Construction has officially commenced on the Ulemiste Terminal, a transformative multi-modal transport hub designed by Zaha Hadid Architects in collaboration with leading Estonian firm Esplan. Scheduled to open in 2028, the terminal will serve as a vital link for city commuters, international rail passengers, and air travelers using the adjacent Tallinn Airport.
Strategically situated, the terminal aims to bridge Tallinn’s districts currently separated by railway tracks, fostering greater unity within the cityscape. This ambitious initiative represents a significant investment in Tallinn’s future infrastructure, addressing long-standing transportation challenges and preparing the city to meet increasing demands for mobility and connectivity. Circulation routes within the terminal have been carefully planned to facilitate navigation and seamless integration with Tallinn’s bus, tram, rail, and cycling networks, all converging at this vital transportation hub.
Magda Kopczynska, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility said, “Rail Baltica is a European, Baltic and Estonian project. The Baltic States must be connected to the European rail network, both in order to ensure the security of supply chains, comfortable travel, economic development and, last but not least, our common European security. The European Commission has been and will remain a strong supporter of Rail Baltica.”
Modular Construction and Sustainability
The terminal’s modular construction approach ensures that ongoing rail operations can continue smoothly throughout the building process. This phased approach not only minimizes disruption but also underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency, aligning with BREEAM benchmarks and guidelines.
Prominent figures have expressed strong support for the project. Kristen Michal, Estonia’s Climate Minister, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We have been dreaming of a fast connection to Europe. This is a landmark year in the construction of Rail Baltica – in addition to laying the cornerstone of the Ülemiste terminal, the construction of the main line has also begun. Building a high-quality connection will provide a much-needed new opportunity for the Estonia’s people and its economy.”
Anvar Salomets, Chairman of the Rail Baltic Estonia management board, has expressed strong support for the project, “Until just a few years ago, we could not have believed that we could have celebrated the laying of the cornerstone for Ülemiste Terminal. The implementation of the Rail Baltica project in Estonia has been both effective and efficient, and in four years’ time, we invite everyone to the opening of Rail Baltica Ülemiste terminal.”
Tallinn’s Ulemiste Terminal will serve as the northern endpoint of the upcoming 870-kilometre Rail Baltica electrified railway, currently in development. Rail Baltica is set to offer passenger services at speeds reaching up to 249 km/h, facilitating connectivity between Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and integrating these Baltic states with Poland’s high-speed rail network across Europe.
