Riga from Helsinki: The Best Way to Get There
No direct ferry exists between these two capitals — here's what actually works, with real prices and travel times.
Quick Answer
Fly if you value your time — about 2h45m direct, several flights a day. Take the direct coach from Helsinki's Harbour Terminal 2 if you'd rather save money and don't mind a 7-hour ride. There is no direct ferry — that's a common assumption given how well-known the Helsinki–Tallinn route is, but Riga isn't on it.
Compare flights from Helsinki to Riga →Flying: The Fastest Option
Direct flights between Helsinki and Riga take around 2 hours 45 minutes, with roughly four flights a day on the route. Fares typically run €55–170 depending on how far ahead you book — see our guide to booking timing for the general rule (4–6 weeks ahead for most trips). For a short weekend trip, flying is the only option that doesn't eat into your time on the ground.
The Direct Coach
Coaches run directly from Helsinki's Harbour Terminal 2 to Riga's bus station, roughly three times a day, taking about 7 hours. It's the simplest budget option — no transfers, no ferry crossing — typically from around €30 one-way. Worth it if you'd rather spend the savings on your trip, or if flight times don't line up with your schedule.
Why There's No Direct Ferry
It's a reasonable thing to assume, given how established the Helsinki–Tallinn ferry route is (about 2 hours, running constantly throughout the day) — but that route stops in Tallinn, not Riga. If you'd rather travel by sea for at least part of the journey, the combined routing is: ferry to Tallinn, then a bus or train onward to Riga (about 4–4.5 hours from Tallinn). Door to door this runs close to 9 hours and is usually the cheapest total fare, but it means a transfer in Tallinn rather than one continuous journey.
Once you've landed, see our full getting-here guide for the airport-to-city-centre trip, or jump straight to where to stay and our 3-day Riga itinerary to plan the rest of the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a ferry from Helsinki to Riga?
No — there's no direct ferry between Helsinki and Riga. The well-known Baltic ferry route is Helsinki–Tallinn (about 2 hours), and from Tallinn you'd continue to Riga by bus or train. For a direct trip, flying or taking the direct coach are the two practical options.
How long does it take to fly from Helsinki to Riga?
About 2 hours 45 minutes direct. There are roughly four flights a day on the route, with fares typically running €55–170 depending on how far ahead you book.
Is there a direct bus from Helsinki to Riga?
Yes — coaches run directly from Helsinki's Harbour Terminal 2 to Riga's bus station, roughly three times a day, taking about 7 hours. It's the cheapest direct option, typically from around €30.
What's the cheapest way from Helsinki to Riga?
A combined ferry-and-bus routing via Tallinn is usually the lowest fare overall, though it takes closer to 9 hours door to door. If you value your time, the direct coach is only slightly more and cuts out a transfer.
Ready to book your trip?
Last updated: August 2026. Routes, schedules and prices are set by individual carriers and change seasonally — check current times before booking.