Riga to Vilnius: travel options
Approximate direct distance: 262 km • Travel distance depends on the route and transport you choose.
Compare the options
Recorded fares and journey times. Check each operator before booking.
| Transport Mode | Operator | Duration | Price guide | Stations / Airports | Key Booking Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus Direct | Lux Express | About 4h 10m |
Check fare
Fare source checked: 14 Oct 2026 Fares vary by departure and ticket conditions. Tickets and times: Lux Express |
Dep: Riga International Coach Terminal
Arr: Vilnius Coach Station
|
The reviewed Lux Express departures from Riga International Coach Terminal to Vilnius Coach Station take about four to four and a quarter hours. Select the actual date and departure, complete fare, seat and luggage conditions. A timetable result marked sold out does not offer a bookable seat; add local travel at either end. |
| train Direct | LTG Link Train | About 4h 27m |
Check fare
Fare source checked: 14 Oct 2026 Fares vary by departure and ticket conditions. Tickets and times: LTG Link Train |
Dep: Riga Central
Arr: Vilnius railway station
|
LTG Link publishes a direct daily Riga to Vilnius train. Its current works timetable gives 4 hours 27 minutes for 5–11 and 26–31 October, 4 hours 21 minutes for 12–25 October, and 4 hours 33 minutes in November. Check the dated service and book your fare and seat. The rail-pass reservation price is a separate component. |
Choosing your journey
Compare a direct coach with the daily LTG Link train. Both need a substantial part of the day once packing and city transfers are included; choose by the arrival time and full fare.
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Choose between coach and rail
Search the operator for your actual date. Coaches offer different departure times and stopping patterns; around four to five hours is a useful initial planning allowance. LTG Link describes the direct train as about four hours, with the published Riga departure reaching Vilnius in 4 hours 6 minutes.
Use the correct Riga departure point
A coach ticket normally names Riga International Coach Terminal, while the train uses Riga Central railway station. They are nearby but not the same boarding place. Allow time to find the platform or coach bay with your bags.
Read the fare conditions
Book the direct train in advance when your plans are fixed, since seats can sell out. Compare the actual coach fare with the rail fare and the luggage or change terms you need. The €5 rail-pass reservation is not an ordinary train ticket price. Carry the identity document required for the international journey.
Do not treat an intermediate stop as an included excursion
A train stopping at Šiauliai does not include a trip to the Hill of Crosses. A visit there needs separate local travel, enough time and the correct ticket arrangement. For a simple Riga–Vilnius move, stay with the through journey.
Leave the arrival afternoon open
Check the Vilnius arrival station or stop on your ticket, then plan the last journey to your room. Keep dinner and a short walk as the first choices. The seven-day Baltic coach itinerary retains its coach plan; choosing rail means checking how the different arrival time changes that day.
Plan the arrival
Continue with the Vilnius guide when choosing a base and local visits. Add this journey separately to your daily spending plan. The distance above compares the city centres in a straight line; the route you travel can be longer.
