Visit Tartu and Tartu County
Tartu, the second largest city in Estonia, is the biggest centre in South Estonia and at the same time the junction of the main national roads. Tallinn-Tartu-Luhamaa (E263), Jõhvi-Tartu-Valga and Piibe roads run through Tartu, and the roads from Viljandi and Räpina as well as the connecting roads of other nearby towns and settlements also lead here. daily train service operates on the routes to Tallinn (incl. Jõgeva, Tapa, Aegviidu), Valga (incl. Elva) and Koidula (incl. Põlva and Piusa). Additionally, there are regular flights between Tartu and Helsinki.
Getting to Tartu
Fly to Tartu
Coming to Tartu is easy, with flights from Helsinki providing convenient connections to nearly a hundred destinations worldwide. Flights to Helsinki leave Tartu at 06:00 and 15:00, while flights to Tartu depart Helsinki at 13:50 and 23:55. The flight takes about 45 minutes. Check the Finnair website for schedules and tickets.
Compact, convenient, and captivating
In Tartu, getting from one exciting place to another is quick and easy due to the city’s compact layout, allowing you to make the most of your vacation. Tartu city and county offer special spots, thrilling adventures, and relaxing experiences, all just a short walk or drive away.
Walking and biking through Tartu
Tartu is pleasantly compact, with short distances making it easy to explore on foot or by bike.
Tartu Smart Bike Share system is available for shorter trips, offering a convenient way to manage daily tasks and discover the city’s highlights. You can reach almost every district from the city centre by bike in just 10-15 minutes.
Emajõgi, a river that connects
Emajõgi, which flows through both the city and county, connects Lake Võrtsjärv and Lake Peipus. It is the only river in Estonia that is navigable along its entire length. In the Middle Ages, Emajõgi was a vital trade route; today, the river and its bridges are important symbols of Tartu. During the summer, you can enjoy swimming in the river, riverboat rides, and canoe trips.
Explore Tartu County
When you visit Tartu, you’ll be delighted to discover there’s an entire county to explore! While you can drive your own vehicle, we highly recommend considering more environmentally friendly options, such as public transport. This way, you can easily reach destinations like Elva, the Onion Route, or the beach by Saadjärv and the Ice Age Centre.
Taxi
There are several taxi companies operating in Tartu that offer high-quality and safe taxi services. You can order a taxi by phone, through mobile applications like Bolt, or directly from taxi stands. These stands are conveniently located in various parts of the city, such as on Vabaduse Avenue (between Poe Street and Town Hall Square), near the intersection of Vallikraavi and Ülikooli Streets; Uueturu Street, Soola Street, Tartu Hotel parking lot, and other central locations.
Transport updates
Roadworks and closures
Additional information about roadworks and closures is available through the City of Tartu’s traffic restrictions app (in Estonian), various navigation apps (e.g., Waze), and on the website www.tarktee.ee.
For the latest updates on traffic restrictions and roadworks, please visit the official Tartu city website.
Find caravan parks
Travellers with a caravan can find convenient parking spaces 1.7 km and 6 km from the city centre. There are also several holiday homes in the county where you can park your caravan.
Car rental
Car rental is an excellent option for visitors who have arrived in Tartu by public transport but wish to explore the surrounding areas independently and comfortably. Several local companies offer high-quality rental services. Additionally, it’s possible to rent a car from other locations and return it in Tartu or at other designated rental points. To arrange a rental, you can either contact the service provider directly or browse their offers online.