The train journey starts in Vilnius in Lithuania (Image: Getty)
Forget the hassle of juggling buses, trains, and waiting for ages between transfers – the new rail link between the Baltic capitals of Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn is here to make your travels smoother, faster, and more affordable than ever before.
Starting this month, travellers can now hop on a sleek, modern train in and be in on the same day.
It’s a journey that once took forever, but thanks to improved rail schedules and a coordinated effort between Lithuanian, Latvian, and Estonian carriers, this new rail route will have you crossing three countries with ease.
Until now, if you wanted to travel between Vilnius and Tallinn, it meant several stops, long wait times, and a lot of time spent watching the clock.
The journey could take up to nine hours by bus, and even that felt like a stretch for many. But with this updated rail service, that’s all in the past.
The distance between Vilnius and Tallinn is a cool 789 kilometres, but thanks to more efficient scheduling, the journey now takes just a fraction of the time.
That means no more multiple stops – just a relaxing train ride from city to city.
:
Travelling between the Baltic capitals just became easier (Image: Getty)
Hop off the train in Tallinn to explore Estonia’s capital (Image: Getty)
It’s wallet-friendly. A second-class ticket for the full journey from Vilnius to Tallinn will only set you back £33.50 – far cheaper than flying or taking the bus, and way more enjoyable.
Plus, with trains departing at convenient times and a single ticket for the entire trip, it’s the easiest way to get between these three capitals.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the prices:
-
Vilnius to Riga: £20.50 for second class, £29.20 for first class
-
Riga to Tallinn: £26.20 for second class
-
The full Vilnius-Tallinn trip: £33.50 for second class
What can you expect?
You might be wondering: “Is it all just a faster, fancier version of the old trains?” Absolutely not! The revamped service is designed with comfort in mind.
The Lithuanian leg of the journey boasts air-conditioned cabins, ample luggage space, and a dedicated catering compartment where you can grab a coffee or snack to keep you going.
First-class passengers even get complimentary water and a hot drink – a little extra perk for that tiny upgrade.
When you reach Valga, the train switches to an Estonian service, but the luxury continues. Expect free WiFi, power outlets, and onboard info screens to keep you in the loop.
Travel to Riga from Vilnius for as little as £20 (Image: Getty)
This is a game-changer for those who need to get from Vilnius to Tallinn in one day.
The train departs from Vilnius at 7.05am and reaches Riga by 11.04am, just in time for a coffee break. Then, passengers transfer in Valga, before continuing to Tallinn, arriving by 5.34pm.
The return journey is equally convenient – departing Tallinn at 10.25am and reaching Vilnius by 9.03pm.
It’s perfect for a quick but comfortable trip between these iconic Baltic capitals, with plenty of time left over for sightseeing or a bite to eat.
Getting your hands on a ticket for this new rail route is no brain mission.
Simply hop onto the Lithuanian Railways website, and purchase your full journey ticket – it covers everything from Vilnius to Tallinn with a single booking.
Tickets are available 30 days in advance, and you can either print them or simply display them on your phone for easy access.
With comfortable travel, stunning views, and the ability to visit three vibrant cities in a single day, the new Vilnius-Riga-Tallinn rail service is set to become the go-to way to travel through the Baltics. Fast, affordable, and easy.