How to Get from Tallinn to Saaremaa Island: Ferry and Travel Options

Planning a trip to Estonia’s largest island,Saaremaa, promises a captivating escape into nature, history, and unique culture. This guide provides all the essential information to navigate your journey from the vibrant capital, Tallinn, to the tranquil shores of Saaremaa, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

Discovering Saaremaa: Estonia's Island Gem

Saaremaa beckons with its distinctive charm, offering ancient meteor craters, historic windmills, medieval castles, and pristine coastline. From the charming capital of Kuressaare with its impressive Episcopal Castle to the rugged beauty of its nature reserves, the island is a destination for relaxation and adventure alike. While it feels wonderfully remote, getting there from Tallinn is a straightforward process, primarily involving a scenic drive or bus ride followed by a short, enjoyable ferry crossing.

The Primary Route: Tallinn to Saaremaa via Ferry

The most popular and practical way to reach Saaremaa involves traveling by land to the Virtsu ferry terminal on the mainland, followed by a ferry ride to Kuivastu on Muhu Island, which is connected to Saaremaa by a causeway. This journey offers picturesque views and a true sense of embarking on an island adventure.

Step 1: Getting from Tallinn to Virtsu Ferry Terminal

Your journey begins in Tallinn, where you have two main options to reach the Virtsu ferry terminal:

By Car:Driving offers the most flexibility, allowing you to explore Saaremaa at your own pace. The drive from Tallinn to Virtsu is approximately 140-160 kilometers, typically taking about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route is well-signposted and generally in good condition. Consider a stop in Pärnu, Estonia's summer capital, if you have extra time, or explore areas like Matsalu National Park for birdwatching en route.
By Bus:Regular intercity buses depart from Tallinn's central bus station heading towards Kuressaare. These buses are designed to seamlessly integrate with the ferry schedule. You will ride the bus directly onto the ferry at Virtsu, disembarking at Kuivastu, and then continue on the same bus to various destinations on Saaremaa, most commonly Kuressaare. This is a convenient option if you prefer not to drive or are traveling without a vehicle.

Tip:If traveling by car, ensure your vehicle is in good condition. The main roads are excellent, but some of Saaremaa's more remote attractions are accessed via gravel roads.

Step 2: The Ferry Journey from Virtsu to Kuivastu

The ferry crossing is the heart of the journey to Saaremaa. TS Laevad operates the route between Virtsu and Kuivastu (Muhu Island).

Booking Your Ferry Ticket:It is highly recommended to book your ferry tickets in advance, especially if you are traveling with a vehicle, during peak season (summer months), weekends, or public holidays. Online booking is simple and allows you to select your desired departure time. Foot passengers usually have more flexibility, but booking ahead can still save time.
Boarding Process:If driving, arrive at the Virtsu terminal well in advance of your scheduled departure time to allow for check-in and queuing. Follow the signs for vehicle boarding. Foot passengers can simply walk onto the ferry.
Onboard Experience:The ferry crossing itself is relatively short, typically lasting about 25-30 minutes. Modern ferries offer comfortable seating, cafes for snacks and drinks, and often outdoor decks to enjoy the sea views. Keep an eye out for other islands, like Hiiumaa, in the distance.
Arrival at Kuivastu:Upon arrival at Kuivastu on Muhu Island, vehicles disembark first, followed by foot passengers. From Kuivastu, you can continue your journey to Saaremaa, which is connected by a short causeway.

Step 3: From Kuivastu to Kuressaare and Beyond

Once you’ve arrived at Kuivastu, your final destination on Saaremaa is easily accessible:

By Car:The drive from Kuivastu to Kuressaare, the capital of Saaremaa, takes approximately 45-60 minutes, covering about 75 kilometers. The roads are well-maintained, offering scenic views as you cross from Muhu to Saaremaa and head west.
By Bus:If you traveled by bus from Tallinn, the bus will continue directly to Kuressaare and other major towns on Saaremaa. If you arrived as a foot passenger on the ferry, local buses meet the ferry arrivals at Kuivastu, providing connections to Kuressaare and other parts of the island. Check local bus schedules in advance.

Alternative Travel Option: Flying to Saaremaa

For those seeking the quickest route or a different travel experience, it is possible to fly directly from Tallinn to Kuressaare Airport on Saaremaa. This is a regional flight, typically operated by a local carrier.

Benefits:Significantly reduces travel time compared to the bus and ferry combination. Offers unique aerial views of Estonia's coastline and islands.
Considerations:Flights are less frequent than ferry services, and capacity can be limited. Always check the latest flight schedules and availability. This option is generally more expensive than land and ferry travel.

Tips for a Seamless Saaremaa Journey

Check Schedules:Always verify bus and ferry schedules in advance, especially if traveling outside of peak season, as times can change.
Book Ahead:For vehicle ferry tickets, booking online well in advance is crucial, particularly during summer, weekends, and public holidays, to guarantee your spot.
Arrive Early:If traveling with a car, aim to arrive at the ferry terminal at least 30-45 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Explore Muhu:Don't rush through Muhu Island. It offers its own unique charm, including colourful Kihnu-style fences and the picturesque Koguva village.
Island Exploration:While Kuressaare is the main hub,Saaremaa's true beauty lies in its diverse landscapes. Consider renting a car or bicycle on the island to discover hidden beaches, ancient strongholds, and the famous Kaali meteorite crater field.
Accommodation:Book your accommodation on Saaremaa in advance, especially during the busy summer months, as popular hotels and guesthouses fill up quickly.

Fun Fact:Estonia has over 2,200 islands and islets, but Saaremaa is the largest, followed by Hiiumaa, its northern neighbor, also accessible by ferry.

Conclusion

Traveling from Tallinn to Saaremaa is an integral part of the adventure, offering a blend of scenic drives, relaxing ferry crossings, and the anticipation of island exploration. Whether you choose the flexibility of driving your own car, the convenience of a direct bus, or the speed of a flight, reaching Estonia's largest island is a rewarding experience. Prepare for your journey, embrace the island pace, and get ready to uncover the unique wonders that await you on Saaremaa.