Sea travel on the rise

More than one million passengers with Finnlines in 2025 point to shifting travel behaviour in the Baltic and Nordic region

Finnlines surpassed the one-million-passenger mark for the first time in 2025. A total of 1,021,000 travelers used the company’s Baltic Sea connections, representing a 9% increase compared to the previous year.

Most strikingly, private passenger numbers grew by more than 13%. For tour operators, this should not be seen merely as a growth milestone, but as a potential indicator of changing mobility choices in Northern Europe.

Alternative travel modes gaining acceptance

Baltic Sea routes between Finland, Sweden, Germany and Poland are increasingly perceived as a comfortable alternative to flying. In the context of sustainability discussions, slow travel concepts and multimodal itineraries, ferry connections are regaining visibility. For the Benelux market, this development may open new perspectives.

While winter fly-in programs to Lapland remain dominant, diversified access options can strengthen broader Nordic itineraries.

Leisure segment driving growth

The above-average increase in private travelers suggests that the leisure segment is expanding more dynamically than overall passenger volume. This may reflect a growing interest in independent Nordic travel and more flexible itinerary design.

Ferry travel within sustainability narratives

Finnlines highlights its combined freight and passenger operations as an efficient transport model. As sustainability continues to gain relevance in the Benelux outbound market, ferry travel can be positioned as part of a more responsible travel framework.

The key question is not whether sea travel will replace air access, but whether it can complement Nordic programs in a way that enhances differentiation and credibility.

More on Finnlines.

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