Vilnius-Rīga Rail Link Celebrates One Year of Successful Operations

The Vilnius-Rīga rail link has transported nearly 62,000 passengers since its launch on December 27, 2023. Daily services connect the capitals of Lithuania and Latvia, improving regional accessibility and convenience. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Trains make scheduled stops in Kaišiadorys, Šiauliai, Joniškis, and Jelgava. Recent expansions added stops in Jonava and Kėdainiai starting April 1, followed by Radviliškis on December 15. These changes increased accessibility without extending travel times, with trips now taking less than four hours.

Don’t miss…Swiss Federal Railways to Test Double-Decker Trains for Long-Distance Routes in 2025

Kristina Meidė, LTG Link’s head, emphasized the route’s success and popularity throughout the year. She noted that new stops attracted about 4,000 passengers traveling between Jonava, Kėdainiai, and Latvia.

Updated schedules further improve convenience for short trips to Riga for work or entertainment. Trains leave Vilnius at 7:05 a.m., arrive in Riga at 11:04 a.m., and return by 9:03 p.m., giving travelers six hours to explore the Latvian capital.

Future Plans for the Vilnius-Rīga Rail Link and Baltic Connections

The Vilnius-Rīga rail link has boosted cross-border tourism, benefiting regional economies and strengthening cultural ties. In the first three quarters of 2024, Lithuania welcomed 106,000 Latvian visitors to its accommodation facilities.

Olga Gončarova, head of Travel Lithuania, stressed the train service’s role in promoting sustainable tourism across the Baltic region. Expanded connections support regional growth while attracting visitors seeking eco-friendly travel options.

Future developments aim to extend rail services to Tallinn, linking all three Baltic capitals through a single network. Coordinated schedules between Lithuanian, Latvian, and Estonian rail operators ensure smooth transitions for passengers traveling across borders.

Improved connections will enhance regional accessibility, promote sustainable travel, and strengthen tourism ties. The Vilnius-Rīga rail link’s success sets the foundation for modernizing infrastructure and encouraging eco-friendly transportation across Northern Europe.

With faster journeys, expanded services, and future growth plans, this rail route continues to support sustainability, regional development, and passenger convenience.

Source: eng.lsm.lv

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…High-Speed Rail Network Expansion Boosts China’s Economic Growth