Transportation in Estonia: Public transportation options, car rentals, taxis, and ride shares are available for convenient travel.

Navigating Estonia: A Guide to Transportation Options Once You Arrive

Estonia is a small country located in Northern Europe, bordered by the Baltic Sea to the west and Russia to the east. Despite its small size, Estonia has a lot to offer visitors, from its charming medieval towns to its stunning natural landscapes. However, getting around Estonia can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you’re not familiar with the country’s transportation options. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the various transportation options available in Estonia, including public transportation, car rentals, and taxis or ride shares.

Public Transportation

One of the most popular ways to get around Estonia is by using public transportation. Estonia has an extensive network of buses, trams, and trains that connect the country’s major cities and towns. The public transportation system in Estonia is generally reliable and affordable, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.

If you’re planning to use public transportation in Estonia, the first thing you’ll need to do is purchase a ticket. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines located at bus and tram stops, or from the driver on board the bus or tram. It’s important to note that tickets are not sold on trains, so you’ll need to purchase your ticket in advance.

The cost of public transportation in Estonia varies depending on the mode of transportation and the distance traveled. For example, a single ticket for a bus or tram ride in Tallinn, Estonia’s capital city, costs €2.00. If you plan to use public transportation frequently during your stay in Estonia, you may want to consider purchasing a travel card. Travel cards can be loaded with a certain amount of money and used to pay for multiple rides on buses, trams, and trains.

Car Rentals

Another popular transportation option in Estonia is renting a car. Renting a car in Estonia gives you the freedom to explore the country at your own pace and on your own schedule. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you rent a car in Estonia.

First, you’ll need to have a valid driver’s license from your home country. If your driver’s license is not in English, you’ll need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you arrive in Estonia. You’ll also need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Estonia.

When it comes to renting a car in Estonia, there are several options available. You can rent a car from one of the major international car rental companies, such as Avis or Hertz, or you can rent a car from a local rental company. It’s important to shop around and compare prices before you make a reservation, as prices can vary widely depending on the rental company and the time of year.

Taxis and Ride Shares

If you’re not comfortable driving in a foreign country or you don’t want to deal with the hassle of public transportation, taxis and ride shares are another option for getting around Estonia. Taxis are readily available in Estonia’s major cities and towns, and ride share services like Uber and Bolt are also available.

Taxis in Estonia are generally safe and reliable, but it’s important to make sure you’re using a licensed taxi service. Licensed taxis in Estonia are required to have a yellow license plate with black lettering, and the driver should have a badge with their name and photo displayed on the dashboard.

Ride share services like Uber and Bolt are also available in Estonia, and they can be a convenient and affordable way to get around. To use a ride share service in Estonia, you’ll need to download the app and create an account. Once you’ve done that, you can request a ride and pay for it through the app.

Final Thoughts

Getting around Estonia can be a bit of a challenge, but with a little bit of planning and research, you can find the transportation option that works best for you. Whether you choose to use public transportation, rent a car, or take a taxi or ride share, there are plenty of options available to help you explore all that Estonia has to offer. So pack your bags, grab your travel guide, and get ready to discover the beauty of Estonia!