How is Public Transport in Estonia?

The most important feature of public transport in Estonia is the free public transport system, which was launched in 2013. Estonian citizens benefit from the fact that public transport in the country is free. Estonian citizens are very happy with this situation. The country’s free public transport has had a positive effect on the government, not a negative one. With the public transportation being free in the country, citizens started to travel and wander more. Thus, the domestic market was activated and positive economic effects were created. Although public transport in Estonia is free, the Estonian government has taken a share of 1000 euros in the income tax paid by citizens. First of all, free public transportation, which started to be implemented in pilot cities, is now free only in Tallinn, the capital of the country. Also, with the free public transport in Tallinn, the number of people coming to work or live in the country has increased. This increase in numbers contributed 1 million euros to the Estonian government’s tax revenue.

Which Public Transport is Free in Estonia?

Free public transport in Estonia is buses, trams and trolleybuses. Public transport in Estonia is not free, although public transport is train journeys. Although train tickets are not free in the country, they are very cheap. It is not currently among the plans of the state to make the railways free of charge. Free public transports in Estonia are:

• Tram
• Bus
• Trolleybus (Electric buses powered by electricity poles)

What Are the Benefits of Free Public Transport in Estonia?

The advantages of free transport in Estonia are available to both Estonian citizens and the economy of the Estonian government. People have started to use their personal vehicles less thanks to free public transport, and even special bus lanes and various bike lanes have been built in the country to reduce car use. Thanks to the free transportation in Estonia, new citizens can join the city every year. In this case, it saves the state treasury about 1 million euros annually. In addition, the Estonian government charges 2 euros for public transport from every new city resident. Citizens with low budgets in Estonia benefited greatly from this practice. With the free transportation, people were able to start saving money. Thanks to the free public transport in Estonia , mobility within the city has increased, so citizens spend more and the economy revives.

How Much Are Public Transport Fees for Non-Estonian Citizens?

While public transport is free for Estonian citizens , it is not free for people who come to Estonia as tourists. Public transport is also free for tourists under the age of 7 in the country. Tourists arriving in Estonia can use trams, buses and trolleybuses. Buses run in the country from 06:00 in the morning to 23:00 in the evening. To get on public transport, a ticket must be purchased. If people who travel without a ticket are detected, they pay a 40 euro penalty. The most economical way for public transport in the country is to have a Tallinn Card. With this card, all public transportation channels can be used and you can go to 40 different touristic points without paying extra. Some shops and restaurants even offer discounts to tourists with this card. The Tallinn Card fees are as follows:

• 25 euros per person for 24 hours
• 37 euros per person for 48 hours
• Price per person for 72 hours is 45 euro

Another card used for public transportation is the Smart Card. A deposit of 2 euros must be paid for the Smart Card, the duration of this deposit is 6 months. Smart Card does not provide any services other than public transportation. Smart Card fees are:

• 3 euros for 24 hours
• 5 euros for 72 hours
• 6 euros for 5 days
• One-time ticket 2 euro

What are the means of transportation in Estonia other than Public Transport?

In Estonia, personal cars or taxis are used within the city, except for public transport . In Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, taxi meter prices start from 5.5 euros. The taxi costs 1.1 euro per kilometer. Taxi fares in the country vary. public transport in estonia Although it is used, most people who do not want to use it provide transportation by bicycle. Cycling is common, especially in summer and spring. It encourages cycling on the cycling tracks in Estonia.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]