Good to know

Vehicle transport information

• Booking guidelines
  • Vehicle details: When booking a vehicle ticket, it is essential to provide the total length and height of the vehicle, including any load or attached accessories such as trailers, roof boxes, or similar items. Additionally, you must provide the registration number and the nationality code of the vehicle.
  • Dimension limits: The dimensions given during the booking must accurately reflect the vehicle’s size, including all attachments. If the actual vehicle dimensions exceed those specified during booking, we cannot guarantee space for the vehicle on that particular departure, and an additional fee will be applied.
  • Cruise vehicle tickets: When purchasing a cruise ticket, you have the option to buy a car ticket for a round trip or only for the return trip. Please note that you cannot purchase a vehicle ticket solely for the outbound journey to the cruise destination.
  • Freight Vehicles: Vehicles with registered mass over 3.5 tons (excluding passenger vehicles such as cars, buses, motorhomes, trailers, etc.), or with a width exceeding 2.6 meters, or for unmanned vehicles must be booked through the freight department as they require special handling and rates. For more details, visit the Tallink Silja Line freight website.
  • Export vehicles: If you are transporting a newly purchased vehicle for export, it must have temporary license plates installed before the journey. We do not accept vehicles without license plates.

  Required documents

  • Driver’s license: The driver must present a valid driver’s license upon check-in.
  • Vehicle identification: All vehicles must display a nationality sticker and a license plate.

  Check-In process

  • Vehicle passengers: Driver and their passengers (up to nine individuals on the same booking) must check in at the vehicle check-in area using their ticket, travel document, and vehicle registration certificate. Learn more about the ticket registration process.
  • Bicycles and scooters: Bicycles and scooters (including electrical) are treated as vehicles and require a ticket. They should enter the ship through the designated lane for cyclists at the vehicle check-in area. Once on board, they must be parked on the car deck for the duration of the trip. If the scooter can be folded, there is no need to purchase a separate ticket for it – in this case, boarding the ship takes place through the pedestrian check-in.
• Motorcycle travel guidelines

  Loading order

  The sequence of loading motorcycles onto the ship depends on various factors, such as the car deck’s occupancy level, the total number of motorcycles, and the structural layout of the ship.

  • When space is abundant, motorcycles are typically allowed to board immediately after check-in. However, if the car deck is getting crowded, bikers may be asked to wait until the crew can assist in guiding them to the correct location.
  • For large groups of motorcycles, they may be loaded onto the ship in smaller batches, allowing the crew to safely direct them and ensure they are properly secured.
  • Placement varies by route: on ships like the MyStar and Megastar on the Helsinki-Tallinn route, motorcycles are generally positioned at the rear of the ship, while on the Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony (Helsinki-Stockholm route), they are often loaded on the outer lanes of the lower deck.

  Securing motorcycles

  Ships have a limited supply of mooring lines and wedges available for securing motorcycles. During the busy summer season, the demand for these securing items increases significantly. Therefore, riders are advised to bring their own fastening cloths to ensure their motorcycles are properly secured during the journey.

  • Helsinki-Tallinn route: Bikes are secured using cloths placed over the saddle, with additional wedges to stabilize the tires.
  • Helsinki-Stockholm route: Motorcycle securing is mandatory, and cloths are provided; however, larger groups are encouraged to bring their own securing equipment.
  • Turku-Stockholm route: Bikes are parked transversely to reduce the risk of tipping over. Riders who wish to secure their bikes should bring their own cloths.

  Disembarking

  • Motorcycles must be driven off the ship immediately upon arrival at the port, following the authority’s instructions.

  • Note: While securing motorcycles is primarily the rider’s responsibility, our crew is available to provide guidance and assistance whenever possible to ensure that your motorcycle is properly secured for the journey.

  Tips for a smooth trip with a motorcycle

  • Book in advance: Secure your reservation early and check your vehicle’s insurance coverage as well as traffic regulations for your destination country.
  • In the port and on the ship: Drive your motorcycle onto the ship through the car check-in area. A completed and paid travel reservation will speed up the process at the port.
  • During the trip: After boarding, ensure your motorcycle is securely fastened. Do not leave your gear on the car deck; instead, take it with you or store it in lockers provided on the ship.
  • Disembarking: Wait for permission before untying your motorcycle. This ensures a safe and orderly exit for all passengers.
• Tow trucks and towable vehicles

  Tickets for towed vehicles and tow trucks with a registered mass of up to 3.5 tons are issued through Tallink Silja Line’s passenger transport customer service.

  Requirements for towing:

  • Vehicles on trailers and vehicles towed with a rigid connecting link are allowed on board (vehicles towed with a flexible connecting link, such as a rope, are not allowed for safety reasons).
  • When booking on the Tallink Silja Line website, choose the vehicle with a trailer option from one of the following:
    1) Vehicle with a trailer (height up to 2.4 m and maximum length of 12 m);
    2) Vehicle with a trailer (height up to 4.4 m and maximum length of 12 m).
  • The registered mass of each part – the towing vehicle, towed vehicle, and trailer – can be up to 3.5 tons.
  • If the combination of the vehicle and trailer exceeds 12 meters in length, you need to contact Tallink Silja Line’s passenger transport customer service (international.sales@tallinksilja.com or +49(0)40 547 541 222) to purchase additional meters.
  • If the vehicle’s mass exceeds 3.5 tons, please contact Tallink Silja Line’s freight department.
• Other means of transport
  • For information regarding other types of transport, please contact our Contact Center.
• Electrical vehicles
  • Charging unavailable: Charging of electric vehicles, bicycles, and scooters is not available on our ships. This decision is based on safety protocols and our inability to offer green electricity for vehicle charging.
  • The self-initiated charging of electric vehicles on board is prohibited due to the associated dangers.
  • Broken electric cars: We do not transport broken electric vehicles.
  • Electricity availability: Electrical connections on ships are only available for cargo vehicles.
• Priority Car service
  • Tallinn-Helsinki route: Enjoy the Priority Car service to be among the first to disembark the Shuttle vessels on this route. For more details, visit our Travelling with a vehicle page.
• Garage

  On MyStar and Megastar, there is a paid garage for cars on deck 7, which can be accessed during the trip. The garage offers direct access to the 2nd floor of the store on Megastar and the 1st floor of the store on MyStar, providing a convenient way to take purchased items directly to your car.