Getting to and accommodation in Tartu
Tartu is the second-largest city in Estonia and a compact university city, making getting around easy. The city is well known for its sustainable transport system, and most places students need during the course are within walking distance.
On this page, you will find practical information to help you plan your arrival in Tartu and organise your accommodation in advance.
On the photo you may see Delta Study Centre where the studies take place, river Emajõgi and the city of Tartu, foto by Kaarel Kree
Accommodation
Participants are expected to arrange and pay for their own accommodation in Tartu (covered by the Erasmus+ blended mobility (BIP) scholarship/grant). Participants are also responsible for arranging their own travel to Tartu (flights, buses, trains depending on the individual choices).
The list of available accommodation options may be found from here: https://tartuwelcomecentre.ee/basics/housing/
For your reference, we have provided some guidance below:
Accommodation in a hostel
In Tartu, there are several hostels for a good price. You can book the rooms in advance through Booking.com. You can also book the rooms through the websites of the hostels.
See some options below:
Accommodation in a hotel
If you prefer a fancier place with breakfast included, we suggest booking a room at one of the hotels in Tartu. You can book the rooms through Booking.com. You can also book the rooms on the hotels' websites.
Please see some options below:
Accommodation in apartments
If you wish to share a room with other participants travelling with you from your university or enjoy a quiet evening alone, you can also book an apartment through Airbnb.com. You can find some very interesting places to stay for a lower price. This is a great option if you are travelling with a friend or partner and wish to see how the locals live.
In case of any problems or questions regarding accommodation, don't hesitate to contact us by e-mail: merilin.piirmann@ut.ee
Travelling to Tartu
On the photo you may see Delta Study Centre and river Emajõgi, foto by Ragnar Vutt
Please note that participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to Tartu. While University of Tartu does not cover any travel expenses, we are happy to assist with any questions you may have regarding the logistics of travelling to Tartu. If you require guidance or further clarification, please feel free to reach out to us (you may do this by contacting merilin.piirmann@ut.ee).
You might have a listen to our podcast episode where international students discuss essential tips for travelling to Estonia. The podcast episode is available here - Episode 3: Planning your arrival and travel to Tartu
Air Travel: Tallinn Airport
Express buses operate between Tallinn Airport and Tartu, picking up passengers directly from the airport on their way to Tartu. The airport bus station has a self-service ticket machine that accepts card payments. As buses on the Tallinn–Tartu route are often fully booked, we strongly recommend purchasing your ticket in advance.
You can purchase your online ticket here T-pilet (Tallinn airport-Tartu bus station).
Please note that if you arrive before midnight, the last bus from Tallinn Airport to Tartu Bus Station departs at 23.59 and arrives at 02.20. The next scheduled bus departs at 06.05 in the morning.
Tallinn Airport is small and easy to navigate, so the transfer from the aircraft to the airport bus station is usually quick.
If you arrive after midnight and before the morning departures, the Mercure Tallinn hotel is located within walking distance of the airport and may be a convenient overnight option.
You can find the flight schedule and more information on the Tallinn Airport webpage or call the Airport Information Desk +372 605 8888 (04:30-22:00).
Air Travel: Tartu Airport
Tartu Airport is located approximately 11 km from the city centre. There are regular flights between Tartu and Helsinki (Finland).
A shuttle bus operates between the airport and the city centre, taking passengers to the airport in the early mornings and back to the city centre late in the evenings. It is also possible to travel by taxi.
You can find the flight schedule and further information on the Tartu airport webpage or call +372 605 8888 (04.30–22.00).
Air Travel: Riga Airport
You can also easily reach Tartu from Riga Airport (245 km from Tartu).
LuxExpress buses operate between Riga Airport and Tartu.
Travelling to Tartu by bus
Tartu bus terminal is located near the city centre and is close to the University of Tartu Delta Study Centre where you will be studying as well as the town hall square.
Buses between Tallinn and Tartu leave almost every 30 minutes, and tickets can be purchased online or from the ticket office inside the bus station. To get a student discount, you need to present your International Student Card (ISIC).
Please note that it is advisable to buy your ticket in advance as Tallinn-Tartu buses are often full.
It takes 2.5 hours to travel from Tallinn to Tartu. The buses are comfortable, and most of them are equipped with WiFi. Express buses also have touch screens, and you can watch movies (we advise you to bring your own headphones, but you can also purchase a pair from the bus driver for 1.5-2 EUR, depending on the bus).
Tartu has great connections with all of the biggest towns in Estonia as well as Riga, Warsaw, etc.
More information about international connections can be found here: Luxexpress, Ecolines and Eurolines.
Travelling to Tartu by train
Tartu railway station is located in a historic station building approximately 1.5 km from the city centre. Daily train services operate on routes from Tallinn to Tartu. By using connecting services, it is also possible to travel to Tartu from Riga via Valga and Valka.
Wi-Fi is available on trains. The journey from Tallinn to Tartu takes approximately 2–2.5 hours, depending on the service. Tickets can be purchased online, on board the train, or at the Baltic Station ticket office in Tallinn. Further information and tickets are available on the Elron webpage.
Please note that travelling by train from Tallinn Airport requires additional time and a transfer to Tallinn Baltic Station.
Visit us virtually
Until you arrive you may visit Tartu and our campus virtually: Take a virtual tour and explore our campus
Under Menu choose Faculty of Science and Technology, find Institute of Computer Science and explore our Delta Study Centre from inside aswell. This course will be organized in Sandbox area.
Transportation in Tartu
Tartu is a compact and walkable city, and most places you will need during the course are easy to reach. The city centre is largely pedestrian-friendly, which makes walking a practical and pleasant way to get around.
Tartu has a well-developed and environmentally conscious transport system, including buses, smart bikes, electric scooters, taxis, and car-sharing options. Many international students find that walking or cycling is the most convenient way to travel between accommodation, university buildings, and the city centre, as most destinations are close by.
Sustainability plays an important role in the city’s transport planning. Public buses operate on green gas, city institutions use renewable energy, and cycling infrastructure continues to expand as part of Tartu’s long-term goal to become a climate-neutral city.
For more detailed information about different transportation options in Tartu, please contact Merilin Piirmann (merilin.piirmann@ut.ee)