Turku Ferries

Unlock your adventure to Finland at the incredible port of Turku! It's your essential gateway to the stunning nearby islands. Imagine seamless connections and breath-taking scenic journeys – that's what awaits you.

As a bustling hub for both passengers and freight, Turku boasts an impressive 11 ferry routes operated by 3 top-tier ferry companies. Get ready for a convenient sailing experience from Turku, with schedules perfectly tailored to the seasons, ensuring you always find your ideal departure, no matter the demand, weather, or tourism buzz. Your unforgettable escape begins here!

Turku offers wonderful connections to popular routes like Stockholm - Turku, Mariehamn - Turku, Langnas - Turku. You can customize your trip by choosing between a swift high-speed ferry to get there in a flash or a classic vessel for a more scenic, relaxing journey. From quick local hops to leisurely overnight voyages, your island adventure starts here.

Getting to your destination is a breeze with several excellent ferry operators departing regularly from Turku. You'll find companies like Viking Line, Tallink Silja, Finnlines ready to whisk you away.

Each offers a variety of onboard amenities to make your journey pleasant, from comfortable seating and delicious food and drink options to private cabins and even vehicle transport.

With a range of ticket options available depending on the company and vessel, there's something to suit everyone, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a business trip.

Whether you're dreaming of an exhilarating island-hopping escape, making your way back to the comfort of home, or embarking on a brand-new journey, your perfect voyage begins right here with Turku.

Turku is well-connected to the rest of Finland through an efficient transportation network. From Helsinki, the journey takes approximately 2 hours by train or car via Highway E18, while buses offer regular services between major Finnish cities. International travelers can fly into Turku Airport, located just 8 kilometers from the city center, or arrive at Helsinki Airport and connect via train. The ferry terminal is easily accessible by local buses from the central railway station, with services running every 15-20 minutes. If arriving by car, ample parking is available at the terminal, though it's advisable to arrive early during summer months when ferries operate at full capacity.

Nestled at the mouth of the Aura River, Turku stands as Finland's oldest city and a vital maritime hub. This charming coastal gem blends medieval heritage with contemporary Nordic design, creating a unique atmosphere where history meets innovation. As a key ferry destination in the Baltic Sea, Turku offers travelers a perfect entry point to explore both the Finnish archipelago and connections to Sweden. Walking along the riverbanks lined with restaurants and museums, you'll immediately sense the city's maritime soul and welcoming character.

Turku enjoys distinct seasons, each offering a different perspective on this coastal city. Summer (June-August) brings long, sunny days with temperatures around 20-25°C, perfect for exploring the archipelago and outdoor cafés along the Aura River. July hosts the Medieval Market and Ruisrock music festival, making it particularly lively. Spring (April-May) offers pleasant weather and blooming nature with fewer tourists, while autumn (September-October) paints the city in golden hues. Winter (November-March) transforms Turku into a snow-covered wonderland with Christmas markets and cozy indoor activities. Ferry services operate year-round, though summer sees more frequent departures and additional routes to smaller archipelago destinations.

Turku serves as the premier gateway to Finland's stunning archipelago, the largest in the world by number of islands. Regular ferries connect to Stockholm, Sweden, with an overnight journey of approximately 11 hours that offers beautiful views of the archipelago. Closer to home, the Åland Islands can be reached in about 5 hours, presenting a unique blend of Finnish and Swedish cultures with autonomous status. The smaller islands of Naantali and Ruissalo are just 30-60 minutes away by local ferries, perfect for day trips to experience unspoiled nature and traditional Finnish summer cottages. The archipelago trail, accessible via interconnected ferry hops, allows visitors to explore multiple islands on a fascinating maritime circuit.

Turku Castle, standing guard at the harbor since the 13th century, offers a fascinating glimpse into Finland's medieval past with its imposing stone walls and historical exhibitions. The stunning Turku Cathedral dominates the cityscape and represents the heart of Finland's religious heritage. Along the picturesque Aura River, converted old ships serve as floating restaurants where you can sample local specialties like Baltic herring and Karelian pasties. The vibrant Market Square (Kauppatori) bustles with vendors selling fresh produce, handicrafts, and Finnish delicacies. For a unique experience, visit the Moominworld theme park in nearby Naantali, based on Tove Jansson's beloved characters, easily accessible by a short ferry ride from Turku.

Turku held the title of Finland's capital until 1812, when Tsar Alexander I moved the capital to Helsinki following a devastating fire that destroyed nearly the entire city. The Turku archipelago consists of over 20,000 islands and skerries, making it the largest archipelago in the world by number of islands. The city hosts Finland's oldest academic institution, the Academy of Turku (now University of Turku), established in 1640. Every Christmas Eve, Turku declares the 'Christmas Peace' from the balcony of Brinkkala Mansion, a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages and broadcast live throughout Finland, marking the official start of Christmas celebrations.