Public Transport

Tallinn's public transportation system is a fairly straightforward network of buses, trollybuses and trams, all of which use the same tickets. Trams provide the simplest way to get around downtown areas, whereas buses are mainly for getting to outlying neighbourhoods. From the centre, most major bus routes leave from the new terminal under the Viru Keskus, or from Vabaduse Väljak. You can easily pick up trams in several places adjacent Old Town - check our handy transport map in the back of the guide. Routes and schedules are also listed in English on the www.tak.ee website, and detailed route maps are posted at most bus stops.
When climbing on board, in 98% of cases, you can just hop on any door, i.e. you don't have to show your ticket to the driver. The rare exception is a few buses that have ‘no-entry’ signs on their rear doors. If you see this sign and the door doesn’t open, head to the front and punch your ticket/show your pass to the driver. Tickets are otherwise checked by inspectors who jump on at random stops. In our experience, inspectors appear very rarely, but in theory they could show up any time. In other words, don't blame us if you get nailed. The fine for 'riding like a rabbit' - as locals call it - is €40.
Tickets: The same tickets are good on all three systems. The simplest version is the single-ride ticket, or talong. Buy one from nearly any kiosk for €1 (a book of ten tickets is only €8) or from the driver for €1.60. Once you're on board, punch your talong to validate it. Slide it into the green-topped ticket punch and pull the top towards you. Other types of tickets are good for specific periods of time and are only sold in kiosks. These include a 1hr (€1.20; a book of ten tickets €10), 24hr (€4) and tourist-convenient 72hr (€6) ticket. These need to be validated the first time they're used - find the modern-looking ticket punch with digital time clock on board the vehicle (usually by the centre door). Long-term visitors can also opt for a 30-day (€27) pass.