Updated 5 October 2026
Until recently, crossing from Russia into Estonia was quick and queue-free, while all the difficulties were faced by those travelling the other way. On 1 October 2026 that changed. Estonia introduced full checks of personal belongings at all land border crossings with Russia, and entering Estonia is now just as hard as leaving it. At Ivangorod people queue all day, and some never make it across. At Artsantaxi we take passengers to the border every day and get information straight from our drivers. Here is what is really happening and how to be sure of reaching Estonia or Latvia on the day you need.
What Is Happening at the Ivangorod Border Now
All land border crossings between Russia and Estonia currently operate from 7:00 to 19:00, and the crossing is made on foot. People start gathering at Ivangorod an hour or two before opening. The first obstacle is at the entrance to the town: there is a checkpoint, and Russian border guards let no one through to the crossing before it opens. Those who arrive first may be let through about an hour before opening, but no earlier.
If you arrive at opening time or an hour before, you have a good chance of crossing the same day. If you arrive after 12:00, there is a real risk you will not get through: there may be a very large number of people ahead of you, and at some point the Russian side stops letting new people approach the crossing to prevent crowding on the bridge.
Why You Cannot Know in Advance Whether You Will Get Through
On the Estonian side in Narva there is a camera showing how many people are waiting, so you can estimate whether they will cross today. There is no such camera on the Ivangorod side. All information about the queue travels by phone, through chat groups and by word of mouth. That is why the most reliable source right now is people who are at the border every day. Our drivers, for example.
Queue Places for Sale and Fully Booked Hotels
A new business has already appeared at the border: places in the queue are being sold. People stand in line for others and then swap with those who need to cross that very day. The price of such a place reaches 7,000 to 10,000 roubles.
Hotels in Ivangorod are full almost every day with people who could not cross the border on the day they arrived.
Can You Make Your Flight from Tallinn
If you have a flight from Tallinn or an important meeting in Estonia, crossing at Ivangorod is a serious risk right now. No one can guarantee you will get through in time. Even setting off early does not save you from a long wait. The situation may change, but when that will happen is not yet known.
How to Avoid the Queue: the Southern Crossings via Pskov
Estonia has introduced checks at all crossings, including Kunichina Gora Koidula and Shumilkino Luhamaa. But there are far fewer people there. So if you travel via Pskov to the southern crossings, you are guaranteed to cross the border the same day and reach Estonia or Latvia.
Yes, this route is a little longer and a little more expensive. But instead of spending a whole day on your feet by the bridge, you travel in a comfortable car and know for certain that by evening you will be in Tallinn, Tartu or Riga.
Where We Drive From and To
From St Petersburg to Tallinn we drive both via Ivangorod and Narva and via the southern crossings at Kunichina Gora Koidula and Shumilkino Luhamaa. Right now we recommend the southern route: it takes a little longer, but you will definitely cross the border the same day.
From Moscow to Tallinn the most convenient route is via Pskov and the Kunichina Gora Koidula crossing.
To Riga we drive from St Petersburg and Moscow via any of the three crossings. For the Latvian direction the Shumilkino Luhamaa crossing is especially convenient.
And if you need to go not to Tallinn or Riga but to Tartu, Pärnu or another town in Estonia or Latvia, just write to us and we will plan the route.
Travel Times from St Petersburg and Moscow to Tallinn and Riga
St Petersburg Ivangorod Narva Tallinn. About 2 hours 30 minutes to the border at Ivangorod, then about another 2 hours 30 minutes from Narva to Tallinn. The drive is short, but the real question here is not the road, it is how long you will have to wait at the border.
St Petersburg Kunichina Gora Koidula Tallinn and St Petersburg Shumilkino Luhamaa Tallinn. About 4 hours 30 minutes to either of the two southern crossings, then from Koidula or Luhamaa to Tallinn about 3 hours 20 minutes in winter and about 3 hours in summer. A little longer on the road, but without hours of queuing.
Moscow Kunichina Gora Koidula Tallinn. About 8 hours to the border, then from Koidula to Tallinn about 3 hours 20 minutes in winter and about 3 hours in summer.
Moscow Shumilkino Luhamaa Riga. About 8 hours to the border. The Luhamaa crossing is convenient for trips to Latvia: from there it is about 3 hours to Riga.
Add the time needed to cross the border to all of these figures.
How an Artsantaxi Cross-Border Transfer Works
We meet you on both sides of the border. On the Russian side our car picks you up in St Petersburg or Moscow and takes you to the pedestrian crossing. After the border an Estonian or Latvian car is already waiting to take you to Tallinn, elsewhere in Estonia or to Riga.
You know the car and driver in advance, and a manager stays in touch with you throughout the journey. Support is available around the clock, 24/7.
At every crossing we have people who can help you through the border: carrying luggage and helping with children or pets. This service is charged separately, and it is best to agree the details with a manager in advance.
What You Can and Cannot Take Across the Border
The list of sanctioned goods that may not be taken from Russia into Estonia is very long and easy to find in public sources. The main rule is simple: you should carry only items for personal use, your own and not new.
Questions at inspection most often arise over cosmetics and creams, and over pork products. Another common issue is wooden items: picture frames, brushes and other wooden goods from Russia are also not allowed.
If you are unsure about an item, check it before your trip rather than at the border. The information is publicly available, and you can always call us: a manager will answer all your questions.
You may carry cash of up to 10,000 US dollars per person. It can be in euros or roubles, as long as the total does not exceed the equivalent of 10,000 dollars at the exchange rate.
Why Travelling with Us Is Less Stressful
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We reply quickly and work 24/7. Message us on WhatsApp or Telegram, send an email or simply call.
Up-to-date information from the border, straight from drivers who are there every day. We will tell you which crossing to choose today.
A Mercedes-Benz fleet: from comfortable sedans to the V-Class and comfortable 7 and 8 seat minibuses. Suitable for a single passenger, a family with luggage or a small group.
We have drivers and cars in both St Petersburg and Moscow.
Convenient payment in roubles or euros: in cash, by transfer to a card or by invoice to your company. All details are agreed with a manager.
We recommend booking a day in advance. But if you need a transfer right now, call us and we will do our best to send a car as quickly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the queue at the Ivangorod border now?
Since 1 October 2026, because of the checks, the queue can take the whole day. People who arrive at opening time usually cross the same day. After 12:00 there is a risk of not getting through.
What time does the Ivangorod Narva border open?
All land border crossings between Russia and Estonia currently operate from 7:00 to 19:00. No one is let through to the crossing in Ivangorod before opening.
Can you cross the border at Ivangorod without queuing?
Not at the moment. Places in the queue are being sold for 7,000 to 10,000 roubles, but even that does not guarantee you will get through. It is more reliable to travel via the southern crossings at Kunichina Gora Koidula or Shumilkino Luhamaa.
How do I get from St Petersburg to Tallinn on the same day?
The most reliable option right now is a transfer via Pskov and the Kunichina Gora Koidula or Shumilkino Luhamaa crossing. It takes about 4 hours 30 minutes to either crossing, then about 3 hours 20 minutes in winter and about 3 hours in summer from the border to Tallinn, and there are far fewer people at these crossings.
How long is the drive from Moscow to Tallinn?
About 8 hours to the Kunichina Gora Koidula border, then about 3 hours 20 minutes in winter and about 3 hours in summer to Tallinn, plus the time needed to cross the border.
How do I get from Moscow to Riga?
The most convenient route is via the Shumilkino Luhamaa crossing. About 8 hours to the border and about 3 hours from Luhamaa to Riga.
Are there checks at the Koidula and Luhamaa crossings too?
Yes, checks have been introduced at all land border crossings between Estonia and Russia. But far fewer people use the southern crossings, so the wait is incomparably shorter.
What is not allowed across the border from Russia into Estonia?
You may only carry items for personal use. Problems most often arise with cosmetics and creams, pork products and wooden items. Cash is allowed up to the equivalent of 10,000 US dollars per person.
Can I pay for the transfer in roubles?
Yes, we accept payment in roubles and euros in cash or by transfer to a card. For companies we issue an invoice.
How much does a transfer cost?
The price depends on the route, the crossing and the vehicle class. Write to us and we will quickly calculate the price for your trip.
Contact Us
If you need to reach Estonia or Latvia on a specific day, do not take the risk. Write to or call Artsantaxi and we will tell you which crossing is best today and arrange your transfer from St Petersburg or Moscow.
Phone, WhatsApp and Telegram: +372 5802 4209
Email: artsantaxi@gmail.com