Riga to Tallinn is one of the shortest international flights in the Baltics — airBaltic flies it non-stop in well under an hour. It is a quick hop for business travellers and connecting passengers, though for most leisure trips the frequent Lux Express coach is the cheaper, city-centre-to-city-centre alternative. This guide covers the flight, the fares in euros, and the ground options worth weighing up.
Route: Riga (RIX) → Tallinn Lennart Meri (TLL)
Distance: approximately 280 km (175 miles)
Non-stop flight time: about 45–50 minutes
Direct flights: Yes — airBaltic flies non-stop between Riga and Tallinn. It is the only carrier operating the route directly; there is no through-train yet, so the main surface alternative is the Lux Express coach (about 3h 40m).
Fares from Riga to Tallinn (EUR)
This is a short regional hop, so fares are modest and driven mostly by how early you book and the day of travel. The priciest windows are the summer peak and the Christmas period; midweek off-season flights can be very cheap. The figures below are indicative economy return fares in euros — book early and midweek for the lowest.
| Month | Typical return (economy) | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €70 – €140 | low |
| February | €70 – €140 | low |
| March | €80 – €150 | low-medium |
| April | €80 – €160 | medium |
| May | €90 – €170 | medium |
| June | €110 – €200 | high |
| July | €120 – €220 | very high |
| August | €110 – €200 | high |
| September | €90 – €170 | medium |
| October | €80 – €150 | medium |
| November | €70 – €140 | low |
| December | €100 – €190 | high |
Reference points: booked early and midweek, an airBaltic return can dip to around €60–€90, with a typical fair price near €120–€150. Last-minute or peak-summer seats can climb higher. By comparison, the Lux Express coach costs from about €10–€30 each way, so the bus almost always wins on price for a leisure trip.
Airlines on this route
Non-stop (about 45–50 minutes):
- airBaltic — the only carrier flying Riga–Tallinn non-stop, on its Airbus A220 fleet. Frequencies are geared to business and connecting travellers, so schedules cluster around morning and evening.
Cheaper alternatives (usually the better value on such a short hop):
- Lux Express coach — frequent daily departures, city centre to city centre in about 3h 40m, with comfortable seats and Wi-Fi from roughly €10–€30 each way.
- Driving — the A1/Via Baltica takes about 4 to 4½ hours; useful if you want to stop at Pärnu or the coast along the way.
The flight only really pays off if you are connecting through Riga or Tallinn onto a longer route, or if time is tight. For a straightforward city break, the coach is cheaper and drops you right in the centre.
When to book & how to save
- Book early — airBaltic’s lowest fares on this short hop go first; prices climb as the flight fills.
- Fly midweek (Tuesday to Thursday) and off-peak times for the cheapest seats.
- Compare the coach — on price alone, Lux Express usually beats the flight; weigh the extra 2–3 hours against the fare saving.
- Travel light — airBaltic’s cheapest fares are hand-luggage only, so add a checked bag only if you need one.
- Consider connections — if you are flying onward from Tallinn or Riga, booking the whole journey on one airBaltic ticket protects your connection.
Arriving in Tallinn
Flights land at Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL), unusually close to the city at just about 4 km from the Old Town. Tram line 4 runs from outside the terminal to the centre in around 15 minutes for roughly €2, and a taxi or ride-hail to the Old Town costs about €8–€12. It is one of the easiest airport-to-city transfers in Europe, so you can be in the medieval centre within 20 minutes of landing.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Riga to Tallinn?
The non-stop airBaltic flight takes about 45 to 50 minutes in the air. With check-in, security and the airport transfers at each end, allow around 3 hours door to door — which is why many travellers compare it with the roughly 3h 40m Lux Express coach.
Are there direct flights from Riga to Tallinn?
Yes. airBaltic flies non-stop between Riga and Tallinn in under an hour. It is the only airline operating the route directly. There is no through-train between the two cities yet, so the main alternative to flying is the Lux Express coach.
How much does it cost to fly from Riga to Tallinn?
A typical economy return runs about €70–€200 depending on the season and how early you book. Booked ahead and midweek, fares can dip to around €60–€90. The Lux Express coach is cheaper still, from about €10–€30 each way.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Riga to Tallinn?
January, February and November are usually the cheapest, with returns from around €70. Avoid the July–August summer peak and the Christmas period, when fares and demand are at their highest.
Which airlines fly from Riga to Tallinn?
airBaltic is the only carrier flying the route non-stop, on its Airbus A220 aircraft. Other airlines only offer connecting itineraries via a hub, which makes no sense for such a short distance — for a cheaper direct option, the Lux Express coach is the practical alternative.
Which airport do I fly into in Tallinn?
You land at Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL), Estonia’s main airport and only about 4 km from the Old Town. Tram line 4 reaches the centre in around 15 minutes, making it one of the quickest airport transfers in Europe.
How far in advance should I book Riga to Tallinn flights?
Book a few weeks to a couple of months ahead for the lowest airBaltic fares. This short hop has limited seats at the cheapest price, so they sell out early, especially around the summer peak and any Baltic events or holidays.
Is it cheaper to fly on weekdays?
Often, yes. Midweek departures (Tuesday to Thursday) and off-peak times are usually cheaper than Friday–Sunday. On such a short route, being flexible by a day or shifting to an early or late flight can meaningfully cut the fare.
Is it better to take the flight or the bus from Riga to Tallinn?
For price, the Lux Express coach almost always wins — it runs frequently, connects the two city centres in about 3h 40m, and costs from €10–€30. The flight only pays off if you are connecting onto a longer route or genuinely need to save the couple of hours the bus takes.
Fare guidance based on aifly.one deal tracking and current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Indicative economy returns — check the live fare before booking.
