The Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) is an international professional military education institution located at Riia 12 in Tartu. Established in 1999 by Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, the College provides advanced education and training for military officers, non-commissioned officers (NCOs), and civil servants from the Baltic states, NATO Allied nations, and partner countries.
The College delivers professional military education at the operational and strategic levels, focusing on leadership, defence and security policy, and the development of professional competence across the defence sector. Courses are conducted in English in a multinational academic environment that brings together participants and faculty from numerous Allied and partner nations.
BALTDEFCOL is a NATO-accredited education and training facility, recognised for its high academic standards, multinational faculty, and close cooperation with defence institutions across Europe and beyond.
Shared Campus at Riia 12
The Baltic Defence College shares its campus with two Estonian defence institutions:
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Estonian Military Academy – Estonia’s national institution responsible for the education and professional development of officers and non-commissioned officers of the Estonian Defence Forces.
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Estonian Defence League (Tartu Headquarters) – the regional base of Estonia’s voluntary national defence organisation.
Together, these three institutions form a distinctive defence education and cooperation hub in the heart of Tartu, contributing to international security education, military leadership development, and regional defence cooperation.
Riia 12 is centrally located in Tartu, within easy reach of the university district and the city's main transport connections.
The Baltic Defence College is located in the right wing of the building at Riia 12.
How to reach Tartu
By Air
The nearest airports to Tartu are Tartu Airport, Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport, and Riga International Airport.
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From Tartu Airport – The airport is located about 10 km from the city centre. Taxis and pre-booked transfers are the most convenient way to reach Tartu, with the journey taking around 15-20 minutes, and typically cost around €15-20.
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From Tallinn Airport – The Estonian capital is about 180 km from Tartu. Several long-distance buses travelling between Tallinn and Tartu stop directly at Tallinn Airport, making it easy to continue your journey without travelling into the city centre. Alternatively, you can take a tram or taxi to Tallinn Bus Station or Balti Jaam Railway Station, where frequent bus and train connections to Tartu are available. The journey usually takes around 2–2.5 hours (more info in by train or by bus section).
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From Riga International Airport – Located about 240 km from Tartu, Riga Airport offers a wide range of international flights. From Riga you can take a direct bus to Tartu, with travel time usually around 3.5–4 hours (more info in by bus section).
By Train
Regular train services connect Tartu with Tallinn. Trains run several times a day and the journey takes approximately 2 hours. Trains are modern, comfortable, and offer free Wi-Fi, making them a convenient option for travellers arriving in Tallinn.
By Bus
Tartu has excellent long-distance bus connections. Frequent services run between Tallinn and Tartu, with departures throughout the day and a journey time of about 2.5 hours. Many of these buses also stop at Tallinn Airport, making transfers especially convenient for air travellers.
There are also regular international coach services between Riga and Tartu, usually operated by companies such as Lux Express and Ecolines. The journey typically takes around 3.5–4 hours, with several departures each day.
By Car
From Tallinn (approximately 180 km), take the E264 towards Tartu and follow signs to the city centre. If your hotel does not offer parking, public parking spaces and prices can be found on the Tartu City website.
Getting Around Tartu
One of the best things about Tartu is its compact size. The city centre, main attractions, restaurants, and hotels are all within walking distance of each other. Tartu is often described as a 100% walkable city, making it easy and enjoyable to explore on foot while discovering its historic streets, cafés, parks, and cultural landmarks. From Tartu Old Town, Riia 12 is approximately 1 km away — a 15-minute walk along Riia street, which is well-lit and pedestrian-friendly. Those arriving by train or bus will find the walk from either station takes around 25–30 minutes along the same route.
Inner city transportation information can be found here Inner City Bus Transportation | Tartu linn
