Travelling to the Baltics

how to get

to the baltics

Travelling to the Baltics is easy thanks to an ever-growing number of flight connections, ferry, bus and rail links. Within the Baltics, a bus and train network makes travel from point to point smooth.

However, to dive deeper into the Baltics and get a true taste of what life is like outside major cities, we recommend travelling by car or minibus. Travelling by car in the Baltics gives you the freedom to stop for an invigorating lake swim, dine local at a traditional roadside tavern, roam through historical sites, take a foraging break in the woods or visit rural craftsmen for a guided workshop. Baltic Nature Travel are specialists at creating bespoke itineraries for self drive holidays.

Travelling to the Baltics

by airplane - quick and easy

Major European hubs are just a short skip away from airports in the Baltics. Here are some flight times to give you an idea.

Amsterdam – Riga in 2 h 15 mins
Frankfurt – Tallinn in 2 h 20 mins
London – Vilnius in 2 h 40 mins

Riga International Airport is the largest airport in the Baltics and boasts over 80 direct flight connections to destinations in Europe, Asia and North America. Tallinn Airport offers over 40 direct connections, and Vilnius International Airport serves over 50 destinations.

You can also reach the cities of Kaunas (Lithuania), Palanga (Lithuania), Liepaja (Latvia) and Tartu (Estonia) by air.

Getting to the Baltics

by ferry

Should you wish to bring your own car or camper van to the Baltics, ferry connections can make the journey shorter. Consider the following route options:

Stockholm (Sweden) – Riga (Latvia)
Stockholm (Sweden) – Tallinn (Estonia)
Helsinki – Tallinn (Estonia)
Kiel (Germany) – Klaipeda (Lithuania)
Karslhamn (Sweden) – Klaipeda (Lithuania)
Trelleborg (Sweden) – Klaipeda (Lithuania)
Nynashamn (Sweden) – Ventspils (Latvia)
Travemunde (Germany) – Liepaja (Latvia)

Bus travel in the Baltics

hop from one country to the other

Regular bus services connect the Baltic capitals of Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius. The modern buses are equipped with individual entertainment systems, wifi, hot drinks machines and lavatories, so journeys are not only quick, but also very comfortable. Journey times between the Baltic capitals are:

Riga – Tallinn ~ 4 h
Riga – Vilnius ~ 4 h
Tallinn – Vilnius ~ 9 h

Buses are also an affordable option for reaching smaller cities and towns in the Baltics. For up-to-date information on local bus services, you can always turn to the nearest tourism information centre or bus station. We’re also happy to make the best recommendation for you.

Those who prefer bus travel over air travel can reach the Baltics by bus from countries including Germany, Belgium and Poland.

Train travel in the Baltics

best for intercity journeys

Trains are a popular choice for local journeys in the Baltics. Routes often snake through picturesque rural and forested areas, so you can get an initial glimpse of Baltic nature.

Note, there are no regular train connections between the Baltic capitals. Overnight services connect the Baltic capitals to St Petersburg, Moscow and Minsk.

At Baltic Nature Travel we can help you select the best option for travelling to the Baltics, between and within Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. We’re specialists in putting together tailor-made itineraries for exploring this gorgeous region.

closer to the core of the Baltic States

What travelers say about us

Giovanni Paolo Palamara

2023-01-07

Very interesting trip. Definitely worth it!

Eddie Mantle

2022-12-05

Very professional. Valdis, guided a group of 8 around Mangasala, Riga, giving us a fascinating insight into the military history there. Looking forward to the next tour.

Zijian Hua

2022-11-02

Valdis is an experienced guide, a local from Riga. He has a wealth of knowledge and is always able to tell you interesting history along the way. The route plan of the hiking is also reasonable. In autumn, the fallen leaves near Sigulda are also very beautiful. If you are planning to do an outdoor hike in Latvia too, then don't hesitate to join a walking group organized by Valdis.

bllhmn

2022-10-31

I took the tour in Lilaste. The train ride was very relaxing. The lakes and coast were amazing. It is great exercise and a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

John B

2022-10-30

Great hike at Lilaste. Friendly tour guide. Definitely looking forward to the next hike. Highly recommended for those who want a short break from the daily routine.

Rachel Pamplin

2022-10-18

I enjoyed I enjoyed my tour of Cesis: Medieval Heritage and Natural Treasures! I loved being able to do a little of many things. Exploring the old city, touring a medieval castle, and a walk through a national park. The scenery was amazing and my guide was knowledgeable and helpful! As a single female, I felt safe the entire time and and would recommend to others!

Colleen Bramanis

2022-10-11

We have enjoyed 2 days with Valdis who has shown us around Riga Old Town and a tour out to Sigulda. A very friendly tour guide who tailored the days to our needs with no fuss. Valdis is easy to get along , has a good sense of humour and is extremely knowledgeable. Fortunately for us Valdis is also very fluent in English. I can highly recommend him as a tour guide.

Barry Toward

2022-09-18

We have just spent 9 days travelling through the Baltic countries with Valdis as our guide. Although the itinerary and accommodation had been pre-arranged Valdis supported our trip brilliantly, bringing to life the individual countries with city walking tours, nature trails and visits to other sites. He is great fun, extremely knowledgable and became an integral part of our small group. His contribution to our holiday played a key part in making it a great and enjoyable experience (and he recommends good places to eat!)

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