Riga to Tallinn – 7 Best Ways to Travel in 2026

Planning to travel from Riga to Tallinn? We’ve got you covered!

Riga is beautiful and can fill days of fun exploring: charming Old Town streets, picturesque Art Nouveau houses, and modern creative districts. You should absolutely plan to visit the Estonian capital city, Tallinn, as well. Tallinn has it all too — a historic Old Town, a beautiful seaside, cool museums, and great food.

What’s even better than the two capitals is the fun you can have travelling between them. We’ve ranked your options not just by speed and cost, but also by how fun (or frustrating) each travel method might be. Fear not, traveller — whether you’re planning ahead or winging it with Wi-Fi and hope, this guide breaks down all the ways to get from Riga to Tallinn.

The bus is the most popular option, and with good reason. It’s affordable, comfortable, runs nearly every hour, and connects the city centres directly. You can hop on at Riga International Coach Station, next to the Riga Central Market, and disembark at Tallinn Coach Station (Bussijaam). This is a mere 15-minute tram or bus ride from the Old Town.

The three main service providers on this route are Lux Express, FlixBus, and Ecolines. Lux Express tends to win the comfort race with plush seats, personal screens, decent legroom, and sometimes even free coffee on board. Ecolines comes a close second, while FlixBus is usually the cheapest but the most basic. Most buses have Wi-Fi and power outlets, making it easy to zone out with a podcast, music, or get some work done (or pretend to).

Travel time is about 4 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and bus type. There are usually no border checks, but be sure to keep your travel documents handy — you are switching countries, even if it feels seamless. In short: it’s the best bang-for-your-buck option for getting from A to B.

There is currently no direct train from Riga to Tallinn. You can, however, make the journey by changing trains at the Latvian–Estonian border. The main challenge is timing: tickets can sell out, connections are limited, and missing a transfer can mean a long wait. This option is best for travellers who enjoy slow travel and plan ahead.

Looking for maximum comfort and zero stress? A private transfer from Riga to Tallinn might just be your style. You get picked up at your hotel in Riga and dropped off at your accommodation in Tallinn – no stations, no transfers, no dragging suitcases across cobbles.

The trip usually takes around 4 hours via the Via Baltica route. You can book anything from a basic sedan to a business-class van or even a luxury vehicle, depending on your group size and budget. The cost ranges from €220 to €300 per vehicle. Split between four people, it suddenly doesn’t sound so extravagant, does it?

Some transfer services even offer optional sightseeing stops along the way – kind of like a custom tour, but entirely private. Just make sure to confirm your itinerary with the provider in advance.

Riga and Tallinn are not that far apart; the direct airBaltic flight takes about an hour. Add check-in, security, and airport transfers, and the trip easily stretches to 3–4 hours in total. Basically the same as taking the bus or a private transfer. Also keep in mind that neither Riga nor Tallinn airport is in the city centre.

Fares can start around €40, but it’s more realistic to pay €75–120 (luggage and seat selection not included) unless booked well in advance. If flying already fits into your travel plan, it can work – but otherwise, the bus or sightseeing tour is often smoother.

For maximum control and freedom to stop whenever and wherever – drive yourself. Fastest is to take the E67 “Via Baltica”. It is a very straightforward and fast way from Riga to Tallinn. Renting a car is easy, but remember that dropping it off in another country usually comes with extra fees.

If you crave flexibility, this is ideal. Create your own sightseeing route, take your time, ditch the plan, and follow your whims.

All the respect to anyone who plans on doing this. The shortest direct route is around 310 km and mostly follows major roads, which is not exactly scenic for walking or cycling.

If you are already doing it, go all in. Two options stand out. One: follow the coast. Start in Riga, hug the sea north all the way to Pärnu, then decide whether to continue along the coast or detour to Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, or other islands. Two: head through Gauja National Park, cross the border, and pick up Estonia’s hiking trails through bogs, forests, and moors.

Walking or cycling like this always impresses locals. Public camping sites are common, often free or very affordable, and the countryside offers everything from simple guesthouses to fancy manor spa hotels. It takes planning, fitness, and spirit – but the reward is unmatched.