Vilnius is 293 km south of Riga by road, about 3.5 hours by car. You can take a bus, the direct train that has run since December 2023, drive yourself or book a private transfer with stops at Rundāle Palace, the Hill of Crosses or Trakai Castle.
Riga to Vilnius at a glance
| Option | Journey time | One-way price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (Lux Express, FlixBus) | About 4 h | Typically €15 to 30 per person | Solo travellers or couples |
| Direct train (LTG Link) | About 4 h | Roughly €10 to 24, second class | Comfort and a fixed daily timetable |
| Own car | About 3 h 30 min without stops | Fuel, plus a one-way fee if renting | Flexibility |
| Private transfer (Nordrive) | About 3 h 30 min plus stops | Per car (see below) | Families, groups, sightseeing |
By bus
Buses run throughout the day, mainly Lux Express and FlixBus, from the Riga International Coach Terminal at Prāgas iela 1, opposite the Central Market. Some services also call at Riga Airport. The journey takes about 4 hours and fares are typically €15 to 30, cheaper when booked online in advance.
By train: LTG Link direct service
The Lithuanian operator LTG Link runs a direct train every day with no change, calling at Jelgava in Latvia and Joniškis, Šiauliai and Kaišiadorys in Lithuania. The 2026 timetable has Riga departing at 16:55 and arriving in Vilnius at 21:01, and Vilnius departing at 07:30 and arriving in Riga at 11:34, a little over 4 hours. Second-class fares are roughly €10 to 24. Check ltglink.lt before travelling, as timetables may change.
By car
Drive south through Bauska to the Lithuanian border, then through Panevėžys to Vilnius. The distance is 293 km, about 3.5 hours without stops. The border is inside Schengen, so there is usually no passport control, but carry a passport or ID card. If you rent a car, check the fee for dropping it off in another country.
By private transfer, with stops
A private transfer runs door to door from your address in Riga to your address in Vilnius, and from Vilnius to Riga. You choose the stops and how long to spend at each. On the Riga to Vilnius day trip they are Bauska Castle, Rundāle Palace, the Hill of Crosses and Trakai Castle.
| 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. Plain transfers without stops are listed on the prices page.
Where to stop between Riga and Vilnius
Bauska is about an hour south of Riga. Its castle combines the ruins of a Livonian Order fortress with a later Courland ducal residence, where the Mūsa and Mēmele rivers meet. Rundāle Palace is about 12 km further on. It was designed by Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli and has a large French garden. Allow at least 1.5 hours.
The Hill of Crosses lies 12 km north of Šiauliai, just off the road to Riga. Crosses have been placed there since the 19th century, and the hill was bulldozed several times during the Soviet period while crosses kept returning. Entry is free and it is open at all times, with a paid car park. Allow 30 to 45 minutes; it is not on the fastest route, so it adds time.
Trakai is about 30 km west of Vilnius, known for its island castle on Lake Galvė. It is a good last stop and lunch, and the local speciality is kibinai, pastries brought by the Karaim community.
Practical tips
- Latvia and Lithuania share a time zone and both use the euro.
- Carry a passport or ID card even though border checks are usually absent.
- A route with all four stops makes a long day, so start early or choose two stops.
Times, fares and timetables were checked in October 2026 and may change. Confirm with the operator before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the journey from Riga to Vilnius?
About 3.5 hours by car (293 km) and about 4 hours by bus or train.
Is there a direct train?
Yes. LTG Link runs one daily. In the 2026 timetable it leaves Riga at 16:55 and arrives in Vilnius at 21:01.
What is the cheapest option?
The bus or train, roughly €10 to 30 one way depending on how early you book.
Can I visit Rundāle Palace on the way?
Yes, by car or private transfer. It is about 80 km south of Riga, near the road to Lithuania.
How much is a private transfer?
The sightseeing trip is from €415 for a car with up to 3 passengers, including a stop. The price is for the whole vehicle.
