Exciting news for cyclists and travelers across the Baltic region! A new international train line now connects Tallinn, Tartu, Riga, and Vilnius, offering a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore these beautiful cities. This new route makes it easier than ever to travel through Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania by bike and train.
Train Journey from Tallinn to Tartu and Valga
The route from Tallinn to Tartu is served by Elron trains, specifically the Stadler Flirt express trains. These trains make stops at major stations, including Balti jaam, Ülemiste, Tapa, Jõgeva, and Valga, making it easy to access different parts of the country. Elron trains offer bike transport in the C-area, with 10 spaces available for bicycles—four of which can be reserved in advance via their website.
During the winter months, you can board the train with your bike without the need to purchase a bike ticket, though reserving a space is recommended.
Traveling from Valga to Riga
Once you reach Valga, you can continue your journey towards Riga with the Latvian train operator, AS Pasažieru vilciens. These modernized DR1 trains stop at key stations including Valga, Strenči, Valmiera, and Cēsis before reaching the Latvian capital.
Bicycles are also welcome on the Valga-Riga route, with bike tickets available for a small fee (€2.10). The train offers ample space for bikes, but you must purchase a luggage ticket to travel with your bike.
Riga to Vilnius
The final leg of this Baltic train journey takes you from Riga to Vilnius, with the Lithuanian train operator LTG Link. PESA 730 trains serve this route, stopping at key stations such as Šiauliai, Radviliškis, and Jonava, before reaching Vilnius.
On the Riga-Vilnius route, bike transport is available for a fee of €10. Like other routes, you will need to purchase a luggage ticket to bring your bike onboard.
Ticketing and Joint Travel
At present, ticketing for this multi-country journey is available from various platforms, but a unified ticketing system is still being developed. For now, passengers will need to purchase tickets separately for each segment of the journey (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania).
Future Developments:
- We anticipate that ticketing will soon become more unified, making cross-border travel even easier.
- Joint tickets for the entire Tallinn-Tartu-Riga-Vilnius route may be available in the future, simplifying the travel process.
This new train line is an excellent way for cyclists to explore the Baltic States, offering not only a comfortable ride but also stunning views along the way. Whether you're traveling for leisure or embarking on a bikepacking adventure, this route provides an ideal way to navigate across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
