Travel by train in Latvia is a good choice if you want to explore the Riga area – suburban trains run frequently and are inexpensive. It’s easy to get to Jurmala and Sigulda by train, but on other routes the trains run rarely and the bus is often a better choice. In small cities and villages railway stations are often located far from the center of villages or towns and buses are cheaper and run more frequent than trains. Some of trains aren’t equipped with toilets. There are very few long-distance trains.
Last updated: 14.01.2026
On 15.12.2023 new electric multiple were put into operation. The new trains, produced by Škoda Group, significantly improved passenger services on routes from Riga to Tukums, Jelgava and Ogre and Skulte. Each electric train consists four carriages. One electric train is 109 metres long and has 436 seats. The trains have single-level boarding for passengers from the platforms and are equipped with air conditioning, ergonomic seats and vacuum toilet. Trains will replace old RVR electric multiple units.
Train travel in Latvia – domestic trains
Travelling by train in Latvia is easy – there are only a few routes from Riga. You can easily travel to Jurmala, Jelgava, Sigulda or Cesis. If you need, you can buy one-day ticket for a specific route. There is a discount for online tickets.
Vivi (formerly “Pasazieru vilciens”) – train timetable + e-shop
Latvian Railways runs regular trains between the following cities:
Riga – Jelgava (once a day extended to Dobele and Liepaja)
Riga – Ogre – Rezekne – Zilupe (most trains only go to Aizkraukle)
Riga – Jurmala – Tukums
Riga – Sigulda (twice daily extended to Valga)
Riga – Daugavpils (extended to Kraslava)
Moreover, on selected weekends there are trains to Gulbene, where tourists can change to the trains of Gulbene-Aluksne narrow-gauge railway. I do not write when these trains run, because from time to time railway connection is restored, then canceled and so on. At the time of the update, the Riga–Gulbene train was only launched at the beginning of September. You can check it on the Latvian railways website.
Once a year you can travel by train Riga – Aglona to sanctuary.
From August 1, 2023, Riga-Liepāja trains run daily – departure from Liepāja at 5:00, return train in the afternoon. An additional train runs twice a week. The connection is unsuitable for tourists.
There are no passenger trains to Ventspils, the last train station with passenger service on this line is Tukums. In recent years, the only train that reached Ventspils was a special train for railway enthusiasts with a trip organized by Far Rail. There are no plans to reinstate the Riga – Ventspils passenger service due to lack of rolling stock.
Passenger trains do not run on the Tukums II – Jelgava railway line.
Additional information:
Traveling with bicycle
Traveling with pets
Additional information for travel by train in Latvia:
– the most popular route among tourists is Riga – Jurmala. There are several train stations in Jurmala. The closest station to the beach and the city center is Mayori station, on the Internet you can see a lot of nice photos taken of trains entering or leaving the station.
– trains are punctual, but this should not be surprising because their routes are very short.
– some trains do not have toilets. On routes served by diesel multiple units, there are vehicles without toilets, as well as trains with one toilet. There is no rule.
Train travel in Latvia – international trains
Latvia has an international connections with all adjacent countries, but there is only a few international passenger trains.
Belarus
There was a summer train from Minsk to Riga, very popular train among Belarusians going on holiday to Jurmala. It ran twice a week. Train was suspended due to pandemic and was not reinstated due to war.
Estonia
Two trains daily in each direction run from Riga to divided city of Valga/Valga. Railway station is on Estonian side. Usually one of this trains is connected with Estonian train from Valga to Tallin through Tartu. You need to buy two separate tickets for route Riga – Valga and Valga – Tallin.
On 12 January 2026 the once-daily train connection between Riga and Tartu started. There is a convenient change at Tartu station to and from Tartu – Tallinn train. Tickets cost 19-22 eur (Riga – Tartu) and 29-32 eur (Riga – Tallinn). Travel time from Riga to Tartu is 3 hours and 40 minutes, journey to Tallinn lasts about 6 hours.
Check the timetable before your journey:
pv.lv – Latvian timetable
elron.ee – Estonian timetable.
Lithuania
There is an only one passenger train between Lithuania and Latvia. In 2025 train from Vilnius to Riga was extended to Valga, Estonia, so there is no need to change trains in Riga. Tickets are not sold for the trips from Jelgava to Riga and from Riga to Jelgava.
Ticket from Vilnius to Riga costs 34 EUR. If you want to travel with bicycle, you need to pay supplement 10 EUR. Ticket for pets costs 5 EUR.
The trip time between Vilnius and Riga is approximately 4 hours. On the route Vilnius – Riga seat reservations is compulsory.
There are plans to reinstate Vilnius – Daugavpils train in the nearby future.
bilietas.ltglink.lt – timetable, prices and online shop
Russia
Train Latvijas Express from Riga to Moscow and Sankt Petersburg was suspended after Russian invasion on Ukraine. Currently, there are no trains from Latvia to Russia.
Gulbene – Aluksne narrow gauge railway
Travel by train in Latvia it’s not only about Latvian Railways. There are two passenger narrow-gauge railways in Latvia. The Gulbene – Aluksne narrow-gauge railway is popular among tourists.
Currently trains run on the Gulbene – Alūksne section all year round, twice a day. Special trains are also launched on various occasions. The route is 33 kilometers long and the journey takes one hour and 25 minutes. The trains are very slow, the maximum speed is 40 km/h. Along the way, the train passes 8 intermediate stations, 6 of which are request stops.
The trains are usually composed of a diesel locomotive and historic wagons, including the Polish PAFAWAG wagons. This carriage is not very popular because there are hard wooden benches.
The Gulbene – Alūksne narrow-gauge railway is a very interesting tourist attraction. In the summer season, operator prepare additional attractions, such as a train robbery. There is also a souvenir shop open all year round. The only problem is getting there from Riga.
www.banitis.lv – timetable, prices, additional information
Narrow gauge railway in Ventspils
The second Latvian narrow gauge passenger railway is located in Ventspils and is more of a park railway operating seasonally. The Ventspils narrow-gauge railway has been operating since 1916 and was built by the Germans as part of the former narrow-gauge railway network connecting Ventspils with fishing villages along the Baltic Sea coast. It is known as “Mazbānītis”
There are two narrow gauge railway lines in operation in the city park area – a 1.4 km long circle line (Rinka linija) and a 3 km long line, also called the “mountain line” (Kalna linija). The first one connects the seaside promenade with the open-air museum, the second one leads to the amusement park. The train travels very slowly, the journey takes 10-15 minutes. The train consists of a steam or diesel locomotive, second- and third-class carriages and an open carriage,
The trains run on selected days of the week from May 1 to October 30. Tickets are cheap, there are discounts for families and pensioners.
Train travel in Latvia – what to see
There are many interesting towns in Latvia. Many of them are not reachable by train. There are a few places to visit in Latvia by train from Riga.
Riga – the capital and largest city of Latvia, known for its vibrant cultural life, historic architecture, and picturesque location on the Daugava River. The city’s main attractions include the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its cobblestone streets, Riga Cathedral, and House of the Blackheads. Visitors can also explore the Art Nouveau district, the Central Market housed in former Zeppelin hangars, and the Latvian National Museum of Art. One of my favourite places.
Jūrmala – a popular seaside resort town, located along the Gulf of Riga, known for its long sandy beaches, pine forests, and wooden architecture. Key attractions include the scenic beachfront with walking and cycling paths, historic wooden villas in the town center, and the Dzintari Forest Park, which offers a treetop walking path and observation tower. Visitors can also enjoy spa and wellness centers, cultural events, and nearby nature reserves. There are numerous trains from Riga to Jurmala.
Cēsis – a historic town in northern Latvia, known for its medieval charm, well-preserved architecture, and cultural heritage. The town’s main attractions include Cēsis Castle, a medieval fortress with museum exhibits and panoramic views, the charming Old Town with cobblestone streets and traditional buildings, and St. John’s Church with its historic interior. Visitors can also explore nearby nature trails, parks, and the Gauja National Park, which offers hiking, cycling, and scenic landscapes. Must-see when you in Latvia. Cēsis lies on Riga – Valga railway line.
Sigulda – a picturesque town in central Latvia, located in the Gauja River Valley, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Latvia” for its scenic hills and forests. The town is known for its historic castles, including Sigulda Castle and Turaida Castle, as well as the medieval Krimulda Manor. Visitors can explore the Gutmanis Cave, enjoy panoramic views from the observation towers, and take part in outdoor activities such as hiking, bobsledding, and zip-lining. There are many trains from Riga to Sigulda.
Liepāja – a vibrant port city on Latvia’s western coast, known for its sandy beaches, musical heritage, and historical architecture. The city’s main attractions include the Liepāja Beach, the stunning Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the Karosta district, a former naval base with unique military history and attractions. Visitors can also explore the Liepāja Museum, the Northern Forts, and enjoy the city’s lively cultural scene, including concerts and festivals. There are only a few trains from Riga to Liepaja. Buses run every hour.
Daugavpils (optional) – the second-largest city in Latvia, located in the southeastern part of the country, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and impressive architecture. The city’s main attractions include the Daugavpils Fortress, a 19th-century military complex housing museums and galleries, the Mark Rothko Art Centre dedicated to the famous painter born in the city, and the St. Peter’s Church with its historic interior. Visitors can also explore the city’s parks, cultural centers, and the Old Town with its historic buildings. There are only a few trains between Daugavpils and Riga.
Tukums (optional) – a charming town in western Latvia, known for its historic architecture, cultural heritage, and scenic surroundings. Key attractions include the Tukums Castle and its museum, which showcases local history, the beautiful Lutheran and Catholic churches, and the old town with traditional wooden buildings and cobblestone streets. Visitors can also explore nearby nature areas, parks, and the Tukums Regional Museum. Most of the trains from Riga to Jurmala continue their ride to Tukums, which is terminus for trains. From Tukums you can take a bus to very small charming town of Kandava (ride lasts 15 minutes)
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