Moscow to Tallinn transfer via Pskov and Luhamaa
You can get from Moscow to Tallinn by car in one day, with no connecting flight and no bus timetable to follow. Artsantaxi takes you through Pskov and the Shumilkino - Luhamaa checkpoint on the Pskov - Riga road. Our Russian driver is with you up to the border, you cross on foot, and in Estonia our Estonian driver meets you and drives you to your door in Tallinn or to Tallinn Airport.
Why go via Luhamaa when there is Koidula
Both southern crossings are calmer than Narva, and both work for a trip from Moscow to Tallinn. People choose Luhamaa for three reasons. First, there is a proper terminal on the Estonian side where you can have a real meal and rest after 7-8 hours on the road. Second, many clients have crossed here before and feel more at home. Third, on some days Luhamaa is simply quieter, and our drivers, who are at the border almost daily, will tell you so.
The road via Koidula is a little shorter and the walk is shorter too, about 350 metres. That option is described on the page Moscow - Tallinn transfer via Pskov and Koidula. Both routes cost the same.
The Luhamaa terminal: where to rest at the border
In the waiting terminal on the Estonian side you can have lunch at the cafe, change money and use the toilets. Before the border, Shumilkino on the Russian side offers a fuel stop that also serves food.
The walk from checkpoint to checkpoint is about 900 metres. Opening hours are 7:00 to 19:00. Scheduled buses use it, and if you reach passport control together with a bus you will wait a little. Usually, though, there are few people at the pedestrian crossing and the border takes 30 minutes to an hour. Read more about the checkpoint in the article Luhamaa - Shumilkino border checkpoint.
Travelling with a dog or a cat
We regularly drive passengers with dogs and cats. Shumilkino and Luhamaa both have veterinary control, with a vet on the Russian side and on the Estonian side. Without the right papers an animal will not be let through, so it pays to prepare early. The rabies vaccination must be given within the required period before the trip, and the blood test for rabies antibody titres is done well in advance. You will also need veterinary certificates. Check the exact requirements with your vet as early as possible and mention your pet to the manager when booking.
What the day of the trip looks like
Leaving Moscow: at the time you choose. The driver picks you up at your address, at Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo or at a railway station, all for one price. Pickups on the outskirts or outside Moscow are priced individually, and you hear the exact figure before you confirm.
The road to the border: about 760 km and 7-8 hours on the M-11 Neva toll motorway to Veliky Novgorod, then via Shimsk to Pskov. From Pskov to Shumilkino it is 60 km. We stop whenever you ask.
The border: we recommend arriving 3-4 hours before the crossing closes at 19:00. The driver drops you off close to the checkpoint and tells his Estonian colleague that you have gone to the checks. If the border takes longer, you will be waited for at no extra charge.
Estonia: from Luhamaa to Tallinn it is 284 km, about 3 hours. Our car meets you and takes you to your address or to the airport.
In total: about 1044 km and around 10.5-12 hours on the road including the border.
By train to Pskov, then by car
If you prefer the railway, take the train from Moscow to Pskov, which arrives in the morning. Our driver meets you at the station and takes you to the Shumilkino border in about 50 minutes, and after the crossing an Estonian driver drives you to your address in Tallinn. The Pskov to border leg costs 4000 roubles by sedan and 5000 roubles by minivan, and the Estonian part is paid as usual: 250 euros for a sedan and 320 euros for a minivan.
If you are not going to Tallinn
If you need to get to Tartu, there is the route Tartu - Luhamaa - Shumilkino transfer. For the return trip from Tallinn to Moscow and other options, see the page Tallinn ↔ Moscow transfer.
Moscow - Tallinn via Luhamaa: questions and answers
How many km is it from Moscow to Tallinn via Luhamaa?
About 1044 km: 760 km to Shumilkino and 284 km from Luhamaa to Tallinn.
How many hours is the drive from Moscow to Tallinn?
Around 10.5-12 hours, counting the border crossing.
Where can I have lunch at the Luhamaa border?
At the cafe in the terminal on the Estonian side, which also has toilets and currency exchange. On the Russian side, Shumilkino has a petrol station with a cafe.
What documents does a dog or cat need?
A rabies vaccination given within the required period before the trip, an antibody titre test done in advance, and veterinary certificates. Your vet can tell you the details.
How far do you walk at Shumilkino - Luhamaa?
About 900 metres. If walking with luggage is hard for you, choose the route via Koidula, where it is about 350 metres.
How do I avoid queuing with bus passengers?
Usually there are few people. If a scheduled bus arrives at passport control at the same time as you, the wait will be a little longer, and the driver in Estonia will wait.
How much is a transfer from Moscow to Tallinn?
650 euros by sedan and 820 euros by minivan, at a fixed price.
Is prepayment required?
No, each driver is paid during the trip. We also take bookings on the day of the trip, most easily via WhatsApp or Telegram.
Do you have child seats?
Yes, just ask when booking. Every car we send is clean and looked after.
Moscow - Tallinn via Luhamaa: the cost of the trip
Sedan for 1-3 people: 650 euros. It is split between the two legs: 40 000 roubles for the Russian part and 250 euros for the Estonian part.
Groups of 4-8 travel in a Mercedes-Benz V-Class or Vito for 820 euros, split as 50 000 roubles for the Russian part and 320 euros for the Estonian part.
Prefer a single payment? Settle everything in euros, or in roubles converted at that day's rate. Waiting at the border and stops are already included. An address in Tallinn and Tallinn Airport cost the same.
Book 24/7:
Phone: +372 5802 4209
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Email: artsantaxi@gmail.com