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Planning a trip to Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn, or Helsinki? An excellent choice! These cities are renowned for their history, architecture, and cozy atmosphere. And the most convenient way to explore them is by public transport. However, travel costs can be a significant part of your budget.
Vilnius recently announced a fare change effective from July 1, 2025. We’re taking this opportunity to bring you a complete guide to the costs and features of public transport in these four incredible capitals.
Vilnius, Lithuania: What’s New?
The Lithuanian capital is preparing for a price increase. Starting this autumn, the cost of a 30-minute ticket will rise from €0.65 to €0.90, and a 60-minute ticket from €0.90 to €1.30. This is the first increase in 10 years, which authorities attribute to rising maintenance costs for the transport system.
- Tourist Tip: If you plan to travel a lot, it’s more cost-effective to buy a 24-hour ticket for €5 or a 72-hour ticket for €8. You can load them onto a “Vilniečio kortelė” (Vilnius resident card) or use the mobile apps
m.TicketorTrafi. This will save you both time and money.
Riga, Latvia: Stable Prices
In Riga, the fare remains unchanged. A single ride costs €1.50. This ticket is valid for one journey on any form of transport (tram, bus, trolleybus) with no time limit for the trip itself.
- Tourist Tip: Similar to Vilnius, Riga offers 24-hour tickets (€5), 3-day tickets (€8), and 5-day tickets (€10). You can purchase them from “Rīgas satiksme” ticket machines or kiosks. Buying a ticket from the driver is possible but more expensive at €2.
Tallinn, Estonia: Free, But Not for Everyone
Tallinn is famous for its free public transport system. But there’s a crucial detail: this privilege is only for registered residents of the city. Tourists are required to pay for their rides.
- Tourist Tip: The most convenient option for a visitor is to buy a QR ticket online. A one-hour ticket costs €2. A one-day pass is €4.50, and a three-day pass is €7.50. This is a great way to explore both the Old Town and more distant areas like Kadriorg Park.
Helsinki, Finland: The Zone System
Helsinki‘s transport system is the most complex but also the most flexible of the four. The city and its suburbs are divided into zones: A, B, C, and D. The ticket price depends on which zones you cross. The city center is zone A. Vantaa Airport is in zone C.
- Tourist Tip: Most attractions are located in zones A and B. A ticket for 80-90 minutes for zones AB costs €3.10. If you’re arriving from the airport, you’ll need an ABC ticket for €4.10. For active tourists, there are day tickets available from 1 to 13 days. For instance, a one-day ticket for zones AB costs €9. Use the
HSLapp to easily plan your routes and buy tickets.
Traveler’s Comparison Chart
| City | Single Ride Cost (Standard Ticket) | Best Value for Tourists | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vilnius | €0.90 (30 min) / €1.30 (60 min) | 24-hour pass (€5) or 3-day pass (€8) | Convenient mobile apps. |
| Riga | €1.50 | 24-hour pass (€5) or 3-day pass (€8) | Don’t buy from the driver—it’s more expensive. |
| Tallinn | €2.00 (1-hour QR ticket) | 24-hour pass (€4.50) | Free transport is for locals only. |
| Helsinki | from €3.10 (zones AB) | Day pass depending on the required zones | Zone-based system—plan your route in advance. |
Conclusion: Despite the price increase in Vilnius, public transport in the region remains affordable and efficient. The key is to plan your journeys and choose the right type of ticket. Happy travels!
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