Ports in Helsinki - Guide for Cruise Visitors

Introduction to Helsinki

Helsinki is the capital of Finland, home to around 685,000 residents. When combined with the neighbouring cities of Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen, the Helsinki region has a population of over one million. Vantaa is known for Helsinki Airport, while Espoo makes a fascinating day trip destination for visitors to Helsinki. Although the Helsinki area consists of four separate cities, moving between them is convenient and straightforward.

Visiting Helsinki by a Cruise Ship

There are many ports in Helsinki, but the Port of Helsinki administers the majority of them. Most of the traffic consists of scheduled ferry routes, including regular connections to Tallinn, Stockholm, and destinations nearby. Arriving in Helsinki by a scheduled ferry is convenient for travellers coming from Sweden, Estonia or Germany.

During the summer season, many cruise ships visit Helsinki, typically staying for just a day to allow passengers to explore the city. These ships usually dock at different quays than regular ferries. Not all cruise ships have dedicated terminal buildings, so passengers often disembark directly onto the docks. However, cruise quays are generally close to the terminal buildings used by scheduled ferries.

Cruise Ports in Helsinki

Helsinki has multiple quays spread across the city, operated by the Port of Helsinki. Most are in central Helsinki, although one is a bit farther away. While cruise companies tend to favour ports that are more conveniently located, schedules and ship sizes also play a role in determining where ships dock.

Reaching the city centre from the port depends on where your ship docks, so it’s essential first to identify the exact quay. Check your travel itinerary to confirm your arrival point. If you’re arriving on an international cruise ship, you’ll most likely dock at either the Katajanokka or Hernesaari quays.

Below, we outline the potential locations and provide advice on how to get from the cruise port to the city centre.

Katajanokka at South Harbour

South Harbour is the central port area, located near the main market square, and features several quays where both scheduled ferries and cruise ships dock. Its eastern part is called Katajanokka.

Scheduled Viking Line ferries from Stockholm and Tallinn arrive at Katajanokka, using their dedicated terminal building. Many cruise ships also dock in the area, though some may anchor a bit farther from the terminal. The quays at Katajanokka are called Katajanokka Quay and Quay for Cruisers.

Katajanokka is close to the city centre. You can walk to the Market Square in about 20 minutes. If you prefer public transport, trams 4 and 5 run through Katajanokka. The nearest stop is just a few minutes away, depending on where exactly your ferry docks. Overall, we’d say Katajanokka is one of the best places to arrive by ship in Helsinki.

For public transportation, we recommend a day ticket for Zones A and B, which covers the entire city of Helsinki. If you prefer taking a taxi from the cruise port to the city centre, consider installing the Bolt app. You can also take a cab from a taxi rank, though it’s usually more expensive. Another option is to pre-book a ride through Welcome Pickups.

Helsinki Card also includes a public transportation ticket.

On days when cruise ships arrive, some sightseeing buses stop at the Katajanokka cruise area. If you’re planning to take a tour, it’s convenient to start from the port area directly. Check out City Sightseeing Tour and the Helsinki Panorama Tour.

Read more about public transportation in Helsinki and taxis in Helsinki.

Western South Harbour (Olympia Terminal)

Olympia Terminal sits across from Katajanokka in the same South Harbour area. Tallink ferries from Stockholm dock there, but cruise ships typically do not use this terminal. Olympia Terminal is on the western side of the South Harbour.

You can walk to the market square in about 20 minutes. Trams 2 and 3 also depart directly from the terminal’s front. Although a taxi rank is available, taking a cab from the queue can be expensive. We recommend using the Bolt app instead. You can also preorder a ride from Welcome Pickups here.

City Sightseeing Tour and Helsinki Panorama Tour have stops in front of the terminal.

Cruise Quays at Hernesaari

If you’re arriving on a large cruise ship, you’ll most likely dock at either the Hernesaari or Munkkisaari quays. These are near the West Harbour, where many scheduled ferries arrive, but they’re separated by the harbour basin, making it impractical to walk between the cruise quays and the West Harbour. Although two of the quays are named Hernesaari and one is called Munkkisaari, they are all located in the same general area.

The Hernesaari area looks more like an industrial zone with residential sections nearby, rather than a cosy spot. Although it’s not far from the city centre, walking isn’t ideal as it would take too long. Luckily, getting to the city centre is still relatively easy.

Tram 6 will take you to the city centre, but the closest stop is a 10–15 minute walk away. You’ll need a ticket for Zones A and B, which covers all of Helsinki. The journey takes about 10 to 20 minutes. Alternatively, use the Bolt app for a more affordable taxi than those at the rank, or pre‑book a ride with Welcome Pickups from the cruise port to the city centre.

Helsinki Card also includes a public transportation ticket.

City Sightseeing Tour and Helsinki Panorama Tour stop at the Hernesaari quays on cruise days. If you’re taking a tour bus, there’s no need to buy a public transportation ticket. A tour is a quick way to start exploring the city.

Terminal 2 at West Harbour

Terminal 2 at West Harbour is just next to the Hernesari cruise dock. Scheduled ferries from Tallinn and some other locations arrive at this terminal. The difference to Hernesaari dock is that there is a sea between.

Modern Terminal 2 offers excellent connections to Helsinki city centre. There’s a tram stop right in front of the terminal, and the ride to the centre takes just 15 minutes. You’ll need a ticket for Zones A and B. The terminal also has a taxi rank, but using app-hailed taxis is more cost-effective. You can also book a ride with Welcome Pickups there.

Vuosaari Harbour

Vuosaari Harbour is far from the city centre, and it’s unlikely that your cruise ship will dock there. However, some scheduled ferries do arrive at this harbour. For example, if you are coming from Tallinn Muuga port.

Typically, travellers arriving at this port bring their cars on the ferry, so the distant location isn’t an issue. This port is quite convenient for drivers, as it avoids the need to navigate the complicated city centre of Helsinki. Taxis to the city centre are expensive, public transport takes time, and sightseeing buses don’t serve the area. If you’re visiting Helsinki for a day, this isn’t the best place to arrive.

Public Transportation for Helsinki Cruise Visitors

The Helsinki region, particularly the city centre, has excellent public transport. Still, the compact layout of the centre makes walking a practical choice. If you prefer to use transit, trams and the metro offer the most comfortable experience. To plan your journey, use Google Maps or the HSL Route Planner.

Read more about Helsinki’s public transportation and its tickets.

Taxis

We don’t recommend using taxis in Helsinki city centre, as public transport is more convenient and walking is also a great way to get around. However, if you prefer taking a taxi, it’s worth learning how the system works. You can find more details in our dedicated article about taxis in Helsinki.

Keep Safe and Comfortable

Safety

Helsinki is a safe destination. Although violent crime and fraud are rare, they can occur, so stay vigilant. Pickpockets sometimes target tourists, so keep your belongings secure.

To stay safe, stick to well‑populated areas and keep a close eye on your belongings. Be cautious of anyone who approaches you without being prompted. Locals rarely stop strangers to ask questions, and remember that someone who appears to be a fellow traveller could be a pickpocket.

Weather

Cruise passengers usually visit Helsinki during the summer season. Early April can bring temperatures as low as 5°c, while midsummer typically ranges from 15°c to 32°c. Although sunny days are standard, rain is also frequent. Be sure to check the weather forecast and bring an umbrella.

If the weather seems bad at the port, opt for public transport and minimise walking.

Bottom Line

Helsinki is an excellent destination for a summer cruise. The weather is typically not too hot, and there’s plenty of daylight. The city centre is compact, making it easy and quick to get around.

A minor drawback is that the Hernesaari quays are a bit farther from the centre, and the area isn’t particularly scenic. However, with the right transportation options, you can still reach the city centre from the cruise port quickly. Many of the top attractions are in the city centre, so be sure to include it in your visit.

Welcome to visit Helsinki!