What are the Baltic Countries?
The Baltics refers to Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. These countries are on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea in Northern Europe. They have a fascinating history and have been under Soviet occupation most recently in the past. They became independent most recently in the early 1990s. There is also a lot of Finnish influence in Estonia. Though these countries are slightly off the beaten path of most European travelers they should totally be on your list of places to visit. Given the proximity and ease of travel between these countries you can easily combine them into one trip.
My Baltic Adventure with Busabout
When I traveled to these countries, I was with one other friend and we joined a tour group called Busabout. This is a European budget tour agency that caters to slightly younger crowd and on a budget. Our trip included Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Estonia and Sweden. It included transportation via buses and ferries. My friend and I traveled from St. Petersburg to Tallinn via bus and we joined the tour there. The benefit to using a tour is that you get to meet several different travelers and so much of travel journey and activities is mapped out to decrease on your time spent planning yourself. We also were able to get a lot of history with walking tours included on our tour.
best time to visit the Baltics
In general, the spring and summer are the best times to visit the Baltic countries. May and June are the sunniest months. Winter boasts cross country skiing, ice skating and enjoying saunas with minimal crowds and lower prices.
getting there and around
Efficient transportation is key to making the most of your trip to the Baltic countries. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are well connected by air, bus, train, and ferry, providing multiple options depending on your schedule and budget.
By air
Tallinn Lennart Meri Airport (TLL), Estonia
Located 8 km from Tallinn’s historic Old Town, Tallinn Lennart Meri Airport is Estonia’s largest and busiest airport, offering more than 40 direct flight connections per day to major European hubs like Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Helsinki, and Riga, as well as seasonal flights from North America. The modern airport features convenient transport links such as tram line 4, which connects directly to Tallinn city center in about 20 minutes.
Riga International Airport (RIX), Latvia
Over 80 direct flights from Europe, Asia, and North America service Riga’s airport Airport, which is the largest in the Baltic region. Situated about 11 km from downtown Riga, the drive from RIX takes around 20 minutes. Public buses and taxis provide efficient transfers to the city center.
Vilnius Airport (VNO), Lithuania
Located just 6 km south of Vilnius’s city center, Vilnius Airport is Lithuania’s primary international airport and is served by daily flights from airlines like airBaltic and Ryanair. The journey to downtown typically takes 15 minutes by car or shuttle bus. Kaunas International Airport (KUN), about 96 km from Vilnius, also serves the region with mostly low-cost carrier flights. Ollex runs bus service 4 times per day from KUN to Vilnius and costs approximately €15 each way for the hour and a half trip.
By bus
Bus travel is a cost-effective and reliable way to move between Baltic cities. Several operators, including LuxExpress and Ecolines, run frequent services connecting Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius. Travel times between capitals range from 4 to 5 hours, with ticket prices generally between €10 and €20 when booked in advance. Buses are modern, often equipped with WiFi and power outlets.
By boat
Ferries connect the Baltic countries with Scandinavia and Northern Europe. Regular services operate between ports in Sweden, Finland, Poland, Germany, and Denmark to Tallinn, Riga, and other Baltic ports. Operators such as Tallink Silja and Viking Line provide scheduled routes, which can be useful for travelers combining Baltic visits with trips to Scandinavia or Northern Europe.
By train
Train connections within the Baltics are limited, but international routes link the region with Russia. Daily trains run from Riga to Saint Petersburg and Moscow, and from Tallinn to Moscow. These journeys can take 15 to 20 hours and require border formalities. Train travel is less common for internal Baltic routes, where buses are generally preferred.
Car Rental in the Baltics
Renting a car is often the most flexible way to explore the Baltic countries, especially if you plan to visit remote areas or small towns that are poorly served by public transport. Prices vary depending on the country, vehicle type, and season, but generally, you can expect to pay around €25–€50 per day for an economy car or small SUV.
Having your own vehicle is particularly useful for reaching some of the Baltic region’s most beautiful and less accessible natural sites.
not to miss places to visit
Tallin, Estonia
Tallin is the capital and largest city of Estonia and known for its incredible nightlife. It has become a great travel spot for many hen and hen do (bachelor and bachelorette parties). More than that its medieval vibe will win you over. While here you should check out some of these amazing attractions: St. Catherine’s Monastery, Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform, St. Olaf’s Church, Kadriorg Park, Teletorn/the Television Tower, Town Hall, Aleksander Nevski Katedraali, Kumu Art Museum and more.
riga, latvia
Riga is the capital of Latvia and boasts an amazing old town and wonderful nightlife. While here you should stroll the cobblestone lanes and take in the historic buildings and amazing little restaurants and bars. Definitely make time to check out these sites: House of the Black Heads, Town Hall Square, Alberta Iela, Riga Cathedral, Freedom Monument, Musee Art Nouveau, St. Peter’s Church and more.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania and has so much to offer. It has a wonderful old and new town. While in Vilnius make sure to check out some of these amazing attractions: Gate of Dawn, Repubic of Uzupis, Gediminas’ Tower, Three Crosses Hill, KGB Museum, Stebuklas, Vilnius Cathedral and more.
Klaipeda, Lithuania
Klaipeda is the third largest city in Lithuania and located on the Baltic Sea. Our group enjoyed a picnic on the beach and despite being somewhat chilly I couldn’t resist taking a dip in the Baltic Sea. If you visit you can also check out the Lithuanian Sea Museum, Dane Park, the Black Ghost Statue, Sculpture Park, Museum of Clocks and more.
Hill of Crosses, Lithuania
Hills of Crosses, Kryžių Kalnas, is located about 12 km north of Šiauliai. There is no fee or hours of operation as it is always open. Located between Vilnius and Riga it is a part of many tours operating between these two cities or you can take a day tour from Vilnius. While the exact origin is uncertain but suspect it was started to commemorate fallen Lithuanians in their uprisings against Russia. The Russians are told to have destroyed this area multiple times to only have more crosses erected again through the night. It signifies a resistance to oppression. After Lithuania regained independence it has become more significant. It will certainly leave a mark on your memory of unique places you’ve been.
