New platform at Ulemiste Linda terminal fully functional – traveling public now utilizing the finished segment
Breaking Ground at Tallinn's Ülemiste Station: A New Era Begins
This morning, Ülemiste station in Tallinn, Estonia, took a massive leap forward as passenger trains started rolling onto a fresh, new platform. The initial section of the Ülemiste Linda Terminal, a crucial part of the Rail Baltica's northern gateway, is now in service.
Measuring an impressive 230 meters long and 9.3 meters wide, this platform is a significant step forward in the infrastructure development being spearheaded by Rail Baltic Estonia. Until now, Elron trains operated from older, partially shared platforms in the same area. With today's shift, the new platform promises a sneak peek into the future of travel, with modern design and enhanced accessibility for passengers.
Anvar Salomets, Chairman of the Management Board at Rail Baltic Estonia, shared his excitement, "We are building Estonia's first passenger terminal and transport hub to meet international standards. The Ülemiste terminal will be a unique regional jewel, connecting two railway gauges, 1520 mm and 1435 mm, as well as tram lines, pedestrian and cycling paths, and a bus terminal with six bays." He went on to say, "Today marks the completion of the first phase, which has established new passenger facilities."
The Ülemiste Linda Terminal is on track for completion in 2028. This architectural marvel, designed by London-based Zaha Hadid Architects in collaboration with Estonian firm Esplan, will span Suur-Sõjamaëe Street, rise to a height of 20 meters, and seamlessly integrate Rail Baltica's high-speed line with Elron's local services, Tallinn Airport, tram lines, bus routes, and pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
Lauri Betlem, Chairman of the Management Board at Elron, expressed delight as well, stating, "Our 8 million annual passengers demand faster and more convenient connections, and they're eager for new routes and destinations, such as Pärnu, Riga, Kaunas, and Warsaw. The Linda Terminal will become the hub where all these routes converge, offering a seamless connection to the airport and representing a new level of travel experience."
Construction of the terminal is Estonia's largest infrastructure project of its kind and will unfold in stages, ensuring uninterrupted train service throughout the building period. By 2030, when Rail Baltica is expected to become operational, the first high-speed train between Tallinn and Warsaw will depart from the Linda Terminal.
Funding for the Ülemiste Terminal construction comes from the European Union Cohesion Fund (CF) and the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).
Rail Baltica: A Game-Changer for the Baltic Region
Rail Baltica, one of Europe's largest high-speed rail projects, is part of the Trans-European Transport Network. Its ultimate goal is to improve connectivity, bolster regional security, and stimulate economic growth in the Baltic states. The new railway will link Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania with Poland and, indirectly, with Finland. It will also integrate with the broader European rail network.
Rail Baltica will run on a standard gauge of 1435 mm, be fully electrified, and equipped with ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System). Designed to meet European standards, it is expected to reduce travel times between Baltic states and major European cities by more than half. By serving as a modern infrastructure for passenger, freight, and military mobility, Rail Baltica will promote accessibility and ease business, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Establishing the Baltics as a key link in European trade and cooperation is a significant advantage of this ambitious project.
RB Rail AS: Coordinating the Rail Baltica Global Project
RB Rail AS, a multinational joint venture between Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, manages and coordinates the implementation of the Rail Baltica Global Project. To learn more about the Rail Baltica project, visit www.railbaltica.org.
By 2025, construction on the Ülemiste Linda Terminal is expected to begin, with completion anticipated by October 2028. The first section of the terminal was completed as of June 2025, marking a significant milestone in the project. The construction contract was signed on May 21, 2025, and is valued at approximately €85 million.
- The new platform at Uלemiste station, a part of the Uלemiste Linda Terminal, marks a significant step in the finance sector, as it is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Estonia, funded by the European Union Cohesion Fund (CF) and the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).
- In the business industry, the Uלemiste Linda Terminal, once complete in 2028, will serve as a transport hub, connecting two different railway gauges, trams, buses, and pedestrian/cycling paths, thereby promoting increased economic growth in the Baltic region by improving connectivity and stimulating tourism and cultural exchanges through Rail Baltica.
