Skip to main content
Högskolan på ÅlandÖppna högskolanHögskolebiblioteketHÅ studerandeportal
Högskolan på ÅlandÖppna högskolanHögskolebiblioteketHÅ studerandeportal
StartAbout usTravel to and from Åland Islands

Travel to and from Åland Islands

It's easy to get to Åland no matter what time of year it is. You can choose between passenger ferries, flights or archipelago ferries.

Ways of traveling to Åland

The most common and most convenient way to travel to Åland is often by ferry, connecting Mariehamn to major hubs like Stockholm, Tallinn, Helsinki, and Turku. However, there are also regular flight connections.
Mariehamn Airport (MHQ) provides essential links to the mainland, with direct connections primarily to Stockholm, Turku and Helsinki, offering a vital gateway to the islands. There are also low-cost flights to Tallinn from all over Europe, making it possible to travel to Mariehamn that way. Ferries operate from Tallinn to Mariehamn.

Compare and book flights and ferries to and from Åland →

Viking Line and Tallink Silja Line have more departures than those listed below, but they are at inconvenient times. If you are looking for other options than those listed below, check the ferry company website.

We have not listed Finnlines because they are mainly for people traveling with cars. Finnlines operates routes from both Finland (Nådendal) and Sweden (Kapellskär), but there is no organised transport to and from these two port cities in Sweden and Finland, or on Åland for that matter.

Finnlines arrives at Långnäs, 30 km from Mariehamn. See more information at www.finnlines.com.

NOTE – Always check the ferry companies and airline websites. Changes can happen quickly. Also, follow weather reports – if strong winds are expected, ferries and flights may be delayed and even cancelled.

Travel by ferry

From Stockholm by bus and from Grisslehamn by ferry to Eckerö (Åland)

Eckerölinjen: www.eckerolinjen.se

  • A bus departs from Cityterminalen three times a day at 07.30, 12.30 and 17.30.
  • The bus journey takes about 2 hours.
  • The ferry departs from Grisslehamn at 10.00, 15.00 and 20.00 daily.
  • The ferry ride takes 2 hours, arriving in Eckerö, where a bus (40 minutes) goes to Mariehamn. Book buses at the same time as booking the ferry.

NOTE – Connecting buses depart from multiple locations, such as Uppsala. See more details on the website. If you travel from Stockholm city centre – choose Cityterminalen. Cityterminalen is the main bus station, and it’s located at the same place as the main train station, Stockholm Central.

If you arrive by plane, you come to Arlanda airport. From the Airport you can take the train Arlanda Express to Stockholm Central (the main train station). The ticket is about 30 euros. There are also buses, cheaper but slower. You can book the bus ride at www.flygbussarna.se, www.flixbus.se or www.vikingline.se.

From Stockholm by ferry

Departures from Stadsgårdskajen
  • The Helsinki ferry departs at 16.30 and arrives in Mariehamn at 23.20 (Viking Line)
  • The Turku ferry departs at 07.45 and arrives in Mariehamn at 14.10 (Viking Line)
Departures from Värtahamnen
  • The Turku ferry departs at 07.10 and arrives in Mariehamn 13.35 (Tallink Silja)
  • The Helsinki ferry departs at 16.45 and arrives in Mariehamn at 23.45 (Tallink Silja)
  • The Tallinn ferry departs at 17.30 and arrives in Mariehamn at 00.50 (Tallink Silja)

From Helsinki by ferry

  • Viking Line departures at 17.00 and arrives in Mariehamn at 04.30
  • Tallink Silja Line departures at 17.00 and arrives in Mariehamn at 04.15 (not daily)

From Turku by ferry

  • Viking Line departs from Turku at 08.45 and arrives in Mariehamn at 14.10
  • Viking Line departs from Turku at 20.55 and arrives in Långnäs at 01.10
  • Tallink Silja departs from Turku at 20.15 and arrives in Långnäs at 00.40 (not daily).
  • A bus from Långnäs to Mariehamn (30-minute ride) can be booked together with the ferry ticket

The Archipelago Route (for island enthusiasts)

Experience the beautiful Åland archipelago by taking the Archipelago Route! This scenic route gives you the chance to explore the islands up close. Ferries depart from Osnäs and Galtby near Turku in Finland. Especially during summer, it’s important to book your trip well in advance. Reservations for the archipelago ferries can be made through Ålandstrafiken.

When travelling along the Archipelago Route, it’s recommended to spend at least one night on one of the islands along the way – such as Brändö, Lappo, Kumlinge, Sottunga, Kökar or Föglö.

Check out Visit Ålands travel guide →

Travel by flight

Flights from Stockholm

  • From Arlanda Airport, departures at 09.00 and 20.00 on weekdays
  • The flight takes about 35 minutes
  • No flights on Saturdays
  • On Sundays, the departure is at 18.25
  • Express trains or buses run from Stockholm Cityterminal/Central Station to Arlanda
  • Flights between Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) and Mariehamn (MHQ) are operated by Amapola Flyg
  • The flights usually depart from Terminal 3
  • Book your flight at www.populair.com

Flights from Helsinki

Flights from Turku (Direct flight TKU → MHQ)

How to get to the hotel/campus from Mariehamn Airport (MHQ) or Ferry Terminals

From the airport: by taxi (no Uber or Bolt in use)
From the ferry terminal: by taxi or even by walking

Taxi

How to move around Mariehamn’s city center

Here are the best ways to move around Mariehamn’s city center:

  1. Walking (The Best Option)
    The entire city centre is easily covered on foot.
    Mariehamn is situated on a peninsula. The main street, “Torggatan”, runs through the centre from one coast (the Western Harbour/ Västra hamnen) to the other (the Eastern Harbour/Östra hamnen).
  2. Cycling
    Åland is a cycling paradise, and Mariehamn is no exception.
    You can easily rent bikes from several locations, including the tourist information office or various hotels. The city has good cycle paths and flat terrain, making it safe and enjoyable to cycle to attractions just outside the immediate center, such as the Maritime Quarter (Sjökvarteret).
  3. Local Bus Service (Stadsbussarna)
    The city buses are useful if you need to travel to areas slightly further outside the center (like the hospital or certain residential areas) or if the weather is poor.
  4. Taxi
    Taxis are readily available, especially near the ferry terminals, the airport, and the main hotels. They are convenient for quick trips or if you have a lot of luggage.