The busiest time of summer is upon us, and travelers from around the world are flocking to our region to spend a week or two. The most popular plan is, of course, to visit all the Baltic capitals in one go: from Tallinn to Riga to Vilnius. More often than not, travelers choose to organize this trip independently since there's no shortage of transport options, hotel choices, and blog recommendations on how to make the most of the trip. However, occasionally, we meet travelers who decide to do the trip the other way around — going from Vilnius to Riga and leaving Tallinn for last. One of the most common questions we get from these travelers is how to get from Vilnius to Riga.
Scroll to the end to find a couple of suggestions on what to do in Riga once you have reached it!
Here are a few ways to reach Riga from Vilnius:
By Bus
Time: about 4.5 hours
Tickets: 6-20€ (2025)
The cheapest and most popular option is to take the bus from Vilnius to Riga. It usually takes about 4 hours, and the bus stations in both cities are right in the city center. There are a few bus companies that operate this route, such as FlixBus, EcoLines, and LuxExpress, so there's no shortage of connections. If you feel like treating yourself, we recommend choosing LuxExpress. It has comfy buses, offers free Wi-Fi, and provides multimedia touch screens at each seat so you can spend all 4 hours watching movies. Prices vary from 16 to 21 EUR. Ecolines buses are a little less comfortable than LuxExpress, but they also offer touch screens on each seat and free wi-fi.
If you are not visiting all the three cities, or if you are in Vilnius only for a few days, you might even consider doing a day trip to Riga. Of course, if you do not mind waking up early and spending 4 hours on a bus to Riga, then exploring Riga for full day and going back in the evening 4 hours by bus to Vilnius. The timetables are quite convenient.
The buses leave from the main Vilnius coach station. If you stay a bit further from it, you can consider catching a bus at Panorama shopping mall bus stop. It is on the left side of the shopping mall. Here is the exact location on Google maps. Usually the buses come here 15 min after leaving the main coach station. But check each company and route separately to confirm the exact stops within the city and the arrival time so you don't miss your connection.
By Plane
Flight time: 50 min
Tickets: between €33 and €80 one way (2025)
Riga has the biggest airport in the Baltics. Many Lithuanians who want to fly somewhere first have to fly from Vilnius to Riga. The flight itself takes only 50 minutes, but you have to keep in mind the security checks and luggage claims which also takes time.
At least Vilnius airport is very close to the city centre and it is quite easy to get there by public transport (buses 88, 3G). It should take around 20-30 minutes depending on the place you are staying in Vilnius. You can check our blog post for other options: How to get from Vilnius airport to the city centre. To go to Riga city centre from Riga airport takes around 25-30 minutes. You can find more information on the website of Riga airport.
Overall, you will need at least 3 hours for this trip, even though we recommend arriving at the airport a bit earlier. If you really hate travelling by bus, this is probably the best option for you.
You can reserve your tickets on AIrBaltic airlines website.
By Train
Time: about 4.5 hours
Tickets: from 24€ (2025)
Recently, it has also become possible to reach Riga by train. The service is operated by the Lithuanian Railways Company, LTG. The journey takes approximately 4.5 hours and costs €24 for the second class. Many tourists are now opting for the train over the bus, and it's not surprising, as the train offers a more adventurous, relaxing, and environmentally friendly travel experience. Moreover, both the train stations in Vilnius and Riga are located in the city center, making it very convenient for travelers. However, keep in mind that this option is relatively new, so many locals are also choosing to travel this way, and tickets might sell out a week in advance. It may also not be as flexible as you need, as there is only one connection departing from Vilnius train station at 7 AM and arriving in Riga at 11 AM.
By Car
Photo by Autocom Car Rental
Time: from 3.5 hours
Prices: from 140 EUR/car (2025)
If you prefer setting your own pace and having more privacy, you might consider renting a car in Vilnius to drive to Riga (approximately 295 km). This way, you can choose when to depart from Vilnius, where to make stops, and what to see along the route. Especially enjoyable if you're traveling with friends, a road trip from Vilnius to Riga allows you to visit attractions like the Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace.
There are several rental companies available where you can find a suitable car. Keep in mind that while it's possible to rent a car in Vilnius and drop it off in Riga, most companies charge an additional fee for returning the car in a different city.
Autocom Car Rental is one of the local rental companies offering car rental in the Baltics. They offer new cars and great customer service. You can check their cars here. You can pick up the car during working hours at Vilnius airport or their central office. But feel free to contact their customer service if you have some special questions or requests!
Vilnius - Riga sightseeing tour bus
Time : 12 hours
Tickets: 95 EUR/person (2025)
If you do not want to spend your time watching movies while travelling, taking your time at the airport or driving, you can consider taking one way Vilnius – Riga sightseeing bus. It is quite convenient. You will leave Vilnius in the morning and arrive to Riga in the evening, but on the way you will spend some time visiting a few highlights of Lithuania and Latvia, that you would probably miss otherwise. While visiting Trakai is fairly easy from Vilnius, going to the Hill of Crosses will take you 3 hours. So we always recommend visiting the Hill of Crosses on the way to Riga to save some time. You will stop in Kaunas, Hill of the Crosses, Rundale palace, Salaspils Memorial to victims of Fascism. Quite a good deal if you want to explore more of the Baltics!
Find more details about Vilnius Riga sightseeing bus
What to do in Riga?
So you finally reached Riga and wondering what to do now? Riga is well-known for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and vibrant art scene, and wonderful parks. As Latvia's capital, it attracts visitors with its UNESCO-listed Old Town and lively cultural atmosphere. Our guides, however, recommend visiting these hidden gems:
(RSU) Anatomy Museum
Not for the lighhearted! The museum is based on the first teaching collection used in anatomy studies in Latvia, which was created in the 1920s and the 1930s. Located in the anatomical theatre, the collection has been an integral part of Latvian medical education for 100 years. As of now, the museum is open to everyone. The public is invited to look at what is usually seen only by anatomists or surgeons. Here you will get to experience the diversity of human bodies, of skeletons, embryos, bones, body parts and organs exhibited here, their structure and how they vary in diseased and healthy form. Everything here is real.
Zuzuem Art Centre
Photo by Vilnius with Locals
Founded in 2017 by Jānis Zuzāns, is located in Riga's city center. It showcases contemporary Latvian and international art, with nearly 30,000 objects—the largest private collection of Latvian art globally. Initially focused on Latvian art, the collection now includes many international contemporary works. Zuzeum also features wonderful outdoor spaces such as a rooftop terrace where you can see Daugava river and enjoy Baltic summer...
And last but not least
Join Riga Free Tours
Our friends and colleagues in Riga have been offering free tours since 2008 and they have a lot to show you. Every time we visit, we join their tours to discover something new and unexpected. They offer walking tours of Riga's Old Town, Market & Moscow District, and the early 1900s city center, with options for everyone's interests. They also offer bike tours all year round, which are ideal for seeing more of Riga quickly. Don't hesitate to book their tour!
Check their tour schedule here.
Riga Free tours are members of the Free Tour Community.
So here you have it: the best ways to reach Riga from Vilnius and a couple of ideas on what to do once you arrive. Hopefully, this article has helped you plan your visit to the Baltic countries!