Ports In Tallinn - Guide for Cruise Visitors
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Tallinn welcomes many cruise ships alongside its regular daily ferry arrivals as summer begins. 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.
Cruise Ports in Tallinn
The main cruise quays in Tallinn are located near the city centre. Most cruise passengers disembark at the Old City Harbour, which has several terminals. The docking location varies based on your cruise/ferry line and ship size, but you’ll likely be within walking distance of central Tallinn.
Below, we list the main terminals and quays used by ships in Tallinn, along with tips on how to reach the city centre.
Old City Harbour
The Old City Harbour is the primary passenger port in Tallinn, handling both scheduled ferries and cruise ships. It comprises terminals for scheduled ferries: Terminals A and D, and the dedicated cruise quays with a modern multi-functional Cruise Terminal. The harbour is just a 15-minute walk from Tallinn’s Old Town.
Terminals A and D serve major ferry operators like Viking Line, Eckerö Line, and Tallink, which run routes to Helsinki and Stockholm. Cruise ships dock at nearby quays specifically designed for larger vessels. While some cruise ships may use Terminals A or D, many dock directly at the cruise piers.
The cruise-dedicated quays are part of the Old City Harbour but located a bit farther from the main passenger terminals A and D. The area includes several piers and a modern Cruise Terminal. Although the cruise and scheduled ferry terminals are separate but in the same general area.
The Old Harbour is only a 20-minute from the city centre. If you prefer not to walk, you can take a taxi, ride a tram or use a ride-hailing app such as Bolt, which is widely used and affordable in Estonia. If you plan to take a hop-on, hop-off bus, starting your tour right from the harbour is practical for saving time. There's a stop conveniently nearby.
The Old Harbour has a new practical tram connection to the centre.
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 has basic check-in and waiting facilities, there are no good public transport links, so it’s 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 unlicensed taxis and use official transportation options.
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 between 18°C and 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 close to the city centre, making it easy to reach the Old Town quickly and easily 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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