Whether it’s planned or a surprise, a layover in Kuressaare gives you a genuine shot at exploring somewhere new. The trip from URE to the city takes roughly 40 minutes by Local bus line 2, and we’ve put together this guide to help you spend your time wisely.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at URE:
First, verify that you can enter Estonia — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Local bus line 2 takes about 40 minutes into Kuressaare, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — EUR is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting from URE to Kuressaare
From URE, the Local bus line 2 gets you to Kuressaare in around 40 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 60 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Local bus line 2 offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
How to Spend Your Time in Kuressaare
For a layover visit to Kuressaare, we’d suggest Kuressaare Episcopal Castle & Saaremaa Museum and Kuressaare City Park (Lossipark). Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare. A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight.
If you’d rather stay inside URE — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Kuressaare Airport Terminal Relaxation
- Airfield Viewing Area
Food Worth Trying
- In the city: Ku-Kuu Art & Culture Cafe and Restoran Hafen are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Kuressaare.
- At the airport: Kuressaare Airport Cafe and Airport Grab-and-Go Kiosk will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
What to Budget for Your Kuressaare Side Trip
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Kuressaare:
Transport to the city and back runs about $7 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $13 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $30 USD total.
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Luggage Storage at URE
Dedicated luggage storage at URE may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Kuressaare’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and URE is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Kuressaare and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Resting at the Airport
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at URE.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Kuressaare count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave URE. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.