From Tallinn harbour to the main bus station
From Tallinn harbour it's a relatively long way to the main bus station (Tallinna bussijaam; Lastekodu 46). From terminal A (e.g. Viking Line, Eckerö Line) it's a 3.1 km (~40 min) and from terminal D (Tallink) 2.3 km (~30 min) walk, according to Google Maps.
Is there a quick & convenient way to make the trip using some form of public transport? Or would a taxi be significantly handier (yet not much more expensive)?
I couldn't find a good online journey planner for Tallinn public transport.
(Bonus question: If taxi is your recommendation, and you know Tallinn intimately, could you mention some taxi companies to prefer / avoid? To my knowledge price and reliability can vary a lot, and it's worthwhile to be picky at a taxi stand.)
Best Answer
According to the Tallinn route planner, bus line 2 runs between Harbour terminals A and D (Reisisadam) and Mõigu, via the bus station (Autobussijaam) and the airport (Lennujaam). There are roughly 2 buses per hour on weekdays, 3 on weekends. The trip takes roughly 10 minutes between terminal D and the bus station, 3 minutes between terminals A and D, and another 7 minutes between the bus station and the airport. You can buy tickets from the driver, but they're a little cheaper from a kiosk.
Wikitravel has recommendations about taxis.
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Answer 2
All that I remember is that the main bus station (Where I arrived) had free wifi, so I checked google maps to the old district, decided it was too far (1 hour) to walk - was meeting people, so I caught a cab. The trick was that he couldn't actually drive into the old town, so had to drop me off at the edge.
As you've probably found, it's about a 30 min walk to the bus station from the ferry terminals.
The tourism website states that it's about 6 Euros from the Harbour to the Center of Town, so that should give you a rough idea. But again, if you're staying in the old town, they can only drop you at the old gates, anyway.
According to Wikitravel, there are certainly dodgy companies that will prey on unsuspecting tourists. They have a list there of reputable companies to use. Also be aware that they may have an entrance fee to get into the terminal area, so you could walk to just outside and get one from there. It's about a 5 min walk, from memory. Or ask the approximate rate before getting in, of course.
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Images: Daniel Maforte, Will Mu, sergio souza, JÉSHOOTS