Getting Around Tallinn: A Visitor's Guide to Public Transport
Tallinn offers visitors a well-developed public transport network combining buses, trams, trolleybuses, trains, and ferries. The system is operated by several organizations: Tallinna Linnatranspordi (TLT) manages buses, trams, and trolleybuses, while Elron operates train services. Most areas of the city are easily accessible by public transport, and the Old Town itself is best explored on foot.
Understanding the Network
Public transport in Tallinn operates daily from around 6:00 am to just before midnight. Timetables and maps are available in English, making it straightforward for visitors to navigate. The system is organized by zones, which means that attractions within the city's zone boundaries—including some sights up to an hour away from the city center—remain affordably priced.
Buses
Buses form the backbone of Tallinn's public transport system. The city has an extensive network of bus routes covering all districts, with some areas like Lasnamäe, Haabersti, and Nõmme particularly well served. Bus route numbers consist of one or two numbers, occasionally with a letter—letters A or B indicate alternative routes with the same path but different endpoints, while E denotes express routes.
The main bus terminal is located beneath the Viru Keskus shopping centre in the city centre, where ten major routes depart. Other significant terminals are scattered throughout the city at locations like Väike-Õismäe, Baltic Station, and Estonia Theatre.
Most routes operate between approximately 5:20 am and 12:20 am. Frequency varies by route and time of day: high-density districts typically see buses every 6–15 minutes, while lower-density areas may have intervals of 12–60 minutes. Since 2023, night bus services have operated from Baltic Station to various outlying areas, running every half hour until 4:30 am on weekend nights, though these are free only for Tallinn residents.
Trams and Trolleybuses
Tallinn is unique in Estonia as the only city to have ever operated trams and trolleybuses. The tram system, operated by TLT, serves the city centre and surrounding areas with five lines. Tram line 4 extends to Tallinn Airport, with stops at Ülemiste linnak and Lennujaam (Airport), making it a convenient option for arriving or departing passengers.
Trolleybus services have declined significantly since their peak, but four routes remain in operation, providing an alternative to buses on select routes.
Trains
Tallinn's train station, Balti jaam, is located immediately west of the Old Town. Elron operates regional train services to other Estonian cities including Tartu, Viljandi, and Paldiski. Since January 2025, one daily international train connects Tallinn to Vilnius, Lithuania, traveling via Riga, Latvia.
Buying Tickets and Passes
The standard ticket price for a single journey is €2. Visitors have several options for purchasing tickets: you can buy them from the driver (on buses), use a contactless payment card at the front-most reader (buses and trams), purchase online in advance, or buy a rechargeable Ühiskaart card from R-Kiosk locations, including at the airport terminal. Note that bus drivers do not sell tickets, so it is best to have a payment method ready before boarding.
Public transport is free for Tallinn residents; visitors will need to purchase tickets for each journey. Within the city's zone system, prices remain affordable even for attractions located some distance from the center.
Walkability and the Old Town
The Old Town is best explored on foot—indeed, pedestrian access is the primary way to navigate this historic area. The rest of the city is well-served by public transport, but many central attractions are within comfortable walking distance of each other.
Getting from Tallinn Airport to the City
Tallinn Airport is located 2 km southeast of the city centre on the eastern shore of Lake Ülemiste. Several transport options connect the airport to the city:
- Bus: Buses 2 and 15 depart approximately every 12–15 minutes toward the city centre (be sure to board buses heading toward Balti Jaam or Estonia, not toward Mõigu). The journey to Balti Jaam, the central railway station near the Old Town, takes around 20 minutes. Tickets cost €2 and can be purchased with a contactless card at the front reader, online in advance, or via the R-Kiosk in the terminal.
- Tram: Tram line 4 serves the airport with stops at Ülemiste linnak and Lennujaam (Airport). However, tram 2, which previously operated to the airport, is diverted until 2025 due to Rail Baltica construction.
- Long-distance buses: Hourly Lux Express buses to Tartu stop in front of the terminal; tickets are cheaper when purchased online in advance but can also be bought from the driver or a ticket machine on the ground floor.
- Taxi or ride-hailing: Taxis to the Old Town typically cost €7–10. The Bolt app is more popular in Tallinn than Uber. Car rental desks are located on the bottom floor of the terminal.
Arriving by Ferry
All ferries dock at Reisisadam port, north of the city centre. Two main terminal areas serve different ferry operators: Terminal D (used by Tallink) and Terminal A/B (used by Eckerö and Viking). These terminals are linked by a 5-minute pedestrian bridge crossing the marina.
From Terminal A/B, tram 2 operates toward the city centre (A. Laikmaa stop) and the intercity bus station (Bussijaam) in one direction, and toward the train and regional bus station (Balti jaam) in the other. Alternatively, a leisurely 15-minute walk toward the Old Town leads directly into the city centre, with the Old Town easily visible from the terminals. The walk has been improved in recent years with completed developments along Sadama street and more pedestrian-friendly road crossings.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are abundant and relatively inexpensive. Tallinn has over 20 taxi companies; always check the price displayed on the car window before entering, as fares can vary significantly. The ride-hailing app Bolt is more widely used than Uber in Tallinn and offers a reliable alternative to traditional taxis.