Tartu-Riga train line: low profitability and infrequent service

TALLINN - The long-delayed Tartu-Riga express train is set to finally launch next week, but it will initially operate with only one daily round trip, an inconvenient schedule for Estonian passengers, and dismal profitability, reports the newspaper Postimees.

On Monday, Elron's Tartu-Riga direct line had its ceremonial inaugural run, adding to the existing connection that requires a transfer in Valga. The line will officially start operating on January 12, with the first departure towards Riga. According to the current schedule, the journey from Tartu to Riga will take 3 hours and 41 minutes, and the Tallinn to Riga journey will take 5 hours and 56 minutes. A ticket from Tartu to Riga will cost between 19 and 22 euros, and from Tallinn to Riga between 29 and 32 euros.

According to Elron, the direct line is equally important for the people of Southern Estonia and Northern Latvia, as it helps to strengthen economic ties and promote tourism.

The state essentially subsidizes all train connections. According to Elron's 2024 report, ticket sales revenue was 22 million euros, while state support to cover operating costs was 36 million euros. While ticket revenue grew by 4 percent year-on-year, the state subsidy increased by 11 percent. However, the previous year, the growth trend was the opposite: ticket revenue grew by 9 percent to 21 million euros, while the state subsidy increased slightly less, by 7 percent, reaching 32.5 million euros. Broadly speaking, the ratio of ticket revenue to state support has been 2:3 in recent years.

For the Tartu-Riga line, the revenue-to-subsidy ratio appears to be significantly worse. According to Indrek Laineveer, head of the railway department at the Ministry of Climate, the ticket sales forecast for this year is 200,000 euros, while the state budget provides up to 2 million euros in subsidies. Although the amount currently in the budget is intended for two pairs of trains, only one is currently being launched. A rough calculation shows that if this year's forecast is met, the revenue-to-support ratio will be 1:5.

In addition to covering operational costs, the state has also invested in launching the line: 300,000 euros in 2024 and around 500,000 euros last year. For 2026, 300,000 euros has been allocated, which can be used, for example, to certify additional trains or to improve train amenities, such as better seating or investments in catering.

The state hopes that profitability will improve in the coming years. According to Laineveer, there are no plans to increase subsidies or costs for service improvements. However, with the launch of a second pair of trains, the ministry hopes that ticket revenue will grow to between 500,000 and 800,000 euros in the coming years.

The line's current schedule seems to cater more to the needs of visitors arriving from Latvia. The train from Riga to Tartu and Tallinn departs at 7:38 a.m., arriving in Tartu before noon and in Tallinn around 2 p.m., which realistically allows for activities at the destination beyond just an overnight stay. In the direction of Riga, the train departs from Tallinn at 2:50 p.m. and from Tartu at 5:05 p.m., arriving in the Latvian capital just before 9 p.m. The line also makes several regional stops in Latvia: in Valmiera, Cesis, Sigulda, and Zemitani.

Laineveer explains that the current train connection times are tied to the existing Tartu-Valga line, as it is an extension of that route. "When electric train traffic opens between Tallinn and Tartu in the second half of the year, diesel trains will be freed up. This will allow the Tartu-Riga line to become a standalone service, reduce the number of domestic stops in Estonia, and provide more flexibility in setting new departure and arrival times that are more suitable for passengers in both directions," he added.

For now, however, the focus is on attracting Latvian tourists. Minister of Infrastructure Kuldar Leis said at the inaugural run that the new international connection is important for all of Southern and Central Estonia. "Estonia is much larger than just Tallinn, and we must constantly ensure that there are good opportunities to promote the economy all over Estonia. Additional international connections will strongly support Southern Estonia's tourism sector, as Latvia is an important target market," the minister noted.

According to Kanni Kallastu, head of the Southern Estonia Tourism Cluster, the latest statistics show that more than 40,000 Latvians visited Southern Estonia from January to October 2025, which is an 8-percent increase year-on-year.

"For both the tourism cluster's and Visit Tartu's marketing teams, the train connection is a key focus in marketing towards Latvia. A train campaign aimed at Latvians is forthcoming, and we will also participate in the Balttour fair in Riga, where we will promote the train. In addition, there are plans to create special offers with our partners," Kallastu listed.

According to her, Latvian municipalities are also very interested in collaborating on how to leverage the train connections for tourism, not just for Tartu but also for Jogeva, Valga, and Elva. "And once the development is complete for the train to run directly to Riga Airport, it would open up even more opportunities for Southern Estonia to be connected to the world," the head of the tourism cluster added.