How to Get from Riga to Tallinn: Bus, Train, Private Transfer or Sightseeing Tour?
How to Get from Riga to Tallinn: Bus, Train, Plane, Private Transfer or Sightseeing Tour?
Planning a trip from Riga to Tallinn? The two Baltic capitals are close enough to visit on the same trip, but choosing the best way to travel depends on how much time you have, your budget and whether you want to simply get from one city to another or actually see more of Estonia and Latvia along the way.
The distance from Riga to Tallinn is roughly 310 km (193 miles), and there are several ways to make the journey: by bus, train, car, private transfer or an organised sightseeing tour.
For travellers who want the easiest and most flexible experience, a private Riga to Tallinn transfer can be particularly attractive. Instead of spending the entire journey on a scheduled bus or train, you can travel directly from your accommodation in Riga to your accommodation in Tallinn, with the option to stop at interesting places along the way.
In this guide, we’ll compare the main options and explain which one is best for different types of travellers.
Riga to Tallinn at a Glance
| Option | Approx. travel time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | Around 4–5 hours | Budget travellers |
| Train | Longer / depends on connections | Travellers who prefer rail |
| Plane | Around 1 hour flight time, plus airport time | Travellers who prefer flying |
| Rental car | Around 4.5 hours driving time | Independent travellers |
| Private transfer | Around 4–5 hours, depending on stops | Comfort and flexibility |
| Sightseeing transfer | Depends on itinerary | Travellers who want to see places along the way |
If your priority is simply getting from Riga to Tallinn as cheaply as possible, the bus is usually the most straightforward choice.
If you want comfort, door-to-door transport and the freedom to stop along the route, a private transfer is much more convenient.
And if you have a full day available and don’t want to miss some of the Baltic region’s highlights, a sightseeing transfer from Riga to Tallinn can turn the journey itself into part of your holiday.
1. Riga to Tallinn by Bus
TIME: 4 h 30 min
COST: from €10 to €30 (Lux Express, FlixBus, Ecolines)
For many travellers, the bus is the simplest public transport option between Riga and Tallinn.
There are frequent connections between the two capitals, and the journey generally takes around four to five hours depending on the service and traffic.
Advantages of taking the bus
Usually one of the cheapest options
No need to drive
Direct connections are available
Several departure times may be available
Convenient for solo travellers and backpackers
Disadvantages
The biggest limitation is flexibility.
You normally travel according to the bus timetable, and once you’re on board, you cannot simply decide to stop at a castle, viewpoint or seaside town along the way.
This matters because the route between Riga and Tallinn passes through a region with plenty of places worth visiting.
The bus is ideal if Tallinn is simply your next destination.
But if you want to make the most of the journey, there are better options.
2. Riga to Tallinn by Train
TIME: 6.5 to 8 h
COST: about €30–40
Travelling by train can be an attractive choice for people who enjoy rail travel.
However, the Riga–Tallinn railway journey has historically been less straightforward than the direct bus connection, and travellers should check the current timetable and connections before planning their trip.
The train can make sense if you specifically prefer rail travel or want to combine the journey with other destinations in the Baltics.
For most visitors whose priority is speed and simplicity, however, the bus is usually easier.
For travellers whose priority is comfort and flexibility, a private transfer has another major advantage: you don’t need to follow a railway timetable at all.
3. Riga to Tallinn by Rental Car
Renting a car gives you considerably more freedom.
You can leave Riga when you want, stop whenever you like and explore smaller towns and attractions that aren’t necessarily convenient to reach by public transport.
The downside is that you’re responsible for the entire journey.
That means:
Picking up and returning the rental car
Driving for several hours
Parking in Tallinn
Navigating unfamiliar roads
Checking rental-car rules for cross-border travel
You should also confirm with the rental company that taking the vehicle from Latvia into Estonia is permitted under your rental agreement.
For a couple or family who wants to explore several destinations independently, renting a car can work well.
But there is another option that combines many of the advantages of driving with none of the driving responsibility.
4. Riga to Tallinn by Plane
TIME: 3 hours (1 h of flying + 1,5 h at airports + 0.5h transport from or to city centre)
COST: from 60€ (basic) to 400€ (business class), give or take because prices may change
Flying from Riga to Tallinn is another option, particularly for travellers who prefer air travel or need to connect with another flight.
The actual flight time is short because the two capitals are relatively close together. However, you should also consider the time needed to travel to and from the airports, arrive before departure and go through airport procedures.
This means that flying isn’t necessarily the fastest option once the complete door-to-door journey is taken into account.
5. Riga to Tallinn by Private Transfer
A private transfer from Riga to Tallinn is one of the most convenient choices if you value comfort and flexibility.
Instead of travelling to a bus or train station, you can arrange pickup directly from your hotel, apartment or another agreed location in Riga.
You then travel directly to Tallinn in a private vehicle.
The biggest advantage is that the journey can be adapted to your plans.
Want to stop for lunch?
Want to take photos?
Want to visit a particular attraction?
With a private transfer, your journey doesn’t have to be limited to the fastest possible route.
Why choose a private transfer?
Door-to-door service
You don’t need to carry your luggage through stations or arrange additional transport at either end.
Flexible departure
You can plan the departure around your flight, hotel checkout or sightseeing schedule.
Comfort
A private vehicle gives you considerably more personal space than a crowded public transport connection.
Ideal for groups
For families, couples or groups of friends, a private transfer can be particularly convenient.
Possibility to add sightseeing stops
This is where a transfer can become much more than transportation.
Instead of thinking of Riga–Tallinn as four or five hours of travel, you can treat it as a Baltic road trip.
6. Turn Your Riga–Tallinn Transfer into a Sightseeing Trip
One of the biggest mistakes travellers make when planning the Baltic region is thinking of Riga and Tallinn as two isolated city breaks.
There is a lot to see between them.
Depending on your interests and available time, your journey can include stops at historic sites, coastal areas, nature attractions and other interesting locations.
Instead of:
Riga → Tallinn
you can create an itinerary like:
Riga → sightseeing stop → lunch → another attraction → Tallinn
This is especially useful if you have already spent several days in Riga and want to use your travel day efficiently.
7. Why a Sightseeing Transfer Can Be Better Than a Normal Transfer
A standard transfer has one objective:
Get you from A to B.
A sightseeing transfer has a different objective:
Get you from A to B while experiencing more of the destination.
This distinction is important for travellers with limited time.
Imagine you have only five days in the Baltics.
You could spend half a day simply travelling from Riga to Tallinn.
Or you could use that travel day to see another part of the region before arriving in Tallinn.
That can make a significant difference to your overall itinerary.
Book here:
8. How Long Does It Take to Travel from Riga to Tallinn?
Without sightseeing stops, the journey between Riga and Tallinn takes approximately four to five hours by road, depending on traffic, the exact starting and ending points and road conditions.
A sightseeing transfer naturally takes longer.
That’s not necessarily a disadvantage.
If you have the whole day available, adding one or two meaningful stops can transform the journey into a memorable part of your trip.
If you need to arrive in Tallinn as quickly as possible, choose a direct transfer.
If you have time, consider adding sightseeing stops.
9. Is Riga to Tallinn Worth Doing as a Day Trip?
Technically, yes—but it is a long day.
Travelling from Riga to Tallinn and back in one day means spending a significant amount of time on the road.
For most travellers, we recommend staying overnight in Tallinn rather than trying to visit both cities in a single day.
A much better itinerary is:
Day 1: Explore Riga
Day 2: Riga → Tallinn with sightseeing stops
Day 3: Explore Tallinn
This gives you enough time to experience both capitals without spending the entire trip in transit.
10. Which Riga to Tallinn Transport Option Is Best?
The answer depends on what you value most.
Choose the bus if:
You want the lowest-cost option
You don’t need sightseeing stops
You are comfortable travelling according to a timetable
You’re travelling alone or on a tight budget
Choose the train if:
You prefer travelling by rail
The available connection fits your itinerary
You don’t mind a potentially longer journey
Choose the plane if:
You prefer flying
You are connecting through an airport
The flight schedule fits your plans
You want a short time in the air
Choose a rental car if:
You want to drive yourself
You are planning several destinations
You are comfortable with cross-border driving
Choose a private transfer if:
You want door-to-door service
You are travelling with family or friends
You want a comfortable journey
You have luggage
You want flexibility with departure time
Choose a sightseeing transfer if:
You want to see more than just Riga and Tallinn
You have limited time in the Baltics
You want to combine transportation and sightseeing
You prefer a private, flexible itinerary
Riga to Tallinn Private Transfer: Is It Worth It?
For budget travellers, public transport will usually be the obvious choice.
But price isn’t the only factor.
A private transfer can save you time and hassle, particularly if you’re travelling with several people or carrying luggage.
Instead of:
Hotel → station → wait → bus → Tallinn bus station → taxi → hotel
you can have:
Riga hotel → private vehicle → Tallinn hotel
And if you choose a sightseeing transfer, you can add stops along the way.
For couples, families and groups, the convenience can be especially valuable.
What Is the Best Way to Travel from Riga to Tallinn?
For a simple and affordable journey, the bus is hard to beat.
For travellers who want the freedom to explore independently, a rental car can be a good choice.
But if your priority is comfort, flexibility and making the journey part of the experience, a private transfer is one of the most convenient ways to travel from Riga to Tallinn.
And if you have enough time, consider upgrading the journey into a private sightseeing transfer.
That way, you’re not simply travelling between two Baltic capitals.
You’re discovering more of the Baltic region along the way.
Ready to Travel from Riga to Tallinn?
If you’re planning to travel from Riga to Tallinn and want a comfortable private journey, RigaTours.lv can help you arrange your transfer.
You can choose a direct transfer when you simply want to reach Tallinn, or plan a sightseeing itinerary with stops along the way.
Start planning your Riga to Tallinn journey with RigaTours.lv.
