Question 1

How much does a bus ticket to Tallinn cost?

Accepted Answer

A bus ticket from Helsinki to Tallinn costs 19-45 euros one way depending on the operator, time of day, and booking time. Ferry + bus packages are usually the cheapest option. LuxExpress and Simple Express are the most popular bus companies on this route. By booking online in advance, you can get the best prices – weekend trips are usually more expensive than weekday trips. Return tickets cost 38-80 euros.

Question 2

How long does the bus trip to Tallinn take?

Accepted Answer

The bus journey from Helsinki to Tallinn takes a total of 3-4 hours, including the ferry ride across the Gulf of Finland. The ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn takes 2-2.5 hours depending on the ferry line. The bus goes directly to the ferry at the West Terminal or West Harbour and continues from the ferry directly to the city center in Tallinn. The total travel time is fast and easy.

Question 3

Do you need a passport to travel to Tallinn?

Accepted Answer

Finnish citizens can travel to Tallinn with either a valid ID card or a passport. Estonia is part of the Schengen Area and the EU, so border formalities are minimal and border checks are usually not carried out. Make sure to always carry a valid official ID – a driver’s license is not enough for travel purposes. Those under 18 also need a valid passport or ID card.

Question 4

Is it possible to do a day trip to Tallinn by bus?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a day trip to Tallinn by bus is a very popular and easy option. Leave Helsinki between 7-9 AM and return in the evening between 6-8 PM. You’ll have 6-9 hours for shopping, sightseeing in the old town, visiting museums, and dining in restaurants. Day trip tickets are often cheaper than separate tickets for outbound and return trips. Many bus companies offer day trip packages starting from 35-50 euros for a round trip.

Question 5

What should I buy in Tallinn?

Accepted Answer

In Tallinn, it’s especially worth buying: alcoholic beverages (wine and spirits are 30-50% cheaper), tobacco products, sweets and chocolates, cosmetics and perfumes, clothes and shoes, handicrafts and souvenirs, and food items. Popular shopping spots include Stockmann, Solaris, Viru Keskus, and Ülemiste Center. Remember the EU import limits: max 10 liters of spirits and 90 liters of wine, 800 cigarettes per person.

Question 6

How much cheaper is shopping in Tallinn?

Accepted Answer

Prices in Tallinn are generally 20-50% cheaper than in Finland. Alcohol is 30-50% cheaper, food is 20-30% cheaper, and clothes and shoes are 15-25% cheaper. Restaurants and cafes are noticeably cheaper – a lunch meal costs 8-15 euros compared to 12-25 euros in Finland. Services like hair salons and beauty parlors are 40-60% cheaper. The greatest savings can be found in alcohol, tobacco, and services.

Question 7

Where can I buy a bus ticket to Tallinn?

Accepted Answer

You can easily buy a bus ticket to Tallinn online from ferry operators' websites such as Tallink, Eckerö Line, Viking Line or directly from bus companies’ websites such as LuxExpress or FlixBus. Tickets can also be purchased at the West Terminal ticket office or when boarding the bus, but booking online is usually cheaper. We recommend booking tickets 1-4 weeks in advance to get the best price, especially on weekends and during peak seasons.

Question 8

Where do buses depart from in Helsinki and Tallinn?

Accepted Answer

In Helsinki, buses depart from the West Terminal or West Harbour at Tyynenmerenkatu 8. The terminal is about 3 km from the city center and can be reached by tram lines 6T, 7, and 9 or buses. In Tallinn, buses arrive at the D-terminal (Tallink Terminal) at Sadama 25 or Vanhasadam. The terminals are within walking distance of the old town, about a 10-15 minute walk. The bus goes directly to the ferry at both ends.

Question 9

Can I buy tax-free products on the bus?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is tax-free shopping on the ferry during the trip. The bus ticket includes access to the ferry’s interior, where you can purchase alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, sweets, and other tax-free products. Since both Finland and Estonia are EU members, this is not true tax-free shopping but an internal EU lower taxation, especially for alcohol and tobacco. Prices are competitive, but Tallinn shops often have even better deals. We recommend comparing prices before making a purchase.

Question 10

Do I need a COVID pass or vaccinations to travel on the bus?

Accepted Answer

No, a COVID pass, vaccination certificates, or tests are no longer required for traveling to Tallinn. COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted in both Finland and Estonia. You can travel normally without health certificates. However, we recommend checking current travel requirements before your trip, as situations may change. You can find official information on the Raja.fi website and the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Question 11

Should I book a hotel in Tallinn or do a day trip?

Accepted Answer

A day trip is great for shopping and a quick tour of the old town. If you want to explore Tallinn properly, visit restaurants, a nightclub, or a spa, it’s worth booking a hotel for 1-2 nights. Hotels in Tallinn are affordable: a budget hotel costs 40-80 euros per night, and a mid-range hotel costs 60-120 euros. Weekend stays are popular, so it’s recommended to book a room in advance. Prices are highest during Christmas and the summer months (June-August).

Question 12

Can I bring luggage on the bus?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the bus ticket usually includes one carry-on (max 8 kg) and one checked bag (max 20-23 kg) for free. Large purchases and extra bags can be brought along, but there may be an additional fee of 5-10 euros per item. Check the specific rules on the ferry operator’s website before your trip. It’s a good idea to pack your purchases well, as there may be a lot of luggage when returning from Tallinn. Many people bring a foldable shopping bag or trolley for large purchases.

Question 13

Is the bus trip to Tallinn safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the bus trip to Tallinn is very safe. The ferries are modern and meet all safety requirements. The Gulf of Finland is a calm sea area, and the journey is smooth. Tallinn is a safe tourist city with low crime rates. Ordinary caution is enough: keep your wallet safe, don’t leave items visible in your car, and avoid unfamiliar side streets at night. There are many police officers and security cameras, especially in the old town and city center. Millions of Finns travel to Tallinn safely every year.

Question 14

What currency is used in Tallinn?

Accepted Answer

The currency in Tallinn is the euro, just like in Finland. Estonia joined the eurozone in 2011, so you don’t need to exchange currency. All prices are in euros, and you can pay with Finnish bank cards without currency exchange fees. Card payments are widely accepted everywhere. It’s advisable to bring a small amount of cash for things like market purchases or small cafés, but most stores and restaurants accept cards. Contactless payments and mobile payments work normally.

🚌 Bus to Tallinn 2025

🌟 Why travel by bus to Tallinn?

✨ What to do in Tallinn?

Old Town

Shopping

Restaurants

Cultural Sites

Entertainment

Seaside

🗺️ Bus Connections to Tallinn

Helsinki → Tallinn

Turku → Tallinn

Tampere → Tallinn

💡 Tips for bus trip to Tallinn

Book round trip

ID card required

Shopping bags

🏰 Tallinn Old Town

📍 What to see in Old Town?

🎯 Activities in Old Town

⏰ Tips for visiting Old Town

Comfortable shoes

Allow 3-4 hours

Free entry

🛍️ Shopping in Tallinn

Alcohol

Cosmetics

Clothing

Groceries

🏬 Best shopping centers

📍 Stockmann

🏢 Solaris Centre

🛒 Viru Keskus

🍴 Restaurants and food in Tallinn

Medieval Taverns

Estonian Restaurants

Cafés

🥘 What Estonian food to try?

Savory delicacies:

Sweet treats:

📋 Practical tips for Tallinn trip

💳 Payment methods

📱 Transport & Internet

🗣️ Language & Communication

🛡️ Safety

❓ Frequently Asked Questions - Bus to Tallinn

How much does a bus ticket to Tallinn cost?

How long does the bus trip to Tallinn take?

Do I need a passport to travel to Tallinn?

Is a day trip to Tallinn possible?

What should I buy in Tallinn?

How much cheaper is shopping in Tallinn?

What is the best bus operator to Tallinn?

Can I bring alcohol from Tallinn by bus?

Should I buy round trip or two separate tickets?

Where does the bus stop in Tallinn?

Do Finnish euros work in Tallinn?

Is Finnish spoken in Tallinn?

Book your bus trip to Tallinn today!