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)

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.

This guide was researched and written by Jacob, and it was last updated on October 14, 2025. 0 people found this post useful.

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