Tallinn is a fairly easy city to get to, from and around as it has several transportation options available. The best way to get around is obviously by walking as you can then see things that you would not usually see if you are driving around the city.
To avoid getting confused when you are exploring Tallinn, walk around the city instead of driving. If walking is not the best option for you, why not choose to travel by taxis or better yet use the public transport system.
For some tips on how to get around Tallinn, use our Tallinn Transportation Guide below as it covers the different modes of transport available to you while you visit this city with amazing architecture. Further information on transport in Estonia can be found in our Estonia Transportation Guide as well as the Pärnu Transportation Guide.
Tallinn Transportation Guide
Getting around Tallinn
The best way to tour the Old City is by walking. Public transport around Tallinn includes buses, trolleybuses and trams that cover most of the city. Should you wish for another alternative to those modes of public transport, you can choose to travel by cheap taxis. Trams, trolleys and buses regularly ply between 6 am and 12 midnight. To use any of the public transport option, simply buy a valid ticket from the drivers or at newsstands.
By Bus
To use the bus service you can purchase a one-time ticket. These tickets are available at newsstands for approximately 13 EEK and sold by drivers for approximately 20 EEK; discount tickets are available at approximately 6 and 12 EEK. Buses travel from the southeast to the northwest part of Tallinn. Remember to get your ticket punched after boarding the bus.
By Tram
There are 4 distinct tram lines and they converge at Viru Centre, at the Hobujaama stop. These Tallinn tram lines traverse the entire city. Around 15 of these trams are wheelchair friendly as they have a lowered middle section. They mostly travel on lines 1 and 4 and are marked in the schedule with their departure time highlighted against a yellow background. Purchase tram tickets for approximately 13 or 20 EEK.
By Trolleybus
The fleet of trolleybuses in Tallinn is comparatively new to the public transport system, although some of them are old ‘Skodas'. They run on eight lines numbered from 1 to 7 and 9 - line number 8 was shut down in 2000 and now bus number 22 operates on this route. The trolley lines run in the south or west directions, and tickets are priced at approximately 13 or 20 EEK.
By Taxis
If you need a taxi in Tallinn, it is best to order one using the phone. Avoid hiring taxis standing at the Tallinn Port taxi stop as they are very expensive and the meters run faster than usual. These taxis are famous as 'the sleeve-taxis'.
Tickets for taxis can be purchased for around €3 and thereafter you are charged €.50 per km, which is €.80 a mile. Licensed taxis display a list of fares on their windows. Every time you board a taxi you are entitled to a written receipt, showing the distance travelled and the time taken. You have the legal right to not pay the fare if the taxi does not provide this receipt. Do check the receipt carefully to see whether 'jootraha' (Estonian for tip) has been added. In case it has been added retain the receipt and report it. Nowadays the government is putting in place stringent measures to improve the taxi situation in Tallinn. The government approved ones have company logos on them. Please let us know if you would like a transfer to your hotel in Tallinn.
By car
Tallinn too experiences traffic jams like any other big city but they get cleared very quickly. As a tourist you might get confused by the driving style and road rules. The one-way and two-way roads change often and there are no signs to indicate these. The speed limit is 50 kilometres per hour but in bigger streets like Paldiski mnt, Pärnu mnt, Laagna tee, Peterburi tee etc., the speed limit is 70 kilometres per hour.
Parking is not a problem but it is not free. To pay for parking there are ticket machines and other methods of paying. You may have difficulty locating ticket machines as they are not positioned very prominently. Many Tallinn hotels will offer you parking so be sure to ask at the time of booking.
On foot
By taking the Tallinn Chill Out Walking Tour, the Old Town of Tallinn can be easily covered on foot. This tour is different and quite unlike normal walking tours. You have musicians as guides and hear an interesting commentary all along. In a span of two hours you will visit places less frequented by tourists as well as the more popular sights in the Old Town. The tour begins at the Tallinn Traveller Information Tent, which is situated on the square in front of the official Tallinn Tourist Information Centre. The guides speak English and quite often some snacks are served at the end of the tour to refresh visitors.
Other kinds of tours include recently started mobile tours in English for all those carrying a mobile phone. You can also get free audio guides in different languages at the tourist centres, or take bus tours. Keep an eye out for the red coloured tour buses, which you can board at specific stops in the Old Town.
When visiting Tallinn be sure to check out our range of Tallinn Hotels located in the historical old town of Tallinn! We also have some great Tallinn Tours!
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