Exploring the Baltics by train just got easier as new rail route links three capital cities
A new rail route connecting Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn has just made travel between the Baltic capitals much easier.
From this month, travellers can seamlessly travel between Vilnius and Tallinn in a single day, thanks to an improved train service that has slashed previous journey times.
After Lithuania launched the Vilnius-Riga train service last December, the next logical step was connecting all three capitals.
Three Baltic carriers—LTG Link, Vivi, and Elron—will now coordinate train schedules to ensure connectivity between the cities. Until now, it has been impossible to travel by train from Vilnius to Tallinn in a single day.
A single booking platform also now covers the entire journey, allowing passengers to purchase one ticket for the whole trip.
Faster travel between the capitals
Reaching Tallinn from Vilnius by train previously required multiple stops and long wait times, making buses more practical despite the journey time. Bus trips between the destinations can last around 9 hours, depending on the operator.
The updated rail journey is now far more streamlined, with more efficient timetable coordination between Lithuanian, Latvian, and Estonian rail operators.
“The entire LTG team is committed to providing passengers with more travel options in Lithuania and abroad. This is a strategic step and an example of collaboration between the three Baltic States. Our team strives to reduce transfers to just one,” Egidijus Lazauskas, CEO of LTG Group said in a statement.
The full journey from Vilnius to Tallinn spans 789 kilometres and costs a budget-friendly €39 in second class.
Those travelling between Vilnius and Riga will pay €24 in second class or €34 in first class, while the Riga-Tallinn leg is priced at €30.50.
One day journey: what to expect
The new schedule departs from Vilnius at 07:05, reaching Riga by 11:04 before continuing to Valga.
In this Estonian border town, passengers transfer to the Estonian train for the final stretch to Tallinn, arriving at 17:34.
In the opposite direction, the train leaves Tallinn at 10:25 and arrives in Vilnius by 21:03- making same-day travel between the capitals possible for the first time.
Both segments of the journey provide a modern and comfortable travel experience.
The Lithuanian train has air-conditioned cabins, luggage racks, and a catering compartment that offers coffee, snacks, and sandwiches. First-class passengers receive complimentary water and a hot drink.
Upon reaching Valga, passengers transfer to an Estonian train equipped with free WiFi, power sockets, and onboard information screens.
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How to Book your ticket
Purchasing tickets for the new route is relatively straightforward. Passengers can buy a single ticket for the full journey via the Lithuanian Railways website.
Reservations open 30 days in advance, and travellers can display their tickets on their phones or print them.
The train journey from Vilnius to Tallinn costs €39 for a second-class ticket, with a fixed fare.
Travel between Vilnius and Riga is priced at €24 for second-class and €34 for first-class. The fixed price includes a seat reservation.
A trip from Riga to Tallinn costs €30.50 for a second-class ticket with a fixed fare.
Interrail and Eurail pass holders must make a reservation for the Vilnius-Riga leg, but they can board the Riga-Valga and Valga-Tallinn trains freely.
Cyclists can bring bikes on board for a small fee, while pet owners can bring small pets in carriers free of charge. Larger pets require a small surcharge.
