Techniques for variable length talk permit tone are provided. a request to initiate a Push-to-Talk (PTT) call may be received from a PTT call initiator. A first estimated length of time needed to set up resources for the PTT call may be determined. A second length of time to playout a talk permit tone (TPT) may be determined based on the determined first estimated length of time. An indication may be sent to the PTT call initiator to playout the TPT for the determined second length of time.