- Must visit
AHHAA Science Centre
Estonia’s leading science center features hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and family-friendly displays that make learning engaging for all ages.
Cheapest price
kr243
Average price
kr249
Fastest journey
3 h 40 m
Average duration
4 h 8 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
223 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Riga to Tartu is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Riga to Tartu will cost around kr249 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr243.
Of the 4 buses that leave Riga for Tartu on Wed, Aug 26, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 26 the direct buses cover the 223 km distance in an average of 4 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 40 m .
On Wed, Aug 26 the slowest buses will take 4 h 50 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
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25/175|v121>v2e
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25/175|v121>v2eOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Riga to Tartu among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from kr173. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 37m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of kr173, and a bus costs an average of kr178.
Distance: 138 miles (223 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
kr245 Average price | kr200 Average price Cheapest | kr478 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 19m Average total duration 3h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 7m Average total duration Fastest 3h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Riga to Tartu:
A train is kr45 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Riga to Tartu costing on average kr245.
Other travel options to Tartu take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 49m.
Tickets start at around kr245 compared to roughly kr478 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about kr233. The journey takes 3h 49m versus 3h 25m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Lux Express, FlixBus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Lux Express | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 10:55AM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price kr206 |
Operator Lux Express | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 10:55AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price kr206 |
Operator Lux Express | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price kr266 |
Operator Lux Express | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price kr243 |
The table below shows live departures for Riga to Tartu buses for today, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
915/25|v121>v2e | 7:00 AM Rīga, Rīgas Starptautiskā Autoosta | 3h55 | 10:55 AM Tartu, Bussijaam | 0 transfersDirect | |
915/25|v121>v2e | 7:15 AM Riga, Ilukstes street/Plavnieki | 3h40 | 10:55 AM Tartu, Bussijaam | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Riga to Tartu run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 49m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at kr178 but you can travel from only kr173 by train.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:35, the last at 19:30. The fastest bus covers the 138 miles (223 km) distance in 3h 40m.
Distance 138 miles (223 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price kr178 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 3h 40m |
First bus 12:35 AM |
Last bus 7:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Tartu — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Tartu trip today.
Estonia’s leading science center features hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and family-friendly displays that make learning engaging for all ages.
The national museum presents Estonia’s cultural history in a striking modern building with strong permanent exhibitions and interactive displays.
Located in the university’s main building, this art museum is known for its tilted rooms and compact collection of classical and local works.
Tartu’s hilltop park area combines ruins, bridges, monuments, and shaded walks, making it the city’s essential historic promenade.
The central square anchors old town life with seasonal events, photogenic facades, and easy access to major sights.
The riverside promenade is ideal for walking, cycling, and views of central Tartu, especially lively in warmer months.
A soft, caraway-scented curd cheese from South Estonia. It is a classic local dairy product and a symbol of regional food heritage.
Barley porridge mixed with potato, often served with fried bacon and onion. A rustic farmhouse staple long eaten in Southern Estonia.
Blood sausage traditionally served at winter feasts with lingonberry jam and sauerkraut. It is one of Estonia’s most iconic celebratory foods.
Refined restaurant in Tartu offering seasonal Estonian and Nordic cooking in an elegant setting inside Hotel Lydia.
Stylish riverside venue known for modern European dishes, cocktails, and polished service with views near the city center.
Well-known restaurant serving Estonian and international classics in a cozy old-town atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Moderate for the Baltics: lodging and dining are reasonable, while transit is cheap. Student demand can raise central hotel prices in peak periods.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good restaurant service is appreciated. Small rounding for taxis and cafes is enough.
Official public transport app
Tartu Bussijaam -> Town Hall Square
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Riga to Tartu by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Tartu, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Riga to Tartu buses use the Rīga, Rīgas Starptautiskā Autoosta to Tartu, Bussijaam station pair. Use this guide to compare Riga and Tartu bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Rīga, Rīgas Starptautiskā Autoosta has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café Autoosta (in the station), Bakery Express (in the station), Fast Food Corner (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Rīga, Rīgas Starptautiskā Autoosta.
Available at Rīga, Rīgas Starptautiskā Autoosta: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rīga, Rīgas Starptautiskā Autoosta: Elevators, ramps.
Riga, Ilukstes street/Plavnieki is 5 km from Riga city centre. Public transport options include:
Riga, Ilukstes street/Plavnieki has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Riga, Ilukstes street/Plavnieki. ATMs are available at Riga, Ilukstes street/Plavnieki.
Ticket office support is available at Riga, Ilukstes street/Plavnieki.
Available at Riga, Ilukstes street/Plavnieki: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Riga, Ilukstes street/Plavnieki: The station is accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Skulte, Starptautiskā lidosta Rīga is 1 km from Riga city centre. Public transport options include:
Skulte, Starptautiskā lidosta Rīga has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Limited food options available nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at Skulte, Starptautiskā lidosta Rīga. ATMs are located near the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Skulte, Starptautiskā lidosta Rīga.
Available at Skulte, Starptautiskā lidosta Rīga: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Skulte, Starptautiskā lidosta Rīga: Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need