Tallinn ports

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.

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 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 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 cruise ships in Tallinn, along with tips on how to reach the city centre.

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 located within the Old City Harbour but slightly farther from the main ferry terminals A and D. There are a few piers and a modern Cruise Terminal. Scheduled terminals and cruise terminals are basically in the same area.

The Old Harbour is only 20 20-minute walk away 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. A hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus stops in the port area, perfect for a quick city overview.

The Old Harbour has a new practical tram connection to the centre.

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.

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 mobile app. cONTACTLESS

It takes less than 20 minutes to walk from the Cruise Terminal to the Old Town.

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.

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..

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 greatly, so be prepared for freezing and extremely hot days.

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