Overview: car trip from Riga to Tallinn

While the Baltic States are often overlooked and might not be your typical vacation destination, Estonia, particularly Tallinn, is a sleeper sensation. Whether it’s the medieval charm of the Old Town, the fairytale-like atmosphere of the Christmas market in the main square, or the compact layout of the main landmarks, Tallinn surely knows how to keep visitors entertained. Yet, as enchanting as your destination is, your journey from Riga to Tallinn promises to be more than just a drive.

Depending on the season you visit the Baltic States, either lush green or snowy forest views will unfold, as you head north. When you ride with Daytrip, you can stop along the way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Baltics. While you are still in Latvia, be sure to explore the Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum, one of the oldest and largest outdoor museums in Europe, for a look at traditional living. Along the Gulf of Riga, take a moment to stretch your legs and discover the enchanting town of Parnu with the most stunning beaches in Estonia.

About Tallinn

Tallinn, founded in the early 13th century by the Danes, derives its name from the historical Danish influence, meaning “Danish city”. Over the centuries, Estonia's capital has endured numerous hardships, facing invasions and occupations by Danish, German, Swedish, and Russian forces. Nevertheless, each of them left a mark and made Tallinn the way it is to this day, making it a postcard-perfect destination.

The city continues to enchant visitors with its medieval charm and, while it may not seem obvious at first glance, Tallinn is also recognized as a technology hub and one of the most digitally advanced cities in Europe. Estonia has made significant investments in digital infrastructure, providing free public WiFi networks, and high-speed internet access in rural areas, as well as online public services and digital payment systems.

From Riga to Tallinn: travel tips

Before you embark on your journey from Riga to Tallinn, here are some travel tips that will make your trip as enjoyable as possible:

Pick up some basic Estonian

While Estonia is geographically located among the Baltic countries, the Estonian language does not belong to the Baltic language branch. So even if you picked up some Latvian in Riga, you'll need to learn Estonian from scratch to impress the locals. Here are some words or phrases that will come in handy:

• Tere (Hi)
• Aitäh (Thanks)
• Head aega (Goodbye)
• Palun (Please)
• Kas te räägite inglise keelt? (Do you speak English?)

As the phonetics of Estonian is quite tricky for an English speaker, make sure you check how to pronounce these expressions.

How to get from Riga to Tallinn

One of the main questions that definitely comes to your mind when planning your trip is how to arrange a Riga to Tallinn transfer. Here are the main transportation options:

From Riga to Tallinn by bus

Taking a bus is the most budget-friendly option to reach Tallinn. This route is operated by two popular bus companies:

• Flixbus: the lowest ticket prices start from around $13 (€12), and the travel time is from 4 hours and 10 to 30 minutes. Flixbus buses offer free WiFi and power sockets.
• LuxExpress: if you buy in advance, you can purchase the cheapest tickets for $15 (€14), and the journey time is usually around 4 hours and 25 minutes. These buses are known for their comfortable seats, entertainment screens, and hot drinks onboard, so paying a bit more for the service (even if you missed the cheapest tickets) is totally worth it!

Each of the bus companies offers buses departing several times a day, so make sure you check their websites to find what accommodates your itinerary.

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From Riga to Tallinn by plane

While flying is not as popular as taking a bus for this route, it is sometimes chosen by those who live further away from Riga to avoid a bus transfer.

You can find great deals on the Airbaltic website for around $21 (€20). However, if you plan to travel by air, keep in mind that while the flight itself takes just 50 minutes, you need to arrive at the airport 2 hours in advance. If your accommodation is in the city center, it takes around 30 minutes to reach the airport, and it can take even longer if you travel in the afternoon due to Riga's notorious traffic. With all this in mind, you will in total spend almost 4 hours to reach Tallinn, so flying doesn't actually save any time.

From Riga to Tallinn by private car service

Would you like to explore more of Latvia and Estonia during your trip from Riga to Tallinn? It is possible with a private transfer with Daytrip. Your local driver will pick you up from your accommodation, load your luggage, and take you on an unforgettable 4-hour-long drive right to the doorstep of your accommodation in Tallinn. Along the way, you can explore the best sightseeing stops in both countries! Getting to your destination has never been this seamless!

If you are a history enthusiast, be sure to add the Turaida Museum Reserve to your itinerary and admire the 13th-century red-brick castle and its surroundings. Once you cross the border and enter Estonia, stop at Parnu and explore its stunning Old Town and beachside. Finish off your sightseeing adventure by visiting the Car Museum, where you can admire the largest Soviet car collection in Europe.

Things to do when you get to Tallinn

Once you explore the route from Riga to Tallinn, reach your destination and your driver heads off, it is finally time to get lost in Tallinn. Whether you prefer a guided tour or exploring on your own, here are our recommendations that are sure to become highlights of your trip:

Explore the heart of Tallinn

While it might sound obvious, Tallinn’s Old Town is indeed worth mentioning! It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a charming medieval atmosphere that will make you feel like you’re traveling in time. For a deeper understanding of the city’s history, consider booking a guided walking tour to hear fascinating stories of Tallinn's Old Town.

As you pass through the Viru Gates, now serving as one of the entrances to the Old Town, you enter an area bustling with diverse shops and restaurants. If you visit in December and head to the Town Hall Square, you'll be welcomed by a charming Christmas market and festive atmosphere.

When is the best time to visit Tallinn

Just like any city in the Baltic countries, the best time to visit Tallinn is undoubtedly in summer (June to August) when the weather is the most pleasant. While Tallinn might not be as crowded as some major European destinations, there will still be crowds, so if you want to avoid that, plan your visit in either May or September.

If you're seeking a storybook experience and aren't put off by snow and freezing temperatures, December is the ideal time to visit Tallinn. During this magical month, the entire city sparkles with enchanting fairy lights, and you can immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the charming Christmas markets.