Viking Line predicts another record summer for travel to Estonia
c: Viking Line
Viking Line is preparing for a busy summer on its Helsinki–Tallinn route by adding Viking XPRS to the route served by Viking Cinderella and Gabriella and by launching a partnership with Onnibus.
If people want to sail across the Gulf of Finland on a given day or take their car with them, it is a good idea to book well in advance.
Viking Line is once again adding Viking Cinderella and Gabriella, which people are familiar with from the shipping company’s service to Stockholm, to its Helsinki-Tallinn route during the holiday period this summer. The vessels will take turns departing for Tallinn at 10:30 a.m. With the addition of Viking XPRS, Viking Line will have a total of three daily departures to Tallinn between June 18 and August 10. On Fridays, there will be four departures.
Viking Line is also improving travel connections for people coming from different parts of Finland to sail to Tallinn in partnership with the Finnish express coach company Onnibus. Shuttle bus departures from the Kampen bus terminal to the Katajanokka ferry terminal have been adjusted to coordinate with Onnibus’s coach service from 15 cities in Finland.
“It’s a relief for many people not to have to look for a parking space for their car or figure out public transport connections in Helsinki. Thanks to the new bus connections, they can have a relaxed start to their journey from the time they leave home,” says Viking Line’s Commercial Director, Minna Tuorila.
Estonia strengthens its position as the favourite holiday destination of Finns
With the additional sailings and the partnership with Onnibus, Viking Line is getting ready for a busy holiday season. The popularity of local tourism has increased year after year, and with a tough economy there is greater interest in simple, budget-friendly breaks from everyday life. Estonia has become by far the favourite summer destination for Finns, and the Association of Finnish Travel Industry (SMAL) has named Finland’s southern neighbour International Destination of the Year 2025.
Last summer, Viking Line had 732,000 passengers between Helsinki and Tallinn, which was a new record.
“We predict an excellent summer for the Estonia route this year as well. Many departures are already sold out, even though tickets are usually booked at the last minute. We recommend that people book well in advance if they want to travel on a specific day or take their car with them,” says Minna Tuorila.
“Estonia’s position as the Finns’ first choice for summer holidays doesn’t seem to be threatened by anything. Stockholm comes second, and only after that come different destinations reached by plane. The number of people travelling with us who take their car has increased significantly. Last year, Pärnu and eastern Estonia didn’t get their full share of passenger streams, but we think people will now also travel beyond Tallinn to discover new experiences and more inexpensive holiday options than the Estonian capital.”
Viking Line also sees signs of a rebound in international tourism to Finland.