Latvia
General train travel information for LATVIA. Rail travel tours, accommodation, sightseeing.
Brief History
In 1861, the first railway line in Latvia opened, connecting Riga and Daugavpils. Over time, the network expanded, adding new lines and connecting various cities. In the following years, railway transport continued to develop, providing convenient passenger services within and outside the country. Today, the railway remains an important means of transport in Latvia, linking cities and contributing to economic development.
General Information and Statistics
"Pasažieru vilciens (Passenger Train), which is a subsidiary of Latvijas Dzelzceļš, specialises in passenger railway transportation in Latvia. "Pasažieru vilciens" (Passenger Train) in Latvia reported that before the COVID-19 pandemic, the average annual number of passengers on their trains was about 14 million people
Latvia has a railway network spanning approximately 2,263 kilometers. Latvia has over 130 railway stations scattered throughout the country regional travellers.
Out of a total of 2263 258.8 km of tracks are electrified (11%).
What connections to other countries there are.
There are frequent train services to all neighbouring countries including the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland and Denmark. There are also direct trains to Hungary, Italy and Sweden.
Are trains fast in Latvia in general? How much time to cross the country?
There are no direct international trains from Latvia to neighbouring countries. However, there are connections (with a change of trains) to Estonia and Lithuania.
• Latvia to Estonia: Riga – Valga line
The last stop of the Riga -– Valga line, is on Estonian territory. Here you can change to an Estonian train directly to Tallinn or other destinations in Estonia.
• Latvia to Lithuania: Riga – Daugavpils line
Currently, there is no international train between these countries. At Daugavpils station in Latvia, you can catch a bus to Turmantas and change to a Lithuanian train that goes to Vilnius or other destinations in Lithuania (note: these buses are not included in your Pass).
What railway companies are available?
In Latvia, the main railway company is "Latvijas Dzelzceļš" (Latvian Railways), which is the national railway operator responsible for the management and operation of the railway infrastructure in the country.
For passenger transportation specifically, the subsidiary company "Pasažieru vilciens" (Passenger Train) is responsible for operating passenger trains and managing passenger services within Latvia.
What train types are available in Latvia
Electric trains: These are trains powered by electricity and run on electrified railway lines. They are commonly used for suburban and intercity routes. Examples include Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) and Electric Locomotive-hauled Trains.
Diesel trains: These trains are powered by diesel engines and are used on non-electrified railway lines or rural routes where electrification is not available. They can be used for both regional and long-distance travel. Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) and Diesel Locomotive-hauled Trains fall under this category.
Are there high-speed-trains available?
There are no dedicated high-speed trains in Latvia. Existing trains in Latvia operate mainly at normal speeds, which are suitable for regional and intercity journeys.
Most important train stations / hubs.
Riga Central Station (Rīgas Centrālā stacija) is the largest and busiest train station in Latvia. It serves as a major transportation hub, connecting various domestic and international train routes.
Other significant train stations in Latvia include: Daugavpils Central Station, Liepāja Central Station, Jelgava Central Station, Ventspils Central Station.
Websites to buy train tickets for Latvia?
https://www.pv.lv/en/
Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Latvia?
Pasažieru vilciens has its own application.
Possible to buy a ticket at a railway station in Latvia?
Ticket can be purchased in cash-offices, on the train, at website and mobile application (choosing direct date and train) and in Mobilly application. Remember that when purchasing the ticket at the guard, if the cash-office works in the boarding station, you have to pay additional EUR 0.50 to the basic price of the ticket.
Can I buy my ticket by phone?
The passengers have the possibility to book train tickets in advance by calling 90001222 (fee for call 0,52 EUR min, VAT incl.) every working day from 8.00 – 17.00.
Return the ticket.
Unused or partially used tickets can be returned in accordance with the procedures outlined in Cabinet Regulation No. 599. Passengers can receive a refund of 75% if the ticket is returned at least 2 hours before its validity period begins. Three-day, four-day, and five-day train tickets can be returned during their validity period for a refund based on the remaining unused days. Lost or damaged tickets are not eligible for refund. Passengers have the right to a full refund if the train is delayed by more than 15 minutes, the journey is canceled due to carrier fault, or if the passenger is unable to occupy the assigned seat. In case of illness or force majeure, passengers can return the ticket within 3 days for a refund or exchange.
Train ticket prices
Pasažieru vilciens offers many different types of tickets and passes. You can buy tickets for most popular routes for just over €6.5. For example, for a train from Riga to Daugavpils.
Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?
At the moment there is no international train service in Latvia.
Where to find timetables.
Find train schedules on https://www.pv.lv/en/train-schedule/
Buying tickets in advance or right before the train
You can buy train tickets in Latvia for a maximum of 10 days in advance. In high season, it is better to buy tickets in advance.
Types of tickets.
Travellers have the option to buy both single train tickets and monthly passes. A monthly pass can be bought either for the whole month or for working days. It is also possible to buy a ticket for 1,3,4 or five days, for travellers who come for a short period of time.
Interrail/Eurail Passes in Latvia
The Eurail and Interrail Pass is available for Germany
The best option is to buy your Eurail or Interrail Pass on the official website.
Saver price.
It's best to buy tickets online as the website offers a 10% discount for buying online.
Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?
Buy single tickets, not return tickets. This will give you more flexibility if you need to change your travel plans. It is not cheaper to buy return tickets.
Flexible tickets.
It is possible to buy flexible tickets, with which you can change trains and make the number of connections you need to make
Rules of boarding.
The passenger is obliged to present a ticket, baggage ticket or a document confirming the passenger's right to a preferential travel confirming the passenger's right to preferential travel, to the train controller so that he or she can check the validity of these documents and make the necessary marks on the ticket or baggage ticket.
Discounts for group travel.
If you are traveling in a group, it is important to know that it is more profitable to buy a group ticket: a group of 10 to 24 people has a 10% discount from the basic ticket price, a group of more than 25 people has a 15% discount! You can buy a ticket at the ticket office or on the train.
Age groups and discounts.
Children of pre-school age, members of national resistance movement, persons politically persecuted, children-orphans, disabled children and their accompaniers, group I disabled persons and their accompaniers, and group II disabled persons purchase the tickets in the cash-office or at the guard with 100% discount. Certificate number or birth year of children of preschool age are specified on the ticket.
Age limitations for minors.
No information about the possibility of unaccompanied children traveling.
Handicapped passengers.
To facilitate the boarding of persons with reduced mobility (hereinafter referred to as "PWD"), the possibility of getting on and off the train carriage with the help of mobile elevators is provided at certain stations of PWD. The service is provided free of charge.
Currently the service is provided at the following stations: Riga, Krustpils, Rezekne, Daugavpils, Jelgava, Saulkrasti, Sigulda, Dubulti, Vaivari.
PRM, who needs assistance, must notify about the planned trip at least 48 hours in advance by calling the toll-free phone number 80021181 or electronically. The service can be notified on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Seat reservations in trains in Latvia.
Booking of tickets is possible for seats in Comfort class wagon and also for diesel trains with numerated seats!
• Per one booking request it is possible to book a maximum of 9 (nine) seats;
• it is not allowed to book more than 50% of total number of seats;
• booking of seats is canceled 1 hour before train depature from departure station;
• booked tickets must be purchased no later than 20 minutes before departure of train!
Comfort classes on the trains.
On Latvian trains, there is regular class and comfort class.
Services available in the comfort class:
• The comfort class wagon has 12 individually assigned seats. When purchasing a ticket, the passenger can choose from available seats
• Larger table for more work space
• Free Wi-Fi is ensured in the wagon
• Electricity socket (220V)
• If you get cold, ask train staff for a blanket.
• Hanger for your outerwear
• Stand for the baggage
• It’s possible to buy a tea, coffee, wather
Additional fee for the trip in the comfort class wagon EUR 1.40.
Food and drink in trains / train restaurant in Latvia.
There is no dining car or food cart on Latvian trains. Stock up on food in advance and take it on the journey.
Night trains in Latvia?
There are currently no night trains in Latvia.
Important train routes in Latvia.
Riga – Daugavpils / from 2:47 hours / from 7,95 EUR / 5 trains a day
Riga – Valga / from 2:34 hours / from 5,22 EUR / 2 trains a day
Riga – Zilupe / from 4:33 hours / from 8,06 EUR / 2 trains a day
Riga – Gulbene / from 2:34 hours / from 5,22 EUR / 2 trains a day
Riga – Jelgava / 0:38 hours / from 1,89 EUR / every hour
International train routes.
There are no direct international trains from Latvia to neighbouring countries. However, there are connections (with a change of trains) to Estonia and Lithuania.
Tourist / scenic routes in Latvia.
From Riga, you can also reach several interesting tourist destinations in Latvia by train. Here are some of them:
1. Salaspils: It is a small town located in close proximity to Riga. The main attraction is the Salaspils Concentration Camp, a museum and memorial to the victims of Nazism.
2. Jurmala: This is a popular resort destination known for its beautiful sandy beaches and early 20th century architecture. Trains from Riga run regularly to Jurmala.
3. Sigulda: This city is located in the Gauja National Park and is famous for its picturesque scenery and historical sights such as Turaida Castle and Gutmanis Cave.
4. Daugavpils: The second largest city in Latvia, Daugavpils is known for its historic architecture and the impressive Daugavpils Castle.
5. Liepaja: This city is located on the Baltic Sea coast and offers beautiful sandy beaches as well as interesting museums and historical sights.
6. Ventspils: This city on the coast of the Gulf of Latvia is known for its beautiful beach, as well as Ventspils Port and Ventspils Aquapark.
The Museum of the History of Latvian Railways offers a unique insight into the history of railway transport in Latvia. It is located in Riga and is a division of Latvijas dzelzceļš.
The museum offers expositions about the development of the railway system in Latvia, historical trains, railway infrastructure and other interesting aspects. You can learn about technological progress, the influence of the railway on the development of the country and much more.
Luggage information.
The passenger has the right to carry free of charge baggage that is easy to carry and whose dimensions (length, width and height) do not exceed 60 x 40 x 20 cm and weight does not exceed 20 kg. The luggage may not be placed in a place intended for passengers or interfere with other passengers.
For a fee, the passenger has the right to carry baggage with dimensions (length, width and height) exceeding 40 x 60 x 20 cm but not exceeding the sum of dimensions 200 cm and weighing no more than 35 kg, if it does not interfere with other passengers. Payment for the carriage of baggage is made with a baggage ticket.
Bicycle on the train.
If you want to transport a bicycle, you must purchase a luggage ticket.
Ski or snowboard on the train.
In the passenger train it is allowed to carry for free crutches, prams, rolling chairs of disabled persons, and baggage where one of the baggage dimensions (length, width and height) 60 x 40 x 20 cm exceeds the prescribed dimension (e.g., folding fishing-rod, skis and sledges).
Luggage lockers on the stations in Latvia.
There is a luggage storage at the Riga Central Station.
Lost and Found Items.
If an object is found or lost on the train, call 80007600 (weekdays from 8:00 to 17:00).
Found luggage or an object is kept at Riga Passenger Station for no more than 72 hours, after which it is handed over to the police department.
To retrieve the luggage or item, the person who has lost it presents an identity document, gives his/her address and telephone number and confirms his/her right to the found luggage or item by naming its features and describing them.
Pets on the trains.
It is allowed to carry dogs, cats, ornamental birds, young poultry or ornamental pets in a passenger train The passenger carrying an animal must ensure that the animal does not disturb other passengers.
No more than 10 dogs may be carried in one carriage of a passenger train, and no more than 2 dogs accompanied by one owner may be in one compartment.
A dog may be carried on a passenger train with a short leash. The dog must have a muzzle and a collar tag. A passenger carrying a dog must have a vaccination certificate for the dog. It is forbidden to carry a dog on a seat.
Carriage of one or more animals (if they are in the same cage, container or bag) is paid as for one piece of baggage.
The fee for the carriage of animals shall be determined in accordance with the procedure established by the regulations governing public transport. A dog acting as a companion or assistant is carried free of charge.
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