucky you can see northern lights in October, November and March. If it's warm and cheerful weather you want, you should consider a summer trip to Helsinki to take advantage of this activity.
• Buy the Tallinn Card if you want to take advantage of the city's attractions and enjoy free transportation.
• Arrive at the terminal at least 45 minutes before departure. Check-in closes approximately 30 minutes before departure.
• You will only be able to redeem your ticket with your reservation number and required travel documentation.
• You will not receive a refund if you arrive late or miss the ferry, but some companies offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.