Tallinn Airport sits just 4 km from the Old Town. In most cases, you will be in the city centre within 20 minutes of leaving the terminal.
This guide explains the fastest, cheapest and most comfortable way to get from Tallinn Airport to city centre, with practical details that first-time visitors often miss.
If you are spending 2 days in Tallinn, this transfer becomes almost effortless — especially if you stay near the historic centre. For a structured plan, see → my 2 Days in Tallinn itinerary.
How Far Is Tallinn Airport from the City Centre?
Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport is very close to the historic centre. By bus, the journey is short and rarely feels like a transfer at all. Even in light traffic, it remains quicker than most airport commutes in European capitals.
Best Way to Get from Tallinn Airport to City Centre
The Easiest Way — Bus No. 2 or 15
The official source for schedules is Transport.Tallinn, but most travellers simply use Google Maps, which mirrors the same data and works well in English. In practice, this direct bus connection is the simplest option for most travellers.
The stop is directly outside the terminal exit — you walk perhaps five metres. An electronic display shows the bus number and arrival time.
Buses run approximately every 6–15 minutes during the day and go directly towards the city centre (Viru area).
Note: The direct tram connection between Tallinn Airport and the city centre is temporarily suspended due to infrastructure works. For now, the bus connection remains the most reliable option.
Ticket Price & Where to Buy
A single ticket costs €2.00 and is valid for 1 hour. The 1-hour ticket allows unlimited transfers within that time window.
1. Contactless bank card (recommended)
The easiest method. Tap your card on the orange validator near the front door when entering. Only the front validator by the driver processes bank cards — tapping on the rear validators will not register the payment.
2. Green card (Ühiskaart)
A €2 plastic transport card sold at R-Kiosk. It must be validated on entry like a bank card. For short stays, it rarely makes sense to buy one.
3. QR ticket (Pilet.ee)
You can buy a ticket online via Pilet.ee and scan the QR code at the validator. I often see visitors holding printed QR codes and hesitating. Printing is unnecessary.
Important: Drivers do not sell tickets. Visitors sometimes try to pay the driver directly — it does not work.
Tallinn has a simple zone system — the airport and city centre are in the same zone, so you do not need to calculate anything complicated.
For detailed fare rules and ticket types, see the official Tallinn transport page for tourists.
When the Bus Is Not Ideal
The bus works in most situations, but consider a taxi if:
- You arrive after midnight
- You are carrying heavy luggage during rush hour
- You prefer direct door-to-door convenience
Taxi from Tallinn Airport — Price & Travel Time
Official Taxi Rank
Taxis wait outside arrivals. A typical taxi fare from Tallinn Airport to the city centre is €10–€15. Prices vary slightly depending on demand and time of day, but short distances in Tallinn remain inexpensive compared to most European capitals.
Travel time: around 10 minutes.
Bolt
Locals usually order taxis via Bolt. The price is often €8–€12, depending on time of day and demand.
Pick-up happens directly outside the terminal. The app works in English and is straightforward to use.
When Taxi Makes Sense
A taxi or Bolt is practical if:
- You are travelling as a group of three or four
- You arrive late at night
- Your accommodation lies outside the main bus routes
Private Transfer — Is It Worth It?
For most travellers, no.
Given the short distance, private transfers rarely add value unless you prefer pre-arranged service. Transport from Tallinn Airport is already simple and inexpensive.
Getting to Specific Areas
Most visitors stay in one of these four areas:
To Old Town (Vanalinn) and Nearby Areas
Take Bus 2 or 15 towards the city centre.
From the Viru stop, the medieval centre is about a 2-minute walk, and many hotels sit just outside the city walls. Bus 2 circles part of the historic core, so check which stop is most convenient for your accommodation. Bus 15 terminates near the Estonia Theatre, which is already within easy walking distance of most central locations.
To Kalamaja
Take Bus 2 to Balti Jaam (around 23 minutes), then walk into Kalamaja. Alternatively, use Bolt directly (15–18 minutes by car).
Kalamaja lies just north of the centre, beyond the railway station.
To Kadriorg
Kadriorg is geographically closer to the airport than the Old Town, but there is no direct bus connection.
You can take Bus 2 or 15 to Tallinn Bus Station (Bussijaam) and transfer to a local bus, or travel to the centre and continue by tram.
By taxi, Kadriorg is about 7–10 minutes from the airport.
To Telliskivi
Take Bus 2 to Balti Jaam (around 23 minutes) and walk a few minutes into Telliskivi Creative City. By Bolt, the journey usually takes 15–18 minutes depending on traffic.
Telliskivi sits next to Kalamaja, just north-west of the Old Town.
For a broader overview of neighbourhoods, accommodation and practical planning, see → the full Tallinn Travel Guide.
Tallinn Airport at Night
Buses run roughly from 05:00 until around midnight, depending on the day of the week. After that, taxis operate at any hour.
The airport area is residential and generally safe. Street lighting is good, and the main bus stop sits directly outside the terminal entrance. Always check Google Maps for the last departure, especially on Sundays or public holidays.
FAQ
How much is a taxi from Tallinn Airport to city centre?
Usually €10–€15.
Is there a train from Tallinn Airport?
No.
Can I pay by card on Tallinn buses?
Yes. Tap your contactless bank card on the orange validator near the front door.
Is Tallinn Airport walkable to the city?
Yes. It takes around 45–60 minutes on foot. The route is straightforward but not particularly scenic, as part of it runs along a main road.
Final Verdict — What I Recommend
Most travellers → Bus 2 or 15
Travelling with heavy luggage → Taxi or Bolt
Late arrival (after midnight) → Taxi app
Group of 3–4 → Taxi may cost little more than the bus
Tallinn does not complicate airport transfers. Within minutes of leaving the terminal, you are already moving toward the centre. Few European capitals make arrival this simple.
