How to get from Riga to Tallinn

Riga to Tallinn is one of the easiest Baltic hops. Your main options are the direct coach (frequent and comfy), a short flight between capitals, a scenic train combo via Valga, or a self-drive/charter along the Via Baltica. Pick what fits your schedule, budget, and luggage style—details and step-by-steps below.

At A Glance (Riga to Tallinn)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚌 Direct Coach (City Center → City Center)	~4h15–4h45	Most travelers, reliable & good value
🏷️ Cost: ~€17–35 one-way (season/time) » curated coach options
✈️ Flight (RIX → TLL)	~50m in air + airport transfers	Fastest if schedules align
🏷️ Cost: ~€60–180 one-way » search flights | Trip.com fares
🚆 Train via Valga (1 change)	~5.5–7.5h (timetable-dependent)	Scenic ride, rail fans
🏷️ Cost: ~€20–35 total (two tickets)
🚗 Self-Drive / 🚐 Private Transfer	~4–5h (A1/E67 via Pärnu)	Door-to-door flexibility & stops
🏷️ Cost: Car ~€35–70/day + fuel » compare rentals | Private from ~€280–450/vehicle » fixed quotes

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest overall: Fly RIX→TLL if flight times fit and you’re near the airports.
• Best value & no airports: Direct coach—frequent, comfy, Wi-Fi/power, central to central.
• Most scenic without driving: Train via Valga (two national railways, one change).
• Door-to-door & sightseeing: Self-drive or private transfer via Pärnu or the coast.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Buy early in summer/weekends: Coaches and flights can sell out—compare on Trip.com and Booking.com Flights.
• Seats & luggage: Coaches usually include one hold bag; trains allow generous luggage—confirm before travel.
• City luggage storage: If you’re sightseeing pre/post trip, stash bags via Radical Storage Riga or Radical Storage Tallinn.
• Ride-hailing & taxis: Use Bolt in both cities for station/airport hops; for fixed intercity quotes compare GetTransfer.
• Stay near stations: Handy for early/late departures—browse Riga hotels and Tallinn hotels.

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

Frequent City-center → city-center Budget-friendly

• Overview: Modern coaches with Wi-Fi, power, WC, and seat selection run all day between Riga International Coach Terminal and Tallinn Bus Station (Bussijaam). Most journeys are ~4h30 with a brief stop.
• How to book (with price): From ~€17–35 one-way. Compare curated departures on Trip.com (Riga→Tallinn coaches). Official operators list exact times and amenities.
• Pros: Frequent, comfortable, central arrival. Cons: Popular runs can sell out at peak times.

Step-by-step: Direct Coach

1. Get to Riga International Coach Terminal (near Central Market). Use Bolt or walk from Old Town (~10–15 minutes).
2. Buy/show your e-ticket (QR). Choose a seat with power if you plan to work.
3. Ride ~4h15–4h45; brief rest stop en route on some services.
4. Arrive at Tallinn Bus Station (Bussijaam); continue by tram/bus/taxi/Bolt to your hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Coach Terminals)

• Riga Coach Terminal: Adjacent to Central Market/Old Town; multiple city buses/trams stop nearby.
• Tallinn Bussijaam: Connected by tram line to the center and Ülemiste/TLL area; taxis and Bolt outside.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #2 — Flight (RIX → TLL) (Fastest)

~50m flight Handy with luggage Security & transfers add time

• Overview: Direct flights link Riga International Airport (RIX) with Tallinn Airport (TLL). Great if you’re already at/near the airports or connecting onward.
• How to book (with price): Typical fares ~€60–180 one-way. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. For door-to-door, consider a fixed car on GetTransfer.
• Pros: Fast in the air; easy if you’re connecting. Cons: Check-in/security and airport transfers can make total time similar to the coach.

Step-by-step: Flight RIX → TLL

1. Ride Bolt/bus to RIX; arrive 2 hours before departure.
2. Check in online via Booking.com Flights or compare times on Trip.com.
3. Fly ~50 minutes to TLL.
4. From TLL, take tram #4 (~15–20 minutes) or taxi/Bolt to the Old Town or your hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airports)

• RIX: City buses and Bolt connect Old Town to the terminal quickly.
• TLL: Tram stop just outside the terminal; taxis/Bolt rank at arrivals.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚆 Option #3 — Train via Valga (Most Scenic, 1 Change)

Comfortable Country views Longer than coach

• Overview: Take a Latvian train from Riga Central Station to Valga (on the LV-EE border), then change to an Estonian Elron train to Tallinn Balti jaam. Check connection times.
• How to book (with price): Buy two tickets (~€20–35 total). Times and e-tickets are often available via national rail sites; for packaged combos and activities see GetYourGuide or Trip.com experiences.
• Pros: Spacious, scenic; station-to-station travel. Cons: Fewer daily connections; slower than the bus.

Step-by-step: Train via Valga

1. Reach Riga Central Station (Bolt/walk/tram from Old Town).
2. Board the Riga→Valga train; keep your Valga→Tallinn (Elron) ticket/QR ready for the connection.
3. At Valga, change platforms to the Elron service to Tallinn Balti jaam (final stop near Old Town).
4. From Balti jaam, walk ~10 minutes to Old Town or hop a tram/taxi/Bolt.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rail Stations)

• Riga Central Station: Large mall/food court attached; plenty of signage to platforms.
• Tallinn Balti jaam: Market (Balti Jaama Turg) and trams outside; easy walk to Old Town.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #4 — Self-Drive (Via Baltica) / 🚐 Private Transfer

Door-to-door Pärnu stop possible Borderless Schengen drive

• Overview: Drive the A1/E67 “Via Baltica” north via Salacgrīva and Pärnu to Tallinn. Roads are good; winter requires caution. If you don’t want to drive, book a private car/van.
• How to book (with price): Rentals from ~€35–70/day (compact) on Booking.com Car Rental (Riga). Private cars from ~€280–450 per vehicle on GetTransfer. For scooters/motos (summer), compare on BikesBooking.
• Pros: Total flexibility, easy detours (Gauja NP, Pärnu beach). Cons: Parking costs in Tallinn center; one-way drop fees may apply.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive / Private Transfer

1. Pick up your car in Riga (airport or downtown) via Booking.com Car Rental, or request a GetTransfer quote for door-to-door.
2. Join the A1/E67 northbound; plan a rest stop in Pärnu (cafés, seaside).
3. Enter Estonia (no checks in Schengen); continue E67 to Tallinn and follow signs to your hotel or Old Town parking.

Getting to the main embarking points (Pickup & Route)

• Riga pickups: Airport counters have long hours; downtown depots may close early on weekends.
• Tallinn arrival: Many hotels sit just outside pedestrian Old Town—confirm parking or drop-off in advance.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Riga to Tallinn)

Coach or train—what’s better?
Coaches are faster and more frequent; the train via Valga is slower but scenic and comfortable if the timetable suits.

How early should I book?
For summer weekends/holidays, book a few days ahead for best prices/times—especially evening coaches and first-morning flights.

Which arrival points are central in Tallinn?
Tallinn Bus Station (Bussijaam) connects by tram/bus to the center; Balti jaam (rail) is a short walk to Old Town; TLL airport is ~15–20 minutes by tram/taxi.

Can I do a same-day return?
Yes—coaches take ~4.5 hours each way, so a very long day is possible. Many travelers stay overnight—see Tallinn hotels.

Any good stopovers?
Pärnu (Estonia’s summer capital) is a classic coffee/beach break on the E67; Gauja National Park works if you detour east from Riga.

Where can I store luggage?
Use station lockers when available or book space via Radical Storage Riga and Radical Storage Tallinn.