A breakthrough in transport history: Estonia’s most popular bus route celebrates its 55th anniversary

On 1 July, 55 years will have passed since the opening of the first non-stop express line between Tallinn and Tartu. To mark the anniversary of one of Estonia’s most legendary express lines, the historic buses that laid the foundation for this route will be present at Tartu City Day and will welcome everyone interested for short rides.

On 1 July 1971, the soft-seated “Ikarus 250” coach made just two trips from Tallinn to Tartu and back. From the capital, the bus departed at 9:00 in the morning and at 13:00, while departures from Tartu were at 13:20 and 16:50. Today, Lux Express buses operate on the same route in both directions every full hour.

Half a century ago, the main comforts of bus travel were soft seats and a fast direct connection. Today, passengers can also enjoy free hot drinks, internet access, and a selection of films and music on their personal media screens.

In spring 2025, Lux Express made its largest investment of the past decade on the Tallinn-Tartu route, worth six million euros, bringing nine double-decker Neoplan Skyliner buses to the line from 26 May. The buses were custom-built at the MAN factory in Germany. On the new buses, passengers can choose between two seat classes, Relax and Standard, and enjoy panoramic views.

According to Lux Express CEO Ingmar Roos, the investment was driven by the route’s growing popularity year after year and the increasing demand for comfortable bus travel. “As of May this year, Lux Express has served nearly 40,000 more passengers between the two cities than during the same period last year,” Roos added.

The new 63-seat buses accommodate 16 more passengers than the Lounge buses previously familiar to passengers, adding 500 extra seats to the route every day. The buses operate exclusively on the Tallinn-Tartu route and make more than 30 trips in total in both directions each day.

Both the new buses and the historic buses that have previously served the same route can be seen already on 28 June, when the Lux Express Timeless Collection historic buses will arrive at Tartu Town Hall Square as part of Tartu City Day. Visitors will also have the opportunity to take short rides. The buses will depart between 11:00 and 14:00 from separately marked stops near the Town Hall Square stop.

“We are very pleased to celebrate the anniversary of the express line specifically on Tartu City Day. The historic buses will certainly offer a sense of discovery for people of all ages in Tartu, who can also explore the city from a bus window during the short rides,” said Maarja Liba, Director of the Tartu Events Organising Centre. According to her, the Lux Express family day is part of the diverse creative and community programme of Tartu City Day, which is free for everyone interested.

Six buses will be present: Ikarus 55-52, Ikarus Lux, Ikarus 255, Setra S6, Mercedes Benz O303-15RHD, and Volvo Carrus 602. Together, they show how bus travel has changed over five decades. The buses will welcome visitors from 11:00 to 14:00 at Town Hall Square and on Vabaduse puiestee.