Travelling to Åland is part of the Nordic experience. Located between Sweden and Finland in the Baltic Sea, Åland is easily reached from Stockholm in Sweden, Turku or Helsinki in Finland and Tallinn in Estonia making it a natural addition to a Scandinavian itinerary.
Whether you choose to travel by ferry through the archipelago, fly from a nearby Nordic capital, or take the scenic Archipelago Route in Finland during summer, each option offers a different way to begin your stay.
Here you’ll find practical information about routes, travel times, arrival ports and what to consider when planning your journey. During the summer season (June–August), and especially if travelling with a car, we recommend booking in advance.
Travel Times to Åland at a Glance
From Sweden:
- Stockholm → 5.5 hours
- Kapellskär → 3.5 hours
- Grisslehamn → 2 hours
- Stockholm Arlanda → 30 minutes
From Finland:
- Turku → 4–5.5 hours
- Naantali → 5 hours
- Helsinki → overnight ferry 11.5 hours
- Turku → 30 minutes
- Helsinki → 1 hour
Arrival Ports – Mariehamn, Långnäs and Eckerö
Ferries arrive at one of three ports on Åland’s main island: Mariehamn, Långnäs or Eckerö. Your arrival port may influence how you continue your journey on the islands.
Mariehamn – Central and Convenient
Mariehamn is Åland’s only city and the most central arrival point. From the western harbour, hotels, restaurants and attractions are within walking distance. This is the most convenient option if you are travelling without a car and plan to stay in town. Bicycle and car rentals are available nearby.
Långnäs – Practical for Onward Travel
Långnäs is located about 30 km (18 miles) from Mariehamn. Arriving here is convenient if you plan to explore different parts of Åland by car. Transfers by taxi or pre-booked transport are recommended. Note that some ferry departures arrive late in the evening or during the night.
Eckerö – the Western Gateway
Eckerö, on the western side of Åland, is the arrival port for ferries from Grisslehamn in Sweden. This is the shortest sea crossing between Sweden and Åland. There’s a bus connection to Mariehamn from every ferry arrival. A car is recommended if you plan to explore further across the islands.
How to Travel to Åland from Sweden or Finland
Travelling from Sweden
Stockholm is the main gateway to Åland from Sweden and a common starting point for international visitors. Regular ferry services connect Stockholm and nearby ports with Åland year-round. The journey through the Stockholm archipelago offers scenic views and a gradual transition from city to open sea.
Flights from Stockholm Arlanda provide a fast alternative if you prefer to maximise your time on Åland. Mariehamn Airport is located just a few minutes from the town centre.
Travelling from Finland
From mainland Finland, daily ferry connections operate from Turku and Naantali. These routes pass through the Finnish archipelago and are a comfortable way to reach Åland while enjoying the maritime landscape.
Overnight ferries from Helsinki stop in Mariehamn early in the morning. Many travellers choose to book a cabin for a restful night on board before arriving.
Flights from Helsinki and Turku offer the quickest connection and are particularly convenient if you are continuing from elsewhere in Europe.
Travelling with a car or by bicycle
It is entirely possible to visit Åland without a car, especially if you stay in Mariehamn or explore by bicycle. However, if you would like to discover rural areas, local villages and the outer archipelago municipalities, having your own vehicle offers greater flexibility.
Cars, motorhomes and bicycles can easily be brought on board the ferries. During peak summer weeks, vehicle spaces often sell out early, so advance booking is advisable.
Public buses operate between Mariehamn and other parts of Åland, but services are limited compared to larger Nordic cities.
The Archipelago Route – when the journey becomes the experience
During summer, Åland can also be reached via the scenic Archipelago Route starting in Southwest Finland (from the Turku archipelago). This route combines short ferry crossings with island roads, allowing you to travel slowly from island to island before reaching Åland’s main island.
The Archipelago Route is popular among cyclists and travellers exploring the Nordic countryside at a slower pace. To fully enjoy the journey, at least one overnight stay along the route is recommended. Most accommodation and services on the smaller islands are open mainly between June and August, and advance planning is essential during high season.
Travelling from Estonia
From Tallinn, you can reach Åland by ferry on routes operating between Tallinn and Stockholm. These ferries stop in Mariehamn before continuing on to Stockholm, allowing you to disembark in Åland along the way. This option suits travellers exploring several Nordic capitals in one journey who wish to include Åland in their itinerary.
The journey across the Baltic Sea is typically overnight, and as with other Baltic Sea routes, cabins are available for a comfortable crossing.
If you are travelling with a vehicle, advance booking is recommended during the summer season.
Travelling by ferry
Ferry travel in the Nordic region is well organised and easy to navigate. Ferry connections operate year-round. Ports in Stockholm, Turku and Helsinki are centrally located and well connected by train, bus and public transport.
On board, ferries offer restaurants, cafés, shops and seating areas, as well as cabins on all routes. Large windows and open decks provide views of the Baltic archipelago throughout the journey. For many visitors, the crossing itself becomes part of the Nordic travel experience.
Flying to Åland
Flying is the fastest way to reach Åland and a practical option for shorter stays or business travel. Direct flights operate from Stockholm Arlanda in Sweden and from Helsinki and Turku in Finland. Mariehamn Airport is located just outside the city centre, allowing you to begin your stay shortly after arrival.
Book your trip to Åland
Once you have chosen your preferred route and travel option, the next step is to book your journey. During the summer season and when travelling with a vehicle, early booking is strongly recommended.
View current schedules and book directly with the ferry operators and airlines serving Åland.
More practical information for Your Trip
Passport and Visa
Citizens of the Nordic countries and countries covered by the Schengen Agreement do not need a passport to travel to Åland, but should bring a valid ID.
Citizens from outside the EU/EEA should check any visa requirements before entering Finland and Åland.
FAQ About Travelling to Åland
