Car Rental in Tallinn Downtown, Estonia

Located in the North of Estonia, Tallinn is packed full of things to do. Make sure you get a Tallinn Card whilst you're there, which gives you access to over 40 museums and attractions for as little as 28.00 € per adult. You will then be able to explore the city by visiting the Seaplane Harbour, Kiek in de Kök Fortifications Museum, Kumu Art Museum, KGB Prison Cells and many more educational and interesting places. 

Tallinn Downtown (Kesklinn) is the vibrant heart of the city, featuring the UNESCO-listed Old Town with cobblestone streets, Gothic spires, and lively squares. Beyond its historic core, Downtown Tallinn is home to modern shopping centers, restaurants, and business districts. 

Renting a car in Tallinn Downtown makes it easy to discover both the city itself and the wider Estonian countryside, including coastal towns and national parks. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Tallinn!

Tips for renting a car in Tallinn

Before you rent
Choose wisely. In 2019 we introduced our multi-product system which helps you choose a car based on your needs and easily see the final price. Car rental insurance can be tricky to navigate and often isn't what you expect, by booking with us direct you'll receive the correct insurance for your rental.

When you collect your vehicle
Plan ahead. We recommend planning your route before you leave, especially when renting a car at an airport. Are you sure where you're meeting your chaperone or where the rental desk is? Your confirmation email will have the contact information for the location, so we suggest saving the number in your phone ahead of time.

Have the correct documents ready. We try and keep the check in process as painless as possible but we do need to process certain information for legal reasons so having these ready ahead of time can help speed up the process. Make sure you have your booking details ready, along with your driving licence, passport and valid credit card.

Complete a vehicle check. It's essential when you are taken to your car you complete a Vehicle Condition Report (VCR) and note any existing damage, paying particular attention to the five damage hotspots. If you don't report this, you may be liable for these damages when you return the vehicle. We don't want you to get caught out, so we've put together a handy vehicle inspection video to help you check everything thoroughly.

While you rent
Take care. Unfortunately you may be liable for any damage caused to a vehicle in your care, and this will vary depending on the product you choose. A large proportion of damages to any car can be dings you pick up in car parks, so be mindful when space is limited and park further away and walk a little further to your destination.

When you return your vehicle
Complete a vehicle check. It's time to carry out a VCR again and even more essential to fully log any damage, no matter how small, to ensure you are fully covered and we can process your return effectively. Be sure to check the vehicle as before, paying special attention to the five damage hotspots.

Green Motion Car Rental Estonia Tallinn Downtown 1440x400
Green Motion Car Rental Estonia Tallinn Downtown 767x767

Car rental in Tallinn – Rules and Tips You Should Know

 

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.

In winter, speed limits on some highways are lowered for safety. From December 1 to March 1, winter tires are mandatory due to snow and icy conditions.

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.

Useful Information about renting a car at Tallinn Airport

Where do you pick up your car?

Your Booking will be serviced by Green Motion Tallinn Downtown. Meet and Greet Service. Please call +37258117177 to arrange the pick up/drop off time for the vehicle, or if you require any further assistance.

Side of road

Drive on the right side of the road

Local currency

Euro (€)

Average temperatures

23°F (-5°C) in winter to 71°F (22°C) in summer

Car hire in Tallinn – FAQs about renting a car

How far is Tallinn Downtown from the Old Town?

The Old Town is part of central Tallinn and easily accessible within minutes by car or on foot.

Is it better to drive or walk in Downtown Tallinn?

Walking is the best way to enjoy the Old Town, but driving is ideal if you plan to explore outside the city center.

How long does it take to drive from Tallinn Downtown to Tallinn Airport?

It takes about 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Estonia?

If your license is EU-issued or in English, you don’t need an IDP. Otherwise, it is recommended.

Are winter tires included in rentals?

Yes, from December to March, winter tires are mandatory, and rental cars are equipped accordingly.

Can I drive to Latvia or Finland with a rental car?

Usually yes, but check your rental agreement. Cross-border travel is common but may require advance permission and added insurance.