Estonia

Brief History

In 1870, the first railway line in Estonia opened, connecting Tallinn with Paldiski, and became the basis for the development of the railway network in the country. 
In 1918, the railways were nationalised and the company Eesti Raudtee was established. During the Soviet period of occupation in the 1940s, the railway infrastructure was modernised and electrified. After Estonia regained its independence in 1991, the process of restructuring and privatisation of the railways began. Since the 2000s, the country has been actively modernising its railway infrastructure and integrating into the European railway network, meeting the standards of the European Union.

General Information and Statistics

Eesti Raudtee (EVR) - Estonia's national railway company. In 2020, Estonian Railways (Eesti Raudtee) transported about 6.7 million passengers in one year.

The Estonian railway network is about 1,200 kilometres (750 miles) long. As of 2020, there were about 120 railway stations across Estonia.

Approximately 820 kilometres of railway tracks were electrified.

What connections to other countries there are.

There are no direct international trains leaving from Tallinn to neighboring countries. However, there is a connection with a transfer to Latvia through the Estonian border town Valga.

Are trains fast in Estonia in general? How much time to cross the country?

In general, trains in Estonia are not characterised by high speeds compared to some other countries. The maximum speed on Estonian railways is usually around 120 km/h (75 mph) for passenger trains and 80 km/h (50 mph) for goods trains. 
The journey from Valga to Tapa takes 2:23 hours and from Paldiski to Narva 3:33 hours.

What railway companies are available?

In Estonia, the main railway company is Estonian Railways (Eesti Raudtee). It is a state-owned company responsible for the operation and maintenance of the country's national railway infrastructure.

In addition, there are several private companies providing passenger train services in Estonia, such as Elron. Elron is a state-owned public transport company that operates passenger trains on domestic routes, mainly connecting Estonia's major cities and towns.

What train types are available in Estonia

In Estonia, electric trains (EMU) and diesel trains (DMU) are mainly used for passenger transport. These trains are designed for suburban and regional services. They are relatively compact, accommodate a large number of passengers and are a comfortable mode of transport.

Electric trains (EMU) run on electricity and are usually used on electrified railway lines. They are most often found on routes connecting major cities such as Tallinn, Tartu and Pärnu.

Diesel multipurpose units (DMU), on the other hand, run on diesel fuel and are used on non-electrified railway lines. They are often used for regional transport, connecting small towns and rural areas across the country.

Are there high-speed-trains available?

There are no high-speed trains in Estonia. The maximum speed of passenger trains on Estonian railways is usually around 120 km/h (75 mph). The Estonian railway network is mainly oriented towards regional and suburban traffic, rather than high-speed intercity or international traffic.

Most important train stations / hubs.

The main railway stations in Estonia are Tallinn, Tartu, Pärnu, Narva, Rakvere.

Websites to buy train tickets for Estonia?

https://elron.ee/en

Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Estonia?

There is no app for buying tickets.

Possible to buy a ticket at a railway station in Estonia?

In addition to buying tickets online, it is possible to buy a ticket on Elron trains from the attendant with payment by bank card, cash or money loaded on an Elroni travel card.
On Elron trains at a ticket machine with payment by money loaded on an Elron travel card.
At the infokassa at the Baltic and Tartu railway stations.

Can I buy my ticket by phone?

You can only get train information over the phone.

Return the ticket.

Single tickets can be refunded, provided there is more than 60 minutes before the train is due to depart. Travel passes can also be refunded by writing a letter to the Elrone support mailbox.

Train ticket prices

There are two ticket options in Estonia – a single ticket or a travel pass. If you do not travel on trains in Estonia often, it is easier to buy a single ticket.
Tickets for the most popular routes like Tallinn – Narva can be bought for 9.95 euros.

Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?

There is currently no rail service to neighboring countries.

Where to find timetables.

Find train schedules on https://elron.ee/ru/soiduinfo/soiduplaanid

Buying tickets in advance or right before the train

Tickets can be purchased up to a maximum of one week in advance. There is no difference in price if purchased in advance.

Types of tickets.

It is possible to purchase a single ticket. Also if you are going to travel a lot, the best choice will be a pass, which can be bought for one day, month and 3 months. The price depends on the coverage area and starts from 2,88 € for one day for one coverage area.

Interrail/Eurail Passes in Estonia

The Eurail and Interrail Pass is available for Estonia.
The best option is to buy your Eurail or Interrail Pass on the official website.

Saver price.

You get the best deals online, with 15% off single tickets and 10% off season tickets, compared to buying them from on-board staff or from ticket offices. Single tickets bought with the Elron Farecard from the ticket machine on train get a 10% discount.

Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?

There is no option to buy a round-trip ticket on the website. Purchase tickets separately.

Flexible tickets.

Flexible tickets are available. In Estonia they are called travel card. You can buy a travel card for 1 day, 1 month or 3 months. A travel card entitles you to an unlimited number of journeys during the period selected by the passenger and between selected stops or zones in normal train class.

Rules of boarding.

You do not need your ID to travel by train in Estonia. You only need to have your ID with you to confirm age discounts.

Discounts for group travel.

Groups of 20 people or more can purchase a group ticket at a discounted price.
To organize a group trip, please contact info@elron.ee. Please provide the following information: desired day of the trip, route and time of the trip, number of full and discounted tickets.
It is necessary to pay for the trip on the basis of a prepayment invoice, also please inform us about the desired trip at least 3 working days in advance.

Age groups and discounts.

Eligible for free train travel are:
    • A child who, as of October 1 of the current school year, is under 7 years of age; and for a child whose commencement of school duties has been postponed to a later date;
    • Persons with disabilities up to 16 years of age (inclusive);
    • Persons with profound disabilities;
    • Persons with severe visual impairment;
    • Persons who accompany a person with profound or severe visual impairment.
The right to use a discounted ticket has: 
    • a person under the age of 19 (inclusive)
    • pupils
    • students
    • pensioners
    • Persons with partial or no working capacity
    • Persons 65 years of age or older
    • Persons with moderate or severe disabilities aged 17 and over
    • accompanying a person with a disability up to the age of 16 (inclusive)
    • accompanying a person with profound disability

Benefits do not apply on 1st class trains. A person entitled to use a concessionary ticket must buy a full ticket to travel in first class.

Age limitations for minors.

No information from what age children can travel alone in Estonia.

Handicapped passengers.

Wheelchair spaces are located in the C zone of the train, where there are special wheelchair seat belts and accompanying persons can also find a seat.
special seat belts for wheelchairs, and accompanying persons can also find a seat. The toilets located in
Area C is wheelchair accessible.

If possible, please give 3 working days' notice via email to abi@elron.ee of your wish to travel in a wheelchair.

Seat reservations in trains in Estonia.

If travelling in regular class, the seating position is not indicated when purchasing the ticket,
therefore it is not possible to guarantee free seats. Seats are guaranteed in 1st class, where
the seat number is indicated when purchasing the ticket, on the basis of which the right to sit in the specified seat is granted.
to sit in the specified seat.

Comfort classes on the trains.

Estonian trains have 2nd and 1st class. 2nd class is usually comfortable and 1st class offers more space. First class tickets are valid only on the date and train shown on the ticket. A First class ticket guarantees a seat.

Food and drink in Estonian trains / train restaurant.

Elron does not offer meals and drinks on board, but you are welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages (except alcohol).

Night trains in Estonia?

Estonia does not have dedicated night trains operating within the country.

Important train routes in Estonia.

Tallinn – Narva / from 2:18 hours / from 10,80 EUR / 5 trains a day (July 2023)
Tallinn – Valga / from 3:20 hours / from 16,24 EUR / 4 trains a day (July 2023)
Tallinn – Viljandi / from 1:51 hours / from 8,33 EUR / 5 trains a day (July 2023)
Tallinn – Tartu / from 2:05 hours / from 9,95 EUR / 1 train in 1-3 hours (July 2023)
Tallinn-Paldiski/ 0:59 hours / from 3,15 EUR / every hour (July 2023)
Valga –Tapa / from 2:23 hours / from 12,84 EUR / 4 trains a day (July 2023)

International train routes.

There are no direct international trains leaving from Tallinn to neighboring countries. However, there is a connection with a transfer to Latvia through the Estonian border town Valga.

Tourist / scenic routes in Estonia.

Narva
 Located at the crossroads of East and West, the city is unique both culturally and architecturally. Let's start with the Narva Castle, which houses the Narva Museum. This castle was built at the end of the XIII century as a residence of the viceroy of the King of Denmark. Today it is the most multifunctional and best preserved fortification in Estonia. The wing of the castle on the river side, which until recently was accessible only to museum staff, is open to visitors. From here you can see Russia, Estonia and the river in between.

Next to the castle there is a renovated 1 km long promenade where you can stroll along and enjoy the view of Estonia's richest river. From here you can go to the most powerful bastion of Narva - Victoria Bastion, where you can take a tour and listen to fascinating stories about its construction and use.

Next to the embankment there is Narva Alexander Church with an observation platform, in the hall of which the installation "Sky over Narva" is demonstrated. It is placed right on the vaults of the church, and you can watch it sitting on chairs at a special angle for a quarter of an hour, looking up as the colorful history of Narva comes to life.

Tartu
This university city is known for its bike paths. Grab a bike and enjoy Tartu's compactness - in a short time you can adventure to the cafes of the city center, visit Raadi Park near the Estonian National Museum and see an upside-down house. Stroll through the bohemian neighborhoods of wooden houses with their eccentric atmosphere and admire the street art. Don't forget the markets and stores of local designers, Kissing Hill and the observatory. You can read more about the many charms of Tartu.

And of course, it is worth highlighting Vidget Factory (Aparaaditehas) - a small town built in the building of an old industrial factory, with design and art stores, a unique bookstore, modern eateries, galleries and a concert venue. It is home to many creative entrepreneurs and artists. In addition, the Widget Factory is by far the most modern meeting and entertainment venue in Tartu.

Luggage information.

The passenger is allowed to carry on the train luggage the sum of the three dimensions (length, width, height) of which does not exceed 200 cm and the weight of which does not exceed 40 kg (excluding bicycles and skis).

If possible, luggage should be placed on the luggage rack.
There are no extra luggage room on the 1st class.

Bicycle on the train.

You can travel on the train with a bicycle. To do this, you must buy a special ticket. Bicycle seats are limited, when you buy tickets, pay attention to the number of available bicycle seats.

Ski or snowboard on the train.

There is no exact information regarding skis and snowboards. But based on the luggage information, it is possible to take skis or snowboards with you.

Luggage lockers on the stations in Estonia.

Luggage storage is available at the Tallinn Station. The operating time is between 9 am to 6 pm from Monday to Friday and between 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The location of this luggage storage is at: Platform 6.

Lost and Found Items.

Information about items found on Elron trains can be obtained by calling +372 6464391
All items found on trains will be delivered to the Baltic Railway Station (Toompuiestee 37/2).
Items found on trains are stored at the Baltic Station for 1 month.

Pets on the trains.

It is only allowed to travel with a pet in the train’s C area (above the car doors have a pet sticker). You do not have to buy an additional ticket for your pet.
Pets are not allowed in first class.

Aruküla / Elva / Haapsalu / Jõgeva / Jõhvi / Kadrina / Kärdla / Kehra / Keila / Kiviõli / Kohtla-Järve / Kuressaare / Maardu / Narva / Paide / Paldiski / Pärnu / Põlva / Raasiku / Rakke / Rakvere / Rapla / Sillamäe / Tallinn / Tamsalu / Tapa / Tartu / Valga / Viljandi / Võru /