The increase in passenger numbers on the Muuga-Vuosaari route shows that car travelers are increasingly valuing alternatives to the ports of the Estonian and Finnish capitals. Passenger ship traffic between Estonia and Sweden is also becoming more flexible, as Tallink’s passenger ship Star I began operating on the Paldiski-Kapellskär route in February.
While in 2023 a total of 170,000 people travelled on the Muuga-Vuosaari ferry route, last year there were already 18% more, or 201,000 people. Compared to the regular ferry routes of the Port of Tallinn, the increase was the largest in percentage terms and also set an all-time record on the route. 28% of the passengers were Finnish and 22% Estonian citizens.
“This clearly shows that customers appreciate the opportunity to use ports other than Tallinn Old City Harbour and Port of Helsinki for travel between Finland and Estonia,” said Ingrid Berezin, Passenger Business Director at the Port of Tallinn. “However, there are also people who are not yet aware of this option – it may seem that Paldiski South Harbour and Muuga Harbour are used only for cargo transport, but in fact they are also perfectly suitable for car travel.”
The Muuga-Vuosaari route has been served by Eckerö Line with the passenger ferry Finbo Cargo since 2019. The ship departs from Muuga two to three times a day on all days of the week (except Saturday).
According to Berezin, this gives people the opportunity to choose which ports they want to pass through. “While it is convenient to visit the capital city primarily on foot, by bicycle or by public transport, the Muuga-Vuosaari line offers flexibility for car travelers who do not want to spend time in the city center traffic jams. It is also a great solution for those whose travel destination is outside of Tallinn or Helsinki,” he said.
Passenger traffic between Sweden is also becoming more comfortable
An increase in the number of passengers is also expected on the Paldiski-Kapellskär route, which Tallink will start serving with the Star I passenger ship on February 9. Passengers and freight carriers by car will have the opportunity to travel between Estonia and Sweden using different ports almost daily and sometimes twice a day.
“We are pleased to be able to additionally operate one of the company’s larger cargo-carrying vessels, the Star I, between Estonia and Sweden, which our visitors remember well. We particularly recommend considering the Star I as a convenient alternative for those passengers with a vehicle who would rather avoid driving in the capital of Estonia or Sweden,” said Paavo Nõgene, Chairman of the Board of AS Tallink Grupp.
Compared to the ships Regal Star and Sailor that have previously served the Paldiski-Kapellskär route, the Star has significantly more passenger areas, including a children’s play area, which adds to passenger comfort. Breakfast and dinner are also served in the ship’s buffet restaurant.
The Port of Tallinn’s ports have waiting areas and essential services for passengers with vehicles. In order to enable a more environmentally friendly sea route, the port plans to invest in the establishment of shore-side electricity connections for ships in the coming years.
In addition to the Old City Harbour, Muuga Harbour and Paldiski South Harbour, the Port of Tallinn serves cruise passengers and small boats in the Saaremaa Harbour. In 2024, a total of 8.2 million passengers passed through the Port of Tallinn.
