Car rental in Tallinn/Reval

Exploring the Baltic Sea coast and Tallinn by rental car

Tallinn is centrally located on the Baltic Sea coast of Estonia, one of the most popular countries in the Baltic States. Why not rent a car and with Tallinn as your base, explore this unique region? Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and the cultural centre of the country. It has approximately 430,000 inhabitants. Idyllically situated on the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland, it is only 70 kilometres from Helsinki. Tallinn is therefore ideal for trips in this unique region. You can compare offers of car rental companies in Tallinn on driveboo.com and easily book a rental car online from home.

Where can I quickly find a rental car in Tallinn?

The majority of travellers arrive by plane at Tallinn airport (TLL), so you can rent a car directly at the airport. Here you will find all major car rental companies in one place and you can get a very good deal when you compare prices. In addition, you usually have better (longer) opening hours at the airport and a higher chance of availability of special vehicles such as convertibles, sports cars or SUVs. The flight time from Germany is about 2 to 3 hours. Tallinn Airport (TLL) is the international airport of the Estonian capital Tallinn and the largest and most important airport in the country. It is located about 4 km southeast of the city centre. The airport is served from Germany by low-cost carriers and major airlines.

Information on road traffic and parking in Tallinn

Tallinn is located on Via Baltica 67 and is Estonia's most important road junction. There are many parking spaces, but unfortunately you have to pay for them. The locations of parking ticket machines and other methods of paying for parking are not always obvious. Each rental car should be equipped with a parking disc which should be clearly visible from the outside of the car. Every car in Tallinn will receive 15 minutes of free parking in the paid parking lots. If you want to park for a longer period, look for an employee of the traffic control department, recognisable by an orange coloured warning vest, to buy a parking ticket for 1,50€. The parking ticket looks more like a scratch card, you must scratch out the field of the use-date and place it clearly visible on the dashboard.

What are the speed limits for renting a car in Tallinn?

General traffic information for Estonia

The road traffic rules and signs in Estonia generally correspond to those of the other European countries and Germany. However, there are some differences, which are explained below:

Toll & Vignette

There are no toll road sections.

Emergency situations and emergency call

Call 112, which is the single EU-wide number 112, and you can reach a control centre, via both the fixed and mobile networks, which will forward your call to the relevant emergency services. Call this number in all cases where you need emergency assistance from the police, fire brigade, emergency physician or ambulance.

No phones while driving

This is only allowed when using a hands-free car kit.

Child seats

Children under 12 years of age must be secured in a suitable child seat. The front passenger airbag must be deactivated when the child is carried in a rear-facing child seat in the front seat.

Winter gear

Winter tyres are compulsory for all vehicles from December 1st to March 1st of the following year. Winter tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 3 mm. Depending on the weather conditions, winter tyre requirements can be extended to the period from October to April of the following year. Snow chains can be mounted on all vehicles when the roads are covered with snow.

Special note

In the larger cities in the Baltic States, as well as in cities with an international seaport and in the border area, it is absolutely essential to pay special attention to the vehicle! Always lock your vehicle and do not leave any objects in the vehicle. Valuables should never remain in the car, but should be kept in the hotel safe or hidden on the body. You should also park your vehicle in guarded parking lots!

Why should I visit Tallinn by rental car?

Tallinn is famous for its paved streets and Gothic architecture. In the heart of the city lies the historic old town, which is home to cafés and shops, as well as the “Kiek in de Kök”, a 15th century defence tower. Tallinn is a romantic city with many sights and attractions. Tallinn is famous for its old town. The oldest buildings and lanes date back to the 11th century. The outstanding building is the old Gothic town hall and its forecourt. 80 % of the old town was built in the Middle Ages – and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from a Russian bombing raid during the Second World War, the city was spared from major destruction, so that the medieval city centre is largely preserved. The Gothic town hall, which was built in the 13th century and impresses with a 64m high tower, is located on the historic Tallinn town hall square as well as the St. Nicholas Church, a landmark of the 13th century that exhibits church art. Behind the St. Catherine's Monastery, there is the famous Catherine's Walk for a romantic stroll. On the outskirts of the city there is the Katharinental Castle and in the Pirita district there is an extensive city beach with a promenade for strolling. The Tallinn Zoo and the Estonian Open-Air Museum are in the district of Rocca al Mare. You should definitely get a Tallinn card, preferably at the airport. It contains everything that is important for the tourist: Sightseeing tours, guided tours, all museums, public transport (including the airport bus), discounts (also in restaurants) etc.