Tallinn and Riga are only about 320 km apart, and many travellers visit both capitals on one trip. But what is the best way to get from Tallinn to Riga: bus, train, plane or private car?
Here is an honest comparison of travel time, comfort and real cost, so you can choose what suits you best, whether you travel alone, as a family or as a group.
By Bus: Cheapest for Solo Travellers
Buses are the most popular way to travel between Tallinn and Riga. The route is served by Lux Express, Ecolines and FlixBus, and there are many departures every day.
The trip takes about 4 to 4.5 hours from city centre to city centre. Buses leave from Tallinn Bus Station on Lastekodu Street and arrive at Riga Central Bus Station.
Tickets usually cost about 15 to 25 EUR when booked in advance and about 25 to 40 EUR at peak times such as holidays.
Keep in mind: you still need to get to the bus station and from the bus station in Riga to your hotel, with your luggage and on a fixed timetable.
By Train: Direct but Slow
Elron runs a direct Tallinn to Riga train via Tartu and Valga. There is one departure per day in each direction, and the journey takes about 6 hours. Tickets start from 29 EUR online.
The train is comfortable, but with only one departure a day and a long journey time it works best for travellers who are not in a hurry.
By Plane: Fast in the Air, Slow Door to Door
The flight takes only about 45 minutes, but with travel to the airport, check-in and baggage, the trip takes 3 to 4 hours door to door. Tickets usually cost about 30 to 80 EUR or more per person.
By Private Car: Door to Door, at Your Own Time
A private transfer takes about 4 hours from your hotel in Tallinn straight to your address in Riga. You leave whenever you want, day or night, and your driver helps with luggage.
Fixed prices with Artsantaxi:
Sedan for 1, 2 or 3 passengers: 330 EUR.
Minivan Mercedes-Benz Vito for up to 8 people: 400 EUR.
Minivan Mercedes-Benz V-Class for up to 6 people: 450 EUR.
Child seats are available on request, and the price is agreed in advance with no hidden extras.
What Does It Really Cost per Person?
For a solo traveller the bus is clearly the cheapest option. For families and groups the picture changes.
A group of 8 in a Mercedes-Benz Vito pays 50 EUR per person, which is close to a peak time bus ticket, but with door to door service, no taxis to and from bus stations and departure at the time you choose.
A family of 4 in a Vito pays 100 EUR per person. On the bus the tickets are cheaper, but add taxis in both cities, waiting with children and luggage, and a fixed timetable.
Which Option Is Best for You?
Travelling alone on a budget: the bus.
Not in a hurry and love trains: the direct Elron train.
A family with children, a group of friends or a business team: a private car or minivan. You save time, travel in comfort and can stop on the way, for example in Pärnu.
Book Your Tallinn to Riga Transfer
See all details on our Tallinn to Riga private transfer page. Travelling in winter? Try our Tallinn to Riga Christmas Market trip with a stop in Pärnu. Want to see more of the Baltics? Look at our private Baltic tour by car.
Arriving in Tallinn by plane first? See our Tallinn Airport to hotel transfer page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get from Tallinn to Riga?
For solo travellers the bus is cheapest. For families and groups a private car or minivan is the most comfortable, door to door and at your own time.
How long does it take to get from Tallinn to Riga?
About 4 hours by car, 4 to 4.5 hours by bus, about 6 hours by direct train, and 3 to 4 hours door to door by plane.
Is there a direct train from Tallinn to Riga?
Yes, Elron runs one direct train per day in each direction via Tartu and Valga.
How much is a private transfer from Tallinn to Riga?
With Artsantaxi a sedan costs 330 EUR, a Mercedes-Benz Vito for up to 8 people 400 EUR and a V-Class for up to 6 people 450 EUR.
Booking 24/7:
Phone: +372 5802 4209
WhatsApp: message us on WhatsApp
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Email: artsantaxi@gmail.com