Rail transport is one of the most promising modes of transport, it is rightly considered both the safest and most environmentally friendly land transport. The documents determining the transport sector policy of Latvia and the European Union and its main objectives define railway as the backbone of the transport system, ensuring an integrated and sustainable transport system that promotes passenger and freight mobility throughout the EU, including the territory of Latvia.
The railway is able to ensure efficient implementation of large-scale transportation. The railway fulfils public procurement of rail transport services on a contractual basis.
Rail freight accounts for around 24% of the country's total land transport, while passenger transport accounts for 12%. In the rail freight transport structure, import transport accounts for 59.2%, export transport for 24.5%, domestic transport for 10.4% and land transit for 5.8%.
Public railway infrastructure is developed in accordance with mobility needs and its sole manager is SJSC "Latvijas dzelzceļš". In implementing its main activity goal - maintenance and development of railway infrastructure, SJSC "Latvijas dzelzceļš" constantly plans to improve and modernise the infrastructure, including attracting funding from European Union funds. In order for the railway to become increasingly environmentally friendly, SJSC "Latvijas dzelzceļš" is gradually replacing the existing, but technically outdated 3.3kV catenary system with a 25kV system, as well as gradually expanding the electrified railway network.
To ensure equal and non-discriminatory access to the infrastructure for all railway operators, a separate company, JSC "LatRailNet", has been established. It carries out key functions of the public-use infrastructure manager: the allocation of railway infrastructure capacity and the determination of charges for infrastructure usage.
Local passenger rail services are provided by JSC "Pasažieru vilciens" and "Gulbenes–Alūksnes bānītis" Ltd. In line with the vision of making railway the backbone of public transport, passenger rail infrastructure is being continuously modernised.
Construction work is currently actively ongoing within the passenger platform modernization project, which will significantly enhance passenger comfort at stations and stops in Jelgava, Skulte, Tukums, Krustpils, and on the Bolderāja line, which is being renewed for passenger service. As part of the project, new stops are also being constructed.
The new passenger platforms will be easily accessible to all members of society, including persons with reduced mobility. These stations and stops are being equipped with elevated platforms, which, based on a modular design, will include comfortable and functional shelters, benches, bicycle racks, and other necessary equipment. The quantity of such equipment will be easily adjustable in the future to accommodate changes in passenger flow at specific locations.
In mid-2025, SJSC “Latvijas dzelzceļš” plans to announce an open tender for the project “Modernization of Railway Passenger Infrastructure on the Krustpils–Rēzekne (Viļāni, Rēzekne II) and Krustpils–Daugavpils (Līvāni, Daugavpils) lines: construction (design and construction works).”
Passenger stations will also be equipped with public announcement systems, lighting, and video surveillance cameras. As a result of station modernisation, their role as mobility hubs will be strengthened, with plans—in cooperation with local municipalities—to build bicycle parking and car parking facilities, including park & ride options.
In line with the liberalisation of the industry in accordance with the European railway development policies, in addition “LDZ CARGO” Ltd, other freight forwarding companies – JSC “Baltijas ekspresis”, “EURO RAIL CARGO” Ltd and JSC “Baltijas tranzīta serviss” have also been successfully operating in the freight transportation market in Latvia for several years, transporting 20% of the total volume.
Taking into account the development plans of Rail Baltica and the station and stop modernisation projects by “Latvijas dzelzceļš,” the railway stations Rīga Central, Torņakalns, Zasulauks, and Imanta will become key mobility hubs at the local, regional, and international levels. By ensuring passenger transport synergy between the two railway gauge systems, rail passenger transport opportunities will be significantly expanded both locally and internationally. The establishment of these mobility hubs will improve regional accessibility and development potential.
Railway passenger infrastructure is being developed in synergy with the introduction of a new and modern rolling stock by JSC “Pasažieru vilciens.” Since November 29, 2023, when the first electric trains manufactured by Škoda Vagonka were delivered to JSC “Pasažieru vilciens,” the company has been gradually transitioning its passenger services to the “Vivi” brand.
The name “Vivi” is derived from the first two letters of the slogan “Vienā vilcienā” ("In One Train"). This slogan symbolizes traveling from point A to point B in a fast, predictable, and reliable manner. It reflects movement and people’s travel habits. The “Vivi” brand is used in the interior and exterior design of the new trains, on the website, mobile application, and in informational and promotional materials.
The railway passenger infrastructure will be developed in synergy with the introduction of new and modern rolling stock into operation by JSC “Pasažieru vilciens”. On December 15, 2023, JSC “Pasažieru vilciens” launched passenger transportation with three new electric trains. In 2024, passenger transportation was carried out with 32 new electric trains. They operate in a 3 kV direct current system, with the possibility of adapting them to a 25 kV alternating current system in the future if necessary. The new electric trains run on all electrified routes (currently: Riga – Jelgava, Riga – Tukums II, Riga – Skulte, Riga – Aizkraukle). In the future, it is planned to increase the speed of passenger trains to 140 km/h, increasing the level of traffic safety at railway crossings and eliminating places limiting the speed of trains during modernisation.
On December 27, 2023, regular international passenger train service between Latvia and Lithuania was launched on the Vilnius–Riga route, operated by the Lithuanian railway company "LTG Link." At the beginning of 2025, passenger rail service between all three Baltic capitals was established.
The journey between Vilnius and Riga takes approximately 4 hours and 4 minutes.
From Riga Central Station, passengers can continue their journey to Tallinn railway station.
The trip from Riga to Tallinn takes approximately 6 hours and 18 minutes, as a transfer is required in Valga to a train operated by the Estonian carrier “Elron.”
In total, the journey from Vilnius to Tallinn via Riga takes approximately 10 hours and 22 minutes.
As of February 10, 2025, a unified international transit ticket has been introduced for journeys involving more than one carrier. Meanwhile, tickets for trips operated by a single carrier can only be purchased through that specific carrier’s ticketing system or via partner ticket sales platforms.
The regulatory framework of the railway sector has been harmonized with European Union legislation, and the requirements regarding the liberalization of the railway transport market, state administration, and traffic safety have been implemented in practice.
Currently, specialists from the Railway Policy and Infrastructure Department and subordinate institutions of the Ministry—the State Railway Administration, the State Railway Technical Inspectorate, and the Transport Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau—as well as industry experts, are actively working in working groups of the Council of the European Union, the European Commission, and the European Union Agency for Railways to ensure that Latvia’s interests are reflected in the upcoming EU legislation