Riga, Gauja & Tartu Railway Northbound
Travel car-free by train from Riga via Sigulda, Cēsis, and Tartu all the way to Tallinn.
Utilizing the Riga–Tartu–Tallinn railway service restored in 2026, this itinerary connects the Gauja Valley and the Estonian university town into a one-way route, avoiding the conventional coastal highway. Each train ride is short, making it ideal for car-free solo travelers and couples. Staying one night each in Sigulda and Cēsis is required, so traveling light is highly recommended. Trains are not very frequent, so check timetables before booking accommodation.
The valley and castles have the longest opening hours from May to Sep; train tickets usually go on sale about a week in advance.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Riga & Explore Old Town
Riga（House of the Blackheads & Town Hall Square、St. Peter's Church、Riga Cathedral、Three Brothers & Swedish Gate）
Take bus 22 from the airport (approx. 30 minutes) to the city, and explore the Old Town entirely on foot.
Stay: Central Station and Market Area
Day 2 · Market & Art Nouveau District
Riga（Riga Central Market、Spīķeri Creative Quarter、Latvian National Museum of Art、Art Nouveau District (Alberta iela)）
Walk from the station area to the Central Market and Art Nouveau district, about 20–30 minutes one way.
Stay: Central Station and Market Area
Day 3 · Train to Sigulda
Take a train from Riga to Sigulda (approx. 1 hour), then transfer to a local bus to and from Turaida.
Stay: Sigulda
Day 4 · Train to Cēsis
Cēsis Castle
Take a train or bus to Cēsis in the morning (under 1 hour), then explore the town on foot.
The castle is closed on Mondays from Oct to Apr, and open daily from May to Sep.
Stay: Cēsis
Day 5 · Cross Border to Tartu
Tartu（Tartu Town Hall Square & Kissing Students、University of Tartu Main Building、Toome Hill）
Take the northbound train from Cēsis via Valga to Tartu (approx. 2.5 hours), and explore the Old Town in the afternoon.
Direct services are limited; some require a transfer at Valga. Check elron.ee before departure.
Stay: Tartu Old Town
Day 6 · National Museum to Tallinn
Tartu（Estonian National Museum） → Tallinn（Town Hall Square & Tallinn Town Hall）
Take a city bus to the museum in the morning, then take a train to Tallinn in the afternoon (approx. 2.5 hours).
Stay: Old Town
Day 7 · Farewell to Tallinn Old Town
Tallinn（Toompea、Alexander Nevsky Cathedral、Kohtuotsa & Patkuli Viewing Platforms、Tallinn City Walls）
Spend the day walking through the Old Town and Toompea, then head to the airport or port according to your flight or ferry schedule.