City Guide

Tallinn Airport to City Centre

How to get from Tallinn Airport to the city: quick options, simple routes, and what to choose depending on where you’re staying (Old Town edge, Rotermann, Kadriorg, or beyond).

Photo by Oskar Kadaksoo on Unsplash.

The Quick Reality: Tallinn Airport Is Close

Tallinn Airport is close to the city, so getting in is usually straightforward. The best option depends on your luggage, arrival time, and where you’re staying — but you don’t need to overthink it.

Most travelers choose one of these:

  • Taxi / ride-hail: easiest door-to-door (best with luggage or late arrival).
  • Tram: simple and fast if you’re traveling light and staying central.
  • Bus: also easy, especially for certain neighborhoods.

How to Choose Your Transfer

  • If you want the easiest option: take a taxi/ride-hail (especially with luggage, kids, or a late arrival).
  • If you’re traveling light: public transport is convenient and usually fast.
  • If you’re staying central: Old Town edge / City Centre / Rotermann Quarter are the simplest arrivals.

Choose based on where you’re staying:

  • Old Town / City Centre: tram or taxi are both easy.
  • Rotermann: tram/taxi both work well; you’re arriving right on the “between Old Town and sea” line.
  • Kadriorg: taxi is simplest; public transport can be great too if the timing is right.
  • Telliskivi/Kalamaja: taxi is easiest; otherwise plan one transit connection and keep it simple.

Tram (The Simple City-Centre Move)

If you’re traveling light, the tram is an easy arrival: step out of the terminal area, follow signs to the tram stop, and you’re on your way.

What to know:

  • Tallinn Airport is served by tram line 4, which connects the airport with the central city.
  • Trams are best when you have one small bag and you’re staying central.
  • If your hotel is inside the Old Town, you’ll usually get off near the edge and walk a short distance (cobblestones start quickly).

Ticketing and rules can change, so check the official transport info close to your travel date (see Getting Around Tallinn for a practical overview).

Bus (Good Coverage, Easy If the Timing Fits)

Buses can be a great option if the route lines up with your destination — especially if you’d rather avoid transfers.

Good to know:

  • The airport has regular city bus connections (commonly including lines 2 and 15).
  • If you’re unsure, use a route planner close to your travel date and aim for a “one ride + short walk” arrival.

For the smoothest first hour: avoid turning your arrival into a puzzle. If you’re tired, just take a taxi.

Tickets (Don’t Overthink It, Just Be Valid)

Public transport ticket systems change, so it’s best to confirm the current options right before your trip.

A simple approach:

  • Decide tram/bus vs taxi first.
  • If you’re using public transport, buy a valid ticket using the official channels available on the day (QR ticket, app, contactless, or ticket machine depending on what’s current).

A common modern setup is QR tickets (online) and contactless bank card payment on validators — but always double-check current rules close to your travel date.

More practical context: Getting Around Tallinn.

Taxi / Ride‑Hail (Fastest, Easiest, Best With Luggage)

If you want the simplest transfer — especially after a long travel day — taxi/ride‑hail is the move.

Simple tips:

  • Use the official taxi line or a well-known ride-hail app.
  • Confirm the destination (Old Town edge / Rotermann / Kadriorg, etc.) and keep the first ride simple.
  • If your accommodation is deep inside Old Town lanes, you may be dropped at the edge and walk a short distance (Old Town access can be limited on some streets).

Late-Night Arrivals (The No-Stress Rule)

If you arrive late, don’t turn it into a transit challenge.

  • If public transport timing is convenient, great — use it.
  • If not, take a taxi/ride-hail and start your trip calmly.

The goal is to arrive with energy for tomorrow — Tallinn rewards your best walking hours.

A Perfect First Evening After Arrival

Don’t overplan your first night. Do this instead:

Map

A quick visual to help you orient your day. Tap markers to open the linked guides.

Scroll to load the interactive map.

Pins

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors, served by OpenFreeMap.

Nearby on the map

A few close-by pages to help you build a simple walking loop.

FAQ

What’s the best way to get from Tallinn Airport to Old Town?

Taxi/ride-hail is the simplest door-to-door option (especially with luggage). If you’re traveling light and staying near the center, public transport can be a convenient alternative — you’ll usually walk a short distance at the Old Town edge.

Is Tallinn Airport close to the city centre?

Yes. Tallinn Airport is close to the central areas, which is why arrival logistics are usually straightforward compared with many other capitals.

Is public transport from the airport easy?

Yes, especially for central destinations. Just check current routes/ticket options close to your travel date and aim for a simple “one ride + short walk” arrival.

Related reading