How to get from Vilnius to Riga

Vilnius to Riga is a simple northbound hop across the Baltics. The fastest is a short flight, but most travelers take the direct coach (frequent, cheap, city-center to city-center). You can also self-drive the A2/E67 (Via Baltica) or book a private transfer if you want door-to-door convenience. Below are the best routes, how to book, and step-by-steps.

At A Glance (Vilnius to Riga)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚌 Direct Coach (City Center → City Center)	~4–4.5h (nonstop)	Budget, frequent departures
🏷️ Cost: ~€15–35 one-way (dynamic) » curated tickets
✈️ Flight (VNO → RIX)	~50m flight + 20–35m city transfers	Fastest overall (light bags)
🏷️ Cost: ~€55–140 one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares
🚘 Self-Drive (A2/E67 Via Baltica)	~4–5h (traffic/border queue-free)	Flexibility & side trips (Hill of Crosses)
🏷️ Cost: Car ~€35–80/day + fuel » compare rentals | alt. options
🚐 Private Transfer / Chauffeured Van	~4–4.5h door-to-door	Groups, lots of luggage, comfort
🏷️ Cost: ~€220–420 per vehicle (size/time) » get quotes | GYG transfers

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Best all-rounder: Direct coach — frequent, inexpensive, and downtown-to-downtown.
• Fastest: Fly VNO→RIX — especially if you’re connecting onward from Riga.
• Most flexible: Self-drive — add Hill of Crosses (Šiauliai) or seaside detours.
• Most comfortable with luggage/kids: Private transfer — door-to-door timing you control.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Buy early on weekends/holidays: Compare coach times and prices (many departures daily). Flights sell out around summer events.
• Cashless is king: Cards and contactless widely accepted. No internal border checks (both are in Schengen) but carry ID.
• Local ride-hailing: Bolt is common in both cities; taxis and public transport are reliable. For fixed long-distance quotes use GetTransfer.
• Stashing bags: Use Radical Storage Vilnius or Radical Storage Riga if your check-in/out doesn’t align.
• Staying overnight? Browse well-located hotels near each station/old town on Booking.com (Vilnius) and Booking.com (Riga).

🚌 Option #1 — Direct Coach (Most Popular, Good Value)

Low cost Frequent City-center to city-center

• Overview: Direct coaches run all day between Vilnius Bus Station (next to the railway station) and Riga International Coach Terminal by the Central Market. Modern buses have Wi-Fi, power, and toilets.
• How to book (with price): From ~€15–35 one-way depending on time/date. Compare and book seats via Trip.com coach listings or at station kiosks.
• Pros: Cheapest, frequent, minimal fuss. Cons: Popular departures can sell out; limited under-coach luggage on some services.
• Official sites (useful): Vilnius Bus Station info; Riga Coach Terminal info (for bay maps/timetables).

Step-by-step: Direct Coach

1. Get to Vilnius Bus Station by local trolleybus/train or Bolt; arrive 15–20 minutes early.
2. Buy or present your e-ticket (QR) and find your bay; stow large luggage in the hold.
3. Ride ~4–4.5 hours with rest stops as scheduled.
4. Arrive at Riga International Coach Terminal; walk 10–15 minutes to Old Town or take a short Bolt/taxi.

Getting to the main embarking points (Vilnius Coach Station → Riga Coach Terminal)

• In Vilnius: The bus station is beside the railway station (signed “Stotis”); easy by tram-style trolleybus or rideshare.
• In Riga: The coach terminal is central, next to the market pavilions and riverside.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #2 — Flight VNO → RIX (Fastest Gate-to-Gate)

~50m in air Good for connections Airport transfers

• Overview: Short nonstop flights connect Vilnius Airport (VNO) and Riga Airport (RIX). With security and transfers, total journey is often ~2.5–3 hours door-to-door.
• How to book (with price): From ~€55–140 one-way. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
• Pros: Fastest, good for onward flights from RIX. Cons: Airport time + transfers can equal the coach time in some cases.
• Official sites (useful): Vilnius Airport (for security/transport); Riga Airport (for buses/taxis).

Step-by-step: Flight VNO → RIX

1. Reach Vilnius Airport (VNO) by city bus/train or Bolt; arrive ~1.5–2 hours before departure.
2. Check in online (carry-on only speeds things up) via your chosen airline on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
3. Fly ~50 minutes to Riga Airport (RIX); after arrival, follow signs to city buses or taxi/Bolt stands.
4. Continue 20–35 minutes to Riga Old Town/Central; many hotels are walkable from the coach/rail area.

Getting to the main embarking points (VNO & RIX)

• From Vilnius center to VNO: Frequent buses and Bolt rides available; the airport rail halt runs at select times.
• From RIX to center: City bus and Bolt/taxi ranks outside arrivals; many hotels in 20–30 minutes.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #3 — Self-Drive (Via Baltica A2/E67)

Flexible Scenic detours Driver needed

• Overview: Drive north from Vilnius via A2/E67 to Riga. Roads are good; both countries are in the EU/Schengen (no routine border checks).
• How to book (with price): From ~€35–80/day for a compact manual; automatics/SUVs extra. Compare on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire. Scooters/motos in-city via BikesBooking.
• Pros: Side trips (Trakai, Kaunas, Šiauliai’s Hill of Crosses). Cons: Parking fees in central Riga; watch speed limits.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

1. Pick up your car in Vilnius (airport or downtown). Check cross-border permission (Lithuania→Latvia).
2. Set navigation for Riga via A2/E67, optionally adding Šiauliai (Hill of Crosses) as a waypoint.
3. Plan fuel/rest stops every 2 hours; keep reflective vests and triangle (standard in LT/LV).
4. Enter Riga; park at your hotel or a guarded lot near the center.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Depots & A2/E67)

• Vilnius pickup: Airport counters have long hours; downtown depots may close earlier weekends.
• Riga parking: Public/garage parking around the center and across the river in Ķīpsala.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #4 — Private Transfer / Chauffeured Van (Door-to-Door)

Comfort Family-friendly Higher cost

• Overview: A driver picks you up at your Vilnius address and drops you at your Riga hotel, with optional sightseeing en route.
• How to book (with price): ~€220–420 per vehicle depending on size/date. Compare instant quotes on GetTransfer or browse GetYourGuide private transfers.
• Pros: Door-to-door, child seats on request, easy with big bags. Cons: More expensive than coach; still road-traffic dependent.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

1. Enter pickup/drop details and luggage count; request child seats if needed on GetTransfer.
2. Confirm what’s included (waiting time, detours, night surcharge).
3. Meet your driver at the set time; share live location via your app (Bolt also works locally for short hops).
4. Arrive in Riga and unload at your hotel entrance.

Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-Door)

• Vilnius pickup: Any hotel/apartment; drivers track flight arrivals if you start at VNO.
• Riga drop: Old Town hotels often on cobbles—drivers stop as close as permitted.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Vilnius to Riga)

Is there a direct train?
Not yet; until Rail Baltica opens, the practical options are coach, flight, self-drive, or private transfer.

How long does the coach take door-to-door?
Roughly 4–4.5 hours plus a few minutes to/from the stations—often the best value/time combo.

Which side of Riga is best to stay?
Old Town/Center for sightseeing; Ķīpsala or across the river for parking and quieter stays. Compare on Booking.com Riga.

Any border formalities?
Both Lithuania and Latvia are in Schengen; no routine checks, but carry your passport/ID.

Can I bring a bike?
Some coaches allow bikes if packed; check policy in advance. For local rentals at your destination, browse options on BikesBooking.

What about luggage storage?
Use station lockers where available or book a spot with Radical Storage in Vilnius and Riga.