Getting Around Estonia

Getting Around Estonia By Air

For faster travel, especially to Estonia's larger islands, domestic flights are available. Flights from Tallinn to Kuressaare (Saaremaa) take approximately 45 minutes, while flights to Kärdla (Hiiumaa) are about 30 minutes. These flights offer a quick alternative to ferry travel, especially during peak seasons.

Getting Around Estonia By Other

By Bus: Buses are a primary mode of transportation in Estonia, connecting urban areas to rural regions. Companies like Lux Express offer multiple connections across the country, with tickets available through platforms like tpilet.ee and at bus stations. The Ühiskaart can also be loaded with e-tickets for bus travel. For intercity travel, services are frequent and punctual, making buses a reliable option for reaching various destinations. 

Urban Public Transportation

In cities like Tallinn, Tartu, and others, public transportation is both reliable and user-friendly. The backbone of urban transit includes buses, trams, and trolleybuses, with Tallinn boasting the country's sole tram network. A notable feature is the Public Transport Card (Ühiskaart), an electronic, contactless card that streamlines the payment process across various modes of transport. Priced at €3, the Ühiskaart can be purchased at sales points and used interchangeably throughout Estonia, except in Kohtla-Järve. In Tallinn, bank cards such as Mastercard, Maestro, Visa, and Visa Electron can also be used directly at validators on public vehicles.

Transportation Cards and Passes

The Ühiskaart is a versatile tool for travelers, allowing seamless access to various public transportation modes across Estonia. By loading money or e-tickets onto the card, users can easily tap and go, simplifying the travel experience. €3 for the card, with additional funds required for loading tickets or money.

Cycling: Estonia's diverse landscapes make it an attractive destination for cyclists. The Eurovelo route passes through Estonia, starting at the Latvian border, running along the coast, through the islands, passing Tallinn, and heading to the Russian border via the northern coast. Several tourism companies around the country offer bicycle tours and rentals. From April to October, a bicycle ticket is required for train travel, costing half the price of the passenger's fare. 

Getting Around Estonia By Rail

Estonia's rail network, operated by Elron, connects major cities and towns, offering a comfortable and scenic travel experience. From Tallinn's Balti Jaam train station, travelers can reach destinations like Tartu, Viljandi, Narva, and others. Tickets can be purchased at stations or directly on the train using card or cash. Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi and charging points, and accommodations are available for bicycles, wheelchairs, and strollers.

Getting Around Estonia By Road

Driving: Estonia's extensive road system and right-hand traffic make driving a viable option for travelers. The speed limit is typically 90 km/h in rural areas and 50 km/h in urban areas, with some highways allowing up to 110 km/h during the summer. Vehicles must have third-party liability insurance, and headlights are required to be on at all times. Parking is generally free for the first 15 minutes in certain areas, but it's essential to display the start time visibly.

Cab Service: Services like Bolt and Uber are popular in Estonia, offering convenient options for short-distance travel. Taxi rates vary by company, and it's advisable to check the pricing details displayed on the vehicle before starting your journey. Always request a receipt for transparency.

Getting Around Estonia By Water

Given Estonia's numerous islands, ferries play a crucial role in transportation. Regular services operate between the mainland and larger islands such as Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. Passenger ferries also connect Tallinn to smaller islands like Prangli and Naissaar. Information about ferry schedules and bookings is available on websites like veeteed.com and praamid.ee.