Complete guide to Tallinn public transport 2026

Tallinn's public transport network

Tallinn's public transport consists of buses, trams, and trolleybuses, operated by Tallinna Linnatransport (TLT). The network serves over 70 lines and more than 1,000 stops across the city. Services run daily from approximately 6:00 to 23:00, with night buses operating on Friday and Saturday nights between 00:30 and 03:30.

Bus lines

Buses form the backbone of Tallinn's transit system, with over 60 routes covering both the city center and suburban areas. Buses run more frequently during rush hours and less often in the evenings and on weekends. Popular routes like bus 2 (from the airport to the city center) run every 10 to 15 minutes.

Tram lines

Tallinn's tram network consists of four lines (five routes) with a total length of about 20 km. Trams are especially useful for getting around the city center. Trams 1 and 2 pass through the heart of downtown, while tram 4 takes you to Kadriorg Park and the palace. Since December 2024, line 2 also runs through the Old City Harbour (Vanasadam) area, making it easy to get from the port to the center.

Trolleybuses

Trolleybuses primarily serve the city center and nearby neighborhoods. They are electric and environmentally friendly. Tallinn's trolleybus network is compact but covers important corridors between Mustamäe, Pelgulinn, and Kadriorg.

Tickets and prices

Tallinn offers several ticketing options for public transport:

• Ühiskaart (transport card) — a green contactless card available at R-Kiosks and post offices (price: 3 EUR). Personalize it for 1 EUR at a sales point or free online at pilet.ee.
• QR ticket — a 1-hour ticket costs 2 EUR. Buy it online at tallinn.pilet.ee or through the Pilet.ee app.
• Contactless bank card — tap your bank card on the orange validator on board. The system automatically applies daily caps, so you never pay more than the price of a day pass.
• Period passes — available for 1 day (4.50 EUR), 3 days (7.50 EUR), 5 days, and 30 days.

Cash is not accepted for ticket purchases. Remember to always validate your ticket at the orange validator when boarding — the fine for travelling without a valid ticket is 40 EUR.

Free transport for Tallinn residents

Since 2013, public transport in Tallinn has been free for all registered residents of the city. This also applies to students up to 19 years of age and Estonian residents aged 65 and over. To use free transport, you need a personalized Ühiskaart.

Timetables and real-time information

You can check timetables through several sources: the official transport.tallinn.ee website, the peatus.ee journey planner, and information boards at stops. Many stops also have electronic displays showing real-time arrival times for the next buses and trams.

The most convenient way is to use the Viamo app, which brings timetables, real-time departures, and journey planning together in one place. Viamo uses GPS-based data to show accurate arrival times and Apple Maps to display routes directly on the map.

Practical tips

• During rush hours (7:30–9:00 and 16:30–18:30), buses and trams are more crowded — plan extra time.
• From the airport to the city center, take bus 2 — the ride takes 15 to 20 minutes.
• From the Old City Harbour, tram 2 takes you straight to the center.
• Tallinn uses a unified ticket system — one ticket works on buses, trams, and trolleybuses.
• For tourists, the Tallinn Card is a great option — it includes unlimited public transport (24, 48, or 72 hours) and free entry to museums.