Getting Around Estonia
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient trams and buses for Tallinn. Rural: Rent a car for Saaremaa island exploration. Coast: Buses and ferries. For convenience, book airport transfers from Tallinn to your destination.
Train Travel
Elron National Rail
Efficient and modern train network connecting major cities with frequent services.
Cost: Tallinn to Tartu €10-15, journeys 1.5-2 hours between most cities.
Tickets: Buy via Elron app, website, or station machines. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM for better prices and seats.
Rail Passes
Elron offers flexible tickets for multiple journeys, with discounts for students and seniors up to 50% off standard fares.
Best For: Multiple city visits over several days, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Train stations, Elron website, or official app with instant activation.
High-Speed Options
Connections to Riga (Latvia) via Lux Express rail or bus hybrids, and seasonal services to Pärnu.
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 50%.
Tallinn Stations: Main station is Tallinn Central, with connections to Baltic Station area.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring islands and rural areas. Compare rental prices from €25-45/day at Tallinn Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (EU or International), credit card, minimum age 19-21.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 110 km/h highways.
Tolls: No major tolls, but ferries to islands like Saaremaa cost €20-40 per car.
Priority: Give way to right unless signposted otherwise, roundabouts common.
Parking: Free in rural areas, metered €1-3/hour in Tallinn city center.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at €1.60-1.80/liter for petrol, €1.50-1.70 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Light congestion in Tallinn during rush hours, minimal elsewhere.
Urban Transport
Tallinn Trams & Trolleys
Historic network covering the city, single ticket €2, day pass €5, 10-journey card €12.
Validation: Validate tickets in onboard machines before starting journey, inspections common.
Apps: Tallinn Transport app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile tickets.
Bike Rentals
City Bike sharing in Tallinn and Tartu, €5-10/day with stations throughout urban areas.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths across Estonia, especially in Baltic coastal regions.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in major cities, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Buses & Local Services
GoBus and regional operators provide comprehensive networks across Estonia.
Tickets: €2-3 per ride, buy from driver or use contactless payment.
Island Ferries: Saaremaa line connects mainland to islands, €10-20 depending on distance.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus stations in cities for easy access, central Tallinn or Tartu Old Town for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major festivals like Tallinn Music Week.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage in cities, 4G throughout most of Estonia including rural areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Elisa, Tele2, and Telia offer prepaid SIMs from €5-15 with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for €10, 10GB for €15, unlimited for €20/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major bus stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-100 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2, daylight saving March-October (EEST, UTC+3).
- Airport Transfers: Tallinn Airport 4km from city center, bus to center €2 (15 min), taxi €10, or book private transfer for €20-30.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus stations (€3-5/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern buses and trains accessible, many historic sites have limited access due to medieval architecture.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains (small free, large €3), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on trains off-peak for €4, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Estonia
Tallinn Airport (TLL) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Tallinn Airport (TLL): Primary international gateway, 4km from city center with bus connections.
Tartu Airport (TAY): Small regional hub 10km from city, limited flights, taxi €15 (20 min).
Pärnu Airport (UUS): Seasonal small airport with limited European flights, convenient for southern Estonia.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Helsinki or Riga and taking ferry/bus to Estonia for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Ryanair, AirBaltic, and Norwegian serve Tallinn with European connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee €1-3, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep €50-100 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Service charge included in restaurants, round up or add 5-10% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.