Helsinki to Tallinn is one of the shortest scheduled international flights anywhere — barely half an hour in the air across the Gulf of Finland. Finnair flies it non-stop, but for most travellers the real story is the ferry: a two-hour crossing that runs many times a day and usually costs a fraction of the fare. This guide covers the flight, the ferry alternative, and how to pick between them.
Route: Helsinki (HEL) → Tallinn (TLL)
Distance: approximately 85 km (53 miles) — one of the shortest international air routes in Europe
Non-stop flight time: about 30–35 minutes gate to gate
Direct flights: Yes — Finnair flies non-stop. But note that the 2-hour ferry across the Gulf of Finland is the popular, cheaper alternative and often the more sensible choice for this crossing.
Fares from Helsinki to Tallinn (EUR)
On a route this short the flight is really about onward connections rather than the crossing itself — the airport transfers at both ends can take longer than the flight. Air fares are modest but rarely beat the ferry once you count getting to and from the airports. Summer and the December holidays are the busiest; the quiet winter weeks are cheapest. The figures below are typical economy return air fares in euros; ferry prices are covered separately below.
| Month | Demand |
|---|---|
| January | low |
| February | low |
| March | medium |
| April | medium |
| May | medium-high |
| June | high |
| July | high |
| August | high |
| September | medium |
| October | medium |
| November | low |
| December | medium-high |
We do not quote a target fare for this route. Our price tracking holds no recorded observations for it, so a “typical” or “good deal” figure here would be an estimate dressed up as a measurement — so this page leaves it out rather than guess. The seasonal pattern above is the part we can stand behind; check the live fare for the number.
Airlines on this route — and the ferry
Non-stop flight (about 30–35 minutes):
- Finnair — the only carrier we have seen flying HEL → TLL non-stop, several times a day. It makes most sense when Tallinn is a connection on a longer Finnair itinerary rather than a standalone trip.
The ferry (about 2 hours, the popular alternative):
- Tallink Silja — fast ships (Megastar, MyStar) sail city-centre to city-centre up to around eight times a day; a one-way ticket is typically €20–€35.
- Viking Line — a second operator on the same crossing, with a couple of daily sailings and similar pricing; both run comfortable, modern vessels.
For a straightforward Helsinki–Tallinn trip the ferry usually beats the flight on both price and convenience: it departs from the city centre, drops you near Tallinn’s old town, and you avoid two airport transfers for a 30-minute flight. Choose the flight mainly when you are connecting onward from Helsinki Airport or want the fastest possible airborne time.
When to book & how to save
- Compare the ferry first. For a city break, the 2-hour crossing is cheaper and lands you in the centre — only fly if you need the airport for a connection.
- Book ferries ahead in summer: midsummer and weekend sailings fill up and prices rise; midweek off-season crossings are the cheapest.
- Fly hand-baggage only. On a 35-minute hop there is little reason to pay for hold luggage; keep it in the cabin.
- Watch airport transfer time and cost. Getting to HEL and from TLL can add an hour or more each way — factor that in when the flight looks faster on paper.
- Look at open-jaw options. Flying one way and taking the ferry back (or vice versa) can suit a wider Baltic or Nordic itinerary.
Arriving in Tallinn
Flights land at Tallinn Airport (TLL), unusually close to the city — only about 4 km from the old town. Tram line 4 runs from the terminal to the centre in around 15 minutes for roughly €2, and a taxi or ride-hail is about €10–€15. If you take the ferry instead, you arrive at the Port of Tallinn, an easy 15–20 minute walk or a short tram ride from the old town — even more central than the airport.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Helsinki to Tallinn?
The non-stop flight is about 30 to 35 minutes gate to gate — one of the shortest scheduled international flights in Europe. In practice the airport transfers at each end take longer than the flight itself, which is why many travellers take the 2-hour ferry instead.
Are there direct flights from Helsinki to Tallinn?
Yes. Finnair flies non-stop several times a day, though it is the only airline we have seen doing so. For most point-to-point trips the 2-hour ferry across the Gulf of Finland is the more popular and cheaper choice; the flight makes most sense when you are connecting onward through Helsinki Airport.
How much does it cost to fly from Helsinki to Tallinn?
A typical economy air return runs about €80–€160 depending on the season, with the best hand-baggage-only fares dipping toward €35–€52. A one-way ferry ticket is usually only €20–€35, so the boat is normally the cheaper way to cross.
Is the ferry or the flight better between Helsinki and Tallinn?
For a standalone trip, the ferry usually wins: it is cheaper, runs many times a day, and goes city-centre to city-centre in about 2 hours without airport hassle. The flight is better only when you are connecting onward from Helsinki Airport or want the shortest possible airborne time.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Helsinki to Tallinn?
January, February and November are the cheapest months for both flights and ferries, with quiet demand. Summer (June to August) and the December holidays are the busiest and dearest, so travel in the low or shoulder season for the best value.
Which airport do I fly into in Tallinn?
All flights use Tallinn Airport (TLL), just about 4 km from the old town — unusually close for a capital-city airport. Tram line 4 reaches the centre in around 15 minutes for roughly €2, or a taxi is about €10–€15.
How far in advance should I book Helsinki to Tallinn?
Flights and ferries can both be booked fairly last-minute outside peak periods. For summer weekends, midsummer and the December holidays, booking a few weeks ahead secures the cheapest fares and guarantees a sailing at your preferred time, as popular ferry departures do sell out.
Is it cheaper to travel on weekdays?
Yes — midweek crossings and flights (Tuesday to Thursday) are generally cheaper than Friday and Sunday, when weekend city-breakers travel. Choosing a midweek, off-season sailing is the single easiest way to get the lowest price on this crossing.
Route and schedule details from current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Prices are indicative economy returns and change with demand — always check the live fare before booking.
