Moscow to Riga transfer via Pskov and Luhamaa
There are no direct flights between Moscow and Riga, so many travellers choose to go by car. Artsantaxi takes you from Moscow to Riga in one day through the Shumilkino - Luhamaa border crossing. You ride to the border with our Russian driver, cross on foot, and on the Estonian side a European car is already waiting to take you to your address in Riga or to Riga Airport.
Why Luhamaa is the best way from Moscow to Riga
Of the southern crossings into Estonia, Luhamaa is the closest to Latvia. After the border only about 230 km remain to Riga, which makes this the shortest road to the Latvian capital.
On the Estonian side Luhamaa has a waiting terminal with a cafe, currency exchange, toilets and a shower. After the long drive from Moscow you can have a meal here and freshen up before the last part of the trip. On the Russian side in Shumilkino there is a petrol station with a cafe.
We describe the crossing itself in detail in the article Luhamaa - Shumilkino border checkpoint.
If a short walk matters more to you, about 350 metres instead of 900, see the route Moscow - Riga transfer via Pskov and Koidula.
The road from Moscow to the border
The driver picks you up in Moscow and takes the M-11 Neva toll motorway to Veliky Novgorod, then goes via Shimsk to Pskov. From Pskov to Shumilkino it is 60 km, about 50 minutes. The whole way from Moscow to the border is about 760 km, and our drivers cover it in 7-8 hours.
We stop whenever you need: at petrol stations along the motorway you can eat, have a coffee and stretch your legs. Stops in Russia and in Europe are included in the price.
What time to leave Moscow
You choose the departure time and we adjust to your plans. The Shumilkino - Luhamaa crossing is open from 7:00 to 19:00, so we recommend arriving at the border 3-4 hours before it closes. This leaves spare time in case you have to wait at passport control. The manager will help you plan the departure so the trip is comfortable.
Crossing the border
At the Shumilkino checkpoint the driver drops you off as close to the entrance as possible. The walk here is about 900 metres, and the checks usually take from 30 minutes to an hour. Scheduled buses use this checkpoint. There are usually few people, and a short wait is only possible if you reach passport control at the same time as a bus.
You receive the details of both drivers and cars in advance. The Russian driver tells his colleague when you have gone to the crossing, and at the Luhamaa exit our car with Estonian or Latvian plates meets you. If the checks take longer, the driver will wait, with no charge for waiting.
Moscow - Riga: distance and travel time
Moscow - Shumilkino: about 760 km, 7-8 hours.
Shumilkino - Luhamaa border: from 30 minutes to an hour.
Luhamaa - Riga: about 230 km, around 3 hours 30 minutes to the centre of Riga and around 3 hours 50 minutes to the airport.
The whole trip from Moscow to Riga via Luhamaa is about 990 km and takes around 11-12.5 hours including the border.
Pickup in Moscow and drop-off in Riga
In Moscow we pick you up at your address, at Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports and at railway stations, all for the same price. If the pickup is far from the centre or outside the city, the manager will give you the exact price straight away, with no hidden extras.
In Riga we drive you to any address or to Riga Airport. If you are flying out, tell us your flight time: you need to be at the airport 2 hours before departure, and the manager will take this into account when planning your departure from Moscow.
For trips in both directions and other options, see the page Riga ↔ Moscow transfer.
Questions about the trip from Moscow to Riga
How many kilometres is it from Moscow to Riga via Luhamaa?
About 990 km: 760 km from Moscow to Shumilkino and about 230 km from Luhamaa to Riga.
How long does it take to drive from Moscow to Riga?
Around 11-12.5 hours including the border crossing.
Can I leave Moscow at a time that suits me?
Yes, we leave when you say. We only recommend planning the trip so that you reach the border 3-4 hours before it closes at 19:00.
How do I get from Moscow to Riga without changes?
With our transfer you are picked up at your door in Moscow and dropped off at your door in Riga. You only walk across the border crossing itself, and our drivers wait for you on both sides.
How far do you walk at the Shumilkino - Luhamaa border?
About 900 metres. The drivers drop you off and meet you as close to the checkpoints as possible.
Where can I eat on the way?
At petrol stations along the motorway, at the petrol station cafe in Shumilkino and at the cafe in the Luhamaa terminal. We stop whenever you ask, and stops are included in the price.
Do you pick up at Moscow airports?
Yes, at Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo and Domodedovo, and also at railway stations. The price is the same as for an address in Moscow.
What if the border takes longer?
The driver on the European side will wait for you and will not leave. There is no extra charge for waiting.
Can I travel with children or pets?
Yes. Child seats are provided on request, and please tell the manager about your pet in advance. Our cars are clean and well kept.
Do I need to prepay?
No, you pay the drivers on the spot. It is easy to book via WhatsApp or Telegram, even on the day of the trip.
Moscow to Riga via Luhamaa transfer price
Sedan for 1-3 passengers: 650 euros. 40 000 roubles to the Russian driver and 250 euros to the European driver.
Minivan Mercedes-Benz V-Class or Vito for 4-8 passengers: 820 euros. 50 000 roubles to the Russian driver and 320 euros to the European driver.
On request you can pay for the whole trip in one currency, in euros or in roubles at the rate of the day.
The price is agreed in advance and does not go up because of waiting at the border or stops on the way. It is the same for an address in Riga and for Riga Airport.
Book 24/7:
Phone: +372 5802 4209
WhatsApp: message us on WhatsApp
Telegram: message us on Telegram
Email: artsantaxi@gmail.com