Riga to Tartu - Valga Connections

[E100]

Hi,

We are looking to do a trip from Riga to Tartu (Estonia). As part of this my understanding is that we need to change trains in Valga and this is fairly straight forward. I know they have recently redone the timetable to make connections better.

We could take the 'international' service (11:16) but we'd prefer to get to Tartu earlier if possible (09:26) and I presume this is more likely to use Latvian rather than Lithuanian trains which would be nice as I'd have had enough of Stadler Flirts by the end of the holiday!


What I can't seem to find a conclusive answer to is whether it is expected that you could get the 09:26 and then make the 3 minute connection to get the 12:24. I presume it is as it seems odd not to but at the same time this is a bit confusing as that feels especially tight even considering the small size of station.

Further to this, any idea what happens if we get the 09:26 and miss the connection? Are we covered on the next one or new tickets required?

PS we are likely to be travelled with a couple of larger bags. Any idea if these require the baggage ticket - I presume so or this is this for assistance? https://www.vivi.lv/en/baggage-ticket/


Any help greatly appreciated

 

[ricohallo]

When I took that 09:26 train it arrived on time and it was an easy cross-platform connection onwards to Tartu. I'm not sure whether they would wait though if the Latvian train is late, but I had the feeling that the connection was made to work. The 11:26 train is worked by a PESA unit from the Lithuanian Railways LTG. The 09:26 train is an old Latvian DR1A unit.

I opted to take the 09:26, spend some time in Valga and then take the Estonian train that connects to the 11:26 train, so I got to see both train combinations in Valga. Quite a weird experience to see trains of all Baltic countries at one border station!

 

[E100]

That's great to understand. Yes I'm half tempted to spend more time in Valga but that would then be quite a hit to our time in Tartu.

Brilliant photos too. Unless someone else pipes up here to say otherwise I reckon we'll risk it.

 

[rg177]

Trains in the Baltics in general are pretty punctual from my experience. If the timetable is like that, then it's likely that it's been designed to allow for a connection between the two trains.

 

[ricohallo]

Brilliant photos too. Unless someone else pipes up here to say otherwise I reckon we'll risk it.

In the worst case you end up with 2 hours in Valga and the same train you would've caught otherwise, but you'll likely make it.

You can just buy the tickets from Valga to Tartu on board with the guard, the prices stay the same and the guard takes cash and card.

 

[E100]

Just to close this off somewhat and help others. We arrived at 12:21 and then departed at 12:24 with a cross platform interchange. Very efficient and a lovely ride on one of the older vivi trains. Even had a chance to grab a quick picture of an older loco at Valga.

 

[stadler]

Just to close this off somewhat and help others. We arrived at 12:21 and then departed at 12:24 with a cross platform interchange. Very efficient and a lovely ride on one of the older vivi trains. Even had a chance to grab a quick picture of an older loco at Valga.

The older DR1 trains that VIVI use are great. RVR knew how to build good quality stock. They might be old but they have such a nice spacious interior. I remember they all got refurbished a while ago so they have nicer seats now too.

Is that a Lithuania Railways (LG) class ER20 locomotive behind the other one? It certainly looks like it. The same livery too. If so i am wonder what it is doing at the Estonia and Latvia border so far from the Lithuania railway network?