Riga to Tartu by Bus: Lux Express via Valmiera and Valga

The easiest way from Riga to Tartu is the direct Lux Express bus. It takes about 4 hours, costs €21, and you do not need to change. I took this bus myself in October 2026.

Quick facts

Operator: Lux Express
From: Riga International Coach Terminal (city centre)
To: Tartu Bus Station (city centre)
Travel time: about 4 hours (my bus: 13:15 to 17:20)
Price: €21 (October 2026)
Stops: Valmiera (10-minute break), Valga
Border: Latvia–Estonia in Valka/Valga, no checks

Buying your ticket

I bought my ticket at the Lux Express office inside the main bus station in Riga. The staff spoke very good English, and it only took a few minutes. I paid by card; cash is probably accepted too.

You can also book online at https://luxexpress.eu/en/. Departure times change during the year, so check the current timetable before you travel.

Departure from Riga

The bus leaves from Riga International Coach Terminal, in the city centre next to the Central Market. Before you get on, put your luggage in the luggage hold yourself. The driver gives you a luggage number – keep it until you arrive. My bus left exactly on time.

On board

Clean bus
Wi-Fi
Air conditioning
Seatbelts must be worn during the trip

The route and the break in Valmiera

The bus leaves Riga on a motorway-style road until a fork, then continues at a relaxed pace.

At around 14:50, the bus stopped in Valmiera for a 10-minute break. What you will find there:

Toilet: 50 cents, cash only
Coffee machine
No kiosk or restaurant – bring your own snacks

Not every departure stops in Valmiera, so check the timetable if you need the break.

Crossing the border in Valka/Valga

The border between Latvia and Estonia runs right through the twin town of Valka (Latvia) and Valga (Estonia). The bus enters the town on the Latvian side and crosses the border inside the town. There were no border checks and no police.

The bus makes a short stop at Valga bus station, which is right next to the railway station.

Arriving in Tartu

The bus arrived at Tartu Bus Station at 17:20. The station is central: the pedestrian zone in the old town is only about 300 metres away in a straight line. There is a shopping centre right next to the bus station.

To get around Tartu, use the city buses – they are the only public transport in the city. Between 19:00 and 07:00 you must board at the front door. Routes, timetables and fares: https://www.tartu.ee/en/inner-city-buses