Ferries to Finland
This is the most logical ferry if you leave from the European continent to Finland.
Travel to Finland by Ferry from Germany, Sweden, or Estonia
Finland is a well-connected destination by ferry, offering convenient routes from Germany, Sweden, and Estonia.
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From Germany:
- The direct ferry from Travemünde to Helsinki is an excellent option, especially for UK travellers wanting to avoid excessive driving.
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From Sweden:
- Multiple crossings connect Sweden to Finland, offering frequent and scenic options.
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From Estonia:
- Ferries from Tallinn to Helsinki provide one of the shortest and most popular routes to Finland.
Whether you’re travelling from mainland Europe or the UK, Finland’s ferry network ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Map: ferry routes to Finland
About the crossings to Finland
Ferry Routes to Finland
When looking at the ferry map for Finland, one route immediately stands out—the Travemünde to Helsinki ferry, which takes 30 hours to complete. This long journey is a great option for those travelling from Germany or the UK who want a direct and comfortable crossing.
For shorter and closer options:
- Baltic States: Travel via Estonia and take the Tallinn to Helsinki ferry, a quick and popular choice.
- Sweden: Book the Stockholm to Helsinki ferry, renowned for its scenic beauty and pleasant onboard experience.
Each route offers unique advantages, making it easy to tailor your journey to Finland based on your starting point and preferences.
Finnlines, Viking Line, and Tallink Silja are the most active ferry companies on the crossings to Finland. Ferries leave for Finland from Germany (Travemunde), Sweden (Stockholm), and the Estonian capital of Tallinn.
The crossing from Tallinn to Helsinki is the fastest and shortest, 2 hours over 50 miles. If you sail from Germany to Helsinki, your travel time will be around 30 hours while crossing over 600+ miles.
If you want to travel to Finland with your own vehicle, you'll need to take a ferry. There are several options available, so let's start with the longest crossing:
Ferry from Germany (or UK) to Finland
The long ferry from Travemünde-Helsinki
One of the more unique crossings is the ferry route from Germany to Finland, notable for the vast distance it covers. The ferry travels more than 600 miles as the crow flies! Within Europe, only the ferry to Iceland covers a greater distance (about 1075 miles).
The Travemünde-Helsinki ferry is operated by Finnlines. This route serves not only tourists but also a significant number of freight trucks (as seen in the video). As a result, the crossing is slightly less focused on a tourist experience, but there's still plenty of entertainment on board. That's important, as the crossing takes around 30 hours, so you'll need to find ways to keep yourself entertained.
Finnlines operates three ferries of the same type on this route: Finnstar, Finnmaid, and Finnlady. These ships ensure that passengers can depart daily from both Helsinki and Travemünde.
From Germany, the ships depart at night, making it effectively a double overnight journey. From Finland, the crossing involves one overnight stay.
From Sweden to Finland
There are several options to sail by ferry from Sweden to Finland and vice versa. From Stockholm, there are ferries sailing to Turku and Helsinki. If you cruise by ferry to Turku from Stockholm, you'll usually make a stopover at the Aland Islands at Mariehamn Port.
The ferry from Stockholm to Turku sails up to 3 times per day, while the other option, from Stockholm to Helsinki, sails up to 10 times per week.
For the crossing from Stockholm to Helsinki, you'll be onboard for around 16 hours, while the crossing to Turku via Mariehamn is a bit faster; this crossing will take you to Finland from Sweden in under 12 hours.
Stockholm-Finland (Turku and Helsinki)
If you're up for a longer drive or planning a road trip through Scandinavia, you might consider the ferries departing from Stockholm. From the Swedish capital, there are ferries to both Helsinki and Turku, Finland's second-largest city. These ferries also make a stop at Mariehamn in the Åland Islands.
A popular route among Scandinavians is the mini-cruise between Stockholm and Helsinki. Expect some party-goers on board, as alcohol is sold tax-free, making it relatively inexpensive.
Round-Trip Options
If you're on holiday in Sweden, a city trip to Helsinki is a great choice.
Helsinki isn't a particularly large city, but it's a lovely place to visit. The city offers a beautiful mix of old and modern architecture, with a noticeable Russian influence. You only need to look at Helsinki's iconic churches to see this.
You can also choose to leave your vehicle in Stockholm and take a round trip to Helsinki. Two days is enough time to explore the city well.
Ferry from Estonia to Finland
The ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki
If you’re heading to Finland, travelling through Estonia is an option that combines adventure with flexibility.
Driving to Tallinn
- From the Netherlands, Tallinn is about a 24-hour drive, passing through Germany, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia.
- For UK travellers taking the ferry to the Netherlands, this route can be a long but rewarding journey, offering scenic landscapes and opportunities to explore.
Middle Ground: Ferries to the Baltics
If the full drive to Estonia feels too long, you can shorten the journey by taking a ferry from Germany to Lithuania or Latvia. From there, it’s a manageable drive to Tallinn, where you can continue your trip to Finland.
The Tallinn-Helsinki Ferry
The Tallinn to Helsinki ferry is one of the most important routes in the region, serving both passengers and freight.
- Frequency: At least 13 daily departures.
- Duration: Around 2 hours for the standard crossing.
- Overnight Option: Some ferries offer a slow overnight journey, allowing for a relaxed travel experience.
- Distance: The crossing is approximately 60 miles.
Why Visit Tallinn?
Before continuing to Finland, take time to explore Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Known for its charming old town, medieval architecture, and vibrant culture, Tallinn is a destination worth exploring on its own.
This route offers a balance of road adventure and ferry convenience, making it a unique and memorable way to reach Finland.
On board & ferry route maps
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- Tallink Shuttle Star – the fast ferry sailing on the Helsinki Tallinn Route
Prices and availability for this crossing.
What is the sailing schedule and the best alternative?
To check the sailing schedule and timetable for this crossing, and to find the best alternative, simply fill in the booking module for ferries to Finland. This tool will provide up-to-date options, times, and routes to suit your travel needs.
Additional Information
When travelling on crossings between the UK and Europe there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Download entertainment in advance: On longer night crossings, it’s a good idea to download series or movies beforehand, as Wi-Fi on board can be expensive, and roaming in international waters is costly.
- Travelling with young kids on a night ferry? We’ve got some helpful tips for travelling with kids here.
- Remember to drive on the right-hand side of the road after disembarking. It can be a bit confusing for the first 10 minutes, but you'll adjust quickly.
- Worried about getting seasick? In this article, you’ll find some tips to help prevent it.
Luggage & Pets
On most ferries, there are no restrictions on the amount of luggage you can reasonably bring. Pets are allowed, but additional fees apply, and they must stay in designated kennels on board. For some destinations, pets need to meet specific requirements, such as certain vaccinations and a pet passport. You can find country-specific regulations and company policies in this post.
Does the ferry from Travemunde end up in Stockholm? I don't understand the map. On arrival, I don't see Travemunde.
You were right, the map was unclear, I added the Travemunde to Helsinki route to the map. However, if you want to go to Stockholm you probably need this connection:
https://ferrygogo.co.uk/sweden/ferry-to-stockholm/
Which also is now on hold.
How long is the ferry ride from Stockholm to Finland?