The final step towards full
European Union integration
Rail Baltica is a greenfield rail transport infrastructure project with the goal of integrating the Baltic states into the European rail network. The project involves five European Union countries – Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and indirectly also Finland. It will connect the cities of Helsinki, Tallinn, Pärnu, Riga, Panevėžys, Kaunas, Vilnius, and Warsaw.
Rail Baltica in numbers
Less travel time compared to current journeys
Countries involved
New cross-border connections
Fully electrified
Symbolic return of
the Baltic states to Europe
Until World War II, the Baltic states were linked to Europe by a standard 1435 mm gauge railway. Since the mid-20th century, however, they have operated on the Russian 1520 mm gauge, aligning rail traffic primarily along an East-West axis. Today, most freight still comes from CIS countries, moving on 1520 mm infrastructure. This hinders integration with the EU rail network via Poland due to technical and logistical barriers.
Rail Baltica, part of two major EU transport corridors, will connect Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to the standard-gauge European network – bridging the gap and fully integrating the region into the EU rail system.
Why we are building Rail Baltica
A project for the people
Improved access to education and jobs
Rail Baltica will cut regional travel times by up to 50%, making commuting for work and study significantly faster and more convenient. The project prioritises passenger needs with a modern, efficient transport solution.
Richer cultural experiences
Rail Baltica will improve access to cultural events, entertainment, and shopping, enriching daily life and leisure across the region.
More opportunities for healthcare
By improving connections between major cities and regions, Rail Baltica will improve access to healthcare and support community wellbeing along the corridor.
A project for security
Stronger railway connectivity with Baltic allies
By aligning rail gauge and technical standards with the rest of Europe, Rail Baltica will boost regional defence and military mobility. As part of the EU’s military mobility agenda, it will enable faster troop and equipment movement, streamline logistics, and open strategic corridors – including future links to Ukraine – enhancing security for the Baltic region and its allies.
Improved military logistics
As a dual-use corridor, Rail Baltica enhances defence logistics while enabling efficient multimodal freight transport, strengthening both resilience and civilian mobility. Backed by the European Union, it sets a new standard for strategic infrastructure in the region. Rail has proven its reliability in crises – moving people, goods, and critical supplies when other modes falter.
Enhanced defence and deterrence capabilities
As a key part of NATO’s transport network, Rail Baltica enhances regional and European security by enabling fast, flexible military mobility. It improves NATO readiness and interoperability through quicker response times, better coordination, and secure logistics routes.
A project for the planet
More sustainable than other modes of transport
Rail Baltica will be fully electrified, cutting CO₂ emissions to a minimum. According to its latest cost-benefit analysis, the project will reduce air pollution by 18.3% and noise levels by 4.7%.
The project respects and preserves protected areas
The Rail Baltica route has been carefully planned to avoid protected areas. Wildlife crossings will be built along the embankment to minimise impacts on habitats and migration routes.
Transition to renewable energy
Rail Baltica supports energy security by promoting a shift from fossil fuels to renewables. This transition is expected to cut energy consumption by 1.5 – 3.3%, contributing to the EU’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
A project for the economy
New jobs
The project is expected to create 13,000 direct jobs and over 23,000 indirect and induced jobs during construction, along with around 800 permanent positions in operations and infrastructure management.
Freight transport and logistics
The new railway will make it easier for
companies to provide services across
the entire region and take advantage
of new growth opportunities.
New economic corridor
7 international passenger stations, 3
main freight terminals, connection to
airports, seaports, road network
opens many economic opportunities.
Rail Baltica offers a fast, modern, and competitive alternative to existing transport modes. By significantly reducing travel times and opening routes not currently served by regional rail, it creates new, efficient connections across the region. Alongside speed, Rail Baltica also prioritizes comfort, reliability, and accessibility, positioning itself as the preferred choice for travelers seeking a smarter way to move.
Time and estimated cost by
different means of transport
| Tallinn – Pärnu |
0:40
14€
|
1:39
19€
|
1:50
7€
|
|
| Pärnu – Rīga |
1:00
24€
|
2:26
28€
|
2:30
10€
|
|
| Rīga – Panevėžys |
0:55
15€
|
1:54
23€
|
2:40
10€
|
|
| Panevėžys – Kaunas |
0:37
12€
|
1:25
23€
|
2:10
9€
|
|
| Kaunas – Vilnius |
0:38
11€
|
1:20
20€
|
1:35
6€
|
|
| Tallinn – Rīga |
1:42
38€
|
4:05
47€
|
4:20
17€
|
1:50
125€
|
| Rīga – Vilnius |
1:54
38€
|
3:30
45€
|
4:00
25€
|
1:50
125€
|
| Tallinn – Vilnius |
3:38
76€
|
7:00
91€
|
8:50
42€
|
2:10
101€
|
- Assumed occupancy rates for car travel: 1.8 people.
- Including time spent on airport.
Comparison of Net Time and Cost Across Transport Modes in Rail Baltica Phase 1 (Cost-Benefit Analysis, Phase I, 2025)