Helsinki St Petersburg ferry

Taking the ferry from Helsinki to St Petersburg

The ferry from Helsinki to St Petersburg offers a convenient and comfortable way to travel between these two cities. Onboard amenities typically include restaurants, bars, entertainment options, and comfortable cabins for overnight journeys. This route allows passengers to enjoy scenic views of the Baltic Sea and the opportunity to explore both Helsinki and St Petersburg without the need for a visa when staying for up to 72 hours. Be sure to check the schedule and any visa requirements before booking your trip.

Collecting your ferry tickets at Helsinki

Passengers collecting ferry tickets at Helsinki must check in with the ferry operator upon arrival at the terminal, where they may receive a new boarding pass. It is essential to present their confirmation email, identification, and any other required documents for ticket collection. Ticket booths are usually located near the ferry terminal for easy access. To avoid delays, passengers are advised to arrive at the terminal at least 1-2 hours before the scheduled departure time. For a smooth check-in process, it is recommended to have all necessary documents ready, follow the instructions of the ferry staff, and be prepared to answer any questions related to your booking.

How to get to Helsinki Port

To get to Helsinki Port at 00140 Helsinki, Finland, you can take various transportation methods. If you are coming by car, you can drive along the E12 highway and follow signs to the port. For those taking the train, you can use the local trains to reach Helsinki Central Railway Station and then transfer to a tram or bus that will take you to the port. Bus numbers 14 and 18 also stop near the port area. If you prefer to take a taxi, there are taxi stands available at the train station and throughout the city. Nearby landmarks to look out for include the Helsinki Cathedral and Market Square, which are close to the port. The port area is accessible for travelers with reduced mobility, with ramps and designated parking spaces available.

Ship Facilities

The ferry offers a variety of facilities to enhance the overall travel experience. Passengers can choose from multiple dining options including a buffet restaurant, a café serving snacks, and a bar offering beverages. Seating areas range from standard seating to premium lounges with comfortable chairs and Wi-Fi access. Shops on board provide a selection of goods for passengers to browse and purchase during the journey. Cabins are available for those looking for a private space to rest, with options ranging from standard to deluxe accommodations. Child-friendly zones are equipped with entertainment options to keep young passengers occupied. Special services such as Wi-Fi connectivity, premium lounges, and accessibility features for passengers with disabilities are also available. These facilities cater to the diverse needs of passengers, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable voyage for all.

Useful information on your arrival to St Petersburg

Upon arrival in St Petersburg, travelers can expect to find parking options available near the port area. Taxis are readily available for transportation, and there are nearby train stations for those looking to use public transportation. Taxis can be found outside the port area, while train stations are located within walking distance. When driving in St Petersburg, remember that the speed limit is typically 60 km/h in urban areas and 110 km/h on highways. Be aware of toll roads, which may require payment. Follow all traffic regulations, including wearing seat belts and obeying traffic signals.

Helsinki Guide

Located in the Uusimaa region of southern Finland, on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, is the city of Helsinki. The capital of Finland is roughly 80 km to the north of Tallinn in Estonia, 400 km to the north of Stockholm in Sweden and 300 km to the west of St Petersburg in Russia. Helsinki is widely regarded as one of the major cities in northern Europe and is the country's main hub for politics, finance, commerce and culture.  

Popular visitor attractions in the city include Helsinki's largest museum, the National Museum of Finland. It contains a large collection of historical artefacts that date back to prehistoric times through to the present day. The museum's home, a neomedieval castle, is also a popular tourist attraction in its own right. The Helsinki City Museum, the Finnish National Gallery and the Design Museum are three other museums in the city that are worth visiting.  

Helsinki's port, the largest in Finland and the second largest in the Nordic countries, has three harbours and 6 passenger terminals. Ferry services using the port depart to Stockholm in Sweden, Travemunde in Germany and Tallinn in Estonia.

St Petersburg Guide

The Russian city of St Petersburg is often referred to by its residents as simply 'Piter' and was formerly named Leningrad. The city has definitely had an interesting past with over 300 years of history, with more than 200 of it as the capital city of the entire Russian Empire. Today, St Petersburg is an amazing city to visit and more than lives up to the vision of Tsar Peter the Great which founded the city in the 1700's. Winding their way through the city is the Neva River and a number of canals, along which you can see grand palaces and a number of other important buildings that date back to the 18th century. St. Petersburg is where Russian ballet was founded and has also been the home of many acclaimed composers, such as Sergei Rachmaninoff.  

Many of the best sights in St. Petersburg are to be found around the actual city centre and its main road, the Nevsky Prospekt. If you take a stroll around Palace Square, known locally as the Dvortsovaya Ploshchad, you will see the lovely architecture of the Winter Palace, or alternatively take a cruise on one of the city's canals on a water bus, stopping of at the Mikhaylovsky Gardens en route.  

Note: Ferry passengers are allowed stay in Russia for 72 hours without visa as long as they booked their excursion through officially licensed ferry companies.