HSL Ferry
HSL Ferry
4.4
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- Helsingin yliopisto • 9 min walk
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4.4
49 reviews
Excellent
26
Very good
17
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
0
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Gee231205x2022
109 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
I enjoyed the ferry crossing to Suomenlinna so much that I actually went again another 3 times. I had purchased a HSL ABC ticket prior to arriving in Helsinki which covers the ferry journey as well. You have to have the ticket on the app before passing through the turnstiles but I never actually showed mine other than on the first journey. If you do not have the app then tickets need to be purchased at the machines at the harbour or ferry boarding area on Suomenlinna, I believe there is an extra charge if you want to take a bicycle.
The journey was smooth every time and the view coming back into Helsinki harbour is wonderful. You have an option of sitting upstairs or downstairs on the ferry. Downstairs the seating is inside, upstairs there is an inside section and outside seating at the front and rear. It was a bit bracing with the wind but well worth sitting outside for the view. I can imagine on a warm summer day and a busy ferry getting the front spot for a photo might become crowded.
The journey was smooth every time and the view coming back into Helsinki harbour is wonderful. You have an option of sitting upstairs or downstairs on the ferry. Downstairs the seating is inside, upstairs there is an inside section and outside seating at the front and rear. It was a bit bracing with the wind but well worth sitting outside for the view. I can imagine on a warm summer day and a busy ferry getting the front spot for a photo might become crowded.
Written 2 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
annieok2014
Bergamo, Italy5,658 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Very punctual! In December it departs from the main pier, on the east side of Market Square, usually at 3pm. 9.40 and 10.40; the pleasant journey lasts about 20 minutes.
Public transport, cheap: the ticket (AB zone) is not sold on board, it can be purchased from the machines on the pier or on the HSL app.
In Suomenlinna you need to check the timetables for returning to the city.
Public transport, cheap: the ticket (AB zone) is not sold on board, it can be purchased from the machines on the pier or on the HSL app.
In Suomenlinna you need to check the timetables for returning to the city.
Written 24 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mikael F
Helsinki, Finland31,001 contributions
Jul 2020
This ferry service from Helsinki city center to Suomenlinna Fortress is operated by the Helsinki Region Transport Authority (HSL). The journey time is approximately 15 minutes.
Depending on the season and the time of day, ferries run 1 to 4 times per hour from the morning until the night throughout the year.
The ferry departs from the Market Square, opposite the Presidential Palace. In Suomenlinna, the ferry arrives at and departs from the main pier of Iso Mustasaari island.
The adult AB-ticket costs 2,80. During the 80 minutes time, you can use also other means of transport: trams, buses, metro and trains inside zones A and B.
The ferries can be crowded during summer months if the weather is good. There are three ferries and everyone has a sundeck.
The oldest ferries M/S Suokki and M/S Tor are from 1952. The newest ferry M/S Suomenlinna II started operating in 2004.
Depending on the season and the time of day, ferries run 1 to 4 times per hour from the morning until the night throughout the year.
The ferry departs from the Market Square, opposite the Presidential Palace. In Suomenlinna, the ferry arrives at and departs from the main pier of Iso Mustasaari island.
The adult AB-ticket costs 2,80. During the 80 minutes time, you can use also other means of transport: trams, buses, metro and trains inside zones A and B.
The ferries can be crowded during summer months if the weather is good. There are three ferries and everyone has a sundeck.
The oldest ferries M/S Suokki and M/S Tor are from 1952. The newest ferry M/S Suomenlinna II started operating in 2004.
Written 28 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben N. the Free Toilet Man
Bergen, Norway107 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
This review is for HSL. Perhaps it was too seamless in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. All of a sudden authentication by mobile does not come through render the app useless. Called the operator confirm Orange esim for Tourist dun work - sorry!! So buy the physical tickets which the stores will charge extra or give another go on the app without an us ID/password. Perhaps the latter later. Buy man….absolutely painful and information desk at the airport weren’t that helpful as with the kiosk that sold the tickets. Amazing.
Written 11 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
freutmich
Kansas City769 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
Like everything else I experienced with HSL, the company's ferry service is comfortable and dependable. I took a ferry to Suomenlinna island. I hadn't expected the boat ride to be one of the best parts of the visit. Getting out on the water gave me a whole different perspective on Helsinki. The ferries are clean and offer a variety of seating options, from indoor benches shielding you from sun or rain, to space on the bow to feel like the King of the World. Definitely worth a trip if you're in need of water transport.
Written 10 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Coryy20
Port of Spain, Trinidad6,351 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
The ride over to the Suomelinna island was smooth and hassle-free. The ferry went a time a pace that gave visitors a cage to capture the site and sceneries. It was on time on both journeys and seating was quite comfortable. Very nice ride. I will highly recommend .
Written 1 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
max v
Tallinn, Estonia568 contributions
Aug 2021
For the trip to the fortress of Suomenlinna, I took the ferry. There is a single ticket for Helsinki public transport on the ferry. For example, if you have a one-time ticket or a daily travel card, feel free to get on board! Ferries depart from the eastern side of Kauppatori Square, opposite the Presidential Palace.
Written 12 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heli P
Helsinki, Finland7,684 contributions
Mar 2022
The same ticket you use for trams and busses is also valid for the short sea trip to Suomenlinna. Both cathedrals, the white Lutheran and Orthodox Uspenskij rise above the scenery when the ferry leaves the pier at Kauppatori. On the way you can admire Katajanokka, Kaivopuisto and the big ships sailing to Stockholm. There is a small recently renovated building to wait inside for the next departure.
Written 26 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark B
London, UK213 contributions
Feb 2020
Fast, cheap reliable service, included in AB zone ticket. quick and convenient, not much more to add.
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg
Cambridge, UK5,195 contributions
Mar 2018 • Friends
Costing only €5 return to get to Suomenlinna Island for a day trip, this ferry service is reliable and provided two safe and smooth journeys for us during our time in Helsinki. Highly recommend anyone in Finland’s capital city to use this service if you want to look at Suomenlinna’s historical fortress.
Written 4 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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