Cycling Info and FAQ
USEFUL INFORMATION
We have gathered here some useful hints what you might need while planning your trip to Estonia and the Baltics.
Rental conditions you will find here.
TOURIST INFORMATION
- Tourist Infromation about Tallinn is here
- Tourist information about Estonia is here
- Information about Estonian Cuisine is here
- The European Cycling Routes Network: Baltic Sea Route, East European Route and Iron Curtain Route are passing Estonia
- Ferries from and to Sweden are operated by Tallink
- Ferries from ant to Findland are operated by Tallink, Viking Line and Linda Line
- Tallinn Airport information is here
- Ferries to Saaremaa and Hiiumaa islands are operated by TS Laevad. Ferry shedules are here
- Ferries to Vormsi, Kihnu, Aegna islands and between Saaremaa and Hiiumaa are operated by Kihnu Veeteed
- Domestic bus timetables you can find here
- Busses to Riga and Vilnius are operated by LuxExpress
- Domestic trains in Estonia are operated by Elron
- Domestic train schedules in Latvia are here
TRANSPORTATION IN TALLINN
- Buses and trams operate regularly from 6:00 to 23:30.
- You can buy tickets from the vechile. There is a validator at the first door of the vechile which accepts contactless card payments. Tickets are 2 EUR for adults and 1 EUR for children and students.
- Tallinn Card holders may use unlimited public transportation free.
- From airport take a tram no 4 to get to the centre. Most central stop is called Hobujaam. Timetable is here
- To get to the Central Bus Station, take trams 2 or 4. Stop: Bussijaam
- To get to the railway station (Balti Jaam), take trams 1 or 2. Stop: Balti Jaam
TAXI
In airport, take the taxi ONLY from the taxi row (the row closest to airport building).
Average fare from airport to Old Town should be around 10-12 € (printed receipt should show approximately 7 km).
Some taxi rules:
- Price list should be on the taxi window, so you can see it.
- There is a starting fee (usually 2-4€) and then meter fare 0,43-0,9 per km.
- There can be also different charges at daytime and at night but no difference between working or weekend days.
- Pay only by the sum on the taximeter. If the meter is not running or if the taxidriver don’t give you a reciept if asked, passenger is entitled not to pay. Same applies when the printer is broken/gone etc.
- Do not accept handwritten receipts.
Some taxi companies:
- Tulika taxi 1200/ (+372) 6 120 000 (white or black van)
- Tallink taxi 1921/(+372) 640 8921 (yellow van)
- Bolt is good app to download and order taxi in modern ways
Parking:
Parking on streets in the city centre, the Old Town and the Pirita area must be paid for. First 15 minutes parking is free, but you have to use the parking clock. You can purchase a parking ticket from a street-side machine.
Parking in the centre and nearby Old Town – Europark parking is the cheapest (starting from 3 EUR/24 hrs, depending on location). Information about Europark parking is here
- Parking on Old Town streets: 24/7 paid parking. Parking rate: 6 EUR/hr.
- Parking on Südalinn streets: 24/7 paid parking. Parking rate 4,8 EUR/hr
- Parking on Kesklinn streets: paid parking Mon-Fri: 7-19, Sat 7-15. Sun free parking. Rate 1.5 EUR/hr.
Information resources, articles, blogs ect.:
Estonia
- Cycling route around Estonia, maps, day by day routes, short description.
Frequently asked questions and our answers
Where is the City Bike located?
The shop is located in Tallinn Old Town area: Vene tn 33, 10123 Tallinn, Estonia. 200 meters of the edge of Old town (cobble stones area). And 400 meters from the main square.
What are the opening hours?
We are basically opened all year round. Closed at Christmas and New Year holidays. Seasonal opening hours:
- November – February: 10:00–18:00, March – October: 10:00–19:00. We are open also on weekends: Saturdays and Sundays
How can I contact City Bike?
- Phone: +372 511 1819
- Email: mail@citybike.ee
What bicycles can I rent?
City Bike offers one of the largest rental fleets in Estonia, including:
- City bikes
- Trekking / touring bikes
- Gravel bikes
- Road bikes
- Mountain bikes (MTB, hardtail)
- Fat bikes
- Electric bikes (pedelecs)
- Tandem bikes
- Cargo bikes
- Children’s bikes
- Bike trailers
- Child seats
PRICES
What are the starting rental prices?
Our smallest rental period is 3 hours.
| Bike Type | From |
| City Bike | €8 |
| Trekking Bike | €10 |
| Road / Gravel | €16 |
| MTB / Fat Bike | €16 |
| Tandem | €18 |
| Kids Bike | €5 |
| E-bike | €18 |
| Cargo Bike | €18 |
| Trailer (kids, cargo) | €5 |
Do prices depend on duration?
Yes. Longer rentals means better rates, especially for multi-day or weekly bookings. City bike daily price drops to 12 EUR, trekking bike 14 EUR and gravel bike 17 EUR per 24 hours period.
What is PREMIUM BIKE option?
You can upgrade your bike (get a newer bike with better components) for only +2€ per day! However we have small stock for premium bikes and recommend to book well in advance, online.
DEPOSITS
Is a security deposit required?
Yes, bicycle and equipment rentals require deposits (cash or credit card booking) .
| Bike Type | Deposit |
| Trekking / Touring | €100 |
| Gravel / Road | €200 |
| Electric Bike | €200 |
How is the deposit managed and returned?
Normally after the bike is returned in acceptable condition and all equipment is accounted for. Exact method may depend on payment type. Credit card deposit is possible to leave with physical card and personal PIN code. This type of deposit we can release from distance. We practice this if rental is finished outside of our office (Kuressaare, Pärnu, Riga, Vilinus).
INCLUDED ITEMS
What is included with bike rental?
- Helmet
- Lock
- Repair kit: Spare tube, puncture kit, tire levers, multitool
Are panniers or bikepacking bags included?
Not automatically. Touring accessories may be rented separately.
Examples:
- Ortlieb panniers
- Handlebar bags
- Bikepacking bags
- Rear racks for gravel and mountain bikes
SPECIAL PRICES & BALTIC RENTALS
Can bikes be transported elsewhere in the Baltics?
We can help you with your travel logistics. Contact us directly for one-way transport or drop-off arrangements in Estonia / Latvia / Lithuania.
Where can I drop off my bicycle besides Tallinn if I go on a multiday ride?
- Pärnu (35 EUR per bicycle)
- Kuressaare (35 EUR per bicycle)
- Riga (45 EUR/55 for e-bike per bicycle)
- Vilnius, Kaunas or Klaipeda (55 EUR/65 for e-bike per bicycle)
- Other places upon request only. For locations near Tallinn, the rate is 0.60 EUR per km. For example, a destination 60 km qway would cost 2 x 60 km x 0.6 EUR = 72 EUR (round trip).
Can my luggage be transported during my multidays ride?
No.
We no longer offer daily luggage transfer from 2024 any more due to environmental considerations. In Estonia, this would often require driving 40-60 km one way just to transport 1-2 suitcases to the next accommodation and then returning empty. Imagine how much fuel would be consumed for that!
Can I store my luggage during my multidays ride?
Yes.
Travellers renting bikes at our place can store their luggage in our office for free. Yes, no extra charge. It doesn’t matter if you rent the bicycle for 3 hours or for 3 weeks. Entire rental period we keep your luggage for free.
RESERVATIONS
Should I book in advance?
Yes — especially in:
- Summer (May–August)
- Weekends
- Tallinn events
- Ironman / sports weekends
- Holiday periods
Can I walk in without booking?
Often yes, depending on stock. But advance booking is safer. All long rentals will be checked before the start. We give recommend to do the test ride and check everything works as it should. Aftr rental is started and you ride off from our office, you are responsible for the rented equipment.
How do I book?
Bookings can be made online through their website or by email. Press Button BOOK NOW
RULES & RESPONSIBILITY
What do I need to rent a bike?
- Valid ID / passport
- Deposit (for longer rents, E–bikes, gravel and road bikes)
- Name + contact details – you can fill in these in our office or while making the online booking.
Who is responsible if bike is damaged?
The renter is generally responsible for misuse, theft, or damage beyond normal wear.
Should I lock the bike?
Yes. Always use the provided lock when leaving the bicycle unattended. We have secure Abus Bordo folding locks for rentals. Recommend to store the bicycle indoors for overnight period.
What if I get a flat tire?
Minor repair kits are included for free. For serious issues, contact the shop.
Can I ride in winter?
Yes. City Bike actively promotes winter cycling and winter tours. Fat bikes and winter-ready bikes may be available.
GRAVEL AND BIKEPACKING
What kind of gravel bicycles can I rent?
Merida Silex 200
- 2 x 9 speeds, Shimano Sora
- alloy frames and carbon forks
- size S-M available
Meride Silex 300
- – 1 x 11 speeds, Sram Apex
- alloy frames and carbon forks
- size XS – XL available
Corratec Allroad A1, A2
- 1 x 11 speeds Shimano or 2 x 10 speeds Shimano
- alloy frames and forks
- size M, L, XL
Can I rent bikepacking bags?
We rent Ortlieb waterproof bags:
- frame bags (Frame-pack 3-6L)
- handlebar bags (Handlebar-pack 11-15L )
- seatpost bags (Seat-pack 16.5L)
Can I rent a rear rack
Yes.
You have the option to add a rear rack to our gravel and mountain bikes. The rental price is 1.50€ per day or 9€ per week. Since we have fewer racks than bikes, please inform us in advance if you’d like one. If you book online and add panniers to your cart, we will automatically include and install the rack. The rental fee for the rack can be paid at our office when you pick up the bike. Please bear in mind the racks have 20 kg weight limit and now top for luggage (only side panniers)!
What extra bikepacking gear can I rent?
- SPD or SPD SL pedals
- powerbank and phone holder onto handlebar
- GPS device or a holder to the handlebar
TECHNICAL QUESTIONS
Can I use clip-in pedals?
Yes.
We can rent out road or gravel bicycles with clip-in pedals. We have SPD or SPD SL pedals. If you want to those, let us know in advance and we will put them on your bicycle.
FAMILY QUESTIONS
Is there children’s bikes?
Yes. We have child bikes from around age 5.
Can I rent child seats?
Yes. Child seats available, attachment onto rack.
Can I rent trailers?
Yes. We have Thule bike trailers, 2 seated .
ELECTRIC BIKES
What e-bikes can I rent?
We have Cube electric bikes with Bosch motors and 625Wh batteries. Range up to approx. 150 km depending on terrain and assist level.
Are e-bikes good for Tallinn?
Yes — excellent for easy sightseeing, longer rides, or riders wanting less effort.
TANDEM / SPECIALTY BIKES
Can two people rent one tandem?
Yes. Tandem rentals are offered. We have only 1 tandem. Hand made in Germany, Pedalpower, Deep 26.
Can I rent cargo bikes?
Yes. Electric cargo bikes are available.
EVENTS / RACE RENTALS
Can I rent bikes for Ironman Tallinn or races?
Yes. Their site specifically references high demand during Ironman and recommends early booking.