Getting around Tallinn
Public transport
Tallinn boasts a comprehensive network of trams, buses and trolleybuses, all of which are operated by the local authorities (tel: +372 603 1345; soiduplaan.tallinn.ee). The network uses a single smartcard which you can pick up from post offices, R-kiosks and Maxima stores all over the city.
You need to add credit before travelling and top up extra credit as needed. The Pilet website (www.pilet.ee) offers online top ups. Paper tickets are also available for single journeys and can be bought direct from the driver. Children under seven and adults travelling with children under three go free, as do those in possession of a Tallinn Card. Public transport usually runs from 0600 until 2300, although some lines stay open until midnight.
Taxis
You can hail taxis on the street or at ranks at the railway and bus stations. Pre-booked taxis can be ordered from a number of local companies such as Reval Takso (tel: +372 601 4600) and Takso24 (tel: +372 640 8927). Ensure the meter is either switched on or agree a price in advance for all journeys.
For those who like to order a taxi using a smartphone, Uber, Taxify, Taxigo, Taxofon and Yandex.taxi are popular apps to order a taxi or share a ride.
Driving
Driving in Tallinn is east with Tallinn's compact centre keeping journey times low and minimising the chances of getting lost. Headlights must be kept on at all times and traffic drives on the right.
Car hire
There is little need to hire a car in Tallinn as the city is so compact, but car hire is useful if you plan to make day trips to other destinations in Estonia. International car hire companies do have offices at the airport and in the city centre, including Avis (tel: +372 605 8222; www.avis.ee), Budget (tel: +372 605 8223; www.budget.ee) and Sixt (tel: +372 605 8148; www.sixt.com).
Bicycle hire
City Bike, Vene 33 (tel: +372 511 1819; www.citybike.ee), organises tours as well as hourly and daily rentals. Thanks to its small size, Tallinn is fairly easy to get around by bike, though it's best to avoid the busier parts of town where traffic can be heavy.
