OK, so you want to get around in Estonia. Where you want to go and how much you want to spend largely dictates what you can use. There are all the options open to you:
- buses / trolley bus (that's a bus on over-head electric wires)
- driving in Estonia
- licencing
- important driving rules
- ferry / car ferry
- taxi / van
- trains
- trams
iPhone can help you out if your lucky enough to have one. By getting the 'iRoute' app on your phone, bus, trolley, tram and ferry timetable info is available, free of charge. The only drag (at this point in time) is that all the info is in Estonian. But hey, get a friend to translate the key words for you and learn them. Every word you learn in Estonian is another word you know...
BUSES / TROLLEY BUS
Bus routes are mainly operated by Tallinna Autobussikoondis (TAK), but since 1995 MRP Linna Liinid has also been operating some lines.
All trolleys are operated by Tallinna Trollibussikoondis. Tallinn is the only city in Estonia ever to have trolleybuses.
Regional bus routes are managed by the Harjumaa Ühistranspordikeskus (HÜTK).
Remember: Only buses, trams and trolleys belong to the unified ticket system, trains and ferries have their own ticket rates.Tickets: can be bought from Kiosks that are within spitting distance of most bus/trolley stops. They look like general stores populated by an old lady selling gum, chocolates, cigarettes and magazines on display in the window - you can't miss them. Tickets are generally sold in bundles of 10 and can vary in price depending on your destination, so have an idea what you want to buy before you aks for your tickets. You don't want to get in a conversation with one of these ladies about tickets. They should look like the ticket on the right.
DRIVING IN ESTONIA
Although there is a fairly good public transport system in Estonia, most Estonians prefer to use cars as they do not like dealing with strangers or standing to close to each other. It is understandable if you've ever been on a trolley in the middle of summer.
Most Estonians have only been driving for no more than 20 years at best. Why? Because when Russia was (badly) running the show here, people couldn't afford cars assuming they were aloud to have one. So when Russia finally buggered off and the economy started to recover, people only started buying cars then and consequently learning to drive. Because of this, Estonians driving habits tend to be on the risky and suicidal side at times, particularly on the roads around Tallinn and on the way to other major towns. But it's getting better...we hope.
If you decide to buy your own set of wheels, see here about buying and registering your car and don't forget one major factor: THEY DRIVE ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD HERE! It's strongly advisable that you hire a car first and get your head around being on the other side of the road.
Cars in Estonia are generally good value, particularly the type that cost a lot more back home. You can expect to pay about 10% less than what you would back home as well (taking into account currency conversion being 1AUD:10kr). Having the money to buy when you arrive is more desirable than relying on your wage when you settle here. Running a car however is just as expensive as home. And the fuel!...prepare for a shock. It's generally around $1.50-2AUD a litre. So how people afford to drive in Estonia is any ones guess. Car-pool when you can or just walk. It's not that big a country...
Licencing:
If your not a citizen of Estonia, you can get away with your regular Australian licence for up to twelve months before you need to get a Euro licence. Your Australian licence should be fine if you need to hire a car or get pulled over by the police in the meantime. You should however have an "International Driving Permit" organised before you leave Australia.
If you are a citizen, you should make time to get your full Estonian/Euro licence inside of twelve months. If you miss this window of opportunity, you must pass a theoretical and practical driving exam to exchange your driving licence for an Estonian one. If after twelve months you are pulled over by the police and it is determined you are a citizen of Estonia and you don't have an Estonian/Euro licence, you are effectively driving without a licence. Not good.
Important Driving Rules:
- your lights must be turned on 24/7
- 0.00 blood alcohol level to drive. No hang-overs people!
- they are big on having permission to drive someone else car here. You can get "permission" slips from any service station.
Parking:
Parking's a bitch no matter what part of the world your in, an Estonia is no exception. Be mindful of where you park and don't think you can get away with being sneaky just because it -10C, snowing and raining. Parking inspectors and cops carry water-tight plastic baggies around with them every where they go so your fine can stay nice and dry, waiting for your return to the car.
To help you pick a nice, vacant car park, there is a great iPhone app called 'X-Tallinn' which lists most traffic cameras around Tallinn showing how busy roads are and how packed car parks are. Thankfully it's picture based as it is Estonian, but it's easy to work out what you need to know as long as you know where you are going. It's free so it's a really worthwhile app to have.
FERRY / CAR FERRY / CATAMARAN
Ferry services to Aegna island are operated by Lindaliini AS under trademark "Linda Line".
Depending on the ferry, journey time is anywhere from 1.5 to 3.5 hours.
Prices average €16-30 one way, depending on operator, season (summer costs more), day of week (Fri and Sat cost more) and time of day (to Tallinn in the morning and back in the evening is popular and hence more expensive).
Particularly popular are day cruises, which can go for as little as €19 return.
All ferries except Linda Line's catamarans can also carry cars, from €25 one way.
The following companies operate ferries between Tallinn and Helsinki
- Eckerö Line often has the cheapest fares but operates only one ship: the aging 2000-passenger Nordlandia and is 3 hours one way
- Linda Line which has the small catamarans Merilin and Karolin. They are the fastest option at 1.5h with frequent departures, but are susceptible to bad weather and operate in April to September only
- Tallink Silja which has up to 6 departures daily on the large Star, Superstar, Superfast ferries which clock in at 2h. They also operate the Baltic Princess which is a slick new 2800-passenger behemoth with cabins for easy overnight stays in Tallinn and taking only 3.5h
- Viking Line have the large Viking XPRS ferry which sails twice daily at 2.5h
- Tallink also offers a year-round daily overnight service from Stockholm taking 16 hours.
Linda Line uses the Linnahall terminal, a short distance to the west from Reisisadam, and is also within walking distance. The journey from the port to the city center is not all that impressive but don't be shocked - this isn't the real Tallinn!
Remember: Only buses, trams and trolleys belong to the unified ticket system, trains and ferries have their own ticket rates.
TAXI / VAN
Tallinn has many different taxi companies and independent taxis. There is no standardised base price or price per km. Some tourist scam taxis have absurdly high prices, and as long as those prices are displayed on the sticker in the window and on the dashboard, they are completely legal. Needless to say the locals never take those taxis, their sole modus operandi is to prey on ignorant tourists.
Hot Tip:
- Do as the locals do and order a taxi by phone.
- Do not accept offers from taxi drivers waiting at the harbour or train station.
- If you have an iPhone, use the 'Takso' app to help you find a good rate before you go
Reputable taxi companies are:
- Tallink, yellow Mercedes and Audi cars
- Tulika, usually white Toyota Avensis
- Taksopark, black Mercedes
- Sõbra, "economy" taxis with a mixed car fleet, somewhat cheaper than the competition. Unlike many other economy taxis, the cars are clean and the drivers competent.
- Marabu, mid-price company
- Krooni, according to Estonian taxi rating website Taksod.net the highest rated taxi company (Oct.2009).
TRAINS
Although not always the best alternative if your planning on getting around in another city, the locals prefer trains as a more economical and safer option than navigating the suicidal highways of Estonia. If you don't plan to travel while in another city or town, take the train. It offers a nice way to unwind before a holiday or business meeting and is a good chance to see the countryside - if it's not too dark.
Electric train services are offered by Elektriraudtee. In Tallinn, all trains depart from the Balti jaam just at the northern end of Tallinn's Old City.
Elektriraudtee offers local Electrical Multiple Unit (EMU) services to Keila, Paldiski and Riisipere in the west and Aegviidu in the east.
Edelaraudtee also offers Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) services to Pärnu, Viljandi, Tartu and Narva.
Currently Elektriraudtee has fairly old trains, but they've promised to renew their whole train park in 2013. We'll see.
Hot Tip:
- For a few extra crown, you can bump up to "1st Class". As little as $1AUD can mean the difference between cattle-class seats and your own lounge-chair with table to rest your complimentary tea and chocolate on. 1st class generally has a kiosk on board to buy a beer and sandwich from as well.
- Be sure to book your seats ahead of time as trains can get extremely crowded particularly at the end of the working week or at the beginning of regular or public holidays when everyone splits for their country or holiday homes.
Remember: Only buses, trams and trolleys belong to the unified ticket system, trains and ferries have their own ticket rates.
TRAMS
Tallinn is the only city in Estonia ever to have trams and is still the most popular form of public transport there. There is a good network of tracks which are operated by Tallinna Trammi (TTTK). The tram network is fairly short and serves the city centre with its surrounding areas.
Remember: Only buses, trams and trolleys belong to the unified ticket system, trains and ferries have their own ticket rates.
Out of Estonia
Out of Estonia
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