Tartu–Riga train line makes inaugural run

Author: Marta Mackeviča
Source: Miltton Latvia

On Monday, 5 January (2026), the Tallinn–Tartu–Riga train line made its inaugural run. The first journey was attended by the Estonian Minister of Infrastructure, the Latvian Minister of Transport, as well as representatives of partner municipalities in Tartu and Latvia and the tourism sector. Regular scheduled services between Tallinn, Tartu and Riga will begin on 12 January.

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“The Tartu–Riga train was warmly welcomed along the entire route, as it has been awaited for years,” said Lauri Betlem, Chairman of the Management Board of Elron. “The transfer-based Tallinn–Tartu–Riga–Vilnius connection that has been operating for a year already confirms that there is both demand and interest in travelling between the three countries.”

According to Mayor of Tartu Urmas Klaas, the new train line is an important gateway to Europe for all of Estonia. “The Tartu–Riga connection is an important gateway not only for Tartu but for the whole of Estonia and a logical starting point on the road to Europe,” said Klaas. “In addition to academic relations, Latvia is also an important partner for Tartu in terms of economic relations and tourism.”

Estonian Minister of Infrastructure Kuldar Leis said that the new line and international connection are important for both Southern and Central Estonia. “Estonia is much larger than Tallinn alone, and we must continuously ensure that good opportunities for economic development exist throughout the country. Additional international connections strongly support the tourism sector in Southern Estonia, as Latvia is an important target market,” Leis noted.

Latvian Minister of Transport Atis Švinka said that the launch of the new train line is an excellent example of cooperation between Latvia and Estonia, connecting the two countries. “This route also strengthens regional connectivity, providing Valmiera, Cēsis and Sigulda with a direct international rail connection to Valga, Tartu and Tallinn, and promoting tourism and economic activity,” said Švinka. “It is especially important to me that it expands opportunities for educational and academic cooperation between our university cities. At the same time, railways, as one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport, make a significant contribution to sustainable mobility and the achievement of climate goals.”

Participants in the inaugural run included Estonian Minister of Infrastructure Kuldar Leis, Latvian Minister of Transport Atis Švinka, Mayor of Tartu Urmas Klaas, Chairman of the Management Board of Elron Lauri Betlem, Chairman of the Management Board of Latvian passenger rail operator Vivi Raitis Nešpors, as well as the mayors and municipal leaders of Elva, Valga, Valmiera, Cēsis and Sigulda. In the Latvian capital, the train was welcomed by Riga Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs.

The launch of the Tartu–Valga–Riga passenger rail connection is being carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Climate, the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, the City of Tartu, the Latvian passenger rail operator Vivi, and other Latvian partners.

Tallinn–Tartu–Riga train service launches on 12 January
• From 12 January, the Tallinn–Tartu–Riga train will depart Tallinn at 14:50, Tartu at 17:05 and arrive in Riga at 20:46.
• From Riga, the train will depart at 7:38, arrive in Tartu at 11:45 and in Tallinn at 13:57. The first departure on the Riga–Tartu–Tallinn route will take place on 13 January at 7:38.
• According to the current timetable, the journey time from Tartu to Riga is 3 hours and 41 minutes, and from Tallinn to Riga 5 hours and 56 minutes.
• Ticket prices start at €19–22 from Tartu to Riga and €29–32 from Tallinn to Riga. The service is operated by a two-car Stadler Flirt diesel train.
• In January 2025, a once-daily passenger rail connection with one transfer was launched between Tallinn–Tartu–Valga–Riga–Vilnius. The Tallinn–Valga section is operated by Elron, the Valga–Riga section by Latvian passenger rail operator Vivi, and the Riga–Vilnius section by Lithuanian passenger rail operator LTG Link.
• In September 2025, an additional transfer-based rail connection operating from Friday to Sunday was launched between Tallinn–Tartu–Riga, with Elron operating the Tallinn–Valga section and Vivi the Valga–Riga section.

Elron (AS Eesti Liinirongid) is a state-owned passenger rail operator that provides passenger rail services on railway infrastructure owned by AS Eesti Raudtee and AS Edelaraudtee. In 2024, Elron trains carried 7.93 million passengers.

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