Tallinn Helsinki Ferry Cancellations and Weather
The Tallinn Helsinki ferry route operates year round. Weather can cause delays, but full cancellations are relatively limited. Below you can see how wind, winter conditions and sea state affect operations.
When are ferries cancelled?
Cancellations usually occur in the following situations:
- Severe windstorms with sustained wind speeds typically above 20–25 m/s.
- Extreme sea state affecting safe port manoeuvring.
- Technical issues or operational disruptions.
- Port restrictions due to safety measures.
Modern vessels on this route are built for Baltic conditions, so normal wind and winter weather rarely lead to full suspension of service.
Winter operations in the Gulf of Finland
Sea ice can form between January and March. The route remains operational with icebreaker assistance when required. Crossing times may increase slightly during heavy ice periods.
The sailing distance between Tallinn and Helsinki is approximately 80 km (43 nautical miles). Ice conditions generally affect port approaches more than the open sea crossing.
How weather affects crossing time
The scheduled crossing time ranges from 2 to 2.5 hours depending on operator and vessel. In strong winds, arrival may be delayed by 10 to 30 minutes. Full duration comparison is available on the crossing time page.
Which vessels operate year round?
All these vessels are designed for regular Baltic Sea operation.
What to do if your ferry is cancelled
- Check your booking confirmation for rebooking instructions.
- Monitor the operator’s departure status.
- Arrive at the terminal only after confirming the sailing status.
Terminal information for departure:
Check conditions before departure
For current wind conditions and forecasts, see the Tallinn Helsinki weather forecast page. For departure times and return options, visit the complete timetable overview.
Check official operator updates
For real-time operational status and possible disruptions, consult the official operator pages before departure:
Weather conditions for the Gulf of Finland can change quickly. For forecast data specific to this route, see the Tallinn Helsinki weather forecast page.
