Connections between the Baltic states of Lithuania and Latvia have further been tightened through a new passenger rail connection that links the capitals of these two countries, which has made its first journey on December 27.
According to a report from the LRT News, the route is operated by LTG Link, the passenger division of Lietuvos Geležinkeliai (LTG), Lithuania’s state-owned railway company.
On the first train journey to Riga, also embarked Lithuania’s Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė and Transport Minister Marius Skuodis. They were met by their Latvian counterparts, Prime Minister Evika Siliņa and Transport Minister Kaspars Briškens.
Many of us have probably tried different ways of travelling between Vilnius and Riga – we flew by plane, drove by car, took the bus. Now these options will be complemented by perhaps the most sustainable way of travelling.
According to local media reports, a standard train ticket linking the two capitals costs€24, with passengers being eligible to choose between regular and first class.
The train from Lithuania’s capital departs at 06:30, making stops at Kaišiadorys, Šiauliai, Joniškis, and Jelgava before arriving at Riga Central Station at 10:43, nearly four hours later. The return trip departs from Latvia’s capital at 15:28 and reaches Vilnius at 19:51.
The train ride between the two capitals is expected to last nearly 4 hours and 15 minutes, though this duration may change slightly as a result of the ongoing infrastructure improvement works.
Travellers will be eligible to travel on a Pesa 730 ML diesel train designed to accommodate persons with individual needs and reduced mobility.
In addition, the train is also equipped with heating, as well as air conditioning and ventilation, providing a comfortable journey.
It has a total of 142 passenger seats and 4 bicycle racks. In addition, children under 6 are eligible to travel for free without taking a separate seat, while those between ages of 6 and 16 years old will receive a 30 per cent discount.
Travelling to Latvia’s capital will be pet-friendly, requiring a European pet passport and meeting the needed health and hygiene standards. While small pets in special bags can travel for free, larger pets can travel for a fixed fee of €5.
In November this year, the Lithuanian Railways Group’s company, LTG Link announced that the inaugural journey for the Vilnius-Riga rail link was set to begin on December 27. However, back then, the company warned that the dates may be modified.
