Getting There & Away: Tallinn Old Town

Air Travel

Tallinn Airport

Tallinn Airport (TLL), officially Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport, is the only major international airport. It is approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) from Tallinn Old Town, presenting a quick transfer.

Airport Facilities

Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.
Duty-free shops and other retail outlets.
Cafes and restaurants for dining.

Airlines & Routes

Major European carriers like Lufthansa, SAS, Finnair, airBaltic, LOT Polish Airlines, and Turkish Airlines service Tallinn Airport. Budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air also offer routes.

Flight Options

Direct flights connect Tallinn to major European hubs including London, Frankfurt, Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Warsaw, and Riga.
Travelers from North America, Asia, or Australia typically have at least one layover in a major European hub.
Flight prices are highest during peak summer (June-August) and around major holidays like Christmas and New Year. Consider Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Tram

Tram Line 4 has a direct connection from the airport to Tallinn city center. The "Viru Keskus" stop is a short walk from the Old Town. Journey takes 15-17 minutes. Single ticket €2 (from driver) or €1.50 (pre-purchased).

Bus

Several bus lines, like Line 2, connect the airport to the city center. Bus stops are well-marked outside the terminal.

Taxi/Ride-sharing

Taxis are available outside the terminal. Ride-sharing apps like Bolt are widely used and often more affordable. The cost for a ride to the Old Town typically ranges from €10-€15. The journey takes about 10-15 minutes.

Long-Distance Buses

Popular Operators

Lux Express: Extensive routes to Riga (Latvia), Vilnius (Lithuania), St. Petersburg (Russia – visa necessary), and other Baltic cities. Modern buses with Wi-Fi, power outlets.
Simple Express: A budget alternative by Lux Express, providing similar routes with fewer amenities but lower prices.
Ecolines: Another option for international routes, useful for connections to Eastern European cities.
Tallinn Coach Station (Tallinna Bussijaam): This serves as the main hub for both domestic and international bus services. It is located south of the Old Town.

Border Crossings

Estonia shares land borders with Latvia to the south and Russia to the east.
Border crossings with Latvia are open and seamless due to both countries being part of the Schengen Area.
Ensure all necessary documentation before attempting this crossing.
Currently, no direct international passenger train services operate from Tallinn to other European capitals.

Self-Driving Considerations

Requirements

A valid national driving license is generally accepted for short visits. An official translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-EU citizens.

Road Conditions

Roads in Estonia are generally well-maintained and in good condition. Drive on the right-hand side of the road.

Parking

Driving and parking within the Old Town itself are highly restricted and often expensive. It is generally best to park outside the Old Town walls and walk or use public transport. DiscoverCars.com for rentals.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services

Tallinn is a prominent port for both ferries and cruise ships.

Main Operators

Tallink Silja Line: A dominant operator, providing frequent services mainly to Helsinki (Finland) and Stockholm (Sweden).
Viking Line: Another popular choice for connections to Helsinki.
Eckerö Line: Also offers services to Helsinki.

Ports & Procedures

Vanasadam (Old City Harbour) is the main passenger port and is very close to Tallinn Old Town, typically a 15-20 minute walk or a short tram/bus ride. Most major ferry lines use this harbor.

Harbor Info

Standard Schengen Area entry and exit procedures apply at seaports. Passengers arriving from non-Schengen countries undergo passport control upon disembarkation.
Vanasadam connects well to the city center via Tram lines 1 and 2, along with various bus routes.
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available outside the ferry terminals for quick transfers.

Departure Procedures

Prepare for your departure to ensure a stress-free exit from Tallinn.

Timing Recommendations

Air Travel: Arrive at Tallinn Airport 2 to 2.5 hours before international flights. For flights within the Schengen Area, 1.5 hours is typically sufficient.
Ferry Travel: Check with your specific ferry operator for their boarding time recommendations. This is typically 30-60 minutes before departure.
Arrive at the terminal with sufficient time to check in and board without rush.

Airport/Station Facilities

Tallinn Airport offers shops, restaurants, and lounges for departing travelers. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.

Amenities

Duty-free and retail outlets available.
Cafes and restaurants for dining before departure.
Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.

Driving Laws & Parking

Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
Headlights must be on at all times, day or night.
The blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.00%, meaning no alcohol is permitted before driving.

Metered street parking is available outside the Old Town.
Several paid parking garages are located just outside the Old Town.
Snow tires are mandatory from December 1 to March 1.

Final Check

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied on departing passengers from Tallinn Airport or ferry terminals. The cost of your ticket typically includes all required charges.

Getting There & Away