- Must visit
AHHAA Science Centre
Hands-on science centre with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and activities that make it especially rewarding for families and curious adults.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Riga to Tartu
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Sept
Cheapest price on 05 Sept
£17
Average ticket price on 05 Sept
£20
Fastest journey on 05 Sept
3 h 40 m
Average journey duration on 05 Sept
4 h 8 m
Buses on 05 Sept
4
Distance
223 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Riga to Tartu is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Riga to Tartu will cost around £20 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £17.
Fast coaches
On Sat 05 Sept, we found 4 buses from Riga to Tartu, including 4 direct services.
These 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 .
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.
25/175|v121>v2e13:154h05Rīga, Rīgas Starptautiskā Autoosta17:20Tartu, Bussijaam£171One-way0 changes- 25/175|v121>v2e12:304h50Skulte, Riga International Airport17:20Tartu, Bussijaam£191One-way0 changes
- 915/25|v121>v2e7:003h55Rīga, Rīgas Starptautiskā Autoosta10:55Tartu, Bussijaam£221One-way0 changes
- 915/25|v121>v2e7:153h40Riga, Ilukstes street/Plavnieki10:55Tartu, Bussijaam£221One-way0 changes
- 915/25|v121>v2e7:153h40Riga, Ilukstes street/Plavnieki10:55Tartu, Bussijaam£221One-way0 changes
- 915/25|v121>v2e7:003h55Rīga, Rīgas Starptautiskā Autoosta10:55Tartu, Bussijaam£221One-way0 changes
- 25/175|v121>v2e13:154h05Rīga, Rīgas Starptautiskā Autoosta17:20Tartu, Bussijaam£171One-way0 changes
- 25/175|v121>v2e12:304h50Skulte, Riga International Airport17:20Tartu, Bussijaam£191One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Riga to Tartu
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Riga to Tartu among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £16 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 7m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £16, while a coach costs an average of £19.
Distance: 223 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£19 Average Price | £16 Average Price Cheapest | £37 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 |
The cheapest way to travel from Riga to Tartu is a train with an average price of £16.
This is compared to other travel options from Riga to Tartu:
A train is £3 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Riga to Tartu costing on average £19.
The fastest way to travel from Riga to Tartu is by train with an average journey time of 3h 37m.
Other travel options to Tartu take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 49m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Riga and Tartu including taking a train and coach.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £19 compared to roughly £37 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £18. 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.
Live departures
Riga to Tartu bus times
The table below shows live departures for Riga to Tartu coaches for tomorrow, Saturday 5 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 915/25|v121>v2e | 7:00 Rīga, Rīgas Starptautiskā Autoosta | 3h55 | 10:55 Tartu, Bussijaam | 0 changesdirect | |
| 915/25|v121>v2e | 7:15 Riga, Ilukstes street/Plavnieki | 3h40 | 10:55 Tartu, Bussijaam | 0 changesdirect | |
| 25/175|v121>v2e | 12:30 Skulte, Riga International Airport | 4h50 | 17:20 Tartu, Bussijaam | 0 changesdirect | |
| 25/175|v121>v2e | 13:15 Rīga, Rīgas Starptautiskā Autoosta | 4h05 | 17:20 Tartu, Bussijaam | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Riga to Tartu by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
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Why should you book Riga to Tartu coaches with Omio?
Lux Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Riga to Tartu.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Riga to Tartu.
Why book with Omio vs Lux Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Lux Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Riga to Tartu.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Lux Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Riga to Tartu.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Rome2rio or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Riga to Tartu.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Riga to Tartu.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Riga to Tartu
Latvia
Estonia
Buses from Riga to Tartu run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 49m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £13 if you book in advance.
There are 5 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:35, the last at 19:30. The fastest coach covers the 223 km distance in 3h 40m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 223 km |
Average bus duration 3h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 3h 40m |
First bus 0:35 |
Last bus 19:30 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 63 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: Lux Express, FlixBus from Riga to TartuYou can travel by bus between Riga to Tartu with Lux Express, FlixBus for as low as £13. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Lux Express
About
Lux Express, established in 1994 and branded in 2008, is a leading intercity bus operator headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia. It has grown to become one of the largest bus operators in Europe, with a fleet of over 100 buses. Lux Express operates in the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania), Poland, Finland, and Russia, connecting capitals and key hubs from Tallinn to Warsaw and St. Petersburg to Helsinki. The company prides itself on offering a comfortable travel experience with amenities such as reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, charging points, media screens, and restrooms. Lux Express is known for its on-time services and commitment to passenger comfort and safety.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Lux Express Duration
3h 40m
Cheapest Lux Express Price
£13
Luggage included
To receive a booking code for a half-price ticket for a travel companion, you must email Lux Express prior to booking if you are traveling with a mobility device or wheelchair.
Additional luggage
One piece of hand luggage weighing no more than 5 kg and not exceeding 45 × 35 × 20 cm, and one piece of luggage weighing no more than 23 kg and not exceeding 70 × 30 × 55 cm, are included free of charge.
Luggage storage
Passengers are allowed to take more than one permitted piece of luggage if there is enough space and the coach crew agrees.
Refund
If a trip is canceled by Lux Express, the customer will be offered another departure, or a full refund will be issued within 14 days if no suitable alternative is found.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but it is recommended to consult with a doctor before traveling.
Unaccompagned minor
On international routes, unaccompanied minors can travel from the age of 12 years old, provided they have parental consent and contact details.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat numbers can be selected without an additional fee for Standard and Comfort class tickets.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Lux Express offers a half-price ticket fare for a travel companion if you are traveling with a mobility device or wheelchair.
Bikes
Bicycles are allowed if a bicycle ticket is purchased, and they must be properly packaged in a protective case by the passenger prior to boarding.
Pets
Pets are allowed on Estonian and Latvian domestic routes with a separate pet ticket purchased at a 40% discount, guaranteeing a separate seat for the pet and its transport cage or bag.
Entertaiment on board
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
3h 35m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£22
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Complete guide to Tartu
Things to do in Tartu
Discover the best of Tartu — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Tartu trip today.
- Must visit
Estonian National Museum
Major national museum presenting Estonian history, everyday life, and culture in a modern building with strong permanent exhibitions.
- Recommended
University of Tartu Museum
University museum in the cathedral ruins on Toome Hill, covering science, education, and student life in a memorable historic setting.
- Must visit
Town Hall Square
The central square lined with historic buildings, fountains, and seasonal events, making it the natural starting point for exploring Tartu.
- Must visit
Toome Hill
Hilltop park area with monuments, bridges, and ruins, popular for walking and for its close connection to the university’s history.
- Recommended
Karlova District
A lively riverside quarter with the market hall, creative venues, and paths along the Emajõgi, blending everyday local life with culture.
Verivorst
A blood sausage traditionally served at Christmas with barley, onion and pork, often paired with lingonberry jam. A classic hearty Estonian festive dish.
- Gluten-free
Heeringas Hapukoorega
A cold-marinated Baltic herring dish, usually served with sour cream, onions and potatoes. It reflects Estonia’s long connection to lake and coastal fish cookery.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Kama
A creamy curd dessert whipped with sugar and sour milk products, often mixed with berries. It is a nostalgic and widely loved Estonian sweet.
Hõlm
Modern fine dining in the centre, known for seasonal Estonian ingredients, polished tasting menus and a calm contemporary setting.
Werner Cafe-Lounge
A long-established café and restaurant popular for cakes, pastries and solid mains in an elegant but relaxed historic setting.
Kolm Tilli
A respected local chain venue serving classic Estonian comfort food and seasonal specials in a cosy, traditional dining room.
Euro (€)
Moderate for the Baltics: rooms and meals are reasonable, while taxis and some central stays cost more. Local buses are low-cost.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10% for very good service. Taxi fares are usually rounded up. Cafés usually get small change only.
Tartu Bus Schedule
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.00
- Day pass
- €3.75
To the city centre
Tartu Bussijaam -> Raekoja plats, Tartu
- Distance
- 400 m
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Tartu has only buses for urban public transport. Contactless bank card and mobile wallet payment work on board via validators.
- If you use a smart card with enough balance, the system caps fares at the full day-ticket price of €3.75 for non-residents.
FAQs: Riga to Tartu coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Riga to Tartu by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Tartu, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Riga to Tartu can start from as little as £13 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Riga to Tartu is £19; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Riga to Tartu is 3h 40m to travel the 223 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Riga to Tartu leaves at 0:35. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Riga to Tartu leaves at 19:30.
Yes, there are 5 direct coaches a day from Riga to Tartu with Lux Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Riga to Tartu, you can count on Lux Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Tartu. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Riga and Tartu and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Tartu from Riga is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Riga to Tartu is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Riga and Tartu including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Riga to Tartu:
- Lux Express
- Lux Express offers a half-price ticket fare for a travel companion if you are traveling with a mobility device or wheelchair.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Riga to Tartu for coach company Lux Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Riga to Tartu depends on the coach companies:
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company Lux Express, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Riga to Tartu.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Riga to Tartu:
- Lux Express
- To receive a booking code for a half-price ticket for a travel companion, you must email Lux Express prior to booking if you are traveling with a mobility device or wheelchair.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Riga to Tartu:
- Lux Express
- One piece of hand luggage weighing no more than 5 kg and not exceeding 45 × 35 × 20 cm, and one piece of luggage weighing no more than 23 kg and not exceeding 70 × 30 × 55 cm, are included free of charge.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Riga to Tartu. The following conditions apply:
- Lux Express
- Pets are allowed on Estonian and Latvian domestic routes with a separate pet ticket purchased at a 40% discount, guaranteeing a separate seat for the pet and its transport cage or bag.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Riga to Tartu with the following coach company: Lux Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Riga to Tartu with the following coach company: Lux Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Riga to Tartu with the following coach company: Lux Express, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Riga and Tartu
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.
Departure bus stations in Riga
Arrival bus stations in Tartu
Which Riga station do buses to Tartu leave from?
Buses from Riga to Tartu leave from Rīga, Rīgas Starptautiskā Autoosta. The station is 1 km from Riga city centre at Pragas iela 1, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia.
Rīga, Rīgas Starptautiskā AutoostaPragas iela 1, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia
City-centre transport
Getting to Rīga, Rīgas Starptautiskā Autoosta from Riga city centre
Tram1, 5, 8, 10, 14 · 5m · £0.90 · every ~24 min
Rīga, Rīgas Starptautiskā Autoosta 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 and drink
Food options include: Café Autoosta (in the station), Bakery Express (in the station), Fast Food Corner (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Rīga, Rīgas Starptautiskā Autoosta.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Rīga, Rīgas Starptautiskā Autoosta: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Rīga, Rīgas Starptautiskā Autoosta: Elevators, ramps.
Riga, Ilukstes street/PlavniekiRiga, Ilukstes street (Plavnieki), Latgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga, LV-1082, Latvia
City-centre transport
Getting to Riga, Ilukstes street/Plavnieki from Riga city centre
Riga, Ilukstes street/Plavnieki is 5 km from Riga city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus22 · 27m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
3 · 40m · £0.90 · every ~12 min
Riga, Ilukstes street/Plavnieki bus station facilities and services
Riga, Ilukstes street/Plavnieki has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Riga, Ilukstes street/Plavnieki. ATMs are available at Riga, Ilukstes street/Plavnieki.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Riga, Ilukstes street/Plavnieki.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Riga, Ilukstes street/Plavnieki: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Riga, Ilukstes street/Plavnieki: The station is accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Skulte, Starptautiskā lidosta RīgaRiga Airport (RIX), P133, Mārupe, Mārupes novads, LV-1053, Latvia
City-centre transport
Getting to Skulte, Starptautiskā lidosta Rīga from Riga city centre
Skulte, Starptautiskā lidosta Rīga is 1 km from Riga city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus22, N22 · 26m · £0.90 · every ~12 min
Skulte, Starptautiskā lidosta Rīga bus station facilities and services
Skulte, Starptautiskā lidosta Rīga has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Limited food options available nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Skulte, Starptautiskā lidosta Rīga. ATMs are located near the waiting area.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Skulte, Starptautiskā lidosta Rīga.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Skulte, Starptautiskā lidosta Rīga: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Skulte, Starptautiskā lidosta Rīga: Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Tartu, Bussijaam
City-centre transport
Getting to Tartu, Bussijaam from Tartu city centre
Bus7, 6, 13 · 3m · £0.90 · every ~11 min
Most popular bus connections from Riga
More options for your journey from Riga to Tartu
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Tartu and Riga
Most popular bus connections
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