Is the return day trip ferry ticket from Helsinki to Tallinn worth the cost?

Are you planning a day trip to Tallinn, but you don’t want to stay overnight? If yes, then you’ll probably consider taking the return day trip ferry ticket from Helsinki to Tallinn. But is it worth the cost, and is it the right option for you? In this short guide, we will explain what a return day trip ferry ticket is, the cost associated with such a boat ticket and the advantages and disadvantages of traveling with one. We will also present various alternatives, so you can make your own decision in the end if the return day trip ferry ticket is right for you and worth the cost.

What is a return day ferry trip ticket?

A return day trip ferry ticket from Helsinki to Tallinn allows you to travel from Finland to Estonia, and back again, all within the same day. A few ferry companies offer this type of ticket, and depending on whom you choose, the duration of your journey will vary. Usually, it takes around two hours one way, although the boat does make stops during its journey at different ports that can add up to 40 minutes or so.

How much does a return day trip ferry ticket cost?

The cost varies depending on where you purchase the ticket and the boat company you choose. An adult ticket usually starts at ~$35, with seniors (65+) paying a lower fee of ~$19. Children between 4 and 14 years old usually cost around ~$12 and infants (0-3 years old) usually travel for free. One other factor that affects the final price is whether or not you choose the high-speed service, which reduces the travel time significantly. However, these tickets tend to cost quite a bit more, usually around $25 more per person than regular tickets.

Advantages of taking a return day trip ferry ticket from Helsinki to Tallinn

The main advantage of taking a return day trip ferry ticket is that it allows travelers to experience a daytrip to Estonia without having to book a hotel or stay overnight in Tallinn. It’s perfect for travelers that only have one day to spare or need to get back to Helsinki the same day for other reasons. Additionally, it allows travelers from Finland to explore a different country without spending too much money. Especially since spent time in other Schengen countries doesn’t count against your total stay as long as you’re back by midnight of the same day. And if you want some added fun while in Tallinn, GetYourGuide offers various activities such as music festivals, walking tours and more.

Disadvantages of taking a return day trip ferry ticket from Helsinki to Tallinn

The main disadvantage of taking a return day trip ferry ticket is that due to the limited time, travelers won’t have much chance to explore Tallinn completely. The best-case scenario would be for you to take the morning ferry and come back on the late afternoon one. That would give you about 8 hours; enough time for some sightseeing but definitely not enough for museums or other attractions such as sightseeing tours or shopping. Another disadvantage is that on some ferries, especially on those with high-speed service, there might be limited options for food and drinks during your journey. So make sure to bring some snacks with you! Additionally, if you choose one of the high-speed services, you might be required to present more documentation than usual before boarding; so remember to check out all requirements before your journey.

Alternatives to taking a return day trip ferry ticket from Helsinki to Tallinn

If taking a return day trip ferry ticket isn’t an option or seems too expensive for you, then you might want to consider flying one way instead and taking another form of transportation back, such as a bus. While flights tend to be more expensive than ferries both ways, if you only take them one way it could end up being way cheaper in the end. Another alternative is booking an overnight hotel in Tallinn and opting for a regular ferry ticket instead of a return day trip one. You’ll still have plenty of time during your visit but at a much lower cost and without having to rush your stay in Estonia. Plus, airports tend to be further away from city centers than ports, so you might end up saving some money on transportation with this option as well.

Conclusion

All in all, it’s up to each traveler to decide if taking a return day trip ferry ticket from Helsinki to Tallinn is worth the cost for them or not. As we discussed in this article, there are both advantages and disadvantages when taking such boat tickets and there are several alternatives too. So What’s your choice?