Tartu train station is one of the most beautiful Estonian train stations. It serves regional and express trains operated by Elron. The main building of the station is three-part. The room structure and exterior and interior elements have been completely preserved: facade planking and plaster finish, wooden decoration, platform canopy, opening fillings and railings. An interior is decorated with paintings depicting history of the local railway and city.
The station was built in 1875-1877 on the outskirts of the city along with the inauguration of the Tapa – Tartu railway. Tree-lined wide alley led from the station to the main square. The first train arrived in Tartu on August 21, 1876. The Tartu – Riga railway via Valga was inaugurated in 1889. A tunnel connecting two platforms was built in 1933. The station was built to an adapted all-Russian model project as a class II railway station.
The building was set on fire in 2006. The damage was so extensive that it did not reopen for passengers until 2012.
Tartu train station is located more than kilometer from the city centre and approximately two kilometers from the Tartu bus station.
The station has 2 platforms and 3 tracks for passenger trains. Access to the platform 2 via tunnel with steep stairs. The station is equipped with ramps, but there are no lifts. Platforms are covered. There is a canopy at the platform outside station building.
There are many hostel and apartments close to the station. The hostel at the station is probably closed or opened only in summer season.
Trains from Tartu:
Tartu – Tallinn
Tartu – Valga (-Riga)
Tartu – Koidula (border station)
Trains to Voru were ceased.
There are no trains from Tartu to Parnu or Viljandi but there are many direct buses. If you want to travel from Tartu to Narva, take a direct bus.
Tartu train station – facilities
– ticket office
– waiting room
– toilet
– wheelchair toilet
– cafe
I have no information about luggage lockers. Luggage lockers are available at bus station and at information centre.
Tartu train station – useful websites
Elron – journey planner and online shop
Train travel in Estonia – a comprehensive guide
Tartu – tourist attractions
Tartu is the second-largest city in Estonia, known for its rich history and is often regarded as the intellectual heart of Estonia, due to the presence of the University of Tartu, which was founded in 1632 and is one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. The city is known for well-preserved medieval old town and for its lively café culture, innovative start-up scene, and numerous parks and green spaces, such as the picturesque Toome Hill and the Emajõgi River that runs through the city.Tartu’s Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats) is a central point, featuring the iconic Kissing Students fountain, a symbol of the city.
Tourist attractions:
– Town Hall Square
– Estonian National Museum
– AHHAA Science Centre
– Cathedral ruins
– Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum
– University of Tartu Museum
– A memorial to Oscar Wilde and Eduard Vilde
– St. John’s Church
– St Peter’s Church
– Tartu Art Museum
– City Museum
