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How to get from Helsinki to Riga
Fly direct with airBaltic in about 1 h, or take a ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn (about 2 h) and a coach to Riga (about 4 h 30). There is no direct ferry or train between Helsinki and Riga.
Best option: Flight. The direct flight is by far the fastest; the ferry-and-bus route takes most of a day.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| flight Direct flights Helsinki–Riga with airBaltic (and sometimes Finnair) | about 1 h flight time | several a day | about €50–200 | Riga airport is about 30 minutes from the old town by bus. |
| ferry Tallink, Viking Line or Eckerö Line ferry Helsinki–Tallinn, then a coach (e.g. Lux Express) Tallinn–Riga | about 2 h ferry plus 4 h 30 coach, 7–8 h in total | ferries many times a day; coaches several a day | about €30–70 in total | A good option if you want to see Tallinn on the way. |
| car Ferry Helsinki–Tallinn with car, then the Via Baltica (E67) to Riga | about 7 h including the ferry | ferry car fare plus fuel | Car ferries need booking in summer. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Book airBaltic early for cheap fares.
- Stop a night in Tallinn if taking the ferry route.
- Book the Lux Express coach ahead; it can sell out.
- Rail Baltica is not yet running between Tallinn and Riga.
Common questions
Is there a direct ferry from Helsinki to Riga?
Not on a regular basis. The main ferry from Helsinki goes to Tallinn, taking about 2 hours, with several companies operating many times a day. From Tallinn, coaches take about 4 hours 30 minutes to Riga. Check whether any seasonal direct ferry exists for your dates.
Is there a train?
No direct train exists. Rail Baltica, a new high-speed line through the Baltic states, is still under construction. Between Tallinn and Riga, regional trains require changes at the border. For now the coach from Tallinn to Riga is simpler, running between the two city centres.
Can I visit Tallinn on the way?
Yes, and it is a good idea. Take a morning ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn, spend the day or a night in the old town, and continue by coach to Riga. Coaches leave from Tallinn bus station several times a day.
What is the cheapest way?
Often the ferry plus coach, especially if booked early, at roughly €30–70 in total. Flights can also be cheap if booked in advance. Prices for ferries vary by day and season, with weekends and summer more expensive. Flight prices rise close to departure, so compare both options early.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.