- Must visit
Latvian National Museum of Art
The main national art museum presents Latvian and Baltic art in a grand historic building with strong permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Cheapest price
zł110
Average price
zł112
Fastest journey
3 h 30 m
Average duration
3 h 54 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
223 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Tartu to Riga is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Tartu to Riga will cost around zł112 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only zł110.
Of the 4 buses that leave Tartu for Riga on Sat, Aug 22, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 22 the direct buses cover the 223 km distance in an average of 3 h 54 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 30 m .
On Sat, Aug 22 the slowest buses will take 4 h 30 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.
915/25|v2e>v121
385/24|v2e>v121
915/25|v2e>v121
385/24|v2e>v121
915/25|v2e>v121
915/25|v2e>v121
385/24|v2e>v121
385/24|v2e>v121Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Tartu to Riga among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from zł69. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of zł69, and a bus costs an average of zł71.
Distance: 138 miles (223 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
zł106 Average price | zł80 Average price Cheapest | zł190 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 3h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 19m Average total duration 3h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Tartu to Riga:
A train is zł26 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Tartu to Riga costing on average zł106.
Other travel options to Riga take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 49m.
Tickets start at around zł106 compared to roughly zł190 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about zł84. The journey takes 3h 45m versus 3h 31m 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 11:10AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price zł96 |
Operator Lux Express | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price zł110 |
The table below shows live departures for Tartu to Riga buses for tomorrow, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
385/24|v2e>v121 | 11:10 AM Tartu, Bussijaam | 4h30 | 3:40 PM Skulte, Riga International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
385/24|v2e>v121 | 11:10 AM Tartu, Bussijaam | 3h55 | 3:05 PM Rīga, Rīgas Starptautiskā Autoosta | 0 transfersDirect | |
915/25|v2e>v121 | 6:30 PM Tartu, Bussijaam | 3h40 | 10:10 PM Rīga, Rīgas Starptautiskā Autoosta | 0 transfersDirect | |
915/25|v2e>v121 | 6:30 PM Tartu, Bussijaam | 3h30 | 10:00 PM Riga, Ilukstes street/Plavnieki | 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 Tartu to Riga run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at zł71 but you can travel from only zł69 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 30m.
Distance 138 miles (223 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price zł71 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 3h 30m |
First bus 12:35 AM |
Last bus 7:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Riga — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Riga trip today.
The main national art museum presents Latvian and Baltic art in a grand historic building with strong permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Well-curated museum on Latvia’s occupations by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. It gives vital context for Riga and modern Latvia.
Fascinating museum on the Art Nouveau era inside a richly decorated 1903 apartment. Ideal for understanding Riga’s iconic architecture.
Riga’s UNESCO-listed medieval core is packed with churches, guild houses, squares, and winding lanes. It is the city’s classic walking area.
Celebrated avenue lined with ornate Art Nouveau facades by Eisenstein and others. A top place to appreciate Riga’s architectural fame.
Leafy canal-side park around the old city moat, ideal for relaxed walks, bridges, flowers, and classic views of central Riga.
Grey peas with bacon is a classic Latvian winter dish of stewed peas mixed with fried onions and bacon, especially tied to festive tables.
Rye bread soup is a traditional sweet dessert made from dark rye bread, dried fruit and spices, valued for turning Latvia's staple bread into comfort food.
Sklandrausis is a protected Latvian pastry with rye crust and carrot-potato filling, rooted in Livonian and Kurzeme cooking traditions.
One of Riga's best-known fine dining restaurants, offering tasting menus, polished service and contemporary Baltic cuisine.
Refined Latvian fine dining in the Old Town, known for seasonal local ingredients, elegant plating and a calm historic setting.
A respected cellar restaurant serving modern Latvian cuisine with game, fish and regional produce in a warm medieval atmosphere.
Moderate for the Baltics: hotels and dining cost more than Vilnius, but public transport is cheap and budget eats are easy to find.
Service is often included only at higher-end venues. Rounding up is common; 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants. Taxis usually round up. Cafes may use small change or none.
Official public transport app
Rīga, Rīgas Starptautiskā Autoosta -> Riga Old Town
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Tartu to Riga 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 Riga, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Tartu to Riga buses use the Tartu, Bussijaam to Rīga, Rīgas Starptautiskā Autoosta station pair, with some services arriving at Skulte, Starptautiskā lidosta Rīga. Use this guide to compare Tartu and Riga 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.
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.
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.
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