Riga, Dec 9 (LETA) - The Vilnius-Riga-Tallina passenger train connection will be opened early next year, representatives of Pasazieru Vilciens informed LETA.

Latvian train carrier Pasazieru Vilciens, Estonian Elron and Lithuanian LTG Link have started mutual harmonization of train timetables to ensure that passengers can travel by train between the Baltic states from the beginning of next year.

The total journey time from Vilnius to Tallinn could take around ten hours.

The harmonized train route connecting the Baltic capitals is expected to be available from January 6, 2025.

The connection will initially be operated with rolling stock from all three carriers and will consist of two points where passengers will have to change trains - one in Riga and the other in Valga.

The Vilnius-Riga-Tallinn train connection in Latvia includes stops in Jelgava, Riga, Zemitani, Jugla, Incukalns, Sigulda, Ligatne, Ieriki, Cesis, Lode, Valmiera, Strenci and Lugazi.

At the same time, Elron is continuing work on the launch of a direct Tartu-Riga service.

Talks on linking the three Baltic capitals with passenger train routes were sparked in September 2021, when the Baltic Express travelled from Tallinn via Riga to Vilnius to mark the European Year of Railways. It brought together ministers of the time, representatives of the Baltic rail industry and the European Commission, as well as Rail Baltica promoters.