How to Get From Riga to Vilnius by Train

The train is a highly convenient, comfortable, and affordable option for anyone looking to travel between Riga and Vilnius.

In this article, I’ll show you what it’s like to take the train between these two Baltic capitals.

Riga to Vilnius train

Although buses are the most popular mode of transport in the Baltics, the train is a great alternative on many routes and easily surpasses the bus in comfort.

That is certainly true for the route between the Latvian capital, Riga, and the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, which are connected by a modern and comfortable daily train.

The Riga–Vilnius service is operated by LTG Link, Lithuania’s national railway company, using a three-car Pesa 730 DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) train.

The train has a top speed of 140 kilometres per hour (87 mph) and takes just over four hours to travel between the two Baltic capitals.

In the video below, you can get an impression of what the train ride between Riga and Vilnius with LTG Link is like.

Travel classes

The Riga–Vilnius train offers both second and first class, though seats in both classes are arranged in the same 2+2 configuration.

There is plenty of space to store your luggage in baggage racks, and the train is equipped with Wi-Fi.

The train has a buy-on-board service where you can order snacks and drinks from the attendant, although in first class, you receive a complimentary bottle of water, a hot drink, and a snack.

Ticket prices are fixed, so it makes no difference whether you buy your ticket weeks in advance or the day before departure.

A first-class ticket costs €34, while second class is €24 – you can book tickets online at LTG Link.

A seat reservation is included in the price, and you can choose your exact seat from a seat map when booking online.

The train between Riga and Vilnius is popular and can sometimes be fully booked, so it’s best to buy your ticket as early as possible.

First class seats on the LTG Link train. In first class, you get a complimentary bottle of water, hot drink, and a brownie. ©AndyBTravels

Baltic train connections

Recently, the national railway companies of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have coordinated their timetables.

On 10th February 2025, the Vilnius-Riga train service was extended to reach Valga on the Latvian-Estonian border, where thanks to the efforts of the Baltic railway companies, it now offers a seamless connection onto the Valga-Tartu-Tallinn train service.

That means you can now travel in a single day by train from Tallinn to Vilnius, or from Vilnius to Tallinn as well.

The LTG Link train from Latvia has arrived at the station in Vilnius, Lithuania. ©AndyBTravels

The beautiful façade of the central railway station of Vilnius, which is only a short walk from the old town. ©AndyBTravels

Conclusion

Taking the train is a highly convenient and comfortable way to travel between Latvia and Lithuania.

The daily Riga–Vilnius train is affordably priced, offers good on-board comfort, and provides a pleasant way to experience more of the Baltic States.