Tallinn train station (Balti Jaam)

Tallinn train station, known under the name “Balti jaam” in Estonian or “Tallinn Baltic Station” in English, is the main railway station in Tallinn, Estonia, and the largest railway station in Estonia. Currently, almost all domestic commuter, regional and long-distance and international depart from the station (the only exception is train from Tartu to Koidula). It is a mid-size station connected with Balti Jaam market. Balti Jaam station is owned and operated by Go Group.

The first railway station in Tallinn was built at the end of the 1860s as part of a 400 km (250 mi) long Saint Petersburg-Tallinn-Paldiski railway line. The first main stationg building designed by Rudolf von Knüpffer was opened in 1870 but it was completed following year. It was a two-storey building constructed from limestone with tower-like extrusions. Originally it was a through station, currently it serves as a terminus.

During World War II in 1941, the station building was set on fire by the Soviet Red Army. Shortly after the war, in 1945, the building was partially renovated. The old station was completely reconstructed between 1965 and 1967. Since the 1990s, the commuter trains 20x20m waiting pavilion has been used as a market. In 2005, the station building was completely renewed and Hotel Shnelli and the headquarters of Estonian Railways (Eesti Raudtee) were constructed close to the station. The first station building was much nicer than the current one.

Tallinn train station is is located in downtown of the Tallinn, and is situated immediately northwest of the city’s Old town. Harbour is situated approximately two kilometers from the station. Distance between Balti Jaam station and international bus station is 3 kilometers. International Airport in Tallinn lies 5 kilometers from the railway station.

The bus line No 2 connects train station with an international bus station and Tallinn Airport. Journey to international bus station takes 18 minutes.

Public transport stops are located next to the station.

Tallinn’s Old Town lies within walking distance from the Tallinn train station.

Balti Jaam train station has seven platforms and 12 tracks. Two platforms are situated apart from the rest and were used for international trains to Moscow and Sankt-Petersburg operated by GoRail (trains to Russia are currently suspended). Platforms are not covered, but there is a canopy in front of the main entrance and on the side of the platforms of the waiting pavilion. Most of them are accessible directly from the building and there are no barriers for wheelchair people.

There are many hotels and accomodation facilities close to the station. Most popular is Go Hotel Schnelli.

Tallinn train station – useful websites

Elron – journey planner and online shop
Train travel in Estonia
– a comprehensive guide
Public transport in Tallinn
– a comprehensive guide
Public transport in Tallinn – routes and timetable

Tallinn train station – facilities

– ticket offices
– ticket vending machines
– waiting room
– toilet
– electronic displays
– restaurant
– many shops and bistros
– pharmacy
– left luggage office
– casino
– taxi rank

Address: Toompuiestee 37, 10133 Tallinn

Tallinn train station
Balti Jaam – main railway station in Tallinn (Photo: Kalamajavalvur2018, CC-BY-SA, Wikimedia Commons)