🇪🇪 Getting Around Estonia — Transport & Travel Guide

To get around in Estonia, you can use a variety of transportation options including buses, trains, domestic flights, and ride-hailing services, with the capital city Tallinn being a major hub for most transportation networks.

Getting There

Estonia is easily accessible by air, with the main international airport being Tallinn Lennart Meri Airport (TLL), which offers direct flights to many European cities, including Helsinki, Stockholm, and Riga. The airport is located about 4 kilometers from the city center and is connected to the city by bus and taxi services. You can also enter Estonia by land from its neighboring countries, Latvia and Russia, with several border crossing points available. Additionally, there are ferry services connecting Estonia to Finland and Sweden, offering a scenic and relaxing way to enter the country.

If you're planning to visit Estonia from outside of Europe, you may need to fly to a major European hub first and then take a connecting flight to Tallinn. Some of the major airlines that operate flights to Estonia include Lufthansa, Finnair, and SAS. It's always a good idea to compare prices and book your flights in advance to get the best deals. Overland entry points from Latvia and Russia are also convenient, with regular bus services connecting the major cities of the region.

Domestic Flights

Estonia has a limited domestic air network, with only a few flights available between Tallinn and other smaller airports in the country. The main domestic airline is Nordica, which operates flights to destinations such as Kuressaare and Kärdla. You can book your domestic flights online through the airline's website or through a travel agency. The cost of a domestic flight in Estonia can range from 50 to 200 EUR, depending on the route and the time of booking. It's worth noting that domestic flights may not be the most convenient option, as the country is relatively small and many destinations can be easily reached by bus or car.

Trains & Rail

Estonia has a moderate rail network, with trains connecting the major cities of the country. The main railway company is Elron, which operates trains to destinations such as Tartu, Pärnu, and Viljandi. The trains are relatively modern and comfortable, with some routes offering high-speed options. You can book your train tickets online through the Elron website or at the train station. The cost of a train ticket in Estonia can range from 10 to 30 EUR, depending on the route and the class of service. It's worth noting that the rail network in Estonia is not as extensive as in some other European countries, but it's still a convenient and scenic way to see the country.

Buses & Coaches

Estonia has an extensive network of buses and coaches, connecting the major cities and towns of the country. The main bus companies are Lux Express and Eesti Buss, which operate routes to destinations such as Tallinn, Tartu, and Pärnu. The buses are modern and comfortable, with some routes offering Wi-Fi and other amenities. You can book your bus tickets online through the company's website or at the bus station. The cost of a bus ticket in Estonia can range from 5 to 20 EUR, depending on the route and the class of service. Bus travel is a convenient and affordable way to see Estonia, with many routes offering scenic views of the countryside.

City Transport

Driving

• To drive in Estonia, you need to have a valid driver's license and be at least 18 years old.
• The road quality in Estonia is generally good, with many highways and main roads being well-maintained.
• The cost of fuel in Estonia is relatively high, with gasoline prices ranging from 1.2 to 1.5 EUR per liter.
• Car rental companies such as Avis, Hertz, and Europcar are available in Estonia, with prices starting from around 40 EUR per day.
• When driving in Estonia, be aware of the speed limits, which are 50 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h on highways.
• Be also aware of the weather conditions, as the roads can be slippery and icy during the winter months.

Transport Tips

• When using public transport in Estonia, it's a good idea to buy a rechargeable public transport card, which can be used on buses, trams, and trolleybuses.
• Be aware of your belongings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots, as pickpocketing and theft can occur.
• When taking a taxi, make sure to use a licensed taxi company and agree on the price before you start your journey.
• Download the Bolt or Uber app to use ride-hailing services in the major cities.
• When driving in Estonia, make sure to have a valid driver's license and car insurance, and be aware of the traffic rules and regulations.
• Be respectful of the environment and try to use public transport or walk or cycle whenever possible.
• Learn some basic Estonian phrases, such as "hello" (tere) and "thank you" (aitäh), to help you navigate and communicate with the locals.