Plan the crossing from Travemünde to Helsinki, with departure-port details, Finnlines and onward travel after arrival.
Choose your route, travel dates, passengers and vehicle to compare current sailings and fares. Route selected: Travemünde to Helsinki. Search all ferry routes.
Check your ports, passengers, vehicle and dates before completing the reservation.
Travemünde–Helsinki is one of Europe’s longest regular passenger ferry journeys and a practical alternative to driving around the Baltic Sea. Finnlines currently publishes a daily 30-hour service in each direction.
The route is particularly useful for motorists, motorhomes and travellers carrying more luggage, but it also works for passengers who want a slow-travel connection between Germany and Finland.
With a full night and much of a day at sea, cabin choice, meals and onboard facilities matter more here than on short crossings.
If you are connecting to accommodation, another ferry or ground transport, leave a sensible margin after the scheduled arrival. Weather, port traffic and boarding operations can occasionally affect the final timing.
Even on Travemünde to Helsinki, fares and vessel assignments can vary by departure, so compare the live options rather than relying only on a typical journey time.
Travelling the other way? Read the Helsinki to Travemünde ferry guide.
Compare crossing time, onboard facilities, passenger rules and fare flexibility before booking.
Finnlines
Crossing time: 30 hours
Finnlines operates the direct Travemünde–Helsinki passenger route daily with its Star-class freight-passenger vessels, combining long-distance vehicle transport with cabin accommodation and onboard services.
Use the operator confirmation for the correct check-in area, terminal instructions and arrival deadline. Port procedures can vary by passenger type and sailing.
Travemünde is Lübeck’s Baltic ferry gateway. The ferry port is separated from the old seaside centre, so follow Finnlines directions rather than navigating only to central Travemünde.
Finnlines’ Germany services use Helsinki’s Vuosaari harbour area rather than the central passenger terminals used by many Tallinn or Stockholm ferries.
The Finnlines Star-class ships are freight-passenger ferries rather than resort-style cruise ships, but they provide the key facilities needed for a comfortable long Baltic journey.
Private cabin accommodation is an important part of the 30-hour journey.
Buffet dining and café options help break up the long crossing.
Selected ships offer sauna, fitness and relaxation facilities; check the assigned vessel.
The route is especially convenient for cars, motorhomes and travellers continuing by road in Finland or Germany.
The assigned vessel can change. Treat the live booking result and operator information as definitive for facilities, accessibility, seating, accommodation and pet arrangements.
Germany and Finland are both EU and Schengen countries, but operators can require valid passenger identification. Carry an accepted passport or national identity document and normal vehicle paperwork.
Check Finnlines’ accepted identification requirements before boarding.
Enter vehicle dimensions accurately, especially for motorhomes, roof boxes, trailers or caravans.
Build the 30-hour sea time into hotel, road and onward connection plans at both ends.
Helsinki is the natural gateway to southern Finland. Drivers can connect with motorways towards Turku, Tampere, Lahti and eastern Finland, while rail and bus networks cover the wider country.
For further ferry travel, Helsinki has direct services towards Tallinn and Stockholm, although these use different passenger terminals from Finnlines.
Compare Ferry RoutesThe shortest sea crossing is not always the best overall journey. Compare departure port, sailing length, operator and onward travel after arrival.
Finnlines currently publishes a 30-hour crossing time.
Finnlines operates the direct passenger route with Star-class freight-passenger ferries.
Finnlines currently publishes daily departures, but always confirm the date in the live timetable.
Yes. The route is particularly well suited to vehicle travel, including cars and many leisure-vehicle types.
Passenger travel is available, but check current booking and terminal arrangements for your chosen sailing.
Yes. Cabin accommodation is a core part of the long crossing, with different categories available by ship and sailing.
Finnlines uses the Vuosaari harbour area for this Germany route, away from the central terminals used by many other passenger ferries.
Carry a valid passport or accepted national identity document and follow Finnlines’ current identification rules.
Helsinki to Travemünde ferry guide covers the opposite departure port, arrival arrangements and onward connections.
Use the terminal or pier named on your Finnlines confirmation. The published departure is the sailing time; check-in and vehicle acceptance close earlier. If reaching Travemünde by train or bus, allow for the transfer from the station to the harbour and for luggage handling.
Start your onward itinerary at the actual landing point in Helsinki. Leave time to unload before a timed collection, train or island bus. If the ferry arrives late in the day, check the final public-transport departure or arrange a transfer in advance.
Allow for the overland journey to Travemünde before choosing the ferry. A separately booked flight, train or earlier crossing may not protect you if you miss check-in. Use local times on both sides and check entry rules for each country on your full itinerary. Travel within Europe is not automatically free of document checks.
Helsinki, Turku and Naantali serve different Baltic routes. Check overnight accommodation and local arrival time, then allow for the onward drive or rail connection; Finland’s local time differs from Britain’s.
Select the correct passenger category before comparing Travemünde to Helsinki fares. A passenger-only boat cannot take a car, and a vehicle ferry may still have limited bicycle or foot-passenger availability. The travel modes shown in the facts panel should be checked against the specific sailing.
For a vehicle booking, give the full height and length including a roof box, rear rack or trailer. Where accommodation is offered, check whether a cabin or seat is required and whether meals are included. Request mobility assistance and any pet space before completing the booking, because these can have separate capacity limits.
Prices depend on the date, passenger mix, vehicle and ticket conditions. Compare the complete return cost and the amendment or cancellation terms. No fixed fare on this guide should replace a dated quote.
Car and motorhome planning · Travelling without a car · Taking a pet
Compare current sailings, passenger fares, vehicle prices and accommodation, then choose the crossing that works best for your journey.
30-hour crossing
Finnlines
Daily service
Cabins & vehicles
