Vilnius-Riga-Tallinn finally the train journey between the Baltic capitals is in just one day
Among the ruins of ancient castles, medieval palaces, Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings and reminiscences of the former Soviet Union, the Baltic Republics, namely Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia, are a mine of history, culture and fairytale suggestions even for the most demanding visitor. Embarking on a journey between Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn means discovering magnificently preserved UNESCO World Heritage historical centres, each with its own distinct personality, but also enjoying unique and extremely varied natural landscapes, from forests to woods, from lakes to beaches. Places with rarefied and fairytale atmospheres, populated by storks, deer, lynxes, bears and wolves. And by welcoming and kind humanity.
It will therefore be nice to know that, thanks to the collaboration between the companies of all three nations, a new railway line has just been inaugurated connecting Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn, designed to make travel between the Baltic capitals easier. For some time now, it has been possible to travel between Vilnius and Tallinn in just one day, thanks to a route that significantly reduces travel times. The first nation to have made travel easier was Lithuania, which launched the Vilnius-Riga railway service last December. The connection between all three cities therefore appears to be the completion of a broader tourism project, which sees the capitals as a single unmissable destination, and invites you to discover it in the name of sustainability. The protagonists of the implementation are three Baltic carriers, LTG Link, Vivi and Elron, which will coordinate the train schedules to ensure connectivity between the cities.
The main novelty is the possibility of travelling by rail from Vilnius to Tallinn in just one day, instead of the various changes previously required. Until now, many tourists were forced to choose the bus, with journeys lasting 9 hours. The entire route, which extends for 789 kilometres, thanks to a more efficient coordination of timetables between the Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian railway operators, can now be done by train. In particular, the new timetable leaves from Vilnius at 07:05 and reaches Riga at 11:04, before continuing on to Valga . The Lithuanian train has air-conditioned cabins, luggage racks and a compartment for catering. In first class, passengers are given free water and a hot drink. In Valga, a border town in Estonia, passengers transfer to the Estonian train for the final stretch to Tallinn , arriving at 17:34. The journey is also very comfortable, with the train equipped with free WiFi, power outlets and information screens on board. In the opposite direction , the train leaves Tallinn at 10:25 and arrives in Vilnius at 21:03, making a day trip between the two capitals possible for the first time.
A trip with costs accessible to allThe train journey from Vilnius to Tallinn (528 km) costs 39 euros for a second-class ticket, with a fixed fare. The journey between Vilnius and Riga costs 24 euros for second class and 34 euros for first class. Passengers can purchase a single ticket for the entire journey via the Lithuanian Railways website. Reservations open 30 days in advance and tickets can be viewed on your phone or printed.
Cyclists can bring their bicycles on board for a small fee. Pet owners can bring their small four-legged friends in a carrier free of charge. Larger animals are subject to a small fee.
Three capitals of breathtaking beautyThe Estonian city of Tallinn overlooks the Baltic Sea, is one of the oldest capitals in northern Europe and, with its majestic walls completed by 46 towers, is a medieval jewel. Its splendid Old Town, embellished with Gothic buildings, ancient alleys and panoramic views, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For lovers of 20th century history, the city offers the opportunity to discover the secret places of the KGB. Riga , the capital of Latvia, is a city much loved by young people for its multicultural atmosphere and by tourists of all ages for the beauty of its Art Nouveau architecture. Its magnificent historic center is also a World Heritage Site. Don't miss the 13th century Cathedral, whose style is a mix of Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque. St. Peter's Church allows you to reach the top of the bell tower and admire the entire city from above. Lithuanian Vilnius , also with its historic center a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a nightlife and is famous for its ancient university, founded in the sixteenth century. The Old Town is the oldest in Eastern Europe. Worth seeing is the Gate of Dawn, the only one remaining of the five original city gates.
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