You’ve arrived for a seaside vacation and are wondering how to get from Gdynia to Hel? You have a few options – you can choose your mode of transportation, take a boat trip, or travel by train. What do these options look like? Let us guide you!

Anyone who has spent time in Gdynia knows that this city is full of attractions for both adults and children. Museums, theaters, art galleries, an aquarium, and science centers attract both locals from the Tricity area and tourists. The city also boasts a rich culinary scene: restaurants serving delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Even if you’re here for just a few days, it’s hard to get bored. One of the interesting attractions is a boat trip from Gdynia to Hel. Where did this idea come from, and how can you make it happen?

Gdynia – Hel: Where Did the Idea for the Trip Come From?

Hel is a place worth visiting for many reasons. First and foremost, its unique location at the very end of the Hel Peninsula surrounds you with the sea on three sides, giving you an extraordinary sense of closeness to nature. It’s also a paradise for nature lovers – nature reserves, forests, dunes, and wide beaches will captivate anyone. Hel is also a fascinating place with a historical atmosphere – you’ll find numerous remnants of military structures from World War II that give this place its unique character. Additionally, a visit to the Seal Sanctuary in Hel is a must for families with children – it’s not only an attraction but also a valuable lesson in wildlife conservation. All of this makes Hel a place truly worth seeing.

What are the options for getting there from Gdynia? Theoretically, the simplest way is to drive your own car, but everyone likely fears traffic jams, especially during the holiday season. What are the alternatives? You can choose a scenic boat trip that allows you to enjoy the beautiful views of the Bay of Gdańsk, or opt for a train journey, which is a convenient solution, especially if you want to avoid the stress of driving and finding parking in Hel. Let’s discuss these two options.

Gdynia – Hel: Boat Trip – How Much Does It Cost?

One of the most interesting options, which will undoubtedly provide unforgettable experiences, is a boat trip on the Gdynia – Hel route. This is a unique attraction, especially for the youngest, who will be thrilled not only by the views but also by the waves and the gentle rocking of the boat. The trip lasts about an hour and offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to admire the beauty of the Bay of Gdańsk from the deck.

If you decide on this adventure, you need to head to the Southern Pier in Gdynia. Walking from the city, on the left, you will notice large signs: Żegluga Gdańska, catamarans, hydrofoils, ships. This is where you will find the departure point for ships to Hel.

Check the current schedule and prices on the website zegluga.pl. As of the writing of this text [August 26, 2024], there are three daily connections to Hel at 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 4:30 PM. Unfortunately, the price might discourage you from choosing this attraction. A regular one-way ticket costs 85 PLN, and a ticket to Hel and back costs 135 PLN. For a family of four (2 adults + 2 children), a round trip to Hel by boat will cost as much as 500 PLN! No wonder that if a sufficient number of passengers is not gathered, the trip may simply be canceled.

By Train from Gdynia to Hel

Traveling by train is a much more reliable option. There are at least several daily trips on the Gdynia – Hel route. Although the train journey takes a bit longer than the boat trip, from 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours and 10 minutes one way, it has its advantages. First and foremost, you have the opportunity to explore several seaside towns, such as Władysławowo, Chałupy, Jastarnia, and Jurata. The longer travel time is also compensated by the attractive ticket prices. A regular ticket costs just under 20 PLN, and a discounted ticket can be purchased with a 37% discount, making this option much more affordable than the boat trip. You can buy tickets online.

Summary

In summary, a trip from Gdynia to Hel is an excellent way to enhance your seaside vacation. Gdynia, full of attractions for the whole family, encourages exploring museums, theaters, and tasting local specialties. Hel, on the other hand, entices with its unique nature, historical atmosphere, and the Seal Sanctuary, which is sure to delight both children and adults.

If you’re wondering how best to get to Hel, you can choose a boat trip, which will provide unforgettable experiences but comes with higher costs, or a train journey, which, although longer, allows you to save money and explore several picturesque towns along the way. Each of these options has its pros and cons, so the choice depends on your preferences. Regardless of which route you choose, one thing is certain – both Gdynia and Hel have much to offer, and a trip to the Hel Peninsula will be full of unforgettable moments.