Ferries to Estonia, from Finland and Sweden
About 2 hours with Tallink, Viking Line or Eckerö Line, many sailings a day · read the full route guide
Ferries to Estonia from Finland and Sweden
Estonia is the easiest Baltic country to reach by ferry, whether Tallinn is the destination or the start of a drive south through the Baltics. The fast, frequent route is Helsinki to Tallinn, capital to capital in about two hours. From Sweden you can sail Stockholm to Tallinn overnight, or Kapellskär to Paldiski with a vehicle. New to Baltic ferries? Start with Helsinki to Tallinn; it is the hardest one to get wrong.
In short: ferries to Estonia
The map shows the routes. Helsinki to Tallinn is the key link in both directions: fast, frequent and made for day trips. From Sweden, Stockholm to Tallinn is the longer overnight crossing, and Kapellskär to Paldiski the practical option for cars and campers.
Price snapshot: at the start of 2026 foot-passenger tickets on Helsinki to Tallinn could be found from around €30 per person on selected sailings; prices vary by day, time and season.
Ferry map: Ferries to Estonia
Tallink, Viking Line and Eckerö Line sail between Helsinki and Tallinn. From Sweden, Tallink sails Stockholm to Tallinn with a short call at Mariehamn on Åland, and DFDS sails Kapellskär to Paldiski.
The crossing from Tallinn to Helsinki is the fastest and shortest, 2 hours over 80 km. From Sweden, Stockholm to Tallinn takes about 16 hours overnight, while Kapellskär to Paldiski takes about 9.5 to 10.5 hours.
Top ferry routes to Estonia
| Route | Crossing | Frequency | Best for | Our note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helsinki to Tallinn | about 2 to 2h40, depending on operator | up to 13 a day, all operators, each direction | day trips, city breaks, quick transfers | The simplest route to Estonia and the best first-timer choice. |
| Stockholm to Tallinn | about 16 hours, overnight | every other day (Tallink) | overnight travel, Sweden and Estonia in one trip | A proper ship with a night at sea. |
| Kapellskär to Paldiski | about 9.5 to 10.5 hours | 6 a week (DFDS) | cars, campers, Baltic road trips | Vehicles only; no foot passengers. |
From Finland to Estonia: Helsinki to Tallinn
The fastest and most frequent way to Estonia by ferry. The crossing links two capitals and runs all day, all year, which suits day trips, city breaks and anyone driving on into the Baltics. Our complete Helsinki to Tallinn ferry guide covers terminals, check-in times, vehicle tips, what the ships are like and how to plan a day trip.
Why it is so popular
- Short: about 2 hours to 2 hours 40 minutes, depending on operator and sailing.
- Frequent: easy to plan around, even last minute, though prices climb.
- Good with a vehicle: drive on, drive off, and you are on the Baltic road south.
Terminals
Both cities have more than one passenger terminal; follow the one on your booking.
- Helsinki: West Terminal 2 (West Harbour) and Katajanokka Terminal.
- Tallinn: Terminal A and Terminal D.
Day trip
Go early and come back late and you get five to eight hours in Tallinn. The old town is a short walk from the harbour, so there is no transfer to lose time on.
Which operator
Tallink for a fast, frequent shuttle with lounges; Viking Line for a more classic ship and cabins on some sailings; Eckerö Line for a straightforward, good-value crossing that works well with vehicles.
From Sweden to Estonia
Stockholm to Tallinn
The classic way from Sweden, and a proper ferry journey rather than a shuttle: Tallink’s Baltic Queen sails every other day in each direction, about 16 hours overnight with a short call at Mariehamn on Åland. Viking Line does not sail Stockholm to Tallinn.
Kapellskär to Paldiski
With a car or campervan, Kapellskär to Paldiski is the practical one: it avoids central Stockholm and sits on the driving routes through Sweden. DFDS sails it six times a week, by day and overnight, in about 9.5 to 10.5 hours. Vehicles only; foot passengers cannot book it. Tallink also used to sail here but suspended its service in May 2026.
From Germany to Estonia
There is no direct passenger ferry from Germany to Estonia. The usual approach is Sweden first, then Stockholm or Kapellskär across to Tallinn or Paldiski.
Three ways to build it
- Germany to Sweden, then Sweden to Estonia (Stockholm to Tallinn or Kapellskär to Paldiski).
- Or to Helsinki first, then the fast Helsinki to Tallinn crossing.
- Or Kiel to Klaipėda (Lithuania) or Travemünde to Liepāja (Latvia), then drive north through the Baltics.
Related guides
For families and pet owners: travelling with children on the ferry and travelling with a dog on ferries.
From the UK: the easiest ways to reach Estonia
From the UK, most travellers reach Estonia by flying into Tallinn for a city break. If you’re doing a longer European trip with a car or campervan, Estonia often becomes part of a wider Baltic itinerary, with Sweden or Finland as your ferry stepping stone into Estonia.
- Fast and simple: fly to Tallinn and explore Estonia without a vehicle.
- Road trip via Sweden: travel across Europe to Sweden, then ferry to Estonia via Stockholm to Tallinn or Kapellskär to Paldiski.
- Road trip via Finland: travel to Helsinki, then take the fast Helsinki to Tallinn crossing into Estonia.
Booking tips: prices, vehicles and peak season
Fares move with demand. In summer, at weekends or with a vehicle, booking ahead is the way to keep the cost down.
- Book early in peak season: vehicle spaces go first, campers and trailers soonest.
- Best value: off-peak weekday sailings.
- Vehicle sizes: enter the correct height and length, roof box and bike rack included.
Check-in
- Foot passengers: about 60 minutes before departure, earlier at peak weekends and holidays.
- Vehicles: earlier still; vehicle check-in closes well before departure.
- With children: add a buffer. Toilets, snacks, tickets and buggies always take longer than planned.
With a car
The car deck is closed during the crossing, so take a small bag with documents, medicines, chargers and snacks.
Good to know
Estonia uses the euro. Pets are usually allowed but must be booked in advance and follow the ship’s rules on where they stay. Mobile signal drops mid-sea; treat on-board Wi-Fi as a backup.
Quick questions: ferries to Estonia
What is the fastest ferry to Estonia?
Helsinki to Tallinn, about two hours with many sailings a day.
Can I travel to Estonia by ferry from Sweden?
Yes: Stockholm to Tallinn, or Kapellskär to Paldiski with a vehicle.
Are there direct ferries from Germany to Estonia?
No. Combine Germany to Sweden with Sweden to Estonia, or go via Helsinki.
Does the Helsinki to Tallinn ferry run both ways?
Yes, throughout the day in both directions.
On board, route maps and the trip in pictures
-
- Ferries Tallinn – Helsinki (Estonia-Finland)
-
- Ferry routes Estonia Latvia Lithuania
