Stockholm to Helsinki ferry: the overnight Baltic cruise

The Stockholm to Helsinki ferry is as much a mini-cruise as a crossing: an overnight sailing through the Stockholm archipelago and the Åland Islands, aboard some of the largest ferries in the Baltic.

How long is the crossing?

The sailing takes around 16 to 17 hours, timed as an overnight trip. Ships typically leave in the late afternoon and arrive the next morning, so you travel while you sleep and lose no daytime.

The route threads out through the Stockholm archipelago and calls at Mariehamn in the Åland Islands, one of the prettiest stretches of coastal sailing in northern Europe.

Operators and ships

Two companies run the route: Tallink Silja and Viking Line. Their vessels are floating resorts, with cabins, restaurants, bars, live entertainment, spas and generous tax-free shopping.

Because the crossing is overnight, a cabin is part of the experience rather than an optional extra — book one for every traveller.

Cabins, cars and what's included

Cabins range from simple inside berths to sea-view suites. Meal packages and buffet dinners are popular add-ons and often better value booked with the crossing than bought on board.

You can bring a car, and many travellers do to continue touring Finland. Vehicle fares depend on size, so declare your dimensions accurately when booking.

Terminals and onward travel

In Stockholm, sailings use Värtahamnen, reachable by bus, taxi or a walk from the metro. In Helsinki, ferries arrive at the Katajanokka or West terminals, both close to the centre and tram network.

From Helsinki you can connect onward to Tallinn by a short fast-ferry hop, or take the train deeper into Finland.