How to Book Train Travel From Russia to Latvia

Russia is well-known for having an extensive and heavily-traveled railway system. The system extends beyond Russia's borders into Eastern European countries like Latvia. You'll enjoy the ride across the landscapes of two fertile nations. Follow these steps to start planning your trip.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access for booking accomodations online
• Appropriate visas
• Valid passport

Book Your Train Ticket From Russia to Latvia

1. Use the "Way to Russia" Web site (see Resources below) to book your train travel. The quick link to the "Russian Trains Timetable" is right under the title bar. It will provide you with all the train information you'll need.
2. Use the CIS Railway Web site (see Resources below) as an alternative to "Way to Russia." This Web site offers many of the same services in a more concise design (though it might be a bit harder to navigate for beginners).
3. Book your tickets on the overnight Baltya from St. Petersburg if you're not starting your trip in Moscow. The prices for tickets from St. Petersburg are comparable to those on the more dominant Latvia Line.

Select Your Traveling Class

4. Enjoy the train ride from Moscow to Riga in first class on the Latvia Line. It's over 15 hours to Latvia so having a place to stretch out is important. Plus, it's pretty affordable at just under $150 per ticket.
5. Book a ticket in coach on the Yurmala Line for the absolutely least expensive trip. It's less than $25 per person in this section.
6. Pay a little over half the price of a first-class ticket on the Latvia Line for a second-class seat. At about $85 per ticket, the second-class berths offer many of the amenities of first class, including breakfast and cleaning services, but feature less spacious accommodations.

Choose Your Destination and Railway Line

7. Begin your journey to Latvia at Moscow's Rizhsky Station. From here, you'll find trains heading west to cities across Eastern Europe.
8. Arrive in Riga, the central train hub and capital of Latvia. You'll easily find mass-transit options to tour the rest of Latvia or continue on to other points in Europe.
9. Opt for the Yurmala line when you need to travel on a tighter budget. It offers more economical train travel at a reduced cost, but you'll lose a bit of the comfort afforded on other lines.
10. Book train travel on the 001R Latvia Line for the best comfort available during your trip. It's more expensive than the Yurmala line, but you'll enjoy improved service and roomier accommodations.

Tips & Warnings

• There is currently no English-language service to buy train tickets over the phone.