Getting around Tallinn
The Old Town is tiny — 1 km across — so most days you’ll walk. For everything else there are 4 tram lines, cheap taxis and one useful bus. Zero need for a car in the city.
Green Tallinn tram passing Kadriorg park
Walking and trams
The Old Town is entirely walkable and mostly pedestrian. Trams cover the rest: line 1 and 3 to Kadriorg, line 4 to the airport, line 2 to Kopli. Buy a Tallinn Ühiskaart green smartcard at any R-Kiosk for $2 deposit, load $2 per single ride, or use contactless card directly on newer trams. A day pass is $5.50.
Taxis and rideshares
Bolt is the default — Estonian app, works flawlessly, $4-8 for most in-city rides. Uber also operates. Never hail a street taxi from the ranks near cruise terminals or Viru Gate; they charge tourist prices ($30 for a $5 ride). Airport to Old Town on Bolt is $10-14; tram 4 does it for $2 in 20 minutes.
Do you need a car?
Not for the city. Yes for Lahemaa or Saaremaa day trips. Rent at the airport, not the Old Town — cheaper and no parking hassle. Green Motion, Sixt and Europcar all from $45 a day. Petrol runs about $1.70 a litre. Old Town parking is $6/hour if you insist.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask before they set off on this one.
Free for registered Tallinn residents. Visitors pay $2 per ride or $5.50 a day.
Tram 4 to Vabaduse väljak in 20 minutes for $2, or Bolt for $10-14. Airport is only 4 km from the centre.
The Old Town, Kalamaja, Telliskivi and the port are all connected by a 25-minute walk maximum. You’ll use trams only for Kadriorg or the airport.
Yes on newer vehicles — tap on entry. Older trams need the Ühiskaart or a paper ticket from the driver.
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