Paldiski Ferries

The port of Paldiski plays a key role in the ferry network of Estonia, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 2 ferry routes operated by 2 ferry companies, Paldiski serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Paldiski, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Kapellskar - Paldiski connecting Paldiski with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as DFDS Seaways, Tallink Silja run regular services from Paldiski, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Paldiski offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Paldiski is conveniently located just 45 kilometers west of Tallinn, making it easily accessible by various transport options. Buses from Tallinn's central station reach Paldiski in approximately one hour, with regular services throughout the day. If traveling by car, the drive along Route 8 offers scenic coastal views and takes roughly 45 minutes from the capital. Train connections are also available, with services from Tallinn's Baltic Station to Paldiski running several times daily. For those arriving from further afield, Tallinn Airport is the nearest international gateway, from where you can continue your journey to the port. Ample parking is available near the ferry terminal for those arriving with their own vehicles.

Perched on the Pakri Peninsula of northwestern Estonia, Paldiski blends a fascinating Soviet naval history with stunning Baltic Sea panoramas. This small yet significant port city offers visitors a unique glimpse into Estonia's complex past while serving as an important ferry connection point to Finland and Sweden. Walking through Paldiski feels like stepping through pages of history, where abandoned Soviet military installations stand alongside modern port facilities and rugged coastal landscapes.

The summer months of June through August provide the most pleasant weather for exploring Paldiski, with temperatures typically ranging from 18-22°C and extended daylight hours. Spring (May) and early autumn (September) offer milder conditions with fewer tourists, making them excellent times for a more tranquil visit. Winter visits from December through February present a stark, dramatic beauty to the coastal landscapes, though temperatures can drop well below freezing and some services may operate on reduced schedules. Ferry connections to Finland operate year-round, but check for potential weather-related disruptions during winter months. The annual Paldiski Day celebrations in August provide additional cultural experiences for visitors timing their trip accordingly.

From Paldiski's harbor, travelers can embark on several rewarding ferry journeys across the Baltic Sea. Hanko in Finland lies just across the Gulf of Finland, with ferries making the crossing in approximately 3.5 hours, offering access to Finland's charming southern coast and lake district. Stockholm, Sweden's magnificent capital, can be reached via overnight ferry services that showcase spectacular archipelago scenery along the way. The Finnish port of Turku, with its medieval castle and vibrant cultural scene, is another popular destination accessible by ferry from Paldiski. These connections make Paldiski an excellent starting point for exploring the diverse cultures and landscapes of the Baltic region without changing your mode of transport.

The dramatic Pakri Cliffs just outside town offer breathtaking Baltic Sea views and hiking opportunities along limestone formations that rise up to 25 meters above the sea. History enthusiasts will appreciate the abandoned Soviet-era Paldiski Nuclear Submarine Training Center, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's military past. The nearby Pakri Islands, accessible by local boat tours during summer, feature untouched nature, abandoned villages, and a historic lighthouse worth exploring. For a taste of local cuisine, try the fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, where Baltic herring and smoked fish dishes showcase regional flavors. The town center, though small, contains interesting examples of both Soviet architecture and older Estonian buildings that tell the story of this unique coastal community.

Until 1994, Paldiski was a closed Soviet military town that didn't appear on public maps, with even Estonian citizens needing special permission to enter. The city's name derives from the Estonian pronunciation of 'Baltiyskiy Port' (Baltic Port), which was its Russian designation during the imperial era. Paldiski once housed the Soviet Union's largest submarine training facility outside Russian territory, complete with full-size nuclear reactor models for training purposes. The nearby Pakri Islands served as bombing practice targets for Soviet aircraft, resulting in unexploded ordnance that continued to be cleared years after Estonia regained independence.