Ferries from Helsinki to Stockholm - Choose Your Favourite

There are four ferries from Helsinki to Stockholm. Travelling by sea is a classic way to move between the two Nordic capitals across the Baltic Sea. The route runs daily, offering an overnight trip with cosy cabins, dining options, and entertainment. Ferries leave Helsinki late afternoon and arrive the following morning, travelling about 16.5 hours. The voyage also includes a brief stop in Mariehamn in the Åland Islands.

The sea connection between Helsinki and Stockholm has a long tradition. Regular ferry service began in the mid-20th century and developed rapidly in the 1970s with the introduction of large cruise-style ships. Over the years, these ferries have evolved from basic transport vessels to full-service ships offering a cruise-like experience. However, transporting cargo is still their most important function.

This article shares tips on booking a ferry from Helsinki to Stockholm and vice versa.

Helsinki-Stockholm Ferries

Ferries by Tallink

Tallink, an Estonian company, operates ferries between Helsinki and Stockholm under the Tallink Silja brand. As one of the largest ferry operators in the Baltic Sea region, it boasts a rich maritime history. Silja Line, once a Finnish company, was later acquired by Tallink. Despite no longer being Finnish-owned, the line remains popular among Finnish travellers.

Tallink Silja operates two almost identical Finnish-built ships on the Helsinki–Stockholm route: M/S Silja Serenade and M/S Silja Symphony.

The ships, built in 1989 and 1990, are surprisingly well-maintained for their age. Though older, Tallink had renovated them well, so the interiors feel quite modern. Both ships have a central promenade, multiple restaurants, a spa area, and family-friendly services. Each boat can hold about 3,000 passengers.

In Helsinki, Tallink Silja operates from the central Olympia Terminal at South Harbour, while in Stockholm, the ferries depart from the slightly more distant Värtan Terminal.

If you want to learn more about travelling on Helsinki-Stockholm ferries, we recommend checking out our Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony reviews on our other website, Finnoy Travel.

Ferries by Viking Line

Viking Line, a Finnish ferry operator based in the Åland Islands, runs two ferries, M/S Gabriella and M/S Viking Cinderella, between Helsinki and Stockholm with one daily departure. During the summer, the ships also offer daytime cruises from Helsinki to Tallinn on select days. Like Tallink Silja, the ferries depart from Helsinki for Stockholm in the late afternoon and arrive the following morning.

The ships are just as old as the Tallink Silja ferries, and are similar in terms of services. However, Gabriella and Viking Cinderella are pretty different, so we recommend experiencing both. Though slightly smaller than Tallink’s ferries, they feature buffet and à la carte restaurants, live entertainment, shops, and various cabin classes. In particular, Viking Cinderella has a unique retro charm.

Unlike Tallink ships, they don’t have a large promenade.

Viking Line ferries depart from the central Katajanokka Terminal at Helsinki South Harbour and arrive at the Stadtgården Terminal in Stockholm. Stadtgården Terminal’s location is more central than Tallink Silja’s port in Stockholm.

Want more details? Check out the Finland-Sweden Ferry Guide on Finnoy Travel.

What to Do Onboard Ferries

The ferries between Helsinki and Stockholm are similar to medium-sized cruise ships. While you can book a comfortable cabin, the top amenities are outside. That said, all cabins are modern and come with private bathrooms.

You can dine at all-inclusive buffets, opt for à la carte restaurants, or purchase more affordable fast food options. While the food isn’t cheap, it’s satisfying. Meals are typically Nordic in style. Most tickets don’t include food, as it’s considered an additional service. Asian or other ethnic cuisines are still relatively rare on board.

The ships offer a wide range of entertainment options. You can visit nightclubs, watch live bands, or enjoy troubadours performing in smaller bars. Karaoke is also often available if you want to sing. The atmosphere is like a mix of bars and nightclubs, perfect for a fun night out. For a more relaxed experience, there are also quiet cafés where you can unwind.

All the ships have a spa area with Finnish saunas and small pools, often with a pleasant view of the sea, especially scenic when passing through the Stockholm archipelago. However, the spas on the Helsinki–Stockholm route aren’t as modern as those on newer ships on the Turku-Stockholm route.

The ferries are a shopper’s paradise. Since they stop at the Åland Islands, the shops onboard are allowed to sell products tax-free. You’ll find alcohol, cigarettes, sweets, souvenirs, clothing, and much more. There are also shops offering branded apparel and local gifts. The selection often rivals that of large cruise ships.

Children are well taken care of on board. The ships feature play areas for kids and teens, as well as organised activities. The ferries are family-friendly, especially during the holiday seasons.

Cost of Sailing

Sailing by a ferry from Helsinki to Stockholm is affordable. The cheapest option is usually a round-trip cruise with a day in Stockholm. One-way tickets tend to be a bit more expensive. Prices also rise on weekends and during holiday seasons compared to weekdays.

All passengers are required to book a cabin. A standard cabin accommodates up to four people, but you can still reserve the entire cabin if you travel with fewer people.

Passengers must pay taxes, additional fees, and separate charges for extra services, in addition to the cabin price. On weekdays, a one-way ticket with a cabin typically costs between €30 and €80 per person without meals. On weekends, prices can be around €50 higher. While the cabin class affects the price, all cabins are similar; higher-tier ones mainly offer a window. There are a few suites too, but they are remarkably more expensive.

Why not Fly Instead to Stockholm

A ferry from Helsinki to Stockholm is a comfortable and practical alternative to flying. The journey doubles as both transport and experience. Departures and arrivals occur near city centres, eliminating the need for long transfers. The overnight schedule saves the cost of one night in a hotel. Travellers enjoy scenic views of the archipelago and can relax onboard without stress. Ferries are also ideal for passengers with vehicles or families with children.

If you are in a hurry, flying is still a viable option.

Booking Helsinki-Stockholm Ferry Tickets

There are several ways to book tickets. You can visit the Tallink or Viking Line websites to book directly. Alternatively, you can use our partner, Ferryscanner, which compares all companies with a single search. FerryScanner is especially useful for comparing schedules and prices across different routes. You can also travel to Sweden from Turku and Naantali.

If you’re on holiday, we recommend travelling on weekdays to save on costs. The ferries will also be less crowded and more enjoyable. However, if you’re in the mood for a party, Friday departures are the way to go.

Read about Ferries from Helsinki to Tallinn.

Bottom Line

Ferries from Helsinki to Stockholm offer a reliable and enjoyable way to travel between Finland and Sweden. The route suits tourists, families, and road trippers looking for a convenient connection and a pleasant onboard experience.

Even if you don’t plan to stay in Stockholm, you can take a cruise there and back, enjoying your time on board. Finns love going on the ferries just for cruising. The ferries aren’t just a way to get from one place to another – they’re a relaxing experience.

As you might expect, summer is the ideal time to sail. The sea is calmer, the weather is better, and don’t forget – there’s daylight for nearly the entire day. It’s still worth noting that the ships operate year-round.