Car rental at Tallinn Airport – Good to know about driving there
Driving in Estonia is safe, well-organized, and typically stress-free. The country’s road infrastructure is in good condition, especially on major routes like Route 1 (Tallinn–Narva) and Route 4 (Tallinn–Pärnu). Outside urban areas, traffic is light and the landscape offers a peaceful backdrop of forests, lakes, and fields.
Vehicles drive on the right-hand side, and roads are well-marked. Most rental cars are manual, though automatics are available. Road signs follow international standards and are usually easy to understand.
Speed limits in Estonia are as follows:
50 km/h (31 mph) in cities and towns
90 km/h (56 mph) on open rural roads
110 km/h (68 mph) on selected highways during summer (with signage)
Be aware that speed cameras are common, especially on highways approaching Tallinn and other urban centers. Always carry your driver’s license, passport, and rental documents with you. EU licenses are accepted, and non-EU visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) depending on their country of origin.
Estonia has zero tolerance for drinking and driving — the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.0‰, so even a small glass of wine could lead to fines or more serious consequences.
Winter driving (typically November to March) requires winter tires, which are mandatory. Roads are generally well-cleared, but in rural or forested areas, snow and ice can linger, so caution is advised.
Fuel stations are widely available and usually self-service, with both card and cash payments accepted. In remote areas, unmanned fuel stations may require chip-and-PIN cards or advance payment.
Parking in Tallinn is relatively easy outside of the Old Town. In central zones, parking is usually paid and time-limited, with clear signs. You can use a parking disc (available from rental companies or shops) in many areas, or mobile apps like Pargi.ee or EasyPark.