How to Get Around Tallinn: A Complete Guide to Transportation Options

How to get around Tallinn is an important question for travelers exploring Estonia’s charming capital. With its mix of historic streets and modern infrastructure, getting from one place to another is easier than you might think, and knowing your options will help you navigate the city efficiently.

Tallinn is known for its well-connected public transport system and pedestrian-friendly Old Town. Whether you prefer exploring on foot or using local transport, the city offers convenient ways to experience its sights. Planning ahead will ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.

No matter your travel style, getting around Tallinn can be both affordable and hassle-free. From short distances within the city center to reaching attractions further away, there are plenty of ways to move around comfortably - all of which we'll cover in this complete transportation guide.

How to Get Around Tallinn, Estonia: a Brief Intro

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a city that beautifully blends medieval charm with modern convenience. Whether you're exploring the cobblestone streets of the Old Town or heading to other districts, knowing how to get around Tallinn will make your visit much smoother. With various transportation options available, navigating the city is both easy and affordable.

There are a variety of options to choose from, making it accessible for all different types of budgets and travel preferences.

Here are the different options for how to get around Tallinn, Estonia:

• Walking
• Taking public transportation (buses, trams, and trains)
• Ordering taxis
• Using rideshare apps (Uber and Bolt)
• Biking

How to Get Around Tallinn, Estonia: The Different Options

Now that you know some of the ways for how to get around Tallinn, let's dive into each one so that you can understand which ones of them are best for which areas of the city.

🚶🏻‍♀️ Walking Around Tallinn

One of the best ways to explore Tallinn is on foot, especially in the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many of the city's top attractions, charming cafes, and historic sites are within walking distance, and even some of the top activities outside the old town can be reached on foot. 

The city is pedestrian-friendly, with well-maintained sidewalks and scenic routes, making it a pleasant experience for travelers who enjoy walking. One thing you should keep in mind though, is that the old town is full of cobblestone streets, so you may want to ditch the heels for this part of the city!

Something to also keep in mind is that places like the Kadriorg Museum, Tallinn TV Tower, and the botanical gardens are a bit outside the city center, and therefore will require another form of transportation.

🚌 Public Transportation in Tallinn

Tallinn has a well-organized public transportation system, consisting of buses, trams, and trolleybuses, which operate from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. The network covers the entire city, making it a reliable option for getting around Estonia's capital, as well as the being the most affordable option!

Tickets can be purchased from kiosks, ticket machines, or through mobile apps, and they offer affordable rates for single rides or unlimited daily use. If you're staying for a longer period, you can also invest in a public transport card for convenience and discounts.

The ticket system works on a random-inspection basis: you don't have to show your ticket to the driver, but you should validate each entry at one of the orange validators (if you don't you could get a €40 fine).

🤑 Public Transport Discounts and Free Rides

Residents of Tallinn, children under 7, and adults with children under 3 (1 adult per child) enjoy free public transportation in Tallinn.

While tourists do have to pay, they can still benefit from discounts with a Tallinn Card. The tourist card provides unlimited public transportation and free or discounted entry to various attractions, making it a great deal for you if you're planning to see multiple sites in a short period of time.

Here are the prices for the different public transport ticket options:

• One-hour ticket: €2 
• One-day ticket: €5.50 
• Three-day ticket: €9 
• Five-day ticket): €11 
• 30-day ticket: €30 
• Tallinn Card (24h/48h/72h): €27 - €78 (it also includes free entry to certain museums and sights around the city)
  

🚲 Biking in Tallinn

Cycling is becoming an increasingly popular way to get around Tallinn, as it's easy, budget-friendly, and fun, particularly in the summer months. The city has dedicated bike lanes, and bike-sharing services are available for visitors. 

We wouldn't necessarily recommend it for the old town (there are lots of stairs, people, and hills), but we highly recommend it for getting around the other neighborhoods of Tallinn, and places such as the parks and waterfront areas.

Another fun option for getting around Tallinn and doing sightseeing is to book a bike tour! This is an exciting way to explore the city, meet new people, and have a local show you cool and unique spots around Tallinn.

🚕 Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services

For those who prefer a more direct way to get around Tallinn's surroundings, taxis and ride-sharing services are widely available, and not too expensive.

Traditional taxis can be found at designated taxi stands or booked through phone apps, while ride-sharing services like Bolt and Uber offer convenient and often more affordable options for getting to your destination quickly.

💸 Are Taxis Expensive in Estonia?

Taxis aren't very expensive in Tallinn, but sometimes may become more expensive than using an Uber for longer rides. Taxis run on meters, and each company has their own rate, which you can find on the yellow sticker of the car's rear window.

💳 Do Tallinn Taxis Take Credit Cards?

While most taxis services are cash only, there are two companies that you can pay with using a credit card, which are Tallink and Forus, and there are also more and more drivers in general accepting credit card payment. We recommend inquiring before you hop in, as not everyone will accept them.

🚗 Renting a Car in Tallinn

While you definitely don't need a car inside the city of Tallinn itself, there are so many fun places just outside the city, as well as some awesome day trips to explore.

If you plan to explore some of these hidden gems beyond Tallinn, renting a car can be an excellent option, especially if you are with a group.

The city has several car rental agencies, and driving in Estonia is generally easy. It's important to know that within the city center, parking can be limited and expensive, so renting a car is best for just those looking to take day trips outside of Tallinn.

Tips for How to Get Around Tallinn

Now you know how to get around Tallinn in several different ways! Now, here are a few tips for you to enjoy getting around in the best way.

❓ How to Get Around Tallinn: FAQ

Now you know all about how to get around Tallinn, but in case you needed any quick answers, here they are!

How to Get Around Tallinn, Estonia: Conclusion

There are lots of ways to consider for how to get around Tallinn! Whether you are looking to hop in an Uber, ride on the tram, or go on a bike tour, there are plenty of fun and easy ways to explore the city without having to spend a ton of time or money.

We'd definitely recommend doing a day or two of just walking around the old town, and then organizing the sites outside of the city center together. You can then invest in the Tallinn Card for the days you'd like to explore outside the center and use the public transportation.

If you'd like to do day trips, then we'd recommend signing up for a tour if you're on your own, or renting a car and driving if you are in a group.  

So are you ready to explore all over Estonia's capital? We hope our guide for how to get around Tallinn has helped you planning your getaway, but if you have any other questions, feel free to drop them down below!

Want to learn about all of the cool things to see and do in Tallinn? Don't miss out on our other Tallinn travel guides. We also have a few more of them coming up, so make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of the weekly updates!

Ready to start planning an awesome trip to Tallinn? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers custom travel planning services, which are designed to create you the best itinerary possible, and help you save money along the way. Want to learn more? Simply send us an email for your free consultation!

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