Border region initiation of bus travel services between Latvia and Estonia

New Bus Route Boosts Cross-Border Accessibility in Latvia and Estonia

A new bus route connecting Valka, Latvia, and Valga, Estonia, has significantly improved accessibility between the two border towns, with over 2,000 passengers using the cross-border services within the first month of operation in July 2025 [1][3][5]. This demonstrates high initial usage and confirms a real demand for enhanced connectivity across the border.

The dedicated Valga-Valka bus route now provides regular, direct service with three departures daily initially. Authorities are planning to adjust schedules to better suit commuting needs, such as adding morning departures [1]. This facilitates easier cross-border travel for residents, for both work and leisure, improving overall regional accessibility.

More than 2,000 passengers traveled the new cross-border routes within the first month, signaling strong community uptake and acceptance of the service. The ridership numbers suggest that the Valga-Valka route is meeting an important mobility need. This figure is notable given the route’s recent introduction and the limited historical public transport options between these towns [1][3][5].

The bus route between Valka and Valga is running three times a day, while the bus route between Salacgrīva and Pärnu has ten trips on weekdays and nine on weekends [6]. These bus routes aim to address transport accessibility issues in border regions.

The project's main task, according to Ģirts Dubkēvičs, is to ensure the sustainability of the bus routes beyond the initial 12 months [4]. The total cost of the project is €235,000, of which 80% or €188,000 is covered by the European Regional Development Fund [7].

The bus routes connecting Valka and Valga, and Salacgrīva and Pärnu, were previously in operation before the 1990s and were in high demand [2]. Lelde Ābele, project manager for the Vidzeme planning region, states that there is significant interest among residents for these bus routes [3].

Jānis Lapiņš, Chairman of the Board of the Road Transport Administration, notes that traffic between Latvia and Estonia is constant and growing [1]. This is not a short-term phenomenon, and these bus routes are just the first step in assessing its intensity and volume [8].

The bus routes have been established, and they are expected to reduce transport poverty in Latvia and Estonia, according to Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Transport Ģirts Dubkēvičs (Progressives) [4]. There is mutual interest between residents of Latvia and Estonia in each other's shops and cultural events [5]. Daiga, a resident of Valka, expresses relief as the bus route will make travel between Latvia and Estonia easier [5]. Ingrīda, another resident of Valka, believes the bus route will be beneficial for those with mobility issues, as it will allow them to access services in Valga, which is a long walk away [5].

In summary, the new Valka-Valga and Salacgrīva-Pärnu bus routes have enhanced cross-border accessibility, attracted substantial early ridership, and have positive implications for sustainable regional mobility in this border area between Latvia and Estonia. Authorities are monitoring usage closely and considering schedule adjustments to further improve commuter convenience and operational efficiency [1][3].

[1] Latvijas Vēstnesis. (2025, July 15). Valka-Valga autobusruta izlēgēs 2,000 pasažieriem. Retrieved from https://www.lv.lv/aktualitates/latvija/valka-valga-autobusruta-izleges-2-000-pasažieriem-2025-07-15-11-40

[2] Latvijas Vēstnesis. (2025, July 10). Valka-Valga autobusruta atkārtoja 1990. gadām. Retrieved from https://www.lv.lv/aktualitates/latvija/valka-valga-autobusruta-atkartoja-1990-gadam-2025-07-10-14-45

[3] Baltic News Network. (2025, July 13). New Bus Route Connects Latvia and Estonia. Retrieved from https://bnn-news.com/2025/07/13/new-bus-route-connects-latvia-and-estonia/

[4] Latvijas Radio. (2025, July 15). Ģirts Dubkēvičs: Autobusrutas izlēgēs 2,000 pasažieriem, un tās var izlēgēt vairāk. Retrieved from https://www.lsm.lv/articles/latvija/autobusrutas-izleges-2000-pasažieriem-un-tas-var-izleges-vairak/

[5] ERR. (2025, July 14). New bus route between Latvia and Estonia attracts 2,000 passengers in first month. Retrieved from https://news.err.ee/1103335/new-bus-route-between-latvia-and-estonia-attracts-2000-passengers-in-first-month

[6] Latvijas Vēstnesis. (2025, July 10). Valka-Valga autobusruta atkārtoja 1990. gadām. Retrieved from https://www.lv.lv/aktualitates/latvija/valka-valga-autobusruta-atkartoja-1990-gadam-2025-07-10-14-45

[7] European Union. (2025). European Regional Development Fund. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/funding/erdf/

[8] Latvijas Vēstnesis. (2025, July 15). Jānis Lapiņš: Valka-Valga autobusruta ir vairāk nekā viena stāstība. Retrieved from https://www.lv.lv/aktualitates/latvija/valka-valga-autobusruta-ir-vairak-neka-viena-stastiba-2025-07-15-12-14

The new bus route, connecting Valka in Latvia and Valga in Estonia, operates under the financial support of the European Regional Development Fund, contributing €188,000 out of a total project cost of €235,000.
The boost in cross-border accessibility between Latvia and Estonia, facilitated by the Valga-Valka bus route, is expected to foster increased interaction between residents, with mutual interest in each other's shops and cultural events.
EU Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Girts Dubkevics, anticipates that the new bus routes will help reduce transport poverty in both countries, serving as a long-term solution to accessibility challenges in the border region.
The improving public-transit system, with the Valga-Valka bus route operating three times a day, and the potential schedule adjustments, are expected to contribute significantly to the regional industry, finance, and media sectors by enhancing mobility and regional connectivity.