Europe > 🇪🇪 Estonia
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Estonia can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Estonia; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Estonia?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Estonia?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.🏙️ Main Cities in Estonia
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Tallinn | TLL |
Should You Rent a Car in Estonia? 🚗🌲
Estonia is a compact, modern, and scenic country where medieval cities meet wild forests and Baltic coastline. Public transport is efficient in urban areas, but rural and coastal regions are less accessible without private transport. So, should you rent a car in Estonia? It depends on whether your trip is focused on cities or countryside exploration.
🚶 When You Don’t Need a Car
Major towns and cities in Estonia are well-connected and easy to explore on foot. Tallinn’s Old Town is famously walkable, and intercity buses are frequent and reliable.
| Location | Why You Don’t Need a Car | Best Transport Option |
|---|---|---|
| Tallinn | Compact, historic centre | Walking, tram, bus |
| Tartu | University town with good transit | Walking, bus |
| Parnu | Spa town with beach access | Walking, local bus |
| Island tours | Organised excursions available | Shuttle or ferry tour |
➡ If your visit focuses on Tallinn with a few day trips, you can comfortably rely on public transport.
🚗 When Renting a Car Is a Great Option
Estonia’s natural landscapes and rural heritage are major highlights, and many of the best spots are outside public transport routes. Renting a car allows full flexibility to explore national parks, forests, islands, and remote beaches.
| Benefit | What You Can Explore |
|---|---|
| Freedom | Visit villages and nature reserves |
| Scenic driving | Coastal roads and forests |
| Island access | Drive-on ferries to Saaremaa and Hiiumaa |
| Adventure | Explore bog hikes and hidden lakes |
Best Self-Drive Regions
| Route | Highlights | Driving Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Tallinn → Lahemaa National Park | Manors, bog trails, coastline | Smooth roads |
| Tallinn → Saaremaa Island | Castles and lighthouses | Ferry with car access |
| Tartu → Setomaa Region | Folk culture and lakes | Quiet country roads |
🚦 Driving in Estonia – What to Expect
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You drive on the right-hand side
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Roads are in excellent condition
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Traffic is light outside the cities
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Ferries accommodate cars for island travel
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Winter driving requires caution due to icy conditions
Car Rental Availability
Major companies such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, and local providers operate at Tallinn Airport and in major cities. Renting a compact car or SUV is easy and affordable by European standards.
🚕 Alternatives to Renting a Car
| Transport Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | Intercity travel | Frequent and reliable |
| Train | Tallinn–Tartu routes | Comfortable and modern |
| Taxi/Bolt | City journeys | Widely available |
| Guided tours | Day trips | Good for Lahemaa/National Parks |
🧭 Conclusion
Renting a car is the best way to explore Estonia’s national parks, islands, and rural landscapes at your own pace, especially if you enjoy scenic drives and stopping at hidden viewpoints. However, if your itinerary is focused on Tallinn, Tartu, or other major towns, Estonia’s excellent public transport network makes it easy to travel without renting a vehicle. The right choice depends on whether you want a city-based cultural trip or a countryside adventure.
