The much-anticipated resumption of a direct passenger rail service between Rīga and Estonia’s second city, Tartu (and even on to the capital, Tallinn) took a final step towards realisation on January 5th with a special test run by an Estonian train along the route.

The inaugural run was due to be attended by the Estonian Minister of Infrastructure, the Latvian Minister of Transport, as well as representatives of the partner municipalities of Tartu and Latvia, and the tourism sector. Regular scheduled trips for passengers between Tallinn-Tartu-Rīga will begin on January 12th, according to Estonian rail operator Elron.

“On the welcome trip, we will introduce the new train line to the public, local governments and representatives of the tourism sector in both Estonia and Latvia,” said Elron Chairman of the Board Lauri Betlem. “The direct line is equally important for the people of Southern Estonia and Northern Latvia, as it helps to strengthen economic ties and promote tourism.”

When it comes into service next week, the route will feature stops at Tartu, Elva and Valga in Estonia, then Valmiera, Cēsis station, Sigulda and finally Rīga in Latvia.

From January 12, the Tallinn-Tartu-Riga train will depart from Tallinn at 2:50 p.m., from Tartu at 5:05 p.m., and arrive in Rīga at 8:46 p.m. In the opposite direction the train departs from Rīga at 7:38 a.m., arrives in Tartu at 11:45 a.m. and in Tallinn at 1:57 p.m. The first departure in the Rīga–Tartu–Tallinn direction will take place on January 13th.

According to the current timetable, the Tartu–Rīga trip takes 3 hours and 41 minutes, the Tallinn–Riga trip takes 5 hours and 56 minutes. A ticket from Tartu to Rīga will cost 19–22 euros, from Tallinn to Rīga 29–32 euros. The route will be served by a two-car Stadler Flirt diesel train.

In January 2025, a once-daily passenger train connection with one transfer was launched between Tallinn-Tartu-Valga-Rīga-Vilnius, which is operated by Elron between Tallinn-Valga, by the Latvian passenger train operator Vivi between Valga-Riga, and by the Lithuanian passenger train operator LTG Link between Rīga-Vilnius. In September 2025, an additional train connection with transfers Tallinn-Tartu-Rīga was launched from Friday to Sunday, which is served between Tallinn-Valga by Elron and between Valga-Rīga by the Latvian passenger train operator Vivi.

With the new service there will be no need to change trains.

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