Ferry from Finland to northern Sweden
Vaasa - Umeå
On the Aurora Botnia from Ostrobothnia across the Kvarken to northern Sweden
- Up to 2 sailings daily, year-round
- 3.5 to 4 hrs across the Kvarken
- With a vehicle, at the gate 1 hr before
Vaasa - Umeå
The route in detail
Table of Contents
Vaasa - Umeå is the northernmost ferry connection between Finland and Sweden. Wasaline runs it year-round with the Aurora Botnia, taking you by car, motorhome or on foot across the Kvarken to Holmsund near Umeå in 3.5 to 4 hours.
Departure from Vaasa
The terminal is on the island of Vaskiluoto, around four kilometres west of the centre. A transfer bus runs from Vaasa's travel centre to the terminal. Check-in opens no later than two hours before departure; with a fully paid booking, you go straight to the gate with the QR code from your confirmation. On foot, aim to be at the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure; boarding starts around 45 minutes before, and the gangway and check-in close 20 minutes before sailing. With a vehicle, be at the vehicle gates at least an hour before, where number-plate cameras handle check-in. At the Vaasa terminal Wasaline also takes cash, though card is preferred.
The crossing
The Aurora Botnia was built at Rauma Marine Constructions in Finland and has sailed the route since 2021. She's 150 metres long, carries 935 passengers in 68 cabins, and runs on LNG, biogas or biodiesel plus a large battery. Deck 7 has lounges, a shop, a children's area, a bar and a pub; Deck 8 has the cabins, the Archipelago buffet, the Bistro Botnia and the cafeteria. Wi-Fi is free, and luggage lockers are on Deck 7.
Car, motorhome, bike or dog
One vehicle is included per booking; register electric and hybrid cars when booking. With a trailer, arrive 90 minutes before departure, with a bike an hour before, at the terminal. There's no shore power or charging for motorhomes on board, and gas valves must stay closed. More in our guide Travelling to Sweden by motorhome. Register pets when booking. They travel in the Pet Lounge on Deck 7 with outdoor access, or can stay in the car at your own risk; the car deck is closed during the crossing and opens around 15 minutes before arrival. Entry rules are summed up in Travelling to Sweden with a dog.
Arrival in Umeå and onward travel
The ferry docks at the port of Holmsund, Blå Vägen 4, around 20 kilometres outside Umeå; signs marked VASA point the way to the port. By car, take the E12 to Umeå and then the E4 along the coast north or south from there. Without a car, a taxi, minibus or bus transfer takes you into central Umeå; it runs on demand, so book it at least three hours ahead. At the port of Umeå, only card payment is accepted.
Timetable, season and prices
Wasaline sails year-round; the Aurora Botnia leaves Vaasa once or twice a day depending on the weekday, with no sailings on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Times for your travel date are in the timetable. Alongside the one-way crossing, Wasaline sells day cruises and hotel packages; how ferry prices are made up is explained on the page Prices.
Vaasa - Umeå
Across the Kvarken to northern Sweden
Vaasa on Finland's west coast and Umeå in northern Sweden face each other across the Kvarken, the narrowest point of the Gulf of Bothnia. The ferry departs Vaasa from the island of Vaskiluoto and arrives at Holmsund, Umeå's port.
Wasaline runs the route year-round with the Aurora Botnia. There are one or two sailings a day from Vaasa depending on the weekday, and the crossing takes 3.5 to 4 hours.
- Crossing
- 3.5 to 4 hrs
- Operator
- Wasaline
- Frequency
- up to 2× daily
- Price from
- €37
Next departures
FAQ Vaasa - Umeå
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Vaasa - Umeå ferry
How long does the ferry from Vaasa to Umeå take? +
The crossing takes 3.5 to 4 hours. Because Finland is an hour ahead of Sweden, only 2.5 to 3 hours pass on the timetable between departure and arrival: leaving Vaasa at 08:00, you reach Holmsund at 10:30 Swedish time.
How often does the ferry sail? +
Wasaline sails year-round, once or twice a day from Vaasa depending on the weekday. There's no sailing on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Times for your travel date are in the timetable.
When do I need to check in in Vaasa? +
Check-in opens no later than two hours before departure. With a vehicle, be at the vehicle gates at least an hour before, with a trailer 90 minutes before. On foot, 30 minutes is enough; the gangway and check-in close 20 minutes before departure.
Can I bring a car or motorhome? +
Yes. One vehicle is included per booking; register electric and hybrid cars when booking. There's no shore power or charging for motorhomes on board, and gas valves must stay closed. More in our guide Travelling to Sweden by motorhome.
Can my dog come along? +
Yes, register pets when booking, as spaces are limited. On board there's a Pet Lounge on Deck 7 with outdoor access, and a designated area in the Deck 8 cafeteria. Entry rules are under Travelling to Sweden with a dog.
How much does the ferry from Vaasa to Umeå cost? +
The price depends on departure, season, cabin and vehicle. Alongside the one-way crossing, Wasaline also sells day cruises and hotel packages. More under Prices.