Although it’s a couple of hundred miles away, the Finnish capital Helsinki is surprisingly easy to reach from Stockholm – and makes a great weekend break.
Flying is the quickest option, with direct flights taking around an hour. But if you’ve got a little more time to spare, taking the ferry is a much more enjoyable way to travel, with beautiful views of the Stockholm archipelago and plenty to keep you entertained on board.
Both Viking Line and Tallink Silja Line run overnight ferries between the two capitals, with restaurants, bars, shops and comfortable cabins. And while these crossings can get pretty lively at weekends, they’re also a relaxing way to travel if you’d rather take things slowly.
Here’s everything you need to know about taking the ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki, including journey times, ticket prices and which company to choose.
Quick take: Stockholm to Helinski by ferry
- Two companies run boats from Stockholm to Helsinki: Viking Line and Tallink Silja Line
- Ferries make stop at the Åland islands along the way
- Ferries operate year-round, although schedules can vary depending on the season
- You can buy single tickets or treat yourself to a 3-day cruise instead
- These ferry rides and cruises tend to be quite boozy
There are two big ferry companies running services on the Stockholm–Helsinki route: Viking Line and Tallink Silja Line. Both make a stop at Åland (a Swedish-speaking part of Finland) along the way.
It’s a nice enough place but the main reason for stopping there is that Åland – an autonomous region of Finland – is not subject to the same EU tax rules as Sweden and Finland. This means ferries stopping in Åland can sell duty-free goods, including alcohol, on board.
The St Peter Line which used to run ships from Stockholm to Helsinki and onto St Petersburg in Russia is not currently running, and unlikely to restart any time soon.
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Is the journey different in summer or winter?
Of course, conditions are almost certainly going to be rougher in winter. And it’s worth bearing this in mind, especially if you’re a poor sailor.
Ferry services operate throughout the year, although schedules can change depending on the season. Winter crossings can also be a little rougher, so it’s worth bearing this in mind if you’re prone to seasickness. Always check the latest departure times before booking.
Viking Line
Viking Line operates overnight ferries between Stockholm and Helsinki, with departures usually in the late afternoon and arrival in Helsinki the following morning.
Boats depart Stockholm at 4 pm and arrive in Helsinki at around 10am the next morning, following a late-night stop at Mariehamn on the Åland Islands.
How long is the journey?
The crossing takes around 17-18 hours, including a stop at Mariehamn on the Åland Islands.
What’s the onboard experience like?
There are plenty of facilities onboard to keep you busy, including tax-free shops, restaurants and a spa with its own sauna.
There’s usually plenty of entertainment on board, including live music and dancing. If you’d prefer a quieter crossing, travelling midweek is generally a better bet than sailing at the weekend.
Choosing a ticket
How much you pay depends on your choice of cabin and comfort, and whether you bring a car or not.
There are several cabin categories to choose from, ranging from basic inside cabins with bunk beds to more spacious en-suite cabins and suites.
If you’re travelling with family or friends, you can book a cabin together. The more space and comfort you want, the more you’ll pay.
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Stepping up a level, comfort-wise, it’s possible to reserve your own private en-suite room.
These come in around a dozen different formats and comfort levels, from small-ish rooms that are suitable for wheelchair users and allergy sufferers right up to spacious suites with big windows.
The smarter the cabin, the more you’ll pay, of course!
Cars, motorbikes and bicycles are permitted on both of the Viking Line ferries running between Stockholm and Helsinki. You’ll have to pay extra, though – prices are dependent on the size and type of vehicle.
Note that when you book online, you’ll have the choice between an organised ‘cruise’ and a regular ticket (either one-way or return). The cruises are usually good value but often only give you one day in Helsinki.
Buying a regular ticket gives you more flexibility, especially if you’re planning on visiting other parts of Finland and are not sure when (if ever) you’ll head back to Stockholm.
How much does a standard ticket cost?
Prices vary depending on availability and the time of year, and taking a car will add to the price significantly, as will choosing a private cabin.
However, ticket prices start at around €86 (US$97) one-way which includes a bunk in a basic inside cabin, sharing with three others.
Getting to the ferry terminal
Viking Line’s terminal is at Stadsgårdskajen, just east of Fotografiska on Södermalm. You can reach the area by public transport from central Stockholm, with Slussen being a useful starting point. Check the latest SL journey planner for the easiest connection to the terminal.
Our guide to getting around Stockholm has more info on using the buses and T-Bana and paying for journeys.
In Helsinki, Viking Line ferries arrive at the Katajanokka terminal (Skatudden), just east of the city centre. You can walk into central Helsinki or take a tram if you’ve got luggage.
Getting to and from the centre of Helsinki
In Helsinki, Viking Line ferries arrive at the Katajanokka terminal (Skatudden), just east of the city centre. You can walk into central Helsinki or take a tram if you’ve got luggage.
Tallink Silja Line
Viking Line’s big rival on this route, Tallink Silja Line, also runs a daily service from Stockholm to Helsinki year-round.
How long is the journey?
Just like the Viking Line ferries, these boats usually depart from Stockholm at about 4.45pm, make a stop at Mariehamn (Åland), and then arrive in Helsinki around 10.30am the following morning.
Tallink Silja Line ferries usually leave Stockholm at 4.30 pm, stopping briefly at Mariehamn on the Åland Islands before arriving in Helsinki at around 10.30am the following morning. The journey takes around 18 hours.
What the onboard experience like?
Two ships operate this route, the Silja Symphony and Silja Serenade. Both have plenty to keep passengers entertained, including restaurants, bars, shops, spa facilities and entertainment for children. There’s a wide choice of places to eat and drink, and both ships have an indoor shopping promenade that gives them something of a floating hotel feel.
They both have a seafood/sushi restaurants, designer shops, a sauna and cabins decorated with Moomin designs.
And, given the sheer number of options for eating and drinking, you can expect at least some of the passengers to get rather merry.
Choosing a ticket
The cheapest Tallink Silja Line tickets include a basic bunk bed in a shared inside cabin.
Alternatively, you can pay extra for a more comfortable private cabin, with options ranging from standard en-suite rooms to spacious suites.
Cars and other vehicles can be transported aboard the Tallink Silja Line ferries on this route, but there’s an extra charge depending on the size of the vehicle.
How much does a standard ticket cost?
If want to spend longer than one day in Helsinki, you can buy a standard ticket from the Tallink Silja Line website.
A one-way ticket with a bunk-bed in a shared, inside C-class cabin (the cheapest available) starts at €115 (US$128).
Like on the Viking Line, however, prices vary enormously depending on the time of year, whether you have a car or not and what level of cabin you choose.
Taking an organised cruise
You can also book good-value organised cruises from Stockholm to Helsinki, which give you two nights on board and a day to explore the Finnish capital.
This three-day cruise includes a return trip with two nights in a private sea-view cabin with breakfast included for a bargain €130 (US$140) per person.
And if you are just travelling one way, you can book this one-way trip in a sea-view cabin with breakfast included for just €79 (US$97) per person.
For both options, you can add on a buffet dinner on-board or spend the evening in the sauna or at the karaoke bar!
Getting to the ferry terminal
Tallink Silja Line ferries to Helsinki depart from Värtahamnen, around 4km northeast of Stockholm’s city centre.
You can take the T-bana to Gärdet and walk to the terminal in around 15 minutes, or use local buses to reach the harbour.
See our guide to getting around Stockholm for tips on how to use the public transport network.
Getting to and from the centre of Helsinki
Tallink Silja Line ferries arrive at Helsinki’s Olympia Terminal in the South Harbour. It’s around a 15-minute walk from the city centre, or you can take a tram if you’ve got luggage.
Which ferry is best?
Pricewise, there’s little to choose between the two companies operating ferries on this route, so our advice is to check both of their websites first and go with the cheapest option that suits your schedule.
If you’re travelling with an Interrail or Eurail pass, it’s also worth checking for ferry discounts. Tallink Silja Line currently offers pass holders 20% off overnight crossings, while Viking Line may have its own special offers.
Both companies offer a limited number of discounted tickets, so check the websites to see if you can get a discount.
In terms of facilities, we like the spa and sauna on the Viking Line ships. For a real relaxing trip, you can book in for a massage or treatment and get free access to the sauna, steam baths and hot tubs.
Viking Line also has good entertainment with live music from a variety of singers and bands and tribute acts plus DJs, magic shows and dance classes.
In terms of decor, we prefer the cabins on Tallink Silja ships, which come with cute Moomin designs (which are great for kids) and we really like the Marimekko design cabins too.
We also like the spa on Tallink Silja ships, which is reasonably priced and can be booked without a treatment. Ninety minutes use of the sauna, jacuzzi and sun deck costs just €14 per person, and can be accessed if you choose to book the 3 day cruise.
If shopping is your thing, we recommend the mall on the Tallink Silja ships, which has designer outlets including Marimekko and Tommy Hilfiger.
In terms of restaurants, there’s little to choose between the two companies – both have a good range of places to eat including good value buffet tables.
Though, personally, we really like the Happy Lobster on the Silja Serenade which serves up fresh seafood at reasonable prices and the Sushi bar on Silja Symphony.
Our top tips for ferry travel
- Travel off-peak. Both companies run special offers at quieter times of the year.
- Book in advance. Both companies use dynamic pricing so the fuller the ship, the more the tickets cost.
- Travel mid-week if you want a quieter trip. Weekends can be busy and noisy!
- Travelling with an Interrail or Eurail pass? Check both ferry companies for special discounts before booking.
- Make time for a sauna. Both companies offer spa facilities on board, so why not treat yourself to a relaxing session during the crossing?
- Book meals in advance. If you’re planning to eat at one of the buffet restaurants, check whether booking ahead is cheaper than paying on board.
- Book a three-day cruise. If you just want to spend the day if Helsinki, you’ll save money by booking a cruise ticket that includes a sea-view cabin and two buffet breakfasts.
- Although Sweden and Finland are both part of the Schengen Area, you’ll still need to carry valid travel documents when taking the ferry. Passport and ID requirements depend on your nationality, so check with your ferry operator before travelling.
Looking for somewhere to stay in Stockholm? Check out our detailed city guide.
Is the Stockholm–Helsinki ferry worth taking?
If you’re not in a hurry, taking the ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki is a great alternative to flying. You get to enjoy the scenery, have a meal or a drink on board and wake up in another Nordic capital the following morning.
Both Viking Line and Tallink Silja Line are good options, so we’d recommend comparing prices, departure times and cabin choices before booking.
See also:
Taking the ferry from Stockholm to Tallinn
The ultimate guide to Scandinavian ferry routes
Taking the ferry from the UK to Norway
we are 2, 79 years of age. we aill arrive from Faro, Portugal in he afternoon of May 25, 2017 and wish to take the ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki the same day.
Times, costs?