How To Reach Estonia
Estonia, located in Northern Europe, is well-connected by air, sea, road, and rail.
Reaching Estonia by Air
Flying is the quickest and most convenient option to reach Estonia. The main international airport, Tallinn Airport (TLL), is just 4 km from the city center, making it easily accessible by bus or taxi. Several airlines operate direct flights to Tallinn from major European cities, including Finnair, SAS, Norwegian Air, and British Airways. Flights from Helsinki to Tallinn take only 20 minutes, while flights from Stockholm and Oslo take under two hours.
For those exploring Finnish Lapland, domestic flights from Tallinn connect to Kuressaare (Saaremaa Island), Tartu, and Kärdla (Hiiumaa Island). Budget travelers can check for seasonal deals and offers on flight comparison websites.
Reaching Estonia by Bus
For those traveling on a budget, international buses provide an affordable way to reach Estonia. Several companies, including Lux Express, Ecolines, and FlixBus, operate routes between Estonia and cities in Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Central Europe. The journey from Riga to Tallinn takes approximately 4-5 hours, while the Vilnius to Tallinn route takes around 8-9 hours.
Bus tickets can be booked online through Estonia’s official ticketing platform, T-Pilet, or directly via the operators' websites. Lux Express is known for its comfortable buses, offering Wi-Fi, extra legroom, and refreshments.
Reaching Estonia by Rail
Estonia has a growing railway network, and thanks to agreements with neighboring Latvia and Lithuania, a train route now connects Tallinn to Riga and Vilnius. The train operates once daily in both directions and requires a transfer in Valga (on the Estonia-Latvia border).
Travelers can book tickets through Elron, Estonia’s national railway service. While rail connections are still expanding, it remains a scenic and relaxing way to travel through the Baltic region.
Reaching Estonia by Road
Travelers from Latvia, Lithuania, and even Sweden or Finland can drive into Estonia using well-maintained highways. The Via Baltica (E67) highway is the primary route connecting Estonia to the rest of the Baltic region. Those traveling from Sweden or Finland can bring their vehicles on ferries and continue their journey by road.
Estonian driving laws require all vehicles to have headlights on at all times, and speed limits are 90 km/h on highways and 50 km/h in urban areas. Vehicles from non-EU countries may require a Green Card (third-party liability insurance) or cross-border insurance upon arrival.
Reaching Estonia by Water
Estonia is well connected by sea, and Tallinn’s port is located just a 15-minute walk from the city center. Ferries operate regularly between Tallinn and Helsinki (Finland), Stockholm (Sweden), and Travemünde (Germany). The ferry ride from Helsinki takes 2 to 2.5 hours, while overnight cruises from Stockholm take around 12 hours. An alternative option is the Paldiski to Kapellskär (Sweden) ferry, which takes 10 hours and is ideal for those traveling by car.
Major ferry operators serving Estonia include Tallink, Eckerö Line, Viking Line, and DFDS Seaways. Tickets can be booked in advance on platforms like laevapiletid.ee or portoftallinn.com.
