In 2024, a total of 8.2 million passengers passed through the ports operated by the Port of Tallinn, marking a 3.6% increase compared to the previous year, according to the company's release.
The Tallinn-Helsinki route remained the most popular, accounting for 7.2 million passengers. This route experienced a 3.3% growth in passenger numbers compared to the previous year. The route was served by seven vessels operated by three ferry companies: Tallink, Viking Line, and Eckerö Line. Eckerö Line’s Finlandia was the most popular ship, chosen by 26% of all passengers.
Half of the trips between the capitals of Estonia and Finland were made by Finnish citizens, while a quarter were made by Estonians. Among Estonian travelers, men accounted for 64%, while the gender distribution among Finnish travelers was more balanced. The largest age groups for travelers were 40–64 years for Finns and 35–54 years for Estonians. Finnish citizens made over 100,000 more trips than the previous year, and significant growth was also seen among travelers from China, Germany, and the United States.
The second ferry route between Estonia and Finland, Muuga-Vuosaari, set a new record in 2024 with 201,000 passengers. Of these, 28% were Finnish and 22% were Estonian citizens. It is encouraging to see that in addition to local and regional truck drivers, more people on both sides of the Gulf have discovered the convenience of this route for traveling beyond the capitals. The Tallinn-Stockholm route served 563,000 passengers in 2024, a 4.8% increase from the previous year. This route was operated year-round by Tallink’s Baltic Queen, with the addition of Victoria I during the summer season. Among the passengers, 37% were Estonian and 32% Swedish citizens, with the route being especially popular among school-age youth from both countries. Chinese travelers were the fastest-growing group on this route, alongside increased travel by Estonians and Swedes.
Tallinn hosted 100 cruise ship calls in 2024, 10 more than in the previous year. Nearly 150,000 cruise tourists visited the city, with 44% from Germany, 23% from the United States, and 16% from the United Kingdom. A total of 43 different cruise ships visited Tallinn, 10 of which were first-time in Estonia.
The cruise season ran from April 24 to October 23. The busiest day was July 10, when five cruise ships docked in the Old City Harbour, bringing over 9,000 tourists to our capital. Additionally, after a long break, two winter cruises called at the Port of Tallinn in December.
Compared to previous years, the cruise season has lengthened, and more ships are staying overnight, with 19 calls lasting until midnight or beyond. Participation in organized excursions has increased, and cruise passengers are increasingly exploring areas outside Tallinn’s city center. Saaremaa Harbour welcomed five cruise ships on seven calls in 2024, bringing 2,734 passengers to the island. Most visitors were from the United States and the United Kingdom.