Explore Tallinn: Self-Guided Day Cruise from Helsinki
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Helsinki, Finland
- 8 to 11 hours (approx.)
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Overview
Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, lies across the Gulf of Finland from Helsinki: an easy day trip by ferry for those keen to experience its medieval charms. Book this return trip in advance to secure your preferred crossing and save transport worries on the ground. Then, cruise across the Gulf, and enjoy four or seven hours (depending on selected departure) to explore independently, perhaps delving into Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, and enjoying the museums, shops, and restaurants.
- Return Helsinki to Tallinn ferry ticket
- Easy day trip to enjoy Estonia’s capital as you wish
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, and shop, eat, and stroll as you please
- Choose from various crossings for either four or seven hours in Tallinn
- Book ahead to secure a place on your preferred crossings
- Approximate 2-hour ferry ride with comfortable seating
What's Included
- WiFi on board
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Restroom on board
- Food and drinks (available to purchase on board)
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase on board)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transportation to/from attractions
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Tyynenmerenkatu 14, 00220 Helsinki, Finland
Welcome to your self-guided tour! Please note this independent journey does not include any transfers or destination activities. Kindly proceed to Helsinki West Harbour Terminal 2, and make sure to complete your check-in at least 40 minutes before departure. We hope you have a wonderful journey!
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
1
Tyynenmerenkatu 14
Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Please note that you need to check-in for the ferry before departure in Helsinki. We recommend arriving at the terminal at least 45 minutes before departure. Check-in closes approximately 30 minutes before departure
- Stroller accessible
- Customer last name, first name, date of birth, gender, and nationality must be provided at time of booking
- Please note that the local supplier will send you a booking confirmation with booking number
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Boarding cards will be provided in exchange for the booking number and valid travel documents at the terminal check-in
- Please check that you are carrying valid travel documents with you
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Infant seats available
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival to the ferry
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Marla_C
Amazing ship complete with multiple sit down and grab and go food options. Wide variety of seating to enjoy the views. Crew was friendly and helpful. Once we arrived I walked the Nautical mall and then grabbed an Uber to Old Tallinn. Loafs of shops for all sorts of fabrics and souvenirs and so many quaint places to eat or grab a drink. Loved the time to wander the town. Would recommend this to anyone looking to enjoy a day walking and investigating.
Reviews
4.3
based on 217 reviews
Deana_R, Apr 2026
I didn’t get to attend this event. I wanted to adjust the return time from Tallinn, I used support chat with a person last night. They didn’t get an answer to me until 1:10 pm. My departure was due at 10:30. I didn’t want to get on board without knowing I could come back early. So it’s too late for a refund or credit. I couldn’t take the risk getting over to Tallinn and unable to come back. Our flight in the morning is 6:20 am so getting back in 9/30 and traveling back to our stay would have left us with 4 hr sleep.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Dear Customer,
Thank you for reaching out and for taking the time to explain your situation. We’re truly sorry to hear that you were unable to attend the event and that the delay in receiving a response caused inconvenience and uncertainty for your plans.
In order for us to review your case in detail and explore what options may be available, we kindly ask you to contact us directly and provide your booking reference through a private channel international.sales@tallinksilja.com. This will allow us to locate your reservation and investigate the circumstances more thoroughly.
Please rest assured that we take your feedback seriously and will do our best to assist you once we have the necessary details.
Kind regards,
Maarika / Customer Relations
Tallink Silja Line
Laura_K, Apr 2026
Ship was amazing, lots of places to eat and drink. Food was excellent, quite high-end.
All staff were helpful
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello!
Thank you for your kind feedback! We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed the day cruise sailing and you had lovely time in Tallinn.
You are always welcome back — we would be happy to see you again on our Tallink Silja Line vessels.
Kind regards,
Maarika / Customer Relations
Tallink Silja Line
Brigita_S, Apr 2026
So the ferry itself each way was very nice. Think of a mini cruise ship. Shopping, area to get coffee, food. Very nice seating, and that’s just on level we were on. But, I never received the correct emails from the ferry company. So when I showed they didn’t show my reservation (I changed days, got the amended info from Viator). I had to pay again and when returned home got in touch with Viator and they promptly reimbursed me.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello!
Thank you for your feedback—we’re really glad to hear you enjoyed the ferry experience itself. It does sound like a lovely trip.
I’m very sorry for the confusion with the reservation emails and the inconvenience it caused you at check-in. That’s definitely not the experience we want for our customers.
Wishing you many more smooth and enjoyable trips ahead!
Kind regards,
Alina/ Customer Relations
Tallink Silja Line
Jill_K, Mar 2026
Fun way to get to Estonia. The ship is amazing and has lots to do. Getting on and off is easy. I recommend waiting when docking at the back of the ship to watch how they get the cars on and off. It is logistical genius and exciting to watch the ramps come down, the autos leave, and the next round come on. Plus you miss the masses in line to get off. Just leisurely stroll off. The trams and busses are conveniently close by. In Taliin you could take a taxi to Old Town but it is an easy 15 min walk. The employees of the cruise line are very helpful and explain things well. We would do this again just for the ferry/cruise ride back and forth.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hello!
We are glad that you chose the nicest way to travel - with Tallink Silja Line!
Thank you for your kind feedback! We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed the day cruise sailing and you had lovely time in Tallinn.
You are always welcome back — we would be happy to see you again on our Tallink Silja Line vessels.
Kind regards,
Kristel / Customer Relations
Tallink Silja Line
Karen_T, Feb 2026
Beautiful boat. Left on schedule. Fantastic experience. Estonia is beautiful, well worth the trip. We did the 6.5hrs and it was perfect.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Hello!
We are glad that you chose the nicest way to travel - with Tallink Silja Line!
Thank you for your kind feedback! We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed the sailing and visiting Estonia.
You are always welcome back — we would be happy to see you again on our Tallink Silja Line vessels.
Kind regards,
Olesja / Customer Relations
Tallink Silja Line
vivien_s, Feb 2026
The ferry is spacious,
Very good boarding
And disembarking
Smooth crossing
Plenty of variety in board
Friendly staff
We walked to old town centre
Quaint , lovely buildings
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Hello!
We are glad that you chose the nicest way to travel - with Tallink Silja Line!
Thank you for your kind feedback. We’re looking forward to welcoming you back to enjoy the nicest moments on the waves of the Baltic Sea again soon!
Kind regards,
Helina/ Customer Relations
Tallink Silja Line
Connie_G, Dec 2025
Your should get a map of Tallin with Christmas Market Area delinrated. Also research other sites to visit on your walking tour.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for your valuable feedback and suggestion! That’s a great idea, and we truly appreciate you sharing it with us. We hope to welcome you again in the future.
Kind regards,
Alina / Customer Relations
Tallink Silja Line
Lakshmi_K, Nov 2025
An excellent time with amazing sailing, beautifully decorated spaces, clean and tidy, good food, a picturesque deck and the ocean views. A must do in Helsinki
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hello!
We are glad that you chose the nicest way to travel - with Tallink Silja Line!
Thank you for your kind feedback! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the sailing, the atmosphere on board, and the beautiful views.
You are always welcome back — we would be happy to see you again on our Tallink Silja Line vessels.
Kind regards,
Alina / Customer Relations
Tallink Silja Line
Marla_C, Oct 2025
Amazing ship complete with multiple sit down and grab and go food options. Wide variety of seating to enjoy the views. Crew was friendly and helpful. Once we arrived I walked the Nautical mall and then grabbed an Uber to Old Tallinn. Loafs of shops for all sorts of fabrics and souvenirs and so many quaint places to eat or grab a drink. Loved the time to wander the town. Would recommend this to anyone looking to enjoy a day walking and investigating.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hello! Thank you very much for your feedback. I’m delighted to hear you enjoyed your voyage with us, and I look forward to the opportunity to welcome you aboard again on our Tallink Silja Line vessels. Kind regards, Miro/ Customer Relations
Kennes_L, Sep 2025
Very comfortable with different kinds of cozy chairs and a variety of food that people can choose. A large shopping area for spending time.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hello! Thank you very much for your feedback. I’m delighted to hear you enjoyed your voyage with us, and I look forward to the opportunity to welcome you aboard again on our Tallink Silja Line vessels. Kind regards, Miro/ Customer Relations
Brenda_R, Sep 2025
Great experience. Wow - we never knew ferries like this existed. More shopping, food, drink, seating options than we ever imagined.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hello!
We are glad that you chose the nicest way to travel - with Tallink Silja Line!
Thank you for your kind feedbacck!
We’re looking forward to welcoming you back to enjoy the nicest moments on the waves of the Baltic Sea again soon!
Kind regards,
Maarika | Customer Relations
Tallink Silja Line
Ralph_P, Aug 2025
GREAT experience from start to finish.
Soooo happy we decided to do this day trip to Tallinn. 😍 !!!!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hello!
We are glad that you chose the nicest way to travel - with Tallink Silja Line!
Your feedback makes us very happy, and it’s wonderful to see your 5/5 review! Thank you so much!
We’re looking forward to welcoming you back to enjoy the nicest moments on the waves of the Baltic Sea again soon!
Kind regards,
Merili | Customer Relations
Tallink Silja Line
Akim_G, Aug 2025
This was my first time on a cruise liner and it was an interesting experience. It's basically a floating mall. Once we landed in Estonia, it was great, things were cheap, the architecture was beautiful, the old city is gorgeous! You definitely have to check it out.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hello!
We are glad that you chose the nicest way to travel - with Tallink Silja Line!
Thank you for your kind feedbacck!
We’re looking forward to welcoming you back to enjoy the nicest moments on the waves of the Baltic Sea again soon!
Kind regards,
Merili | Customer Relations
Tallink Silja Line
Nadya_B, Aug 2025
Easy check in, nice ferries, but would have appreciated info about best ways to get to Old Town and back. Four hours was too little time, but we didn’t want to leave before 10:30 or return later than the 4:30 ferry. Took a taxi to save time getting there, but had a problem getting a cab back to Terminal D, so we walked. It’s a long walk, consuming time. Otherwise, we loved Tallinn.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hello!
Thank you for your feedback. It’s wonderful that you enjoyed your trip.
We wish you warm welcome on board Silja Line again!
Kind regards,
Maarika / Customer Relations
Tallink Silja Line
Evana_N, Jul 2025
With a free day in Helsinki, we decided to take a ferry over to Estonia. The ship left right on time and was easy to find—our hotel was just a short walk from the harbor. I’d recommend arriving about 30–40 minutes before departure, as boarding can get a bit hectic with everyone rushing to get on first. The ferry itself was very comfortable, and the ride took about two hours.
Tallinn’s Old Town is within walking distance from the port, though it’s not the easiest to navigate at first. We ended up following the spire of a nearby church and found our way without any trouble. The visit was absolutely worth it—make your way to the top of the town for a stunning view, and be sure to grab a map. There are plenty of great places to eat and lots of charming spots to explore!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hello!
We are glad that you chose the nicest way to travel - with Tallink Silja Line!
Thank you for your kind feedback. It’s wonderful that you had a great trip!
We’re looking forward to welcoming you back to enjoy the nicest moments on the waves of the Baltic Sea again soon!
Kind regards,
Maarika / Customer Relations
Tallink Silja Line
ANNILAW, Jul 2025
Loved this cruise . There was an option to have linch on board which I took , the food was great , lots of delicious local delicacies.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hello!
Thank you for your feedback. It’s wonderful that you enjoyed your trip.
We wish you warm welcome on board Silja Line again!
Kind regards,
Maarika / Customer Relations
Tallink Silja Line
Brenda_B, Jun 2025
It’s a little chaotic getting off and on the ferry. Otherwise the process was easy, the ferry clean and plenty of seating. Staff was friendly and helpful. Would definitely go again.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Hello!
Thank you for your feedback. It’s wonderful that you enjoyed your trip.
We wish you warm welcome on board Silja Line again!
Kind regards,
Maarika / Customer Relations
Tallink Silja Line
Anumita_C, Jun 2025
Excellent Cruise, Mystar. Fantastic ambience and facilities onboard for a 2 hour ride. Its really value for money. One of the best short run Cruise I have ever experienced. The whole process of check in boarding was also very smooth.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Hello!
We are glad that you chose the nicest way to travel - with Tallink Silja Line!
Thank you for your kind feedback. It’s wonderful that you had a great trip!
We’re looking forward to welcoming you back to enjoy the nicest moments on the waves of the Baltic Sea again soon!
Kind regards,
Kadri / Customer Relations
Tallink Silja Line
GARGI_M, Jun 2025
I loved this cruise! We checked in and collected our boarding passes 45 minutes before departure, and spent a wonderful journey exploring the ship! The Baltic Sea and the scenery around is just beautiful. Tallinn is a wonderful city to roam and explore both the historical and the modern. I thought this trip offered major value for money.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Hello!
We are glad that you chose the nicest way to travel - with Tallink Silja Line!
Thank you for your kind feedback. It’s wonderful that you had a great trip!
We’re looking forward to welcoming you back to enjoy the nicest moments on the waves of the Baltic Sea again soon!
Kind regards,
Miro/ Customer Relations
Lance_S, May 2025
Great one day visit from Helsinki. The ferry is very comfortable and well equipped. The process to convert the voucher to a ticket was simple and seamless at the terminal.
Response from Host, May 2025
Hello!
We are glad that you chose the nicest way to travel - with Tallink Silja Line!
Thank you for your kind feedback. It’s wonderful that you had a great trip!
We’re looking forward to welcoming you back to enjoy the nicest moments on the waves of the Baltic Sea again soon!
Kind regards,
Miro/ Customer Relations
Miroslava_T, Apr 2025
Great .very well organised and easy to follow instructions.Goood communication
Highly recommended. Value for money.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Hello!
We are glad that you chose the nicest way to travel - with Tallink Silja Line!
Your feedback makes us very happy, and it’s wonderful to see your 5/5 review! Thank you so much!
We’re looking forward to welcoming you back to enjoy the nicest moments on the waves of the Baltic Sea again soon!
Kind regards,
Kadri / Customer Relations
Tallink Silja Line
Marianne_R, Apr 2025
A fabulous day out. The ferry was huge and easy to find a quiet spot for the journey. Highly recommended
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Hello!
Thank you for your kind feedback. It’s wonderful that you enjoyed your trip.
We wish you warm welcome on board Silja Line again!
Kind regards,
Maarika / Customer Relations
Tallink Silja Line
Jennifer_P, Mar 2025
The ferry there and back is very comfortable and easy. I went for a few hours in the winter evening. Would recommend making it a day trip, more to see and do I think. But in spring and summer here night is fun too.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Hello!
We are glad that you chose the nicest way to travel - with Tallink Silja Line!
Thank you for your kind feedback. We’re looking forward to welcoming you back to enjoy the nicest moments on the waves of the Baltic Sea again soon!
Kind regards,
Kristi / Customer Relations
Tallink Silja Line
Joanne_V, Jan 2025
This worked out cheaper than booking with Ferry line. Easy to redeem voucher at self service checkin. Worth going totalling for the day, even on a Monday with lots if places closed!
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Hello, Joanne,
Thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! Your kind words made us all smile, and we can’t wait to welcome you onboard again!
Kind regards
Olesja/ Customer Relations
Tallink Silja Line
Vicki_C, Dec 2024
Great ship - large, garden area, viewing area. Plenty of food and drink areas, shopping etc. Pleasant voyage.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Hello!
We are glad that you chose the nicest way to travel - with Tallink Silja Line!
Your feedback makes us very happy, and it’s wonderful to see your 5/5 review! Thank you so much!
We’re looking forward to welcoming you back to enjoy the nicest moments on the waves of the Baltic Sea again soon!
Kind regards,
Merili / Customer Relations
Tallink Silja Line
Angela_W, Dec 2024
Tallinn is such a great day trip!! I would recommend to everyone. The Christmas Markets were great and the shops really cute.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Hello, Angela! We’re big fans of Tallinn, too! The Christmas Market truly is a magical spot. I hope your trip with our Tallink Shuttle went smoothly and that you got to enjoy some Christmas cheer onboard as well. Kind regards, Miro/ Customer Relations, Tallink Silja Line
Yigit_E, Nov 2024
The guide was very knowledgable in Finnish and Russian history. I enjoyed the tour. He told us about a lot of things about Helsinki that i had no idea about.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Hello, Yigit_E
We are glad that you chose the nicest way to travel - with Tallink Silja Line!
Your feedback makes us so happy, and it’s wonderful to see your 5/5 review!
We’re looking forward to welcoming you back to enjoy the nicest moments on the waves of the Baltic Sea again soon!
Kind regards,
Olesja/ Customer Relations
Tallink Silja Line
Michael_H, Oct 2024
Tallinn was lovely. However we understood that your representative would meet us at the port to give us info and ferry tickets. But no one turned up and we had to scramble at the last minute to get ferry tickets.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Dear Michael,
Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. We are truly sorry to hear that your experience with our company has not met your expectations. The product we offer via this online channel is called Helsinki to Tallinn Self-Guided Day Return Voyage MyStar/Megastar and we only provide this voyage as self-guided as stated in the product name. We do provide customer service both in Helsinki and Tallinn terminals for our passengers mainly concentrating on boarding services. We will happily use this important feedback to make us better and improve in customer communication as customer satisfaction is our top priority.
We are happy to hear about your positive experience and feedback about Tallinn.
Looking forward to welcoming you on board again!
Kind regards
Tallink Silja Line
Paul_G, Oct 2024
Good and convenient way to get to Tallinn. The boat had lots of room and there was a good selection of food and drink on board.
Lyn_J, Oct 2024
Amazing Trip Amazing experience. Easy to find destination and ferry left on time freindly staff and beautiful surroundings
From $58.54
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Explore Tallinn: Self-Guided Day Cruise from Helsinki
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