Tallinn’s Old Town is very compact and easy to explore on foot. While there isn’t any public transportation within the pedestrian streets of the Old Town itself, you can catch buses and trams around the perimeter of the city walls.

I relied on Google Maps to navigate the public transportation system since my Airbnb was outside the city center, and it worked great. It accurately showed tram and bus routes, getting me from my Airbnb to Tallinn’s Old Town, the Estonian Open-Air Museum, Balti Jaam Market, and the central bus station.

I found the buses and trams to be punctual and reliable.

Paying for Public Transit

To pay for public transit, you can tap your credit card (or another contactless payment method) on the electronic reader by the doors of the bus or tram when you board. You can board through any door, and each entrance has a card reader.

If you need to make a transfer, tap the same card or payment method when boarding the next bus or tram. The fare system automatically calculates the correct fare, so you won’t be charged for eligible transfers.

Public Transit to the Ferry Terminal

The bus and tram network is well connected throughout Tallinn and stops near most of the city’s major attractions. However, if you’re using public transit to get to one of the passenger terminals for ferries to Helsinki or Stockholm, be aware that there is a 10–15 minute walk from the nearest public transportation stop to the terminal. If you’re traveling with bulky luggage, I recommend taking a rideshare instead for a more convenient trip.

Rideshares

While Uber does operate in Tallinn, Bolt is the more popular local rideshare service, and there are generally more drivers available.

I booked a Bolt from my Airbnb to the ferry terminal and the ride was very affordable—just €6 for a 10-15 minute ride at the time of my visit in summer 2026.