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Route guide

Zagreb Riga

1358 km · Croatia to Latvia · Fastest: 4h by flight · Cheapest: €43+ by bus

How to travel from Zagreb to Riga

There are 4 ways to travel between Zagreb and Riga — compare duration, price and operators below.

🚄Train
€96–284
Duration: 11h 19m
via HŽPP, Pasažieru vilciens
~19 kg CO2 per passenger
🚌Bus
€43–115
Duration: 19h 24m
via FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus
~38 kg CO2 per passenger
✈️Flight
€89–283
Duration: 4h 19m
via Ryanair, easyJet
~212 kg CO2 per passenger
🚗Car
€163–299
Duration: 15h 5m
~231 kg CO2 per passenger

Where they are on the map

ZagrebRiga
Zagreb and Riga highlighted among the 50 European cities we cover. Map is schematic, not to scale.

Travel tips for this route

Zagreb to Riga — every option in detail

Zagreb to Riga by train

Trains link Zagreb (Croatia) and Riga (Latvia) through the European rail network. Most journeys take around 11h 19m including one or two connections at major hubs.

Operators on this corridor include HŽPP, Pasažieru vilciens.

Train fares are dynamic — typical range is €96 to €284. Advance-purchase tickets (1–2 months ahead) almost always beat walk-up prices.

Climate footprint: about 19 kg CO₂ per passenger by train vs roughly 212 kg by flight — taking the train saves ~193 kg on this distance.

Zagreb to Riga by bus

Long-distance coaches connect Zagreb and Riga with a typical journey of 19h 24m. Buses are usually the slowest mode for this corridor but consistently the cheapest.

Operators include FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.

Fares start from around €43 when booked in advance, rising to €115 for last-minute travel.

Most modern coaches offer Wi-Fi, USB charging and reclining seats. Overnight services exist on longer corridors and can save a hotel night.

Zagreb to Riga by flight

Flights between Zagreb and Riga take around 2h in the air, but plan on roughly 4h 19m door-to-door once you add airport transfers, check-in and security.

Airlines on this route include Ryanair, easyJet.

Typical fare range is €89–283. Low-cost carriers offer the cheapest base fares but charge separately for bags and seat selection.

Climate footprint: approximately 212 kg CO₂ per passenger for this flight.

Zagreb to Riga by car

The driving distance from Zagreb to Riga is approximately 1562 km. At motorway speeds, plan on around 15h 5m of driving plus stops.

Fuel-only running cost is in the €163–299 range for a typical car. Toll roads may apply, especially in France, Italy, Spain, Austria and Switzerland — budget extra accordingly.

Crossing the Croatia–Latvia border by car is straightforward within the Schengen Area; check current rules with the operator or border authority if either country is outside it.

Climate footprint: approximately 231 kg CO₂ per passenger assuming 1.5 occupants per car.

About this route

The distance between Zagreb and Riga is approximately 1358 kilometres. Direct or connecting trains link the two cities through the European rail network. Both cities have international airports with regular flight service. Long-distance coaches offer a budget-friendly alternative on this route. Estimates below reflect typical operator schedules and fare ranges; book in advance for the best prices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to travel from Zagreb to Riga?+

The fastest way is by flight, taking around 4h 19m on average. Slower options (such as bus or car) can take 2–3× longer depending on the route.

What is the cheapest way to get from Zagreb to Riga?+

Bus is typically the cheapest option, with fares starting around €43. Booking 2–4 weeks ahead usually gives the best prices.

Are there direct trains from Zagreb to Riga?+

Yes, the European rail network connects Croatia and Latvia. Most journeys involve one connection; expect around 11h 19m total travel time.

How far is Zagreb from Riga?+

The straight-line distance is approximately 1358 kilometres (843 miles). The actual travel distance by road or rail is usually 10–25% longer.

Is there a bus from Zagreb to Riga?+

Yes. Long-distance coach operators run this route with fares from around €43. Journey time is approximately 19h 24m.