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Good to know

Welcome to explore everything you want to know about travelling on Finnlines ropax ferries on the Baltic Sea. 

Booking a trip

  • Special priced tickets according to an offer or discount need to be booked and paid in advance. Discounts are not granted at check-in and are not refunded afterwards. Special-priced places are limited.
  • Discounts and offers do not affect the amount of EU ETS environmental charges or other similar charges.
  • We offer also ferry trips for groups to Finland, Sweden and Germany, read more.
  • Group booking inquiries and bookings through group sales.
  • We recommend all our passengers to take a travel insurance and make sure that if they are travelling with a vehicle that its car and traffic insurance is valid during the sea trip.
  • Finnlines’ Conditions of Carriage do not include right of cancellation in case of acute illness. We recommend that our passengers always take a travel insurance with cancellation protection.

  • Online booking is possible until check-in for the desired departure is opened. Exceptions are departures from Travemünde to Helsinki where online booking must be made at 19:00 at the latest.
  • Bookings consisting of more than two routes can only be made via customer service.
  • Online booking can be paid with Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard or Maestro. Direct banking is possible in Finland via Aktia, Danske Bank, Handelsbanken, Nordea, Oma Säästöpankki, OP, POP Pankki, S-Pankki, Säästöpankki and Ålandsbanken. Bookings in euro can be paid via PayPal.
  • Read more about online bookings here.
  • Travelling with a pet is possible only on route trips.
  • Booking a pet cabin is mandatory when traveling with pets, except on day departures on the Kapellskär–Långnäs–Naantali route.
  • All pets need to be notified upon reservation, including assistance, guide, and service dogs. Transportation of other than dogs and cats must be separately agreed upon with the shipping company.
  • No more than two pets per cabin are allowed.
  • Pets may not be taken into bars, restaurants, saunas, or other public areas unless otherwise stated.
  • Before taking your pet abroad, please check the existing restrictions and regulations from local authorities.
  • Read more about traveling with pets.
  • If you book a return or multi-leg trip, you get a 20% discount on all ferry trips following the first one. In order to get the discount, you need to book all parts of the trip at the same time.
  • The discount applies to passenger, cabin, and vehicle prices. The discount does not apply to additional services (e.g. Wi-Fi, meals), EU ETS environmental chargers, or other similar charges.
  • In case the first part of the trip is cancelled or it is not used, the return or multi-leg discount will be removed from the new first section.
  • Members of the Finnlines’ loyalty program Star Club always travel more affordably and receive offers on the sea and ashore. Read more about Star Club.
  • After booking you will receive a booking confirmation, which is valid as a ticket. The booking reference number needs to be informed at the check-in.

Before your trip

  • All Finnlines’ ro-pax vessels are suitable for disabled passengers. There are a limited number of obstacle-free cabins onboard and they are located close to the lifts. Finnlines’ terminals are obstacle-free, too.
  • If you would need special care in an emergency, please notify us when booking the voyage.
  • If your mobility is reduced and you need assistance to go aboard or disembark the ship, please notify us at the latest 48 hours before your departure.
  • If you make a booking online, please send a message to [email protected] and inform us what kind of assistance you need. This way we can consider your need for assistance when placing a vehicle on the car deck or ordering suitable bus transportation from the terminal to the ship.
  • Passengers traveling to/from the Åland Islands should contact Call Center before making a reservation. There is no obstacle-free access from the vehicle to the elevator on the car deck.

In vehicles booked via passenger services, it is allowed to carry the following dangerous goods. If you have any questions regarding the permitted items, please, do not hesitate to contact us.

  • Gas bottles in campers and boats maximum 4 cylinders
  • Fuel bottles in campers and boats maximum 2 liters
  • Petrol and diesel in jerrycans: Travemünde–Helsinki 5 liter and Travemünde–Malmö, Malmö–Świnoujście or Kapellskär–Långnäs–Naantali 25 liter (maximum 25 liter canisters)
  • Small portable fire extinguisher
  • Small amounts of paints, thinners or items containing flammable substances (e.g. lighters) in retail receptacles
  • Compressed air or oxygen maximum 6 cylinders per vehicle (for leisure/hobby). Hazardous class 2.2 cylinders unlimited when pressure below 200kPa.
  • Lifejackets and emergency signal devices in a boat as per boat’s category equipment.
  • Medicinal oxygen: Required number of compressed oxygen cylinders for a passenger who has a doctor’s order.

In you cabin baggage, you are allowed to have any retail goods for your personal use like grooming or hygiene e.g. hairsprays, toiletries.

  • There is a limited number of electrical plugs for campers’ or caravans’ refrigeration appliances and vehicles’ portable fridges and freezers on board.
  • Secure your electrical plug on board by booking it in advance when you make the reservation online or before the trip via customer service.
  • The electrical plug costs €10 on the Travemünde–Helsinki-Travemünde route.
  • The electrical plug costs €5 on the Travemünde–Malmö, Świnoujście–Malmö and Kapellskär–Långnäs–Naantali routes.
  • Please take your adapter (230 V) with you when travelling.
  • Campers and caravans: Please turn off all electrical appliances (e.g. underfloor heating), except the refrigeration appliances, before driving on board.
  • Portable fridges and freezers: Please check before your ferry trip that the IP rating of your appliance is at least IP44.
  • At the moment it is not possible to charge an electric car on board.
  • For safety reasons, we do not accept any damaged electric cars on board.
  • There are two charging points for electric cars in front of the Hafenhaus building in Travemünde. One charging point (22kW) is situated inside the check-in gate at Vuosaari Harbour, Helsinki.
  • There is currently no public charging point at Malmö check-in, but several charging facilities can be found in Malmö area.    
  • At Naantali, Långnäs, Kapellskär and Świnoujście check-in there are no charging points at the moment.
  • Finnlines reserves the right to transport fully functional vehicles only.
  • Finnlines reserves the right to refuse to carry a passenger who may pose a danger to his or her own health and safety or the health and safety of other passengers or the crew. 
  • Passengers with a communicable disease, such as measles or rubella, should postpone their voyage.
  • We do not recommend that expectant women travel with us during the last weeks of pregnancy.
  • Finnlines carries cyclists on all routes except for the Malmö–Świnoujście route. Note that high visibility vest is mandatory for all cyclists within the port area. 
  • Children under 6 years travel for free in the same cabin with a guardian.
  • Recliner seats or beds in shared cabins are not possible to book for children under 13 years.
  • Minor passengers travelling without a guardian in a group or alone have to have their guardian’s written consent. 
  • Minors aged 14–17 years can travel without a guardian but in that case they will be charged adult’s ticket fee.
  • Minor passengers under 14 years of age must have a named guardian who is responsible for them during the sea voyage.
  • Minor travelling alone.pdf
  • Minor travelling without a guardian.pdf
  • On board our vessels you can travel with or without a vehicle. However, the vehicle is mandatory when travelling from/to Långnäs on night departures and on the Malmö-Świnoujście route. Also, traveling with a vehicle on cruises on the Naantali-Långnäs-Kapellskär route is not possible.
  • Passengers travelling without a vehicle are checked in at the passenger terminal and transferred to the ship by a shuttle bus except in Långnäs where we have a passenger gateway.
  • Groups travelling by bus can drive conveniently in their own bus onboard the ship.
  • For safety and security reasons it is forbidden to walk, drive and ride a bike in the harbour area. Driving takes place under supervision, which means that a lead car takes the car convoy to the ship.
  • The ship’s crew will assist parking the vehicles.
  • Motorcycles with a sidecar or trailer are booked as vehicles up to 6 m long. Motorcycles need to be secured on the car deck. For this, Finnlines offers tie-down straps and other load-securing devices.
  • Apply the handbrake after driving aboard.
  • There is a limited amount of electricity outlets for mobile homes and caravans. 
  • Gas cylinders need to be closed during the voyage.
  • The passenger is responsible that the vehicle measurements mentioned while booking are correct. If the dimensions are exceeded, we will try to arrange another vehicle place. The customer will be charged the price difference according to the price list. However, a new vehicle space cannot be guaranteed.
  • Buses and animal transport (e.g. dog teams and horses) are to be booked via call center only.
  • Vehicles carrying commercial goods and vehicles registered for commercial transportation are booked as cargo. If it is established at the check-in that the vehicle type does not correspond with the booked vehicle type, the customer will be charged an additional fee in accordance with the passenger vehicle or the cargo price list.
  • Due to security reasons, the car deck is closed during the whole voyage.
  • There is no heating on the car deck.

Check-in

  • Check-in for passengers travelling without a vehicle takes place at the harbour terminal buildings. For terminal information, see the page Find your way to harbour.
  • Passengers travelling without a vehicle are transferred to the ship by a shuttle bus.
  • Check-in for passengers travelling with a vehicle (car, motorbike or bicycle) takes place at the check-in booths at the harbour. For more information, see the page Find your way to harbour.
  • The identity of all passengers will be checked at the check-in in the harbour.
  • EU and Swiss citizens: The passenger must have a valid passport or an official identity card issued in an EU country or Switzerland which the states in question have approved as a travel document. Children must have their own passport or official identity card.
  • Citizens of other countries: The passenger must have a valid passport and other necessary travel documents.
  • Nordic citizens travelling on the Naantali–Långäs–Kapellskär route: The passenger can prove his/her identity also with a driving license. Minors travelling with their guardians do not need an identity document.
  • A service fee of 10 euros will be charged for any changes made in the check-in.
  • Payment methods at check-in include Visa, Visa Electron, Mastercard and Maestro. No cash payment.

On board

  • The cabin facilities depend on the route and cabin category. All the cabins are equipped with bed linen, towels, shower/toilet, air conditioning, and usually also with a TV. All cabins are non-smoking.
  • Most Finnlines vessels have suitable cabins for passengers with reduced mobility.
  • On vessels Finnmaid, Finnlady, Finnstar and Finnswan there are combined cabins available with a connecting door, for example for families.
  • You may book a baby bed from customer service.
  • A cabin booking is mandatory when traveling on night departures.
  • On the route Travemünde–Helsinki Junior or Owner’s Suite is suitable for up to three adults with children aged 0–17 years and the Junior Pet suite up to four adults total.
  • Read more about travelling with pets.
  • Please note that there is no doctor or medicine cabinet available for passengers. However, there are always crew members aboard who have training in medical first aid.
  • Mobile phones work via satellite during the sea voyage. For this reason, calls, text messages and the use of mobile data are more expensive on board than on land. If you don’t want to use the satellite connection, you can just put your phone in flight mode. You can get the prices from the service provider of your mobile phone subscription.
  • Skybridge or Telenor service works on all ships.
    • Skybridge: Finnlady, Finnmaid and Finnswan
    • Telenor: Finnfellow, Finnpartner, Finntrader and Finnstar
  • Some ships have a Wi-Fi connection via satellite.
    • Helsinki–Travemünde: Paid premium Wi-Fi available on all vessels, read more.
    • Malmö–Travemünde: Paid premium Wi-Fi on Finnpartner and Finntrader, read more.
    • Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär: Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas and cabins. Faster Wi-Fi is available for Stellar Lounge and Me & Co area guests.
    • Świnoujście–Malmö: No paid Premium Wi-Fi available.

 

Travemünde-Helsinki route
  • On board the Travemünde-Helsinki route, it is possible to store luggage in lockers. The lockers can be used with a two euro coin deposit.
  • Lockers are available on decks 11 and 12 on Finnstar, decks 10, 11 and 12 on Finnlady and decks 10 and 11 on Finnmaid.
Naantali-Långnäs-Kapellskär route
  • On board the Naantali-Långnäs-Kapellskär route, it is possible to store luggage in lockers for a fee. The price of the lockers varies according to the size of the locker and the storage period.
  • Lockers are located on deck 11 next to the Sailor’s Shop entrance and near the Cargo Buffet entrance.
  • The storage fee for lockers can be paid by card. The QR code on your boarding card serves as the locker key. You are free to add or remove items from the locker during the storage period.
  • The entrance fee to Stellar Lounge includes the use of free lockers, which can be locked with a PIN code.
  • Save money by purchasing your meals in advance. Purchase your meals at a lower price when booking your trip online, or via customer service before your trip check-in.
  • Meals can be also bought onboard.
Meals onboard Travemünde–Helsinki, Świnoujście–Malmö and Travemünde–Malmö route
  • Onboard vessel meals are served in the self-service buffet restaurant.
  • Meals are not included in the regular fares.
  • Water, milk, coffee, and tea are included in the meal prices.
  • On Travemünde–Helsinki route the Superior dinner includes milk, water, juice, coffee, tea, draught beer, ship’s wine, and a selection of soft drinks.
Meals onboard Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär route
  • Meals on board are not included in the ticket price.
  • The new ships’ Finnsirius and Finncanopus have various types of restaurants and bars to suit all tastes, read more.
  • Ships’ restaurants cater to special diets and the most common allergies. For example, gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan options can be found onboard.
  • Special diets and allergens are indicated alongside the dishes.
  • Our onboard staff will be happy to advise you on the options available to suit your diet.
  • We recommend informing our customer service of any serious dietary restrictions before traveling.
  • Payments can be made by card or cash and they are always charged in euros.
  • On the Malmö–Travemünde route, you can also pay in Swedish kronor instead of euros.
  • On the Świnoujście–Malmö route, you can also pay in Polish zloty instead of euros.
  • We accept the following credit and debit cards: Eurocard, Maestro, MasterCard, MasterCard Debit, V PAY, Visa, Visa Debit and Visa Electron.
  • As the data communication is via satellite connection, we cannot guarantee the card payments to succeed.
  • There is no currency exchange nor any possibility to withdraw money e.g. from an ATM onboard.
  • The wellness services and selection on the ships are route-specific.
    • On Travemünde–Helsinki route there are saunas, jacuzzis, and gym free of charge to all passengers.
    • On Malmö–Travemünde route there are saunas free of charge to all passengers. Please note that the saunas and changing rooms on Finntrader and Finnpartner vessels are unisex.
    • Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär wellness areas can be accessed with an entry fee, read more.
    • On Malmö–Świnoujście route there are saunas free of charge to all passengers.
  • Passengers shall follow all instructions given by the ship’s crew.
  • Kindly acquaint yourself with the shipboard safety instructions.
  • There are surveillance cameras in the public areas onboard the ships and in the terminals.
  • According to the International Ship and Port Security Code (ISPS), all passengers, vehicles and luggage can be subjected to a security inspection.
  • On Finland–Åland–Sweden traffic you have the possibility for duty-free shopping. Snus is sold only in Swedish waters. Individuals can bring snus for their own personal use (not as gifts) up to 1000g. Read more about import restrictions for duty-free products on the Finnish and Swedish Customs’ web pages.
  • On other routes, we have a duty-paid shop on board.
  • Tap water on board is potable high quality Finnish or Swedish tap water.
  • Finnish and Swedish, as well as the Central-European time difference is one hour (–1h).
  • The departure and arrival times are always displayed in local time.
  • Vessels operating from Finland to Sweden or Central-Europe have Finnish time aboard.
    • Sweden CET
    • Finland CET +1h
  • The following time zones apply onboard
    • Travemünde–Helsinki CET +1h
    • Travemünde–Malmö CET
    • Świnoujście–Malmö CET
    • Naantali–Kapellskär CET +1h  
  • Smoking is only allowed on outer decks in designated areas. This applies to e-cigarettes, too.
  • All of the cabins, corridors and common areas are non-smoking.
  • On board Finnsirius and Finncanopus, the smoking areas can be found on the Barrel Bay terrace on deck 11 and next to Stellar Lounge entrance on deck 12.

Other

  • Check-in for cruise passengers takes place at the harbour terminal.
Overnight cruise on Kapellskär–Långnäs–Naantali route
  • Cruise passengers can’t disembark when the ship stops in other harbours during an overnight cruise.
  • When the ship arrives back at the harbour, please wait for the bus transfer to the terminal at the ship’s information desk on deck 11. Transfers start approximately 20 minutes after the ship’s arrival.
Picnic cruise on Kapellskär–Långnäs–Naantali route
  • On arrival at Långnäs, go to the information desk on deck 11 for the changing of ships. From the information desk, proceed via the car deck along the passenger bridge to the Långnäs terminal (250 metres walk). After about 20 minutes, walk back for the returning ship along the same route.
  • On arrival back to Naantali, go to the ship’s information desk on deck 11 to wait for the bus transfer to the terminal. Transfers start approximately 20 minutes after the ship’s arrival.
  • If a dispute concerning a sales contract cannot be resolved through negotiation between the parties, the consumer can consult the Consumer Disputes Board (www.kuluttajariita.fi/en) on the matter.
  • Before bringing the dispute to the Consumer Disputes Board, the consumer should contact the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority’s Consumer Advisory Services (www.kkv.fi/en/).
  • The carrier is not liable for items lost or forgotten onboard. Please contact the local Finnlines office for further information on your lost item.
  • Lost property on the Travemünde–Helsinki and Kapellskär-Långnäs-Naantali routes is brought to Finland’s Found Property Service approximately once a month.
  • EU regulation 1177/2010 applies to information providement during the travel, compensation amounts in case of delay and the rights of handicapped and disabled persons. Read more on the page about passenger rights. In a claim situation you can apply for compensation via feedback form. 
  • EU regulation 392/2009 covers liability of the carrier in the event of accidents. Read more on the page about Passenger rights. 
  • In a claim situation you can apply for compensation via feedback form.  
  • The European Parliament requires maritime transport to join the European Emissions Trading System (ETS) as of 2024. The ETS aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% from 1990 levels by 2030.
  • From 1.1.2024, Finnlines started to buy emission allowances. The environmental fees apply to all new bookings made on or after 5.12.2023. The amount of the fee may vary depending on the market price of allowances and quotas.
  • Read more about the EU ETS environmental charges.
  • The use of winter tyres in vehicles is compulsory in Finland from 1 November to 31 March if the weather or conditions require it. Using studded tyres is allowed within the same time frame.
  • The use of winter tyres in vehicles is compulsory in Sweden from 1 December to 31 March if the road conditions require so. The use of studded tyres is allowed from 1 October to 15 April.
  • The use of studded tyres in vehicles is prohibited in Germany and Poland. Check the guidelines for using other winter tyres in the country of destination before your trip.