Getting from Tallinn Airport to the city centre is exceptionally easy compared with many European capitals. Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport is only around 4 km from central Tallinn, so you can normally reach the city centre in around 10–20 minutes.
For most visitors, I recommend taking the tram. It is inexpensive, simple to use and takes you directly from the airport into central Tallinn.
If you have a lot of luggage or simply prefer door-to-door transport, Bolt and Uber are both good alternatives. Bolt is much more popular in Estonia and normally has better driver availability, while Uber can sometimes be cheaper.
There is also another option that many tourists don’t realise exists: car sharing. You can rent a Bolt Drive vehicle directly from Tallinn Airport and drive yourself.
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Tallinn Airport to City Centre: Quick Comparison
| Option | Approximate cost | Journey time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tram T2 or T4 | €2 | Around 20 min | Most visitors |
| Bus 2 | €2 | Around 20–30 min | Alternative to tram |
| Uber | Varies (from 7 euros) | Around 10–15 min | Often cheaper private ride |
| Bolt | Varies (from 8 euros) | Around 10–15 min | Fast and reliable app-based ride |
| Taxi | Varies (15-20 euros) | Around 10–15 min | Travellers who don’t want to use an app |
| Bolt Drive | Depends on rental (from 5 euros) | Around 10–15 min | Visitors who want to drive themselves |
For one or two people, the tram is usually the obvious choice.
For three or four people with luggage, however, the difference between public transport and Bolt or Uber can become small enough that a private ride is worth considering.
Best Option: Tram from Tallinn Airport to the City Centre
For most tourists, the tram is the easiest way to get from Tallinn Airport to central Tallinn.
Tallinn Airport is currently served by tram lines:
- T2
- T4
Both connect the airport with central Tallinn.
The airport tram stop is called:
Lennujaam
“Lennujaam” means airport in Estonian.
The public transport area is connected to the airport terminal, so you don’t need to walk far or cross major roads after leaving Arrivals.
Simply follow the signs for public transport.
Which Tram Should You Take?
Both T2 and T4 can be useful depending on where you are staying.
Tram T4
T4 is particularly convenient for visitors heading towards the central and southern side of Tallinn city centre.
Useful stops include:
- A. Laikmaa
- Viru
- Vabaduse väljak
If your hotel is around Viru Street, Freedom Square, Rävala Boulevard or the southern part of Tallinn Old Town, T4 is usually a convenient choice.
Tram T2
T2 is useful if you are travelling towards:
- Hobujaama
- the harbour
- northern Tallinn
Hobujaama is only a short walk from Viru Keskus and the eastern entrance to Tallinn Old Town.
For most tourists, you don’t need to worry too much about choosing the wrong tram. Both lines pass through useful parts of central Tallinn.
How Much Does the Tallinn Airport Tram Cost?
A normal Tallinn public transport ticket costs €2.
The ticket is valid for one hour, meaning you can transfer to another public transport service within the validity period if necessary.
For most short-term visitors, the easiest way to pay is using a contactless bank card.
Simply tap your:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- phone
- smartwatch
on the ticket validator.
You can also purchase a QR ticket.
If you plan to use Tallinn public transport frequently during your stay, you can also buy the green Ühiskaart public transport card.
For a short weekend trip, however, paying by contactless bank card is normally easier.
Tallinn Airport to City Centre by Bus
You can also travel from Tallinn Airport to the city centre by bus number 2.
One important detail is that bus 2 does not depart from exactly the same place as the airport trams.
The stop is located on Tartu maantee near the airport parking building, a short walk from the terminal via top parking.
The same Tallinn public transport ticket system applies, so a normal journey costs €2.
Other city buses also serve the airport, but they are generally less useful for tourists travelling directly into central Tallinn.
Tram or bus?
Unless bus 2 happens to be more convenient for your destination, I would normally choose the tram.
The tram stop is easier to find for a first-time visitor, and the journey through central Tallinn is straightforward.
Tallinn Airport to City Centre by Bolt
Bolt is the most popular ride-hailing app in Estonia.
It was founded in Estonia and is widely used throughout Tallinn, which means there are normally plenty of drivers available.
A journey from Tallinn Airport to central Tallinn usually takes around 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Prices are dynamic and can change depending on:
- demand
- time of day
- traffic
- vehicle category
In normal conditions, a ride from the airport to central Tallinn is relatively inexpensive because the airport is so close to the city.
When I would choose Bolt
Bolt is particularly convenient if:
- you have several suitcases
- you are travelling with children (use Booster Seat category in the app or let the driver know beforehand that you are travelling with small kids)
- there are three or four people in your group
- it is raining or extremely cold
- you arrive very late
- your accommodation isn’t close to a tram stop
Because Tallinn Airport is so close to the centre, Bolt can sometimes cost only a little more than several public transport tickets combined.
Tallinn Airport to City Centre by Uber
Uber also works in Tallinn, and it is worth checking before ordering a Bolt.
One useful thing to know is that Uber can sometimes be cheaper than Bolt.
If you are looking for the cheapest private transfer, I recommend opening both apps and comparing the price.
However, Uber is less popular in Estonia than Bolt.
This means there are generally fewer Uber drivers available, and you may sometimes see a longer waiting time.
For example, you might find:
Uber: €6, 9-minute wait
Bolt: €8, 2-minute wait
In that situation, you simply have to decide whether saving €2 is worth waiting longer.
My general approach is:
Check Uber first for price, then compare it with Bolt.
If Uber is significantly cheaper and a driver is available nearby, use Uber.
If the price difference is small and Bolt can collect you immediately, I would usually choose Bolt.
Tallinn Airport to City Centre by Taxi
Traditional taxis are also available outside Tallinn Airport.
If you prefer not to use an app, you can simply take a taxi from the official taxi area outside the passenger terminal.
The journey to central Tallinn normally takes around 10–15 minutes.
One important thing visitors should know is that taxi prices in Estonia are not fixed in the same way as in some other countries.
You should therefore:
- use an official airport taxi
- check the fare information
- ask for an approximate price if necessary
Personally, I find Bolt or Uber easier because you can see the estimated price before confirming the ride.
Car Sharing from Tallinn Airport
Another interesting option is car sharing.
Car sharing is very popular in Tallinn, and instead of hiring a traditional rental car for several days, you can rent a vehicle directly through an app.
One of the easiest options is Bolt Drive.
You simply:
- Open the Bolt app.
- Select Bolt Drive.
- Find a nearby vehicle.
- Unlock it using the app.
- Drive away.
This can be useful if you need a car immediately after arriving.
Bolt Drive at Tallinn Airport
You can rent a Bolt Drive car directly from Tallinn Airport.
There is currently a €2 airport surcharge when starting or ending a Bolt Drive rental in the designated airport parking area.
There is, however, a useful local trick.
About 100 metres away from the airport there is another parking area (Google maps point) where the airport surcharge does not apply.
So if you are happy to walk a very short distance with your luggage, you can potentially avoid the extra €2.
For a journey of only a few kilometres into the city centre, the saving is obviously small. But it is useful to know, especially if you already plan to use Bolt Drive.
Is Bolt Drive Worth Using from Tallinn Airport?
If you only need to get from the airport to a hotel in central Tallinn, probably not.
For a simple airport transfer:
Tram = cheapest
Uber/Bolt = easiest
But Bolt Drive becomes much more interesting if you want to go to to further areas in Tallinn or outside Tallinn.
Instead of travelling into the city, collecting a traditional rental car and then driving back out, you can simply pick up a Bolt Drive vehicle near the airport.
It can also be useful if you:
- need to make several stops
- need a car for a few hours
- don’t want a traditional rental contract
- are already comfortable driving in Estonia
Just remember that once you arrive in central Tallinn, you also need to think about parking.
If you plan to drive in the city, read my Parking in Tallinn guide before your trip.
Tallinn Airport to Old Town
If your accommodation is in Tallinn Old Town, getting there from the airport is very straightforward.
Cheapest option: Tram
Take tram T2 or T4 into central Tallinn.
Useful stops include:
Viru
Vabaduse väljak
Hobujaama
From these stops, most places in Tallinn Old Town are within walking distance.
Easiest option with luggage: Bolt or Uber
If you have heavy suitcases, ordering a car is much easier.
Enter your hotel’s address in the app and the driver will take you as close as possible.
One thing to remember is that much of Tallinn Old Town is pedestrianised or has restricted vehicle access.
If your hotel is deep inside the medieval centre, your driver may have to leave you a short walk away.
What If You Arrive Late at Night?
If you arrive after public transport has stopped running, your easiest options are:
- Bolt
- Uber
- official airport taxi
Because Tallinn Airport is only a few kilometres from central Tallinn, even a private ride is usually relatively inexpensive.
Late at night, I would normally check Uber and Bolt, compare both the price and waiting time, and choose whichever makes the most sense.
What About Families with Children?
If you are travelling with young children, the tram is perfectly manageable, especially if you don’t have too much luggage.
A taxi can be a more comfortable option when travelling with children, but some Bolt or Uber drivers may refuse to take younger children who would normally be required by law to use a child car seat.
In regular cars, children under 135 cm should use appropriate child safety equipment. However, different rules apply to licensed taxis displaying a taxi roof sign. In a taxi, it may be legally permitted to secure a child using only the available seat belt, or, in some circumstances, for an adult to secure themselves with a seat belt while holding the child on their lap.
These exemptions do not necessarily apply to Bolt or Uber vehicles that are not operating as licensed taxis and do not display a taxi roof sign.
Bolt also offers a special “Booster Seat” category. Alternatively, you can order a regular Bolt and message the driver in advance to let them know that you are travelling with children. Many drivers are happy to accept the ride, but it is best to confirm beforehand.
Travelling from Tallinn City Centre to the Airport
The same transport options work in reverse.
If travelling by public transport, look for trams heading towards:
Lennujaam
Because the airport is so close to central Tallinn, you don’t normally need to leave extremely early.
However, I still recommend checking the current public transport schedule before travelling and allowing additional time during:
- weekday rush hour
- roadworks
- major events
- winter weather
If you are taking Bolt or Uber, check the app around 15–20 minutes before you plan to leave so you can see current prices and driver availability.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Choose the tram if:
- you want the cheapest option
- you’re travelling alone or as a couple
- you don’t have excessive luggage
- you’re staying in central Tallinn
- you don’t mind walking a few minutes
My recommendation for most visitors: Tram T2 or T4.
Choose Uber if:
- Uber is showing a cheaper fare than Bolt
- you want an inexpensive private ride
- you don’t mind waiting slightly longer for a driver
Uber can be excellent value, but driver availability is normally lower than Bolt.
Choose Bolt if:
- you want a car quickly
- you have heavy luggage
- you’re travelling with children
- there are several people travelling together
- you want reliable driver availability
Bolt is more widely used in Estonia and normally has more drivers nearby.
Choose Bolt Drive if:
- you want to drive yourself
- you need a car after leaving the airport
- you’re travelling outside Tallinn
- you only need a vehicle temporarily
Remember the €2 airport Bolt Drive surcharge if you use the designated airport parking area. There is another parking area roughly 100 metres away where that surcharge does not apply.
Choose a traditional taxi if:
- you don’t want to install an app
- you prefer taking a taxi directly outside the terminal
Just check the fare before starting your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Tallinn Airport from the city centre?
Tallinn Airport is around 4 km from central Tallinn, making it one of the more conveniently located capital-city airports in Europe.
How long does it take from Tallinn Airport to the city centre?
Usually around:
Tram: 20 minutes
Bus: 20–30 minutes
Bolt/Uber/taxi: 10–15 minutes
Traffic conditions can affect journey times.
What is the cheapest way from Tallinn Airport to the city centre?
Public transport is normally the cheapest option.
A standard Tallinn public transport ticket costs €2.
Is there a tram from Tallinn Airport to Tallinn city centre?
Yes.
Tallinn Airport is served by tram lines T2 and T4, both of which connect the airport with central Tallinn.
Which tram should I take from Tallinn Airport to Old Town?
Both T2 and T4 can work.
Useful stops include:
- Viru
- Vabaduse väljak
- Hobujaama
Choose the stop closest to your accommodation.
Can I pay by bank card on Tallinn public transport?
Yes.
You can purchase a ticket using a contactless bank card on the public transport validator.
Is Bolt available at Tallinn Airport?
Yes.
Bolt is widely used in Tallinn and normally has good driver availability at the airport.
Does Uber work at Tallinn Airport?
Yes.
Uber operates in Tallinn and can sometimes be cheaper than Bolt.
However, Uber is less popular in Estonia, so you may occasionally have to wait longer for a driver.
Is Bolt or Uber cheaper in Tallinn?
There isn’t one answer because both use dynamic pricing.
In my experience, Uber can sometimes be cheaper, while Bolt normally has better driver availability.
I recommend checking both apps before ordering.
Can I rent a Bolt Drive car at Tallinn Airport?
Yes.
Bolt Drive vehicles are available at the airport.
There is a €2 airport surcharge when starting or ending a rental in the designated airport parking area.
There is also another parking area around 100 metres away where the airport surcharge does not apply.
My Recommendation
For most visitors arriving at Tallinn Airport, I recommend doing one of two things.
If you are travelling light:
Take tram T2 or T4 into the city centre for €2.
If you have luggage, children or several people travelling together:
Open both Bolt and Uber and compare the prices and waiting times.
Uber can sometimes be cheaper, but Bolt normally has more drivers available because it is much more widely used in Estonia.
And if Tallinn Airport is only the beginning of a longer trip around Estonia, consider Bolt Drive car sharing. You can pick up a vehicle directly from the airport and start your journey immediately.
Getting from Tallinn Airport to the city centre is one of the easiest parts of visiting Estonia — you can often be standing in Tallinn Old Town less than half an hour after leaving the terminal.
