St. Petersburg to Tallinn Train Route

The St. Petersburg to Tallinn train makes 4 stops as it travels from Russia to Estonia - in Kingisepp, Narva, Johvi, and Tapa. The trip takes 7 hours.

There is only one train running on the St. Petersburg to Tallinn route - the Baltic Express train, which operates every day.  The same train runs on the Tallinn to St. Petersburg route.

Distance
384 km

1 train
on the route

Runs
every day

Travel time
7 hours

4 stops
on the way

Price from
31 USD

St. Petersburg to Tallinn Trains

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Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

How long does it take to travel from St. Petersburg to Tallinn by train?

The train trip from St Petersburg to Tallinn takes 7 hours.

What is the distance between St. Petersburg and Tallinn?

The distance between St. Petersburg and Tallinn is 370 km.

How many times a day does the St. Petersburg - Tallinn train run?

The St. Petersburg - Tallinn train runs once a day. It departs from Tallinn at 06.25 and arrives in Tallinn at 13.52.

Can I travel from St Petersburg to Tallinn by train with an e-visa?

No, it is impossible to exit Russia by train with an electronic visa. 

What are the departure and arrival train stations for the St Petersburg to Tallinn route?

The St. Petersburg to Tallinn train departs from the Moscovsky train station, the address is Nevsky Prospect, 85, metro Ploshad Vosstania. The train arrives at the Tallinn Baltic Station, the address is Toompuiestee 37, 10149 Tallinn, Estonia. 

Where is passport control carried out when you travel from Russia to Estonia by train?

Your passport will be checked in in Ivangorod by Russian customs officers and in Narva by Estonian officers. There’s no need for you to leave the train, all the procedures will be carried out on board.  The train stops at each of these stations for approximately one hour.

Does the St. Petersburg to Tallinn train run through Belarus?

No, the St Petersburg to Tallinn train does not run through Belarus. 

Is there a restaurant car on the St. Petersburg to Tallinn train?

No, the St. Petersburg to Tallinn train does not have a restaurant car. You can buy snacks, tea and coffee from the conductor or bring your own food on board.

Testimonials

History of Train Travel from St. Petersburg to Tallinn

The quickest and most straightforward way to travel between Tallinn and St. Petersburg is by train.  The journey takes about seven hours.

The first railway linking the two capitals was built in 1870, and it became known as the Baltic Railway. It was financed privately by the Estonian nobility to join the Moscow - St. Petersburg Nikolaev Railway with Imperial Russia's Estland Province (present-day Estonia).

The first railway line in the country connected Reval (now Tallinn) and Narva, before meandering roughly west across territory that is now modern-day Estonia to meet up with the Nikolaev Railway. The Baltic Railroad was linked to St Petersburg via Gatchina Baltiysky Station in suburban St Petersburg in 1872. It terminated at Baltiysky Station in St Petersburg (which was renamed for the event!). Between Reval and St Petersburg, passengers could travel in only 12 hours.

The St Petersburg - Tallinn railway continues to operate today and has been served by the modern Baltiysky Express since 2015. The service departed from Moscow every day except Sunday, traveled via St Petersburg, and arrived in Tallinn the next day. The Baltiysky Express stops at St Petersburg Ladozhsky Station from Moscow to Tallinn, and it continues to Moskovsky station on its way from Tallinn to Moscow. On average, the trip takes 16 hours, with 8 hours each leg.

About Trains From St. Petersburg to Tallinn

Taking the train from St. Petersburg to Tallinn offers several advantages, including quick journey times that arrive in Tallinn just before midnight and depart St. Petersburg shortly after midday; central departure and arrival locations, eliminating the trouble of an airport; and border control carried out on a route, so you don't have to disembark and wait at a border station.

Each train features several accommodations to choose from:

  • Seater Cars - These are popular with passengers on shorter journeys as sitting for prolonged travel can become uncomfortable.
  • Third-class cabins: Feature beds in an open carriage.
  • Second class cabins -  Feature four beds in an enclosed compartment.
  • First-class cabins  - Feature two beds in an enclosed compartment.

The vast majority of tourists prefer second- or first-class accommodations. These provide plenty of seclusion and ample space for oversized luggage, comfy beds, and clean linens for overnight trips. Third-class accommodations are great for those on a budget who prefer beds. Solo female travelers may also travel in a women's only cabin if they choose for added comfort.

Once you have your tickets, look forward to a wonderful, smooth
and enjoyable journey through the Russian countryside.

Buy your ticket safely and securely and then sit back
and enjoy the ride!

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