Saaremaa is reached by TS Laevad's ferries from Virtsu on the Estonian mainland to Kuivastu on Muhu island, which is itself connected to Saaremaa by a causeway, the Väinatamm. Saaremaa can also be reached by ferry from Sõru on the island of Hiiumaa to Triigi. There are also passenger services from Roomassaare to the smaller island of Abruka. During many winters it is possible to drive to Saaremaa by an ice road between the mainland and Muhu or between Saaremaa and the island of Hiiumaa.
There are regular bus services from Tallinn, Pärnu and Tartu on the mainland, which use the ferry from Virtsu to Muhu.
There is an airport at Kuressaare with regular flights to Tallinn operated by Transaviabaltika. In the summer season there are regular service to Ruhnu and Pärnu operated by Luftverkehr Friesland Harle, and a twice weekly service to Stockholm operated by Estonian Air.
Historically there was a Soviet air base at Aste during the Cold War. Plans to connect Saaremaa to the mainland either by the Saaremaa Bridge or Saaremaa Tunnel are being studied.
Bus traffic
Information and timetables of the routes served on the basis of the public service contract available at www.peatus.ee.
From 1 July 2018, bus travel on Saare County routes and city lines is free for everyone, regardless of age or registered residence. However, when entering the bus, you have to say your final stop and validate the journey with a card, and the bus driver can also issue a so-called zero ticket. End-of-stop information is needed to design a better route network.
Long-distance or commercial lines
Saaremaa municipality and the county are crossed by several commercial lines that connect Kuressaare with the cities on the mainland. The Road Administration is responsible for organizing commercial routes.
Timetables and prices: www.peatus.ee, www.tpilet.ee
Ship traffic
Kuivastu – Virtsu shipping line - serviced by TS Laevad OÜ
Information telephone: 1310 (0.22 € / min) or 6181 3101
Timetables and prices: www.praamid.ee
Roomassaare – Ringsu – Pärnu shipping line - serves AS Kihnu Veeteed
Information phone 443 1069 Mon – Fri 9 am – 5 pm
Timetables and prices: www.veeteed.ee
Triigi – Sõru shipping line - served by AS Kihnu Veeteed
Information phone 443 1069 Mon – Fri 9 am – 5 pm
Timetables and prices: www.veeteed.ee
Papissaare – Vilsandi and Roomassaare – Abruka shipping lines - are served by Saaremaa municipality
Additional information: www.saaremaavald.ee sadamad-ja-vaikesaared
Air traffic
Kuressaare – Tallinn route - served by Transaviabaltika
Timetables and prices: www.saartelennuliinid.ee
Kuressaare – Ruhnu – Pärnu airline - served by Diamond Sky OÜ
Regular flights to Ruhnu Island take place from October 1 to April 30
Timetables and prices: www.eestilennud.ee
Kuressaare airport information: www.kuressaare-airport.ee