- Tallinn–Riga is about 310 km — 4–4.5 hours of driving on the Via Baltica (E67).
- Classic stops: Pärnu (about 130 km from Tallinn), the Latvian coast after the Ikla–Ainaži border, and the White Dune at Saulkrasti.
- Estonia and Latvia are both in the Schengen area and use the euro — no currency exchange, but carry your ID.
- With stops, plan 6–8 hours for a relaxed day; the driver handles navigation, parking and timing.
Between Tallinn and Riga lie about 310 km — four hours if you simply drive. But the road between two Baltic capitals can be much more than a transfer: a beach lunch in Pärnu, the Gulf of Riga coastline, a walk on a white sand dune and Art Nouveau facades at the end of the day.
The route at a glance
| Stage | Distance (approx.) | Driving (approx.) | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tallinn → Pärnu | 130 km | 1 h 45 min | Beach, old town, lunch |
| Pärnu → Ikla–Ainaži border | 60 km | 45 min | Coastal road towards Latvia |
| Ainaži → Saulkrasti | 75 km | 1 h | Salacgrīva, the White Dune |
| Saulkrasti → Riga | 45 km | 45 min | Art Nouveau district, Old Town |
| Total | about 310 km | 4–4.5 h | 6–8 h with stops |
Distances and times are approximate and depend on traffic, season and how long you stay at each stop.
Stop 1: Pärnu, Estonia's summer capital
About halfway in time, Pärnu is the natural first stop. In summer the long sandy beach and the promenade are the draw; all year round the compact old town has cafés and good restaurants. An hour here turns a drive into a trip.
Stop 2: the Latvian coast
After the former border crossing at Ikla–Ainaži, the Via Baltica runs close to the Gulf of Riga. Salacgrīva sits at the mouth of the Salaca river, and near Saulkrasti the White Dune (Baltā kāpa) offers a short walk with a view over the sea — a favourite photo stop.
Arriving in Riga
Riga's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Before checking in, ask your driver to take you along Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela, home to some of the finest Art Nouveau architecture in Europe. Then the Old Town: St. Peter's Church, the House of the Blackheads and the Riga Central Market, housed in former Zeppelin hangars.
Practical notes
- Documents: Estonia and Latvia are in the Schengen area, so there are no routine border checks — but temporary checks can happen, so carry a valid passport or ID card.
- Money: both countries use the euro.
- Phone: EU "roam like at home" rules mean most Estonian mobile plans work in Latvia at domestic rates.
- Return: the driver can drive you back the same evening, collect you another day, or you can book a one-way transfer.
Which vehicle?
Tallinn to Riga costs, one way per vehicle: €270 in a Skoda Octavia, €285 in a Jaguar F-Pace, €365 in a V-Class for up to six, €450 in a Sprinter for up to eight and €750 in a Sprinter for up to 23. The S-Class and the touring coach for up to 55 are priced on request. Stops agreed in advance are included — see the full price list. For the bigger picture on costs, read The longer the journey, the more a private transfer pays off, and see our cross-Baltic routes.
Frequently asked questions
About 310 km, which takes 4 to 4.5 hours on the Via Baltica (E67) without long stops. With stops in Pärnu and on the Latvian coast, plan 6 to 8 hours.
Estonia and Latvia are both in the Schengen area, so there are no routine border checks. Temporary checks can happen, so always carry a valid passport or ID card.
Yes. Pärnu is the classic stop on the Tallinn–Riga route. Tell us how long you want to stay and we include it in the fixed price.
Yes. We can do a return trip the same day, collect you on another day, or drive one way only.
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