How to get to Kuressaare

Located on the picturesque island of Saaremaa, Kuressaare is a cosy resort town in Estonia, famous for its medieval castle and wellness centres. When planning how to get to Kuressaare, tourists can choose the option most convenient for them: a quick flight, a bus ride, or a car journey involving a ferry crossing. Regardless of the chosen path, the trip promises to be an exciting start to exploring the island culture of the Baltic.

The fastest way to reach the island is to take a flight to Kuressaare Airport (URE), which receives planes from the mainland. The airport is located just a few kilometres from the city, allowing travellers to save significant time and avoid dependence on maritime navigation.

If direct tickets are unavailable, one can consider flying to nearby major transport hubs, such as Riga (RIX) or Pärnu (EPU). There is also a small airport in the city of Kärdla on the neighbouring island, though reaching the final destination from there will require transfers.

It is important to note that there is no railway station in Kuressaare, as the railway network does not extend to the islands. Train enthusiasts will have to plan a combined route, using the railway for only part of the journey on the mainland.

The nearest major cities accessible by train are Pärnu and the capital of Latvia, Riga. From the stations in these cities, the journey must be continued by intercity bus or rental car to reach the ferry crossing and travel to Saaremaa.

Bus connections to the island are excellent, making it a popular choice among tourists. The fastest and most logical route runs from the city of Pärnu: the bus covers the distance of 162 km in approximately 3 hours, usually driving directly onto the ferry without passengers needing to transfer.

Travellers departing from the city of Riga should be prepared for a long journey: the route often goes through Tallinn, increasing the distance to 527 km and the travel time to over 11 hours. A trip option is also available from the neighbouring island from the city of Kärdla, taking about 7 hours considering all crossings.

A car trip to Kuressaare offers freedom of movement but requires checking ferry schedules. From the city of Pärnu, the road will take about 3.5 hours (distance 154 km), making this route one of the most comfortable for drivers.

If you are driving from Latvia, from the city of Riga, the journey along the direct highway (Via Baltica) will be about 337 km and take approximately 6 hours, which is significantly faster than the bus. For those travelling between islands from Kärdla, the 106 km road will require about 4.8 hours due to the specifics of inter-island transport.

A trip to Kuressaare promises a calm and measured holiday, but knowing a few practical nuances will make your stay on the island as comfortable as possible.

1. Clothing and Essentials. Baltic weather is changeable and windy. Even in summer, be sure to bring a windproof jacket and comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones and nature trails.
2. Transport. The historic city centre is compact and pleasant to explore on foot or by rented bicycle. To visit distant lighthouses and cliffs, it is better to rent a car.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, but a small amount of cash may be useful at local markets or fairs.
4. Health and Safety. Kuressaare is a safe city with a low crime rate. However, when walking in forests and tall grass outside the city, one should be wary of ticks and use repellents.
5. Communication. The state language is Estonian. In the tourism sector, staff speak English fluently, and many representatives of the older generation understand Russian.
6. Local Etiquette. Estonians value silence and personal space. Reserved and polite behaviour is appreciated; loud conversations in public places are not customary.
7. What to Avoid. Try not to plan your departure from the island by car during Sunday peak hours without a pre-booked ferry ticket to avoid standing in long queues.
8. Additional Tip. Be sure to set aside time to visit the spa centres — Kuressaare is famous for their high concentration and the quality of treatments using local therapeutic muds.

By following these simple recommendations, you can enjoy the unique atmosphere of Saaremaa and the hospitality of the local residents without any worries.