Latvia’s Baltic Riviera Rail Link Restored: 15-Minute Trains Return
Commuters and international visitors traveling between Riga and the Latvian coast can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Following the completion of extensive modernization works on the electrified rail network by VAS “Latvijas dzelzceļš,” the Tukums line is returning to its high-frequency schedule. Starting May 19, the national passenger rail operator, Vivi, has reinstated interval-based departures, significantly cutting travel times and increasing capacity just in time for the peak tourism season.
The conclusion of these engineering works marks a pivotal moment for Latvia’s transport infrastructure. For months, passengers faced delays and substituted bus services as the network underwent essential upgrades to support modern electric rolling stock. With the tracks now fully operational, travel times from the capital to popular destinations such as Sloka, Ķemeri, and Tukums have been slashed by up to 30 minutes compared to the construction period.
Faster Connections to the Baltic Coast
The primary benefit for travelers is the restoration of the 15-minute interval. During morning and evening peak hours, trains between Riga and Dubulti—the heart of the Jūrmala seaside resort area—will now depart every quarter-hour. This frequency brings the service in line with major European metropolitan commuter belts, making the “Baltic Riviera” more accessible than ever for those staying in Riga.
Crucially, all passenger services on this route will now be serviced exclusively by trains, ending the era of temporary bus bridges that complicated travel for those with luggage, bicycles, or limited mobility. Furthermore, because all tracks have been returned to service, trains will depart from their traditional platforms at all stations, removing the confusion caused by temporary platform reassignments during the modernization phase.
Summer Schedule Boosts Beach Access
While the May 19 update addresses the immediate end of construction, a second phase of improvements is scheduled for the end of the month. Starting May 30, Vivi will implement its official summer timetable. This update is specifically designed to handle the influx of sun-seekers heading to the Gulf of Riga.
Under the summer schedule, the 15-minute frequency between Riga and Dubulti will be extended to include the middle of the day, not just peak hours. To accommodate the seasonal surge, the operator is adding seven additional trips on weekdays and 13 extra trips on weekends. This represents a significant investment in capacity, ensuring that even on the hottest weekend days, the rail link remains a viable alternative to the heavily congested A10 motorway.
Navigating the New Timetable
For those planning a trip, the new schedules are already live on the Vivi website and mobile app. The transition back to a high-frequency service is part of a broader modernization of the Latvian rail system, which includes the gradual rollout of new Škoda-built electric trains. These new units offer level boarding, air conditioning, and a much-improved passenger experience compared to the older Soviet-era rolling stock.
International travelers should note that tickets can be purchased digitally to avoid queues at Riga Central Station. For any specific inquiries regarding the new intervals or ticket types, the Vivi Customer Service Center remains available 24/7 via their toll-free helpline at 8760.
The next major milestone for the region’s transport network will be the full integration of these high-frequency schedules with the upcoming summer events calendar in Jūrmala, which is expected to see record visitor numbers this year following the ease of regional travel restrictions.
Source: Tukuma novada dome
