Trains in and around Riga. Information of using the trains in Latvia and where they go to.
Many people when visiting Riga will be using the train network to visit places outside of the city. Trains are affordable, comfortable but not always regular for all destinations. Here is some information that should help you along your journey in Latvia.
Common domestic routes in Latvia:
Riga – Jurmala
The Riga to Sloka / Tukums line is the route you will take to reach Jurmala. Many people will choose to take a ticket to Majori but this is not the only station you may want to consider. You may take the train further for quieter beaches, Dubulti or Melluži for example are good options. For more baron beaches head even further out to Sloka, very open beaches, not the prettiest of towns but great for people looking for space and peace.
Riga – Liepāja
This train is at present only running on Friday and Sunday but this may change during spring / summer season. It departs Riga at 1830 and arrives at 2140. This is more comfortable than using the buses and is a nice way to leave Riga for the evening, spending the whole next day in the great city of Liepāja.
Riga – Sigulda
Regular trains run from Riga to Sigulda on the Riga – Valga line but these can get busy in the summer months with lots of tourists. The journey time lasts about 1hr 15mins and is a great way to reach the forests of Sigulda, especially if you are taking a bicycle with you.
Riga – Cēsis
Running on the same line as the Sigulda train, Cēsis can be reached in about 2hrs but there are fewer trains reaching this beautiful town. For this destination, buses could be a better, faster option but we are train lovers so we are happy to sit for longer!
Riga – Daugavpils
For those of you brave enough to head all the way south east you can reach the town of Daugavpils between 3 and 3 1/2 hours. There are not so many trains heading this way but there is at present one express train that leaves and arrives in the evening.
Buying tickets
Buy your tickets from the stations, mostly in Riga the cashiers are used to tourists, especially for those going to main touristic destinations such as Jurmala. You can buy singles or returns and even at present you may buy your ticket in the train with cash but at at a small extra fee. This is good in busy months when running for a train is better than queuing for a ticket.
International Trains from Latvia and Riga:
3 main routes exist at the moment. Riga – Moscow, Riga – Minsk and Riga – St. Petersburg. For up to date information and tickets, we suggest you go directly to the Central station in Riga.
There is also a connection between Riga -Valga (Latvian side) / Valka (Estonian side) – Tartu but again you should get up to date info on this route .
Useful links are as follows,
