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Every Baltics itinerary should include stops in both Riga, Latvia, and Tallinn, Estonia. If, like me, you prefer to create your own travel itinerary, you’ll need to consider how to travel from Riga to Tallinn (or go from Tallinn to Riga). Below, I’ve listed the time and budget required for each option, plus the pros and cons. Check out all the ways to go from Riga to Tallinn or to go from Tallinn to Riga during your Baltics trip.
Here are all the alternatives to choose from quickest to slowest:
Going From Riga to Tallinn (or Tallinn to Riga)
Flying
AirBaltic connects the two cities with a direct flight. This is a great option if ticket prices are low but you’ll miss seeing the lovely countryside. The drawback to flying is the need to arrive early at the airport plus the fact that airports are generally located outside of the center of town. The Riga airport is 20 minutes away by car. The Tallinn airport is 15 minutes away by car.
Duration: 50 minutes
Cost: Varies from 26 US Dollars to 95 US Dollars.
Rental Car/Car Hire
Whether you choose to hire a driver or rent a car, the good news is that you get to make your own decisions about stopping along the way or not. Some of the interesting stops include beaches as well as Sigulda (for bobsled tracks). Hiring a driver or renting a car makes more sense if you’re a group so that you can split the cost.
If you rent a vehicle, you’ll have to ask whether there is an additional charge for dropping off the vehicle in a different country. Don’t forget that you’ll also have to pay for gasoline for the vehicle.
Duration: 4-5 hours
Cost: Varies from 100 US Dollars to 350 US Dollars (depending on season and demand)
Bus
This was the way I traveled during my own Baltic trip. I recommend taking LuxExpress (no, they do not sponsor me!). Book early and upgrade to the first row of seats in business class so you have more leg room. The buses have restrooms and coffee is available for free. With free WiFi on board, you’ll stay connected during the entire time you’re traveling if you’re not admiring the scenery. Be advised during my Spring 2022 trip, our bus was stopped at the border crossing with Estonia, and our documents were checked.
Duration: 4:25 hours (approx)
Cost: 19 Euros to 28 Euros
Train
While the train is my preferred method of transport in Europe, there is no direct route between Riga and Tallinn. In order to go from Riga to Tallinn, you’ll have to switch trains in Valga, Estonia, which sits along the border with Latvia. There is only one daily train in each direction.
Duration: 11 hours
Cost: 22.50 Euros
Tour Bus
If you have the budget and the time, this is the way to go (in my opinion!). If you’re going from one place to the other, why not stop at a few different places along the way? The routes for these change a bit during the year. The Tallinn to Riga route features stops at Cesis Castle, Gauja National Park, and Valga.
Please note that this tour may not be operational during the low season (for example in winter when I traveled), so double-check before you finalize plans. This was my plan A but I ended up having to take the regular bus, which was plan B.
Duration: 12 hours
Cost: 69 Euros
Bicycle
Personally, not the way for me, but I know some of you are way more adventurous! The distance between Riga and Tallinn is approximately 306 km (about 187 miles). Keep in mind that you’ll have to make plans for camping or stopping along the way.
Duration: 4-5 days
Cost: $0 (assuming you’re using your own bike)
Many people travel from Riga to Tallinn and if you’re visiting the Baltics, I encourage you to do so as well!
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Happy travels,
Annick, The Common Traveler
Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.