The best hotels in Tartu
Tartu has 300+ places to stay. Most are fine, not memorable. We reviewed the standouts. These 10 made the cut.
Our 10 Top Picks in Tartu
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Lydia Hotel 4 Superior
Tartu
$262/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
V Spa Hotel and Conference centre
Tartu
$163/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Antonius Boutique Hotel
Tartu
$181/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Hotel Sophia
Tartu
$155/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Bob W Tartu Old Town
Tartu
$104/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Valli Residence
Tartu
$120/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Loodus BioSpa Tesmasan OÜ Loodusravikeskus Loodus BioSpa
Tartu
$160/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Kärevere Steakhouse & Motel
Tartu
$160/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Lootvina Houses
Tartu
$266/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Tartumaa Tervisespordikeskus
Tartu
$46/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Here's why each one made the cut.
Lydia Hotel 4 Superior
At $262 a night, this is Tartu's premium option and it earns it. You're steps from Town Hall Square, and nearly 1,000 guests have rated it 4.8. Rooms are polished, staff actually remembers your name. Worth the splurge if you want the full old town experience without compromise.
Address:Lydia Hotel 4 Superior, Ülikooli tn 14, 51003 Tartu, Estonia
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Prices shown for 1 room, 2 adults. Click to see current availability.
V Spa Hotel and Conference centre
Nearly 4,000 reviews at 4.7 tells you everything. At $163 you get spa access, solid conference facilities, and a reliable bed. It's not boutique, it's not intimate. But if you're here for a conference or want a spa day without the old town price tag, it delivers.
Address:V Spa Hotel and Conference centre, Riia tn 2, 51004 Tartu, Estonia
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Antonius Boutique Hotel
$181 a night in a historic building near the university. You're paying for atmosphere. The 383 guests who rated it 4.8 appreciated the personal touches and character you won't find at chain hotels. If you want a place that feels like Tartu itself, this is your pick.
Address:Antonius Boutique Hotel, Ülikooli tn 15, 51003 Tartu, Estonia
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Hotel Sophia
A 4.7 from over 1,000 guests doesn't lie. At $155 you're getting one of the better value spots in the old town. Rooms are comfortable and quiet, breakfast is typically included, and the location puts you close to Tartu's main sights. It's not flashy. It's just really good at being a hotel.
Address:Hotel Sophia, Lääneringtee 39-50407, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
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Bob W Tartu Old Town
At $104 you're in the old town, which is the win here. Bob W is an aparthotel concept, so you get more space and kitchen access than a standard hotel room. Best for solo travelers or couples who want flexibility. Skip if you want traditional hotel service.
Address:Bob W Tartu Old Town, Lai tn 29, 51005 Tartu, Estonia
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Valli Residence
At $120 a night, this small residence gives you more space than you'd expect. The 177 guests left a 4.7, which is impressive for a smaller property. It's quieter than the main old town strip. Good option if you want local character over hotel amenities.
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Loodus BioSpa Tesmasan OÜ Loodusravikeskus Loodus BioSpa
This one's outside Tartu's city center, focused entirely on wellness. If you're coming for a spa retreat rather than sightseeing, it's the best bet in the area. The 4.8 from 146 guests is genuine. Skip it if you want to walk to the university or Town Hall Square.
Address:Loodus BioSpa Tesmasan OÜ Loodusravikeskus Loodus BioSpa, Tilga tee, Muri, 62208 Tartu maakond, Estonia
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Kärevere Steakhouse & Motel
This is a roadside stop, not a boutique hotel, and it doesn't pretend otherwise. Kärevere sits about 15 minutes outside Tartu. The steakhouse is the real draw. At 753 reviews with a 4.7, the food pulls people back. Stay here if you're driving through Estonia and want a proper meal.
Address:Kärevere Steakhouse & Motel, Tartu maantee 12, Kärevere, 60603 Tartu maakond, Estonia
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Lootvina Houses
A perfect 5.0 from 23 reviews is impressive but also a small sample. At $266 a night it's one of Tartu's priciest options. You're getting a rural house experience, not a city hotel. If you want peace, space, and countryside outside the center, this delivers. Just factor in the limited reviews.
Address:Lootvina Houses, Kasemäe kinnistu, Lootvina, 63708 Põlva maakond, Estonia
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Tartumaa Tervisespordikeskus
At $46 you're not staying at a hotel, you're staying at a sports center. That's fine if you're here for the athletics facilities or a training camp. The 850 reviews suggest a steady crowd of regulars. Don't expect hotel service or a city location. For budget accommodation with sports access, nothing beats it.
Address:Tartumaa Tervisespordikeskus, Uderna, 61016 Tartu County, Estonia
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Didn't find your match above? Here's every hotel in Tartu.
Every scored hotel in the city. Filter by price, rating, or type to find yours.
| # | Hotel | Our Score | Guest Rating | Reviews | Type | Price/Night | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lydia Hotel 4 Superior | 4.8 | 994 | 4★ | $260/night | Book → | |
| 2 | V Spa Hotel and Conference centre | 4.7 | 3 975 | 4★ | $160/night | Book → | |
| 3 | Antonius Boutique Hotel | 4.8 | 383 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $180/night | Book → | |
| 4 | Hotel Sophia | 4.7 | 1 001 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $160/night | Book → | |
| 5 | Bob W Tartu Old Town | 4.7 | 241 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $100/night | Book → | |
| 6 | Valli Residence | 4.8 | 177 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $120/night | Book → | |
| 7 | Loodus BioSpa Tesmasan OÜ Loodusravikeskus Loodus BioSpa | 4.8 | 146 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $160/night | Book → | |
| 8 | Kärevere Steakhouse & Motel | 4.7 | 753 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $160/night | Book → | |
| 9 | Lootvina Houses | 5.0 | 23 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $270/night | Book → | |
| 10 | Tartumaa Tervisespordikeskus | 4.6 | 850 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $50/night | Book → | |
| 11 | Tampere Maja SA | 4.7 | 187 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $70/night | Book → | |
| 12 | Bob W Tartu Old Town | 4.7 | 99 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $130/night | Book → | |
| 13 | tARTu Stays | 4.8 | 16 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $90/night | Book → | |
| 14 | EstBerg Tartu Glasshouse with Sauna | 4.7 | 39 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $90/night | Book → | |
| 15 | Saadjärve Glämping | 5.0 | 7 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $100/night | Book → | |
| 16 | Rare Apartments | 4.7 | 67 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $70/night | Book → | |
| 17 | Mosina veski | 4.7 | 48 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $100/night | Book → | |
| 18 | EasyStay Tartu | 4.7 | 59 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $70/night | Book → | |
| 19 | Hansa Hotell | 4.5 | 628 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $90/night | Book → | |
| 20 | Hugo.Stay | 4.5 | 169 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $90/night | Book → |
Where to Stay in Tartu
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
Old Town: where to stay and why
Tartu's Old Town is compact but layered. The immediate area around Raekoja plats (Town Hall Square) has the highest concentration of cafes, restaurants, and mid-range hotels. Raatuse Street runs northeast from the square and has good hostel options at budget prices.
Toome Hill sits directly west of the center. It's free, takes 20 minutes to walk across, and has ruins of a 13th-century cathedral. Hotels on Ülikooli Street (the main university drag) put you between the hill and the square, which is a good position for walking everything.
Karlova, just south of the Old Town across Riia Street, is a quieter wooden-house district popular with locals. Fewer hotels here, but if you find an apartment rental, it's 12-15 minutes walk to the center with a distinctly non-tourist feel.
Timing your visit: seasons and events
Summer (June-August) is peak, with the longest days and most events. The Hanseatic Days festival in July brings medieval markets to Town Hall Square. University graduation in June creates a festive atmosphere but fills accommodations fast.
September is underrated. Temperatures hold at 12-18°C, hotel prices drop 15-20%, and the start of the academic year gives the city back its intellectual energy. October brings the Student Jazz Festival, worth planning around.
Winter (December-February) is cold (-5 to 2°C) and quiet. The city is manageable but most outdoor appeal disappears. Some visitors come for the Tartu Ski Marathon in February, which draws thousands of participants across the frozen bogs of Otepää, 45km south.
Budget guide: getting value in Tartu
Tartu is already Estonia's cheaper city versus Tallinn. Hostel beds on Raatuse Street run €20-35/night. Mid-range hotel doubles go for €80-130 outside peak months. Meals at non-tourist cafes cost €8-14 for a main.
The free stuff is genuinely worth your time: Toome Hill, the university botanical garden on Lai Street (€3.50 to enter), the Emajogi riverbank walk, and the street art around Supilinn. The Estonian National Museum costs €14 for adults and is worth every cent.
Transport is cheap. City buses cost €0.70 with a contactless card. The 2.5-hour bus from Tallinn is as low as €5 on Lux Express if you book ahead. Renting a city bike from Tartu's bike-share app costs €1 to unlock and €0.10/minute.
Getting around Tartu
Walking handles 90% of what you'll do in Tartu. Old Town to Toome Hill is 8 minutes. Old Town to the AHHAA Science Centre on Sadama Street is 15 minutes. The bus station is a 10-minute walk from Town Hall Square.
Buses are numbered and run frequently. Line 5 goes to Annelinn; line 6 goes toward the Estonian National Museum. Tickets via the TartuCard app or contactless payment at the reader inside the door.
Tartu has a growing cycling network. The river path along the Emajogi connects most of the city. In summer, the city bike-share operates from racks across the center. Taxis are cheap by Western European standards: central trips rarely exceed €7.
Tartu's food scene: where locals actually eat
Skip the Rüütli Street tourist strip and walk one block to Küüni Street or Kompanii Street. Tartu has a strong cafe culture centered on Rimi side streets and around the university buildings on Ülikooli.
Best spots: Kohvik Werner (pastries, Town Hall Square, open since 1895), Pallas Kohvik (brunch, Riia 4), Gunpowder Cellar restaurant (Estonian mains, Lossi 28, in a genuine 17th-century space). For cheap eats, the university cafeteria on Ülikooli 18 serves hot meals for €4-7.
Tartu's craft beer scene has grown. Põhjala Taproom, a short bike ride from center, pours Estonian craft beers. The annual Tartu City festival in late April includes a food market on the main square.
What to skip in Tartu
Skip the restaurants immediately adjacent to Town Hall Square if price matters. They charge 25-40% more than places one block away for identical food. The tourist-facing menus in English at Rüütli 4-8 area are a reliable red flag.
Annelinn is fine to pass through but not worth staying in. It's a 1970s residential district with no particular charm, and buses back to the center stop early. Unless you're visiting someone who lives there, choose the Old Town.
The Tartu Old Observatory is free to enter the grounds but rarely has anything happening inside unless you book a guided session in advance. Set expectations accordingly.
Tartu's best hotel regions
The Old Town wins for most visitors: you're steps from Town Hall Square, the Emajogi riverbank, and every cafe worth sitting in. Student-heavy Annelinn is cheaper but requires a bus ride. Supilinn, the quirky 'Soup Town' district northwest of center, suits slow travelers who like character over convenience.
Old Town (Vanalinn) 5 vetted hotels Walk everywhere, eat well, sleep in history
Walk everywhere, eat well, sleep in history
Tartu's Old Town centers on Raekoja plats. Everything worth doing is within a 15-minute walk: Toome Hill, the university main building, the Emajogi riverbank, and the best cafes. Hotels here are the most convenient option.
Prices run $100-380/night depending on property. Hostel options on Raatuse Street keep it accessible on a budget. The tradeoff: summer evenings get noisy near the square.
Browse all Old Town (Vanalinn) hotels → Karlova 1 vetted hotel Wooden houses and local life, 12 minutes from center
Wooden houses and local life, 12 minutes from center
Karlova sits just south of the Old Town across Riia Street. It's a residential district of wooden 19th-century houses, low-key cafes, and locals who haven't moved to Tallinn. The walk to Town Hall Square takes 12-15 minutes.
Very few hotels here. Better suited to apartment rentals. If you find accommodation in Karlova, it'll feel like the real Tartu rather than the tourist version.
Browse all Karlova hotels → Supilinn (Soup Town) 1 vetted hotel Bohemian, characterful, and genuinely local
Bohemian, characterful, and genuinely local
Supilinn is Tartu's most distinctive neighborhood: wooden houses, vegetable gardens between buildings, and streets named after soups (Herne/Pea Street, Oa/Bean Street). It sits northwest of the center, about a 20-minute walk from Town Hall Square.
No real hotels. Artists' apartments and guesthouses are the accommodation style. The neighborhood has its own annual festival in June. It's the right choice if you want to feel like a Tartu local for a few days.
Browse all Supilinn (Soup Town) hotels → Annelinn 1 vetted hotel Cheapest option, requires bus commute
Cheapest option, requires bus commute
Annelinn is a Soviet-era residential district, 2.5km east of the center. It's where the Tartu Student Village Hostel is located, and it's where you stay when price is the absolute priority and nothing else.
Buses run frequently but stop early. The area has a functional supermarket (Rimi on Kalda tee) and that's about it. Walk to the Old Town takes 25-30 minutes. Fine for one night; too far for longer stays unless you have business here.
Browse all Annelinn hotels →Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel.
Romantic
The Old Town at dusk, when the tourist crowds thin and Toome Hill is quiet. Lydia Hotel on Ülikooli Street is the obvious romantic choice: boutique rooms, 5-minute walk from the riverbank, and breakfast served until 11. Budget: $250-340/night.
Culture
Tartu is Estonia's intellectual capital. Base yourself near Ülikooli Street for the university buildings, Toome Hill ruins, Tartu Art Museum, and the Estonian National Museum (bus 6, 15 minutes from center). Hotel Tartu on Soola Street is a solid mid-range pick at $100-145/night.
Family
AHHAA Science Centre on Sadama Street is the standout attraction for families. Book a mid-range hotel in the Old Town and walk there in 15 minutes. Hotel Tartu has family rooms from $130. Kids love Toome Hill for running around; there's also a boat rental on the Emajogi in summer.
Budget
Hostel Raatuse in the Old Town is the best budget pick: private rooms from $55, excellent location on Raatuse Street, 3-minute walk from Town Hall Square. Tartu Student Village Hostel in Annelinn is even cheaper ($45) but requires a bus commute.
Nature
Toome Hill and the Emajogi river are the in-city nature options. For bigger nature, head to Lahemaa National Park (2.5 hours by bus) or the Soomaa National Park wetlands (1.5 hours). The Ropka-Ihaste nature trail follows the river from central Tartu for 8km with almost no tourist traffic.
Foodie
Stay in the Old Town and work through Tartu's surprising food scene. Pallas Kohvik on Riia 4 does the best brunch in Estonia. Gunpowder Cellar (Lossi 28) serves traditional Estonian in a 17th-century cellar. The Tartu Market Hall on Vabaduse puiestee has local produce, smoked fish, and cheap hot food at counters.
We reviewed 300+ accommodation options across Tartu's Old Town, Karlova, Annelinn, and Supilinn districts. Every pick was evaluated on location relative to Town Hall Square, breakfast quality, and value against Tartu's seasonal pricing swings.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
Every hotel on this page earned its spot through this process.
When to Visit Tartu
Hotel prices, crowds, and weather vary by season.
Spring (March-May)
March is still cold and quiet. April picks up with Tartu City Day (April 5) and increasing daylight. May is excellent: mild, green, and not yet crowded. Hotel prices run 20% below summer peak. The university gardens on Lai Street open fully in May.
Summer (June-August)
Peak everything: prices, daylight (up to 19 hours in June), events. The Hanseatic Days festival in July transforms Town Hall Square. University graduation in June fills hotels fast. Warm evenings on the riverbank are genuinely lovely, but book 4-6 weeks ahead or pay premium last-minute rates.
Autumn (September-November)
September is the sweet spot. Temperatures hold at 12-18°C, hotel prices drop 15-20% from summer peak, and the start of the academic year gives Tartu back its intellectual energy. The Student Jazz Festival runs in October. Colors on Toome Hill in October are worth seeing. November gets damp and grey.
Winter (December-February)
Tartu in winter is quiet. The city doesn't have a Christmas market on the scale of Tallinn's. Lowest hotel prices of the year: 30-40% below summer rates. The Tartu Ski Marathon in February draws 20,000+ participants to the Otepää area 45km south, which fills local hotels. Otherwise, an off-season visit suits those who just want the museums and cafes without competition.
Booking Tips for Tartu
Smart booking strategies for Tartu.
Book ahead for July: the Hanseatic Days fill the city
The Hanseatic Days festival (mid-July, check tarturaekoda.ee) brings medieval markets, concerts, and crowds to Town Hall Square. Hotels in the Old Town sell out 3-4 weeks in advance. Book by early June or accept paying 30-40% above normal rates for whatever's left.
Get a contactless card for buses
Tartu city buses cost €0.70 with a contactless payment card, versus €1.50 cash. Line 6 goes to the Estonian National Museum (Muuseumi 2). Line 5 serves Annelinn. The TartuCard app also works but contactless is simpler.
Skip the tourist restaurants on Rüütli Street
The restaurants immediately facing Town Hall Square charge 25-40% more for the view. Walk one block to Küüni Street or Kompanii Street for the same food quality at local prices. Kohvik Werner on the square itself is the exception: genuinely excellent Estonian pastries, fair prices.
The Estonian National Museum needs half a day
It's 3.5km from the Old Town at Muuseumi 2 in the Raadi district. Bus 6 takes 12 minutes from the center. The museum is genuinely world-class: 10,000 years of Estonian history in a stunning building. Budget 3-4 hours minimum. It costs €14 for adults, free on certain national holidays.
Rent a city bike for the river path
The Emajogi river path runs from the center 8km toward Ropka with almost no car traffic. City bikes are available via the Tartu bike-share app: €1 to unlock, €0.10/minute. In summer, paddleboards and kayak rentals are available near the central bridge for around €12/hour.
University area cafes are the best value meals in town
The area around Ülikooli Street and Lossi Street has cafes running student-friendly prices year-round. The university cafeteria at Ülikooli 18 serves hot meals for €4-7. Pallas Kohvik on Riia 4 does weekend brunch for €12-16, which is well below what you'd pay anywhere near the main square.
Hotels in Tartu, FAQ
Straight answers from our team.
What is the best area to stay in Tartu?
The Old Town is the clear winner for first-timers. You're within a 5-minute walk of Town Hall Square, the Emajogi riverbank, and Tartu's best restaurants along Rüütli Street. Hotels here cost $100-210/night, which is reasonable for what you get. Karlova is quieter and about 15 minutes walk south, better for repeat visitors who want residential calm.
When is the best time to visit Tartu?
Late May through August is peak season: long daylight hours (up to 19 hours in June), the Hanseatic Days festival in July, and Tartu City Day in April. Hotel prices jump 40% in July-August compared to shoulder season. September is genuinely excellent: fewer tourists, temperatures still 15-18°C, and the university crowd returning gives the city energy.
How much do hotels in Tartu cost?
Budget hostels on Raatuse Street start around $55/night. Mid-range hotels like Hotel Tartu on Soola Street run $100-145. The top-end Lydia Hotel and Aura Hotel push $250-380 in peak season. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for summer; in January-February you can often walk in at 20-30% below listed rates.
Is Tartu walkable?
Almost entirely. The Old Town is compact, with Town Hall Square to Toome Hill taking under 10 minutes on foot. The AHHAA Science Centre is a 12-minute walk from the center. Only Annelinn and the Estonian National Museum (about 3km from center) require a bus. Lines 5 and 6 cover most of the city for €0.70 per ride with a contactless card.
What should I skip in Tartu?
Skip Annelinn for accommodation unless budget is the only priority. The Soviet-era residential blocks there feel generic, and the 20-minute bus commute to the Old Town adds up. Also skip the overpriced tourist restaurants on Rüütli Street near the square itself. Walk one block to Küüni Street for the same food at 30% lower prices.
Is Tartu worth visiting vs Tallinn?
Tartu is quieter, cheaper by 20-30%, and far less tourist-heavy. Tallinn's Old Town gets 2 million visitors a year. Tartu gets a fraction. The university vibe gives Tartu a different energy: more locals at cafes, real bookshops on Ülikooli Street, festivals built for residents rather than tourists. Do both if you have 5+ days in Estonia.
What is Tartu known for?
It's Estonia's university city and intellectual capital. The University of Tartu, founded in 1632, shapes everything: the city's energy, its cafe culture, and why the food scene punches above a city of 90,000. The Estonian National Museum is 5km from center at Raadi Manor and covers 10,000 years of Estonian history in a stunning building opened in 2016.
When should I book hotels in Tartu?
Book 4-6 weeks ahead for July-August. The Hanseatic Days festival in mid-July (check tarturaekoda.ee for exact dates) fills the center. For June graduation week at the university, book 8 weeks out. In winter (November-March), same-day bookings are common and prices drop 25-35%.
Are there good hotels near the Estonian National Museum?
Not directly. The museum is at Muuseumi 2 in the Raadi district, about 3.5km from the Old Town. Your best approach: stay in the Old Town and take the number 6 bus (12 minutes, €0.70) or bike via the Tartu cycling path. There's no accommodation cluster near the museum itself.
What is the food scene like in Tartu?
Better than its size suggests. Tartu has a strong cafe culture: try Kohvik Werner on Town Hall Square for traditional Estonian pastries, or Pallas Kohvik on Riia Street for weekend brunch. Meat and fish mains at mid-range restaurants run €14-22. Avoid the tourist-menu places on Rüütli Street proper. Gunpowder Cellar (Püssirohukelder) restaurant does good Estonian mains in a 300-year-old building.
Is Tartu family-friendly?
Yes, especially for the AHHAA Science Centre on Sadama Street. It's one of the best science museums in the Baltics, with hands-on exhibits suitable for kids 5 and up. Toome Hill has open space for running around. The Emajogi river has paddleboard rentals in summer from €12/hour. Most hotels include breakfast; family rooms at Hotel Tartu start around €130.
How do I get from Tallinn to Tartu?
Bus is the best option. Lux Express and FlixBus run from Tallinn bus station (Lastekodu 46) to Tartu bus station in 2.5 hours, with tickets from €5-15 booked online. Trains also run but take 2.5-3 hours with fewer departures. Don't drive unless you have a reason: parking in the Old Town is metered and limited. The bus station in Tartu is a 10-minute walk from Town Hall Square.
Useful links for Tartu
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