TALLINN AIRPORT (TLL) INFORMATION

Tallinn Airport (IATA: TLL, ICAO: EETN), also known as Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport, is the largest and the only international airport in Estonia operated by Tallinn Airport Ltd. It serves as a hub for Estonia’s national airline Nordica and a secondary hub to several aircrafts such as AirBaltic, cargo airline Airest, and LOT Polish Airlines.

The airport was formerly known as Ülemiste Airport. It has a concrete runway to handle large aircraft such as the Boeing 747. It has six taxiways and seventeen departure gates. It has a land area of 56,300 sq. ft. with an elevation of 131 feet Above Mean Sea Level (AMSL).

Tallinn Airport is open to domestic and international flights; it used to be the home base of the now non-functioning national airline, Estonian Air. It is located about 2.7 nautical miles southeast of the center of Tallinn and on the eastern shore of Lake Ülemiste.

The airport has one passenger terminal and four cargo facilities. These are located to the right portion of Runway 08’s threshold, with Runway 26 being connected to the terminal by a parallel taxiway.

On March 29, 2009, the airport was officially renamed Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport in honor of an Estonian independence movement leader and the country's second president, Lennart Meri.

In 2021, the airport administration recorded 1,300,378 total passengers served at Tallinn Airport.

History of Tallinn Airport

Lasnamae Airfield was Tallinn's first and primary airport, serving as a base for Aeronaut Airlines from 1921 to 1928. However, the said airline went bankrupt in 1928. As a result, air service was continued by Deruluft and used Nehatu, located 12km from central Tallinn, as their landing field instead of Lasnamae Airfield.

From 1928 to 1929, the first seaplane harbor was built on the shores of Lake Ulemiste to serve Finnish seaplanes. The harbor operation eventually ended during World War II.

On 26 March 1929, Riigikogu, the unicameral parliament of Estonia, passed an expropriation act to establish a commercial airport. Ten hectares of land were taken over from Dvigatel joint-stock and another twenty-two hectares from descendants of Vagner.

On November 16, 1931, Tallinn Airport started its construction, where the first test landing was commenced by Captain Reissar flying the Estonian Air Force Avro 594 Avian with tail number 120.

The airport had been operational before its official opening on September 20, 1936, and commenced its first passenger flight way back on August 18, 1932, by LOT Polish Airlines.

In 1935, the airport had a daily average of six arrivals and departures.

In April of 1935, a ramp for seaplanes was built on the shore of Lake Ülemiste with a small arch bridge and a customs office. The airport administration building was constructed in the same year, which initially served as a passenger waiting area. The cost of the whole airport project was 25 million sents.

Before World War II, Tallinn Airport had regular flights abroad through Aerotransport, now part of the Scandinavian Airlines (SAS Group), Deutsche Luft Hansa, LOT Polish Airlines, and Aero, a Finnish Airline company now known as Finnair.

On April 5, 1937, the Helsinki-Tallinn-Warsaw-Jerusalem route was inaugurated by Mr. Bobkowski, assistant to the Polish Minister of Transportation. The course length was 3,187 kilometers, and the travel time was 34 hours.

From 1933 to 1937, the number of aircraft passengers and cargo increased from 4,100 and 6,730kg to 11,892 passengers and 14,726kg.

In 1938, the preparation and design work for a new passenger terminal started. There were 14 projects submitted for the architectural design of the new terminal building. One structural work was from Architect Artur Jürvetson who won the contest in February of the same year. The construction was estimated to cost around 300,000 Estonian kroons.

Estonian kroons were the official currency of Estonia from 1928 to 1940 and 1992 to 2011. However, between January 1 and 14, 2011, kroon and euro coins circulated. Later, the euro became the sole legal tender currency in the country and Europe.

On October 5, 1939, the first aircraft of the then flag carrier of Estonia, AGO, arrived at Tallinn Airport following the route Dessau-Konigsberg-Tallinn.

On July 22, 1940, Estonia was occupied by the Soviet Union. It was an order made by the Soviet occupation authorities to transfer the airport to utilize Soviet Air Forces.

All aircraft based in Tallinn Airport then, including Polish Lockheed 14, two Junkers Ju 52 of AGO, and PTO-4 trainer aircraft of Estonian Airclub, were relocated to Lasnamae Airfield.

During the occupation of Germans in Estonia, regular interconnections were formally declared on October 16, 2022. They were restored on November 15, 1941, when aircraft, Deutsche Lufthansa and Aero O/Y started the route from Helsinki to Tallinn, Riga, Konigsberg, and Berlin.

From 1942 to 1944, Sonderstaffel Buschmann was based at Tallinn Airport.

As renovation and construction began, a modernization project for an additional airport facility was pursued.

The first cargo terminal (Cargo 1) was built and situated in the middle of the future cargo area on the airport's north side and was carried out from September 1997 to March 1998.

In 1999, the passenger terminal was also wholly modernized and renovated, increasing its capacity to 1.4 million passengers per year.

In 2008, expansion projects continued following the growing demand for spacious areas, particularly cargo operations. To meet the facility's needs, the administration added four cargo terminals.

In 2012, a new aircraft maintenance hangar was opened, and numerous passengers passed the two million mark for the first time in the history of Tallinn Airport.

On January 11, 2013, the airport passed the Airport Carbon Accreditation emission managing and reduction program by the Airports Council International (ACI).

In 2013, the airport administration introduced the automatic border control system and the construction of a new business aviation hangar complex.

Transfer Services at Tallinn Airport

Tallinn Airport offers several options for transfer services such as Car Rentals, Rideshares, Taxis, Buses, and Trains.

All transport services mentioned above are available in the ground transportation center outside the airport's main terminal building.

Passengers are advised to secure their baggage and personal belongings. Always check the luggage requirements on what items are allowed on hand carries and check-in baggage.

Rental Car Services at Tallinn Airport

Several car hire companies operate in Tallinn Airport. In addition, the Car Rental Center is located outside the airport terminal near the car park area.

Car renters from the airport must submit the following requirements: a valid driver’s license, a valid credit card, additional proof of identity such as a passport, and a completed transaction form.

Those interested in renting a car must be at least 21 years old and up. However, renters ages 25 and below may pay additional charges. See and compare all rental car companies at Tallinn Airport.

Passengers planning to rent from Tallinn Airport are encouraged to have their reservations ahead of time by downloading the car hire company’s application on their smartphone for convenience and the utmost quality transfer service.

Car rental fees may vary depending on the vehicle and car hire company.

Ride Shares at Tallinn Airport

Rideshares serve passengers of Tallinn Airport, and they are available in the ground transportation center outside the terminal.

Uber, Lyft, Uber, Ola, and Didi are allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at assigned transportation bays in the airport.

Passengers may book their rideshare vehicle in advance by downloading the company’s application on their smartphone. They are also advised to choose the right vehicle size for their luggage.

Rideshare rates may vary depending on the selected vehicle size and destination point.

Taxis at Tallinn Airport

Taxis are accessible at Tallinn Airport. They can pick up and drop off passengers at the terminal's ground transportation center.

They can stop at the car park in front of the terminal for 15 minutes free. This provides enough time for passengers to get their baggage and pay for the driver. See more information about taxis at Tallinn Airport.

Tallinn Airport is 4km or an 11-minute drive from Tallinn City Center via Tallinn-Tartu-Voru-Luhamaa/Route 2.

The estimated fare from the airport to the city center and vice versa ranges from €8.00 to €15.00.

Taxi fares may vary depending upon the traffic condition and destination.

Buses at Tallinn Airport

Buses are accessible at Tallinn Airport. Bus stops are located outside the passenger terminal near the airport’s tram stop.

Passengers may ride the Tallinn City Buses No. 2 and No. 65, which take the route and stop within the airport premises. More information about buses to and from Tallinn Airport.

The one-hour bus ticket costs €1.50.

Trains at Tallinn Airport

Trams and trains are available in Tallinn, Estonia. However, Tallinn Airport has a tramline that serves passengers going to the city center and vice versa.

The tram is available outside the passenger terminal of the airport. A single trip fare costs €2.00, or buy a QR ticket online for €1.00. More information about train services near Tallinn Airport.

The nearest train station to the airport is Ulemiste Train Station, about 2km away.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Tallinn Airport

Hotel Shuttles can pick up and drop off passengers at the airport’s ground transportation center.

Passengers with hotel reservations may book a transfer shuttle service from their accommodation to and from Tallinn International Airport.

Non-Hotel Shuttles are also available to serve passengers to and from the airport.

Note that shuttle rates may vary depending upon the passenger’s transaction with the service provider.

Parking at Tallinn Airport

There are available car parks for short-term and long-term parking at the airport.

Passengers may choose one of the four parking options; The Kiss and Fly parking area, Long-stay car park, Short-stay car park, and Parking area for people with disabilities.

The parking rate starts at €5.00 per hour. See more information about short and long term parking at Tallinn Airport.

Other Services at Tallinn Airport

Wi-Fi at Tallinn Airport

Tallinn Airport provides free Wi-Fi access for passengers throughout the terminal.
To access the network, passengers should choose the “Airport Free by the Guardtime,” open the browser and click the “agree” button.

ATMs at Tallinn Airport

Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are available in the departure hall of the airport terminal.

Currency exchange at Tallinn Airport

Money changing counters are situated both in the pre-and post-security area near gate three of the airport terminal.

Nursing Stations at Tallinn Airport

There are six nursing/baby changing rooms in the airport terminal. Each nursing room is located beside the toilet areas.

Restrooms at Tallinn Airport

Toilets are available in both pre-and post-security areas of the airport terminal.

Food and Beverages at Tallinn Airport

Tallinn Airport has various food hubs that passengers can enjoy before departure or after deplaning.

Most restaurants and snack bars are located on the first floor of the main terminal.

Smoking at Tallinn Airport

Smoking in Tallinn Airport is only allowed inside designated areas marked accordingly.

There are four smoking rooms in the terminal; one is near the Arrivals Hall, and three other rooms are in the Departures area.

Lost and Found Section at Tallinn Airport

Lost and found items from the aircraft or within the airport terminal will be delivered to the Border Guard Board Officer or the Lost and Found desk at the Baggage Claim Area.

Essential items such as passports, documents, electronics, jewelry, or wallets with an estimated value of €50.00 will be turned over to the Police and Border Guard Officer.

Items believed to be worth less than €50.00 will be delivered to the Lost and Found desk. Items will be stored inside a secured room for one month.

Passengers claiming lost and found items must provide a valid identification card.

For further assistance, contact the Lost and Found desk at (+372) 605 8888 or the Police and Border Guard Office at (+372) 619 1290.

Airport Communication Center at Tallinn Airport

The airport’s information desk is between the Departures Area and the Arrivals Area.

Pet Relief at Tallinn Airport

Pet-relief areas are not available at Tallinn Airport.

Passengers are advised to contact their airline carrier when traveling with a pet. They may have their own rules for transporting animals.

Baggage Claim at Tallinn Airport

The Baggage Claim Area is located on the airport terminal's first floor, specifically at the Arrivals Area.

Baggage carts are available for assistance and easy luggage transport.

Disabled Passengers at Tallinn Airport

Tallinn Airport provides disabled-friendly facilities such as car parks for disabled individuals, ramps, and wheelchair assistance.

Passengers are recommended to contact their airline provider for further assistance upon arriving or departing from the airport.

For wheel-chair reservations and assistance, they may call the airport's information desk at +(372) 605 8788.

People with reduced mobility must be registered earlier with their respective airline carriers to ensure smooth and hassle-free travel.

Tallinn Airport Contacts

Address: Tartu maantee 101, 10112 Tallinn, Estonia
General Phone: (+372) 605 8888
Email: info@tll.aero
Lost and Found Phone: (+372) 605 8888 or (+372) 619 1290
Official Website: www.tallinn-airport.ee

Local Information

Drive on: Right
Electricity: 230V/50Hz
Plug: C and F
Currency: Euro, EUR, EU, €
Wi-Fi at Airport: To access the airport’s Wi-Fi service, connect your device to the “Airport Free by the Guardtime” network, open the browser and click the “Agree” button.