HSL Ferries (Helsinki) Schedules 2026

The Helsinki ferries run on the same ticket as the tram, bus, metro and commuter train, which is what makes the Suomenlinna crossing public transport rather than a tourist boat — despite carrying a great many tourists. The chain behind it has four links: HSL orders the service and plans the timetables, Kaupunkiliikenne Oy places the contract, Suomenlinnan Liikenne Oy — a Kaupunkiliikenne subsidiary — produces it, and on the newest route the vessels are worked by Suomen Saaristovarustamo Oy.

It began with the 1952 Olympics

Suomenlinnan Liikenne Oy was founded in August 1950. Before that the fortress was a closed military area, served by a Defence Forces unit running four steamboats — and those could not break ice, so winter traffic simply stopped. Residents reached the islands on foot along ice roads from Kaivopuisto, or by car from the end of Katajanokka. For the 1952 Olympics the city wanted the fortress open to visitors, so a proper ferry was designed and built at the Suomenlinna shipyard by Valmet: M/S Suomenlinna – Sveaborg, Finland's first combined passenger and car ferry. It entered service in May 1952 and carried Olympic visitors that summer.

The first ferry is still on the route

That original vessel served until 2004, was sold, renovated in 2012 — and still crosses between Kauppatori and Suomenlinna today under the name M/S Suokki. Alongside it run M/S Suomenlinna II, owned by Suomenlinnan Liikenne, and M/S Tor. Capacities differ: Suomenlinna II takes 395 passengers and two cars, Suokki 350 and two, Tor 350 and one. The Katajanokka service route is worked by M/S Ehrensvärd, which brings the islanders their post and groceries.

Buy before you board

No money is handled on the ferries. Tickets must be bought in advance, and HSL internal or regional tickets are valid; tickets from machines start their validity the moment they are purchased. Taking a vehicle needs no reservation but does need a transport fee paid on land — there are no vehicle ticket machines on Suomenlinna itself, and the ferries sell nothing on board. The fee depends on vehicle size and the receipt is checked during the crossing. Maximum dimensions: 7 m long, 2.7 m high and 2.3 m wide on Suomenlinna II and Suokki; 5.2 × 2.4 × 2.3 m on Tor. Drivers and their passengers each need an ordinary passenger ticket as well.

A separate gate for islanders

The Suomenlinna terminal has its own residents' gate. Suomenlinnan Liikenne issues the access tag, applied for on a form and posted out once the €5.05 fee is paid. The tag is personal, cannot be lent even briefly, and must be returned if you move off the island — a new resident applies for their own rather than inheriting it.

The newest crossing has an end date

The Kruunuvuorenranta–Meritullintori ferry opened on May Day and runs on renewable HVO diesel. It takes about twenty minutes, at roughly 50-minute intervals, daily in summer and on weekdays about 07.00–22.00 in winter, with the winter season starting in early November and weekend hours cut to about 10.00–18.00. Bicycles travel free when there is room. The Meritullintori approach is step-free; the temporary Kruunuvuorenranta pier is not entirely, and staff assist with boarding. By city council decision the service runs only until the Kruunusillat bridges are finished — demand is reviewed as it goes.