Estonia Info
Joined: 20 Apr 2007
Posts: 16
Home Country: estonia
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 Posted: Tue May 08, 2007 8:24 am Post subject: GETTING AROUND IN ESTONIA / ESTONIA TRANSPORTATION GUIDE |
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GETTING AROUND IN ESTONIA
BY AIR
There are domestic flights from Tallinn to the islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa (this service does not operate during the winter). Charter flights operate between Tartu and Tallinn and the daily Baltic Ekspress runs between Tallinn and Warsaw. The Baltic Aeroservice links Tallinn with Kärdla and Kuressaare. Prices vary, though these services are expensive.
BY SEA/ RIVER
Frequent ferry services connect the mainland with the larger islands, and boats operate on Lake Peipsi and the Emajõgi River.
BY RAIL
The rail system is underdeveloped but most major cities are connected to the network. The quality of services has suffered considerably from privatisation and the main means of local transport is now bus. Rail services to Tartu take about three hours (express trains 2 hours 30 minutes) from Tallinn.
BY ROAD
Estonia has a high density of roads although there are few major highways. Signs are not illuminated and fairly small, so driving at night is best avoided. Car headlights must be used 24 hours a day. Lead-free and 4-star petrol are widely available and a good network of petrol stations (many of them open 24 hours) has been developed. Payment is in local currency or by credit card. Traffic drives on the right. The minimum driving age is 18.
Bus & coach
There is a wide network covering most of the country, including express services. Prices are very low and buses are still the most important means of transport. The buses to and from Tallinn are generally quite fast and there are more of them compared to the other cities. There are seven buses a day travelling to Pärnu. Tickets bought from the driver are more expensive (EEK15) then if bought on a newsstand (EEK10). Travellers can also buy a 10 ticket package for EEK80. Travellers can buy anything from a one-hour ticket to a three-day ticket. Buses tend to be overcrowded. Tickets for minivans have to be paid for on board.
Taxi
Private taxis must display the name of the company and their number on the roof. Fares should be agreed upon beforehand. Marshrut-taxis are minibuses which operate on fixed routes stopping on request. They can take up to 10 people.
Car rental
Can be arranged at the airport or in Tallinn. Available from Avis, Europcar, Hertz, National and Sixt. Parking on streets in the city, the old town and the Pirita area must be paid for. The first 15 minutes is for free. Travellers can purchase a parking ticket from a roadside machine. In some areas tickets are sold by parking wardens. Prices vary from EEK3 for 15 minutes to EEK2500 for a month pass. Speed limits are 120kph (74mph) on some roads, 90kph (55mph) outside built-up areas and 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas.
Documentation: EU nationals should be in possession of an EU or national driving licence and insurance.
URBAN TRANSPORTATION
Taxis in Tallinn are inexpensive. All parts of the city are served by bus, trolley-bus and tram. Tickets can be bought at stalls in the main shopping areas. |
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