I am planning on ferrying to Tallinn just for a day of sightseeing and returning to Helsinki that evening. The ferry website speaks of making reservations, but I cannot decipher whether that's for longer trips or not....Do I need a reservation just for a day trip...or is there a different ferry line you recommend??
Tallink Silja Ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn
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I rode the Tallink MS Romantika ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn. I just went to the dock and bought a ticket. No reservation. I guess if you need a cabin you make a reservation but it is only a 4 hour ride.
I suggest that you make Tallinn a two night stay rather than a day trip. It is a fascinating city, the old town.
Helsinki has almost the highest prices on the planet for anything with ethanol in it, and the prices in Tallinn are reasonable. As you wait at the dock in Helsinki to depart you'll notice passengers getting off the ferry returning from Tallinn. Many of them are pulling dollies loaded with cases of booze and beer.
There are so many hydrofoils/ferries per day between Helsinki and Tallinn that you need a reservation only if you have a car, car and truck space is limited on boats. Or if you specially have to be somewhere at a certain time, like a doctor´s appointment or a work related meeting.
As elina mentioned, there are many companies operating. In Helsinki, you can check the Helsingin Sanomat newspaper, they have often very good offers.
Notice, there is only one main railway station in Helsinki but several harbours where the ships to/from Tallinn operate. So, make sure you know where you go. Or, just take a taxi, they will know.
Some links if you are interested:
Port of Helsinki, covering all harbours:
http://www.portofhelsinki.fi/default.asp?docId=12588
Ferry companies:
http://www.tallinksilja.com/en/
http://www.vikingline.fi/index.asp?lang=en
http://www.eckeroline.fi/en/default.aspx
http://www.lindaline.fi/en/
Travel agency:
http://www.ferrycenter.fi/index.php?id=568&lang_id=1