Riga and Tallinn are 308 km apart by road. You can go by bus, by the direct train that started in 2026, by your own car or by private transfer. Flying rarely saves time once airport travel and security are included.
Riga to Tallinn at a glance
| Option | Journey time | One-way price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (Lux Express, FlixBus) | About 4 h 20 min | Typically €15 to 30 per person | Solo travellers or couples with light luggage |
| Direct train (Elron) | About 6 h | €29 to 32 per person | Rail fans; stops in Sigulda, Cēsis and Tartu |
| Own car | About 4 h 10 min without stops | Fuel, plus a one-way fee if renting | Flexibility, if you already have a car |
| Private transfer (Nordrive) | About 4 h 10 min plus stops | Per vehicle (see below) | Families, groups, luggage, sightseeing |
By bus
Lux Express and FlixBus run all day from the Riga International Coach Terminal at Prāgas iela 1, opposite the Central Market. Some services also call at Riga Airport (coach stop in car park P1). The journey takes about 4 hours 20 minutes and ends at Tallinn bus station. Fares are roughly €15 to 30 one way, varying with demand, and cheaper when booked online a few days ahead. If you have more than a suitcase and a small bag, check the operator's luggage rules.
By train: the direct Elron service
A direct service run by the Estonian operator Elron began on 12 January 2026, with no change. It runs through Sigulda, Cēsis and Valmiera in Latvia and Valga and Tartu in Estonia. The spring 2026 timetable had one train a day each way: Riga 07:38 to Tallinn 13:57, and Tallinn 14:50 to Riga 20:46. Tickets cost €29 to 32, cheaper bought online in advance. It is comfortable and scenic but the slowest option at about 6 hours, with a single daily departure. Check current times at elron.ee.
By car on Via Baltica
The route is Riga, Saulkrasti, Salacgrīva, the Ainaži and Ikla border, Pärnu and Tallinn, along the E67 (the A1 in Latvia and road 4 in Estonia). It takes a little over four hours without stops. The border is inside Schengen, so there is usually no passport control, but spot checks happen, so carry a passport or ID card. If you rent a car, ask about the one-way drop-off fee before booking, as international fees can be high.
By private transfer with stops
A private transfer takes you door to door from your hotel or home in Riga to the Tallinn address you choose, at your own time. The price is per vehicle, not per person, so it is good value for groups. On the Riga to Tallinn day trip you choose the stops and how long to stay: Sigulda and the Gauja valley, Turaida Castle or Pärnu.
| Day trips from Riga | Duration | Standard car, 3 seats | Standard van, 7 seats | Premium van, 6 seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jūrmala day trip | 4.5 hours | €180 | €235 | €325 |
| Day trip through Latvia | Full day | €250 | €350 | €450 |
| Riga to Tartu | Full day | €387 | €447 | €602 |
| Riga to Tallinn | Full day | €417 | €487 | €657 |
| Riga to Klaipėda | Full day | €415 | €485 | €655 |
| Riga to Vilnius | Full day | €415 | €485 | €655 |
| Riga to Kuldīga | Full day | €290 | €380 | €495 |
| Riga to Liepāja | Full day | €350 | €420 | €560 |
| Riga to Cape Kolka | Full day | €320 | €400 | €530 |
| Riga to Kaunas | Full day | €395 | €460 | €620 |
The sightseeing trip price includes the shortest stop. A direct transfer without stops is priced on the prices page. Available Riga to Tallinn and Tallinn to Riga.
Where to stop between Riga and Tallinn
Sigulda is 52 km from Riga in Gauja National Park, with the ruins of a Livonian Order castle and a cable car across the valley. Turaida Castle is about 5 km further. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for both. Sigulda is inland, so the route to Pärnu via Sigulda is slightly longer than the coastal road.
Pärnu is 181 km from Riga and about 2 hours from Tallinn, roughly halfway. Known as Estonia's summer capital, it has a wide sandy beach, a seaside promenade and a compact old centre. Two hours is enough for a walk and lunch.
Practical tips
- Latvia and Estonia share a time zone and both use the euro.
- Carry a passport or ID card.
- Summer weekends and Midsummer (23 and 24 June) are the busiest, so book early.
- For Helsinki connections, ferries leave from Tallinn port, so allow time to get there from the bus or train station.
Journey times, prices and timetables were checked in October 2026 and may change.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Riga to Tallinn?
About 4 hours by road, about 4 hours 20 minutes by bus and about 6 hours by train.
Is there a direct train from Riga to Tallinn?
Yes, since January 2026 via Valga and Tartu. The spring 2026 timetable had one train a day each way.
What is the cheapest way?
The bus, typically €15 to 30 one way, cheaper when booked online early.
Can I stop along the way?
By bus or train only at their stops. By car or private transfer you can stop anywhere, for example Sigulda, Turaida or Pärnu.
How much is a private transfer?
The sightseeing trip is from €417 for a car with up to 3 passengers, including one stop. The price is for the whole vehicle.
