Unconventional bus services set to link Latvia and Estonia
New Cross-Border Bus Routes Between Latvia and Estonia Prove Popular
July 2025 marked the launch of new public transport routes connecting Latvia and Estonia, with two major cross-border bus routes - the Pärnu-Ikla-Ainaži-Salacgrīva route and the Valga-Valka city route - being introduced on a one-year trial basis.
Route Details and Schedules
The Pärnu-Ikla-Ainaži-Salacgrīva route, which is a continuation of the Pērnava-Ikla route, offers 10 daily buses to Ainaži, with 8 starting in Pärnu and some from Häädemeeste. Two of these buses continue further to Salacgrīva, one in the morning and one in the evening. Passenger volume to Ainaži varies daily and is relatively low due to its location just over the border.
The Valga-Valka city route, on the other hand, currently has three departures per day. Plans to review the schedule in the fall aim to better accommodate morning commute times.
Potential Extensions and Related Developments
While no explicit public information about planned extensions for these specific new routes beyond the current trial phase is available, the Baltic states railway services have coordinated schedules to enable direct travel daily from Vilnius through Riga to Tallinn, with connections at Riga and Valga since early 2025. This rail coordination complements bus services by offering integrated travel options within the region.
Cross-border rail services and bus companies like Lux Express continue to operate international routes within the Baltic region, indicating ongoing developments in improving regional connectivity.
However, no confirmed public plans for extensions beyond these exist as of August 2025. It is worth noting that the Road Transport Directorate, a partner in this process, will ensure the routes' viability after the project, as stated by project manager Ābele.
Popularity of the Routes
The new routes have proven popular, with over 2,000 passengers using the services in the first month. The new route in Valka and Valga, considered an important public transport option for the people of Valka, especially those who work in Valga, runs three times a day.
Residents of the Latvian border region, such as Andris Zunde, head of the Salacgrīva Association in Limbaži Municipality, have shown interest in using the new route due to its affordability. The Estonian goal is to extend the experimental route to Limbaži, possibly to Cēsis, and potentially further, according to Zunde.
Despite the popularity of the routes, no new information is given about the popularity of the routes with passengers after the initial month, so this fact is not included. Similarly, no suggestions for extending the Valka-Valga route to other cities are mentioned.
In conclusion, the new cross-border bus routes between Latvia and Estonia focus mainly on connecting smaller border towns and cities with multiple daily departures, have proven popular in their initial phase, and may see schedule adjustments to better match passenger needs. Rail services complement these by offering coordinated Baltic-wide connections. No confirmed public plans for extensions beyond these exist as of August 2025.
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