Baltic Itinerary: Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius in 7 or 10 Days
A loop through the three Baltic capitals, in seven days or ten, using coaches between cities.
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The shape of the trip
Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius are linked by coaches of roughly 4-5 hours each way, so a loop is easy without a car. Fly into one, out of another, and spend two to four nights in each. For how the cities compare, read Riga vs Tallinn vs Vilnius.
7 days (Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn)
Run the loop in one direction so you never need the long Tallinn–Vilnius leg:
- Days 1-2: Vilnius. Fly in.
- Day 3: coach to Riga (options).
- Days 3-5: Riga. Old Town, Art Nouveau, Central Market — see the 3-day itinerary.
- Day 6: coach to Tallinn (options).
- Days 6-7: Tallinn. Fly home.
10 days (Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn)
- Days 1-3: Vilnius.
- Days 4-7: Riga, adding a day trip — Sigulda, Rundāle Palace or Jūrmala (day trips), or the Hill of Crosses on the way if you drive.
- Days 8-10: Tallinn, with a stop at Pärnu on the way (Pärnu from Riga) if you have a car.
Reverse the direction if your flights suit it. Winter version: build it around the Riga Christmas market.
Booking tips
- Hotels: compare Riga hotels; see where to stay in Riga.
- Car: only worth it if you want stops; one-way cross-border rentals can carry fees. Compare car rental.
- Flights: see our flights to Riga update, since airline capacity in the three countries is changing this winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius in one trip?
Yes. Coaches link the three capitals in roughly 4-5 hours per leg.
How many days do you need for the Baltic capitals?
Seven days is a brisk loop; ten lets you add day trips and slow down.
Do I need a car for the Baltics?
No for the three capitals; a car helps if you want stops such as Pärnu or the Hill of Crosses.
Last updated: October 2026. Journey times are approximate; check operators' timetables.