Ports In Tallinn - a Guide for Cruise Visitors
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Tallinn welcomes many cruise ships alongside its regular daily ferry arrivals. This article provides practical tips and key information about Tallinn’s ports to help you easily navigate your visit. Read on to make your time in Tallinn smoother and more enjoyable.
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Introduction to Tallinn
Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and home to about 450,000 residents. As Estonia’s largest city, it blends medieval charm with an active startup community. Tallinn’s well-preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts visitors year-round. The city centre's compact size makes exploring easy, and ferry connections to Helsinki and Stockholm make it a popular destination in the Baltic Sea region.
Tallinn is a popular stop for large cruise ships.
Visiting Tallinn by a Cruise Ship
Tallinn has multiple ports, mostly operated by the Port of Tallinn. Regular ferry connections link Tallinn with Helsinki and Stockholm, and the city is also a frequent stop for Baltic Sea cruise ships. Arriving in Tallinn by sea is convenient.
Cruise ships visiting Tallinn usually stay for a day, allowing passengers to explore the city's historical sights.
The main quays in Tallinn are located close to the city centre. Most cruise passengers disembark at the Old City Harbour, which features three terminals. The exact docking spot depends on the cruise or ferry line and the size of the ship, but you’ll most likely be within walking distance of central Tallinn.
Additionally, Tallinn operates a cargo port at Muuga, located outside the city centre.
Old City Harbour
The Old City Harbour is the primary passenger port in Tallinn, handling both scheduled ferries and cruise ships.
The Harbour comprises terminals for scheduled ferries: Terminals A and D, and dedicated cruise quays with a modern multi-functional Cruise Terminal (Terminal C). The harbour is just a 15-minute walk from Tallinn’s Old Town, and there is also a tram connection to the city centre.
Terminal A
Terminal A in Old HArbour serves Finnish ferry operators Viking Line and Eckerö Line, both offering routes to Helsinki. Although the terminal is old, it remains fully functional. Terminal A is centrally located in the heart of the Old Harbour.
A tram stop with direct access to the city centre is right in front of the terminal.
Terminal D
Terminal D, the newest terminal used by Tallink, is next to the central Terminal A and connected by a convenient pedestrian bridge. It provides the most comfortable arrival and departure experience. The only downside is that the closest tram stop, in front of Terminal A, is about a five-minute walk away.
Cruise Terminal
On the opposite side of Terminal A are cruise ship quays specially designed for large vessels. These piers include a modern terminal building called the Cruise Terminal, or Terminal C. As mentioned, the tram stop is located in front of Terminal A, a few minutes' walk away.
Access to the City Centre
There are several ways to reach the city centre from Tallinn’s Old Harbour. If you’d rather not walk or take the tram, you can opt for a taxi or use a ride-hailing app like Bolt, which is popular and affordable in Estonia. If you’re planning to take a hop-on, hop-off bus, starting your tour directly from the harbour is a convenient way to save time—there’s a stop located nearby.
Enjoying Tallin Old Harbour
Tallinn’s Old City Harbour is a compact area that's easy to reach from the city centre. However, it’s more than just a place to arrive or depart; it’s also a spot worth spending some time in. Set aside at least an hour to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the harbour.
The area is beautiful, easily one of the most scenic ports in Northern Europe. It's a great place to take stunning summer photos. You’ll also find a modern, affordable shopping mall and several small local stores nearby. The port area even has hotels, including one with a spa. So be sure to take advantage of the amenities the port has to offer.
If you prefer to go to the centre, it is only a few tram stops away.
Muuga Harbour
Passengers arriving at Muuga Harbour usually travel by car, as the port is designed primarily for scheduled vehicle traffic rather than foot passengers. It’s a quiet and practical alternative to Tallinn's busy city centre ports, especially for those wanting to avoid traffic and congestion. As a cruise passenger, it is unlikely that you will arrive there.
Muuga is mainly a cargo harbour, but it also serves the Eckerö Line ferry route between Muuga and Helsinki’s Vuosaari Harbour. While the terminal offers basic check-in and waiting facilities, there are limited public transport links, making it best suited for travellers with their vehicle or a pre-arranged ride.
Public Transportation for Tallinn Cruise Visitors
Tallinn has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trolleys. While walking is often the easiest way to explore the Old Town, you can use public transport for longer trips. Buy tickets from kiosks or use the Pilet.ee. mobile app. Paying for your journey with a contactless bank card is also possible.
It takes less than 20 minutes to walk from the Cruise Terminal to the Old Town.
Taxis
Taxis in Tallinn are generally reliable, but prices vary. Always agree on the fare or use a taximeter. Bolt is the most popular and cost-effective ride-hailing app in Estonia, and we recommend using it over traditional taxis from ranks. It works well from the port and throughout the city.
It’s best to avoid taxis from the official queue, as they can be expensive and pricing varies widely. You might end up paying much more than expected. If you do take one, ensure the meter is running or agree on the fare in advance. A reasonable price from the Cruise Terminal to the Old Town is between 10 and 15 euros.
Keep Safe and Comfortable
Safety
Tallinn is a safe city for tourists. Violent crime is rare, but petty theft can occur in crowded areas. Be mindful of your belongings, especially in the Old Town and at the port. Avoid using unlicensed taxis and opt for official transportation options instead.
Avoid secluded areas where you're alone.
Weather
Cruise visitors typically come to Tallinn from May to September. Spring and early summer are mild, while July and August are warmer, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C. Rain is possible, so bring a light jacket or umbrella. Winter visits are less common but possible on scheduled ferries.
If the weather is rainy or cold, plan indoor museum visits or take a sightseeing bus to reduce walking time.
Summer temperatures fluctuate, so prepare for cool breezes and extremely hot days.
Booking Ferry and Cruise Tickets
Navigating options from multiple ferry operators on the same route can feel overwhelming. We recommend using Ferryscanner to quickly view a range of fares in one search. To book, just follow these steps:
- Search ferries for your intended route.
- Select the desired ferry service. Fill and double-check all booking information.
- Understand the terms for cancellation.
- Add any additional services you may require. The same service may cost more later.
- Finalise your booking using a payment card.
Head to Ferryscanner and book your sail.
Where to Continue?
If you're exploring independently, we recommend visiting Helsinki, less than two hours away. Many cruise itineraries include both Helsinki and Tallinn. While the cities are close and share similarities, each has its unique charm. Also, take a look at the guide to the Ports in Helsinki.
Tallinn and Helsinki are both convenient destinations for independent travellers. Both cities offer numerous flight connections with affordable fares. You can travel between Tallinn and Helsinki on scheduled ferries that offer a cruise-like experience.
Bottom Line
Tallinn is a practical cruise destination. The port is conveniently located near the city centre, allowing for quick and easy access to the Old Town after arrival. The city is also affordable, so you can enjoy your visit without spending much.
We recommend reviewing a map before arrival to get familiar with the city's layout. The centre is compact, and the cruise terminal is nearby. If the weather is good, consider walking to the city centre, or take a hop-on, hop-off bus for a convenient and scenic option.
Have you been to Tallinn? What is your best tip for cruise visitors? Comment below!
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