Helsinki to Tallinn Ferry: My Step by Step Guide
Taking the Helsinki to Tallinn ferry was one of the easiest country crossings of my Europe trip, and honestly it felt like a mini cruise. Two hours on the Baltic Sea, cafés with sea views, a windy sun deck and even an arcade on board.
I sailed with Tallink Silja Line from West Terminal 2 in Helsinki. Here is exactly how I did it, from the tram in the city centre to walking off the ferry in Tallinn.
Helsinki to Tallinn Ferry at a Glance
Ferry company: Tallink Silja Line
Crossing time: about 2 hours
From: West Terminal 2 (Länsiterminaali T2), Helsinki
Tickets: from €18 on Omio
Check-in: self check-in machine at the terminal (the counter costs €5 extra)
How to Book Your Helsinki to Tallinn Ferry Ticket
I booked my ticket online before the trip. You can compare sailing times and book your Helsinki to Tallinn ferry ticket on Omio here, with tickets starting from €18.
After booking you get a booking number and a code. Save both on your phone, because you need them at the check-in machine in the terminal.
Step by Step: Taking the Ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn
Step 1: Take the Tram to West Terminal 2
From Helsinki centre I hopped on the tram to West Terminal 2. Trams 7 and 9 both stop right by the terminal, and an AB ticket covers the ride. Get off at the Länsiterminaali T2 stop.
Tram stop sign for trams to Lansiterminaali West Terminal in Helsinki | Travel with Tarry Laurensia HSL ticket validator inside a Helsinki tram | Travel with Tarry Laurensia
Step 2: Check In at the Ticket Machine
Walk in through the Departures entrance and look for the self check-in machines. Type in your booking number and your code, and the machine prints your ticket.
You can also check in at the counter, but it costs €5 extra, so the machine is the way to go.
Entrance of Lansiterminaali T2 ferry terminal in Helsinki | Travel with Tarry Laurensia Departures entrance at Helsinki West Terminal 2 | Travel with Tarry Laurensia Tallink self check-in ticket machine at Helsinki West Terminal 2 | Travel with Tarry Laurensia
Step 3: Take Your Ticket and Keep It
Take your printed ticket and keep it somewhere easy to reach. It has the QR code you need to get through the boarding gate.
Step 4: Wait Upstairs in the Lounge
Then head upstairs to the waiting lounge. It has big windows over the harbour, and you can step out on the balcony for the view. If you want a coffee while you wait, there is Café Kuppi on the first floor and Panorama Bistro & Bar on the second floor.
Step 5: Scan Your Ticket and Board
When the ferry pulls in, join the queue, scan the QR code on your ticket at the gate and walk on through the boarding bridge. Boarding opens 40 minutes before departure and closes 20 minutes before, so don't cut it too close.
Passengers queuing at the boarding gate for the ferry to Tallinn | Travel with Tarry Laurensia Boarding bridge from West Terminal 2 to the ferry | Travel with Tarry Laurensia Tallink Silja Line ferry docked at Helsinki West Harbour | Travel with Tarry Laurensia
What Is On Board the Ferry to Tallinn
The ferry is huge, honestly it feels like a cruise. Passengers can walk around decks 7 to 10, so there is plenty to see in two hours.
Drop Your Bags First
I dropped my bag in the luggage room first, then went exploring. The luggage room is located on Deck 8. Once the ship departs, the room is locked and remains inaccessible throughout the journey until approximately 30 minutes before arrival. Make sure to take everything you need with you before leaving your luggage there. On the Megastar, payment can be made by either cash or card. There are smaller locker near the seating area and its a self-service.
Luggage room sign on board the Helsinki to Tallinn ferry | Travel with Tarry Laurensia Luggage lockers on board the ferry | Travel with Tarry Laurensia
Lounges, Cafés and a Buffet
There are lots of places to sit: lounges, cafés and restaurants with sea views. My favorite was the café with the glass roof.
Glass roof cafe with sea view on the ferry | Travel with Tarry Laurensia Lounge seating area inside the ferry | Travel with Tarry Laurensia Buffet restaurant on the Helsinki to Tallinn ferry | Travel with Tarry Laurensia
The Sun Deck (and the Wind)
I went up to the top deck to watch Helsinki slowly disappear. It was beautiful, but it was so windy I ran right back inside. Bring a jacket if you want to stay out longer.
Helsinki skyline seen from the ferry deck leaving the harbour | Travel with Tarry Laurensia Woman walking on the windy sun deck of the ferry to Tallinn | Travel with Tarry Laurensia
Duty Free and an Game Area
There is even a duty free store and an arcade on board. I didn't buy anything, I just wandered around for a bit, but it is a fun way to pass the time.
Beauty counters in the duty free store on the ferry | Travel with Tarry Laurensia Racing arcade games on board the ferry | Travel with Tarry Laurensia
Find a Window Seat
Then I found a window seat, got a coffee and just watched the Baltic Sea go by. Honestly, the two hours flew by.
Woman in a cap at a window seat with Baltic Sea view on the ferry | Travel with Tarry Laurensia Woman drinking coffee by the window on the ferry | Travel with Tarry Laurensia Baltic Sea through a round window on the ferry | Travel with Tarry Laurensia
Arriving in Tallinn
Before I knew it, we were in Tallinn. From the ferry terminal I simply walked to the Old Town.
Helsinki to Tallinn Ferry Tips
Book online ahead, so you only need the machine at the terminal.
Use the self check-in machine. The counter costs €5 extra.
Get to the terminal early. Ticket registration closes 30 minutes before departure, and boarding closes 20 minutes before.
Keep your printed ticket handy for the QR scan at the gate.
Bring a jacket for the deck. The Baltic wind is no joke.
Plan Your Tallinn Trip
Planning the rest of your trip? You can search and compare options right here:
Helsinki to Tallinn Ferry FAQ
How long is the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn?
My crossing took about 2 hours.
How much is the Helsinki to Tallinn ferry?
Tickets start from €18 on Omio. Prices change by Ferry company name, date and time, so check the latest prices on Omio.
Where does the ferry to Tallinn leave from in Helsinki?
Tallink Silja Line ferries leave from West Terminal 2 (Länsiterminaali T2). Trams 7 and 9 stop right outside.
How do I check in for the ferry?
Use the self check-in machine in the terminal. Enter your booking number and code, take your printed ticket, and scan its QR code at the boarding gate.
Spending time in Helsinki before the ferry? Here is my one day in Helsinki itinerary. Questions about the ferry? Message me on Instagram @tarrylaurensia.
This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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