Getting Around, Tallinn Travel, Transport and Car Rental
(Tallinn, Harjumaa, Estonia)
Since much of the Old Town area of Tallinn is entirely transport free, you will find that the only way to travel in this historic district is really on foot. However, close by you will be pleased to find a reliable network, consisting of buses and trolleybuses, together with noticeably slower trams.
Public transport in Tallinn is operated between 06:00 and 23:00, and tickets can be purchased either from the actual driver, or in advance from news-stands. Outside of these hours you will be able to travel on a number of night buses, or simply rely upon Tallinn's numerous taxis, which can always be requested by phone, whatever the time.
If you decide to first buy a 'Tallinn Card', then you will be able to enjoy unlimited free transport during your stay, along with discounts to many sights and attractions, and even some restaurants.
Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL) / Arriving by Air
Address: Lennjujaama 2, Tallinn, 11101, Estonia
Tel: +372 605 8888
The biggest and busiest airport in the whole of
Estonia,
Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL) lies alongside the eastern bank of Lake Ulemiste and is easy to reach, being located a mere 3 km / 2 miles from the city centre. In total, the airport features five terminal gateways and just over 15 airlines, of which Estonian Airlines is the most prominent, connecting major cities within
Austria,
England,
France,
Germany,
Ireland,
Norway,
Russia and
Sweden. Bus transport is readily available at Tallinn Airport, connecting the city centre in around ten minutes and departing from outside of the Arrivals Hall. Taxis also travel into the city and are run by local Estonian taxi firms, Linna and Tulika.
Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport Guide
Car Rental
Renting a car is the favoured transport option for many people flying into Tallinn Ulemiste Airport and whilst cars are a convenient way to reach the city and travel around Estonia, driving in the city centre can be troublesome. There are frequently traffic jams and many local Estonians regularly ignore the rules of the road. Therefore, driving in the centre of Tallinn is best suited to the most experienced and confident of drivers. Plenty of parking spaces are available if required, although you can usually expect to pay through the nose at the most centrally located car parks. However, all car parks offer 15 minutes of free car parking, and you should indicate you arrival time by using the plastic clock provided with the rental car itself.
Buses, Trams and Trolleys
These similar transport options cover the majority of Tallinn and are extremely inexpensive. Tickets can either be purchased in advance from news-stands (the cheapest option) or from the driver as you board, and should always be punched before you find your seat. There are four tram lines in total, and eight lines for the trolleybus network, while buses tend to cover a considerably larger proportion of the city, from the south-eastern corner, to the north-west.
Trains
Estonian rail transport is a far less popular way to travel than it used to be, although it is still highly suitable for day trips and weekend excursions. There is a fairly limited choice of trains and destinations, although some do run as far as neighbouring Latvia and even parts of the Russian Federation.
Taxis
Taxi transport in Tallinn is best ordered by telephone, so that you avoid those unreputable drivers simply out to rip you off and charge somewhat extortionate prices. However, if you are in a hurry, many taxis congregate at major intersections outside of large hotels, although do always insist upon a receipt.
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