New Direct Train Now Links 3 Of Europe’s Most Timeless Cities For The First Time

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Having to book a bus or make yet another trip to the airport can really bring down the vibe of any European vacation.

We all know the way to go is by train, as it seems every worthwhile destination is a smooth ride away.

Well, it turns out a few of Europe’s most timeless cities — 2 of which I recently had the pleasure of visiting — were late to the party.

Speaking from firsthand experience, yes, I had to take a bus — and no, it’s not enjoyable having a stranger snore in my ear in cramped spaces.

If only I had pushed back my trip to January, the journey would’ve been a lot more enjoyable, to say the least.

Those very cities I visited have since launched the first-ever direct train connecting them, meaning no transfers and no shoulder-to-shoulder awkwardness when they decide to take a nap, so you can arrive happy and well-rested to explore these centuries-old dreamscapes.

First Stop: The Medieval Marvel Of Tallinn, Estonia

To me, Tallinn is Europe’s most magical destination. That’s not only due to their must-visit Christmas market in what feels like a film set for a 1400s knight-in-shining armor epic.

Most of the city feels like a step back in time.

Even as more people are picking up on the fact how amazing Tallinn is to visit, getting here is still a journey with no direct U.S. flights.

I chose to hop aboard a ferry from Helsinki, but honestly, if this train existed, my travel plans could’ve drastically changed since the one logistical hiccup was a bus, later on.

The point is Estonia-based Elron’s new train route is a game-changer for travelers who want to discover Europe’s up-and-coming destinations versus the household names.

You can start making travel plans right away too. The train has already set off on its inaugural adventure from Tallinn Baltic Station.

Second Stop: Estonia’s Lesser-Known Postcard City, Tartu

Tallinn was one of those places I just didn’t want to leave, but I knew I had no choice because — you guessed it — I had to take the dreaded bus I keep mentioning.

If I could do it all over, Tartu would’ve been an awesome hidden gem to add, even if just a day trip.

It’s only a little over 2 hours to reach Tartu Railway Station on the new rail, making it a breeze to squeeze in for an unexpected city that will leave you “gobsmacked” as my European friends say.

Right now, Tartu is a winter wonderland (as is Tallinn), but this train route isn’t going anywhere if you plan to make a trip across the trendy Baltics when you don’t have to bundle up.

Tartu is waiting any time of year, with colorful wooden houses, a charming riverside Old Town, and a lively cafe and cultural scene thanks to its college-town roots.

Best of all, it’s one of the most affordable Baltic cities, with budget-friendly prices and that still-undiscovered feel going for it.

Last Stop: The Baltics’ Trendiest City, Riga

Sometimes, monikers certain cities adopt don’t live up to the hype. However, the ‘Paris of the Baltics’ does indeed ooze Parisian allure with sidewalk cafes and Art Nouveau jaw-droppers.

Not to mention, some locals can be a bit gruff just like Paris…

You know who you are, lady…

I had the pleasure (well, mostly) of visiting Riga right after Tallinn — and this was the infamous bus that I wish I could turn back time for a do-over.

In total, it took about 4.5 hours to reach Riga from Tallinn on FlixBus, but I would’ve preferred a train and gladly sacrificed the extra hour and a half or so.

From Tallinn, you can reach Riga Central Railway Station in roughly 6 hours.

Riga is truly an underrated city with mazes of storybook streets and Europe’s largest market, and even boasts beautiful, largely undiscovered beaches nearby in the coming warmer months.

Schedule & Pricing

There are a lot of exciting aspects of this route, but one of the most impactful is that this is set to be a daily schedule:

Tallinn → Riga:

• Travel time: 5 hours 56 minutes (Tallinn → Riga)
• From Tallinn: 2:50 pm
• Departure from Tartu: 5:05 pm
• Arrival in Riga: 8:46 pm

As for pricing, Elron’s press release states tickets are as low as $34 for single tickets for the whole journey, and slightly less if you want to stay a while in Tartu.

Who wouldn’t?

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.