All You Need to Know: Tallinn Public Transport
Tallinn has one of the most efficient, affordable, and user-friendly public transport systems in Europe. Whether you’re a local, an expat, or a tourist visiting the city, this guide will help you navigate trams, buses, trolleybuses, and even ferries with ease.
Understanding Tallinn’s Public Transport System
Tallinn’s compact size makes getting around effortless, with buses and trams offering easy access to more distant areas. The public transport system runs daily from 6:00 to 23:00 (check schedules for details). Night buses are also available for late-hour travel.
Tickets operate on a random-inspection basis, so there's no need to present one to the driver. However, be sure to scan your ticket at an orange validator when boarding to avoid a €40 fine. Once inside, re-validating upon exit is not required.
Ticket Prices & How to Buy Them
Tallinn Residents → Free public transport within the city (trains too!)
How? You can buy the card (€2) from an R-Kiosk or one of the various sales points and either link it to your ID online at tallinn.pilet.ee or provide your isikukood at the kiosk for instant activation.
Non-residents & Tourists:
One-hour ticket (60 min): €2
One-day ticket (24h) : €5.50
Three-day ticket (72h): €9
Five-day ticket (120h): €11
30-day ticket: €30
Where to Buy Tickets?
To use Tallinn's public transport, travelers have several ticket options:
QR Tickets: Purchase up to 10 one-hour rides online at tallinn.pilet.ee or via the Pilet.ee mobile app. Validate by scanning the QR code at the front-door validator upon boarding.
Smartcard (Ühiskaart): Available at various sales points, this card can be loaded with funds for one-hour or day tickets. Always validate by swiping the card at the vehicle's validator when boarding. This card allows residents to travel for free!
Contactless Bank Cards: Use Mastercard, Maestro, Visa, or Visa Electron with a contactless feature to buy one-hour tickets directly on board. Look for the contactless payment logo on the validator, typically near the front door. Note that discount tickets aren't available via this method.
Remember to validate your ticket upon each boarding to avoid fines, and mind that drivers do not sell tickets onboard!
Now the cards have an updated and prettier design too! I am just old school :D
How to Use Public Transport Like a Pro
Planning Your Route
Use Google Maps, Tallinn Transport Website, or Peatus.ee for real-time schedules - all are usually reliable, pick your favorite!
Mind that most trams and buses run 6:00 to 23:00, with some night buses operating later.
Validate Your Ticket
Just scan your Ühiskaart or QR ticket on the orange validator inside the vehicle. It is that easy, actually!
Best Times to Travel
Rush hour: 8:30–9:30 AM & 4:30–6:30 PM → Expect crowded trams & buses.
Best time to ride: Before 7 AM or after 7 PM for a smoother experience.
Public Transport Etiquette & Tips
What NOT to Do
Don’t ride without a ticket (random checks happen, and fines are €40+).
Don’t block tram doors when entering/exiting.
Don’t eat food that can be messy (ice cream, chips etc.)
Don’t be loud or play loud music. Transport is usually quiet and silent here!
Good Practices
Let passengers exit first before boarding.
Hold onto something – Tallinn’s trams can be jerky!
Make sure you let some free seats for elders, pregnant women and people who face difficulties standing.
Night buses (marked with "N") operate on weekends for late-night travel. Perfect for having fun and commuting safely - avoid driving when partying, and ride for free and safely!
Additional Transport Options
Bikes & E-Scooters
It is not allowed to bring bikes/scooters inside trams or buses.
Bikes:
Various bicycle routes connect different areas of the city, from panoramic seaside and quiet forest trails, to bike lanes on busy streets. Find all the routes on the official City of Tallinn website.
Slow down to walking speed when crossing roads.
Helmets are mandatory for riders under 16, including kids in bike seats or trailers.
Sidewalk cycling is only allowed for children under 13, adults accompanying them (max two per child), or those carrying toddlers in bike seats. Otherwise, stick to bike lanes and roads.
Kids can ride on roads from age 8 (with an adult). Those aged 10-15 need a cyclist permit to ride independently on car-designated roads.
E-Scooters:
Use popular services such as Bolt or Tuul. The service is restricted to users aged 18 and older. Make sure that you park the e-scooter within the provider’s service zone or you risk a fine. Scooters are not available all year round (due to the weather conditions, they are usually not available through winter).
Are allowed on both sidewalks and bike lanes.
Reduce speed to walking pace when passing pedestrians or crossing roads.
Helmets are required for riders under 16.
Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps
In Tallinn, ride-hailing apps like Bolt, Uber, and Forus are the most popular and affordable way to get around, offering transparent pricing, easy payments, and reliable service.
Traditional taxis are also available at stands near hotels and key locations, but fares vary by operator. If you choose a taxi, check the price sticker on the rear window and make sure the meter is running.
However, most locals and visitors prefer apps for their convenience, real-time tracking, and cashless payments.
Car Sharing
Owning a car in Tallinn is not necessary, but sometimes it can be helpful to drive a vehicle for different reasons: big grocery trips, moving, or just reach your destination faster. Luckily, we have various options: Elmo rent, Bolt Drive, Citybee..
Car Sharing allows you to rent a car for short trips without owning one. In Tallinn, services like the above mentioned, let you unlock a car via an app, drive as needed, and park when done—paying only for the time or distance used. Cars are available across the city, and fuel, insurance, and parking in designated areas are included in the price.
Ferries to Nearby Islands
Tallinn is well connected by ferry to Helsinki, Stockholm, and nearby islands.
Ferry tickets can be purchased online through the ferry companies' websites (Main companies: Tallink Silja Line, Viking Line, Eckerö Line) via mobile apps, or at ticket offices at the Port of Tallinn (Tallinna Sadam).
The port is centrally located near the city center and has multiple terminals: D-terminal (Tallink Silja), A-terminal (Viking Line, Eckerö Line), and Terminal 2 for domestic island ferries.
It's easily accessible by public transport, taxi, or a short walk from the Old Town. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for popular routes like Helsinki.
Your Feet!
Tallinn is a very walkable city. Some tram stops are closer than you think, so walking may be faster!
Conclusion
Tallinn’s public transport is one of the best in Europe, offering free rides for residents, affordable options for visitors, and a well-connected system of trams, buses, and trolleys. With this guide, you’re now ready to explore the city like a pro!
