Stockholm – Helsinki Ferries

Tallink Silja timetables and tickets for 2026

About

The Stockholm to Helsinki ferry route is one of the busiest maritime connections across the …The Stockholm to Helsinki ferry route is one of the busiest maritime connections across the northern Baltic Sea, linking the capitals of Sweden and Finland. Operated by Tallink Silja and Viking Line, it covers approximately 250 nautical miles (463 km) across the Sea of Åland and the Archipelago Sea, with a typical crossing time of 17 to 19 hours. Sailings run as daily overnight departures year-round, with vessels usually leaving in the late afternoon or early evening and arriving the following morning. For most travellers, the journey is much more than a simple transfer: the route is operated by large cruiseferries with cabins, restaurants, entertainment and duty-free shops, turning the overnight passage into a mini-cruise experience. The crossing is also a popular choice for those travelling with a car, motorhome or motorcycle, thanks to spacious vehicle decks that make it easy to continue exploring Finland or Sweden by road. Combining frequent departures, comfortable onboard services and a scenic route through the Stockholm and Turku archipelagos, the Stockholm–Helsinki ferry remains one of the most iconic and convenient ways to travel between the two Baltic capitals.

Operators Schedule

The Stockholm–Helsinki route is operated by Tallink Silja Line and Viking Line. Tallink Silja deploys cruiseferries such as the Silja Symphony and Silja Serenade, while Viking Line operates vessels including the Gabriella. Each operator runs a daily overnight departure from Stockholm, arriving in Helsinki the following morning. The total crossing takes between 17 and 19 hours, including a brief technical stop in Mariehamn (Åland Islands). Schedules run daily, year-round; seasonal adjustments and vessel maintenance windows are announced by the operators in advance.

Onboard Services

Both operators run cruiseferries built for overnight crossings. Cabin accommodation ranges from inside economy cabins to outside and premium cabins with sea view and suite-class options, all with private bathroom. Dining includes à la carte restaurants featuring Scandinavian and Nordic cuisine, large buffet restaurants, cafés and fast-food outlets. Onboard duty-free shops — supported by a brief technical stop in Mariehamn (Åland) — offer perfumes, confectionery, spirits and tobacco. Pet-friendly cabins are available on most sailings on prior request; pets may also travel in supervised vehicle decks under each operator's conditions. Vehicle decks accommodate cars, motorhomes, caravans, motorcycles and bicycles; booking vehicle space in advance is strongly recommended in summer and on weekends. Wi-Fi is available in public areas and most cabins, typically as a paid or tiered service via satellite link. Onboard programmes often include live music, kids' areas, spa and sauna facilities and panoramic lounges; the exact offer varies by vessel and season.

Ferries to Helsinki depart from two terminals in Stockholm: Värtahamnen, used by Tallink Silja, and Stadsgården, used by Viking Line. Värtahamnen sits northeast of the city centre and is connected to central Stockholm by city buses and by the metro (Ropsten station, red line, a short walk away). Stadsgården lies just southeast of the centre near Slussen, walking distance from the Slussen metro hub (red and green lines). Both terminals offer waiting areas, accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility, and on-site short- and long-stay parking. Vehicle passengers should arrive well before departure to allow time for boarding; foot passengers are typically asked to check in at least an hour ahead. Exact cut-off times are confirmed by each operator at booking.

The Port of Helsinki is the arrival point. Tallink Silja berths at the Olympia Terminal in the South Harbour, just south of the city centre and well served by tram lines 2 and 3 connecting to the central railway station. Viking Line arrives at the Katajanokka Terminal on the Katajanokka peninsula, a short ride east of the centre on tram lines 4 and 5. Both terminals provide waiting lounges, accessible restrooms, basic food and beverage services, and short-term parking for drop-offs; longer-stay parking is available in nearby public garages. Vehicle check-in is typically required well before departure and pedestrian check-in at least one hour ahead — exact cut-off times are confirmed by the operator at booking. Customs and immigration checks are streamlined for EU citizens; non-EU travellers should expect standard border control.

FAQ

How long does the Stockholm to Helsinki ferry take?

The crossing takes around 17 to 19 hours, depending on the operator and the season. Both Tallink Silja and Viking Line schedule the journey as an overnight sailing, with ferries leaving Stockholm in the late afternoon or early evening and arriving in Helsinki the following morning.

Which companies operate the Stockholm–Helsinki route?

Two operators serve this route: Tallink Silja (with the Silja Symphony and Silja Serenade) and Viking Line (with Viking Gabriella and Viking Glory). Both run daily overnight departures year-round.

Where does the ferry leave from in Stockholm, and where does it arrive in Helsinki?

In Stockholm, Tallink Silja departs from Värtahamnen (northeast of the centre, reached by bus and by the Ropsten metro station on the red line) and Viking Line from Stadsgården (near Slussen, walking distance from the Slussen metro hub). In Helsinki, Tallink Silja arrives at the Olympia Terminal in the South Harbour, and Viking Line docks at the Katajanokka Terminal on the Katajanokka peninsula — both close to the city centre and well connected by tram.

Why does the ferry stop in Mariehamn?

The brief stop in Mariehamn, in the Åland Islands, allows the ferries to maintain their duty-free status under Åland's special tax regime. Passengers do not need to disembark, and the stop adds roughly an hour to the total travel time.

Can I take a car, motorhome or motorcycle on board?

Yes. Both Tallink Silja and Viking Line operate large cruiseferries with spacious vehicle decks that accommodate cars, motorhomes, caravans, motorcycles and bicycles. Booking vehicle space in advance is strongly recommended, especially during summer and on weekend departures.

Do I need to book a cabin for the overnight crossing?

A cabin is not strictly mandatory — both operators offer deck-passenger tickets — but for a 17–19 hour overnight journey it is highly recommended. Cabin options range from economy inner cabins to suites with sea view, all with private bathroom. Cabins tend to sell out on peak-season weekends, so booking ahead is advisable.

Are pets allowed on board?

Yes, both operators welcome pets on the Stockholm–Helsinki route. Dogs and cats can travel in dedicated pet-friendly cabins or in onboard kennels, depending on the vessel. A valid EU pet passport with up-to-date vaccinations is required. Pet spaces are limited, so they should be booked together with the ticket.

How much does a Stockholm to Helsinki ferry ticket cost?

Fares vary widely depending on season, cabin category, vehicle and operator. As a rough guide, a one-way ticket with a basic cabin generally starts from around €40–60 per person in low season and can rise above €150 in peak summer. Booking early, travelling midweek and choosing inner cabins are the most effective ways to secure the lowest fares.

Schedule

DateDepartureArrivalDurationVessel
2026-06-0316:3010:1016h 40mGabriella
2026-06-0316:4510:3016h 45mSilja Serenade
2026-06-0416:3010:1016h 40mViking Cinderella
2026-06-0416:4510:3016h 45mSilja Symphony
2026-06-0516:3010:1016h 40mGabriella
2026-06-0516:4510:3016h 45mSilja Serenade
2026-06-0616:3010:1016h 40mViking Cinderella
2026-06-0616:4510:3016h 45mSilja Symphony

All departures: Stockholm – Helsinki