Estonia
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Tartu
Tartu's electronics and research companies usually ship by air via Tallinn, about two and a half hours by road.
Services in Tartu
- Air freight in TartuAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in TartuFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in TartuImport and export clearance by our in-house customs teams in 8 countries and by partner teams in the Ziem network.
Airports, seaports and connections in Tartu
- AirportTallinn
TLLroad feeder - SeaportTallinnMuuga Harbour
Tartu is Estonia's second city. Tartu Airport (TAY) has limited passenger services and no regular cargo, so air freight is trucked by road to Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL), Estonia's main air cargo gateway. Riga International Airport in Latvia, to the south-west, can be an alternative depending on the routing. For sea freight, Muuga Harbour near Tallinn is the main port.
The E263 (Route 2) links Tartu with Tallinn, and roads lead south towards Latvia and east to Lake Peipus. The Tallinn-Tartu railway connects the two largest Estonian cities, with lines continuing south towards Valga. We arrange pick-up and delivery across Tartu and southern Estonia.
Industries in Tartu and how we support them
Tartu is home to the University of Tartu, Estonia's oldest university, and a research and technology community that includes electronics and IT companies, biotechnology and the Tartu Science Park. Food and beverage producers and wood processing also contribute to the regional economy. Ziem Logistics supports these companies with air freight through our airline network via Tallinn or Riga, On-Board Courier for research samples and prototypes, Next Flight Out for urgent components, sea freight via Muuga Harbour, and in-house customs clearance.
Operational logistics facts for Tartu
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Tallinn Airport (TLL) | Belly and freighter cargo | Main air cargo gateway reached by road feeder |
| Tartu research and technology community | Electronics, IT, biotechnology | High-value shipments with OBC option |
| Tallinn-Tartu road and rail corridor | Road and rail link to the capital | Feeder connection to Tallinn's airport and port |
| Riga International Airport | Alternative air cargo gateway | Option for southern Estonia depending on the routing |
Customs clearance in Estonia
In-house customs team
Customs clearance in Estonia is handled by our own in-house customs team.
Air freight to and from Estonia is booked through our carrier network.
Importers in Estonia need an EORI number issued by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport do you use for air freight from Tartu?
Usually Tallinn (TLL), reached by road feeder, and sometimes Riga in Latvia. Tartu Airport (TAY) has no regular cargo. Shipments move as air freight through our airline network, and we confirm cut-off times with every booking.
Can you send research samples from Tartu by On-Board Courier?
Yes. An On-Board Courier collects in Tartu and carries the samples door to door. Packaging, temperature requirements and dangerous-goods classification are agreed with you before collection.
Do you collect across southern Estonia?
Yes. We arrange pick-up across Tartu and southern Estonia, including Viljandi and Võru, and truck freight to Tallinn or Riga for departure, depending on the routing.
Can you clear imports for Tartu companies?
Yes. Our own customs team files import declarations with the Estonian Tax and Customs Board for goods arriving at Tallinn or elsewhere. We need your EORI number, the commercial invoice, packing list and transport document.
Can research equipment be imported temporarily?
Yes. Equipment imported for research or exhibitions may qualify for temporary admission with duty relief. We prepare the declaration under the appropriate procedure and track the re-export.
Can imports flown into Riga be cleared in Estonia?
Goods arriving in Riga from outside the EU can move under transit to Estonia and be cleared by our in-house team, or be cleared in Latvia. We agree the clearance point with you.