Trains in Latvia

Latvia Trains
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This comprehensive guide provides an accurate overview for the Latvia Train Travel portal, highlighting journey lengths, routing networks, and booking rules for the domestic carrier VIVI and cross-border partners like LTG Link. Travelers navigating the Baltic region with an Interrail Latvia Pass or a multi-country Interrail Global Pass will find a highly accessible rail network centered around the capital city of Riga. 

Overview of the Latvian Rail Network

Latvia’s passenger rail network radiates from Riga Central Station (Rīgas Centrālā stacija). The system is highly efficient for traveling between the capital and major regional hubs, coastal resorts, and neighboring Baltic nations. Most domestic services operate using modern, comfortable commuter and regional rolling stock running in open-seating configurations.]

Average Travel Times Between Major Cities

Trains depart regularly from Riga to key destinations across the country. The average travel times from the capital are: 

  • Riga to Jūrmala (Majori): 30 minutes
  • Riga to Jelgava: 45 minutes
  • Riga to Valga (Estonian Border Hub): 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Riga to Daugavpils (Express Service): 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Riga to Daugavpils (Standard Service): 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Riga to Liepāja: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Riga to Gulbene: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Riga to Rēzekne: 3 hours 35 minutes 

Seat Reservation Rules & Fees

For the vast majority of rail travel inside Latvia, seat reservations are neither required nor possible. You simply board the train with your valid rail pass or ticket and select any open seat. However, specific rules apply to express routes and cross-border trains: 

  • Domestic Comfort Class: On once-daily express trains from Riga to Daugavpils (continuing to Indra) and Riga to Rēzekne II, a premium "Comfort Class" car is attached. A seat reservation is highly recommended for these specific carriages and carries a nominal fee of €1.40. 
  • Riga to Vilnius (Lithuania): This popular international direct service operated by LTG Link requires a mandatory seat reservation. Passholders must secure their seat in advance for a fee of €5, which can be booked directly via the LTG Link portal. 
  • Riga to Tallinn (Estonia via Valga): The journey from Riga to Valga operates on standard Latvian regional trains where seat reservations are not available. After transferring at the Valga border station to an Estonian Elron train, seat reservations remain optional for standard class but are available if you choose to upgrade to 1st class.

Practical Advice for Passholders

Rail passes grant seamless access to the network, but remember that a valid pass alone does not replace a mandatory seat reservation where required (such as the Vilnius connection). If you do not hold a pass, standard point-to-point tickets are distance-based, very affordable, and can be purchased easily via the VIVI mobile app, station ticket windows, or directly from the conductor on board (subject to a small surcharge if the station ticket office was open). You can explore regional pass alternatives and book your tickets or passholder reservations in advance through the Eurail Railplanner app.