Day Trip from Helsinki to Tallinn by Ferry
A same day return from Helsinki to Tallinn is realistic. The crossing takes between 2 and 2.5 hours, and there are multiple departures daily. Below you can see which operators and sailing times make a day trip practical.
Crossing time and distance
The sea distance between Helsinki and Tallinn is approximately 80 km (43 nautical miles). Sailing time depends on the operator:
- Tallink Silja (MyStar / Megastar): about 2 hours
- Eckerö Line (Finlandia): about 2 hours 15 minutes
- Viking Line (Viking XPRS): about 2 hours 30 minutes
See the full comparison on the crossing time page.
Example same-day schedule
A typical day trip works best with an early morning departure from Helsinki and a late afternoon or evening return from Tallinn.
| Step | Example time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Departure from Helsinki | 07:30 | Arrive at terminal 60–90 minutes before departure |
| Arrival in Tallinn | 09:30–10:00 | Depending on operator |
| Time in Tallinn | 6–8 hours | Old Town is walking distance from port |
| Return departure | 17:00–19:30 | Multiple options daily |
| Arrival in Helsinki | 19:00–22:00 | Depending on sailing chosen |
Which terminal do you use in Helsinki?
Departure terminals depend on the operator:
- Tallink Silja: West Harbour Terminal
- Eckerö Line: West Harbour Terminal
- Viking Line: Viking Line terminal in Helsinki
Check arrival advice and boarding cut-offs on the check-in times page.
How much time do you need in Tallinn?
Tallinn’s Old Town is about 15 to 20 minutes on foot from the ferry terminals. With a morning arrival and evening return, you typically have 6 to 8 hours in the city without rushing.
Weather and seasonal considerations
The route operates year round. In winter, wind and ice conditions can cause delays but cancellations are limited. Always check the weather forecast close to departure.
Full timetable overview
For all available departure and return times, visit the complete Tallinn Helsinki timetable page.
