Riga to Vilnius: Bus, Car and a Hill of Crosses Stop
The Riga–Vilnius leg of the Baltic loop: coach or car, and a possible stop at the Hill of Crosses.
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The options
- Bus: frequent coaches connect the capitals; allow roughly 4-5 hours. Compare operators and times directly on their sites.
- Car: the best way to add stops. Declare the Lithuania crossing at booking; compare car rental in Riga and read our car rental guide.
- Flying: rarely worth it for this distance.
A stop at the Hill of Crosses
The road between the two cities passes close to the Hill of Crosses, a pilgrimage site in northern Lithuania. By car it makes a natural break; see our Hill of Crosses guide. On a bus journey it is not on the route, so a day tour is the easier way to see it.
Plan the loop
Riga to Vilnius is the other leg of the Baltic itinerary; compare the three cities, or go on from Riga to Tallinn.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get from Riga to Vilnius?
By coach or by car; both take roughly 4-5 hours.
Can I stop at the Hill of Crosses between Riga and Vilnius?
Yes, by car it is a convenient stop on the way.
Do I need a passport?
Both countries are in the Schengen area, so there is normally no border check, but carry ID.
Last updated: October 2026. Operators, timetables and fares change; check them before you travel.