Riga to Vilnius transfer: Rundale Palace & Bauska Castle

Two castles, one full day, one vehicle from Riga to Vilnius

A one-way private transfer from Riga to Vilnius that stops at two Latvian landmarks: Rundale Palace, a Baroque summer residence built in the 1700s, and Bauska Castle, a 15th-century fortress ensemble with both Livonian Order ruins and a later ducal residence. Your English-speaking driver picks you up from your hotel, handles the route and advises lunch spots. The trip takes about 7 to 8 hours total. Museum entry tickets are separate, and a licensed guide can be arranged in advance at either site for an extra fee.

The experience

The route chains three stops into a single day: your hotel in Riga, then south into Latvia's Bauska region to Rundale Palace, then a short drive to Bauska Castle, and finally on to Vilnius. The driver leads you to each ticket office and answers questions along the way, but does not narrate as a licensed guide would. Lunch happens at a local restaurant the driver recommends. You choose where to eat. The pace is built around the drive itself. This is a transfer that happens to pass two sites, not a tour that stops to linger.

Rundale Palace sits on difficult terrain, which is partly why it remains less crowded than other Baltic landmarks. Designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli (the architect behind the Hermitage and Peterhof in Russia), it was built between 1736 and 1768 as a summer residence for the Duke of Courland. The palace survived wars, occupation and repurposing as a hospital and grain storage before becoming a museum in the 1970s. Bauska Castle is two structures in one: the older Livonian Order Castle from the 15th century now stands as ruins, while the later 16th-century residence of the Kettler dukes was fortified with bastions and ramparts. Reconstruction of the residence began in the 1970s and continues as a heritage project.

Pick a sedan if you're traveling as a couple or small group, or a minivan if you're bringing a family of up to seven. Both come with an English-speaking driver, air conditioning, bottled water and parking covered. The driver is flexible about detours if you have them in mind. Just mention them in advance. Winter note: some sites close on certain days during the colder months, so confirm opening hours before you book. Your driver will suggest alternatives if needed to fill the day.

What’s included

• One-way private transfer from your Riga hotel to Vilnius.
• pickup and drop-off at your hotel.
• English-speaking driver.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water.
• parking fees and all taxes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Sedan for up to 3 passengersUp to 3 per booking · 09:00Car, includes pickup

Minivan for up to 7 passengersUp to 7 per booking · 09:00Minivan, pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Baltic Transfers and Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the sedan if you're two to three travelers, or the minivan if your group reaches seven: both follow the same route and stops, so the choice is only about how many passengers fit in one vehicle. Museum entry tickets are separate, so budget for Rundale and Bauska when you book.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What is Rundale Palace actually like when you get there?

Rundale Palace is a Baroque building designed by the same architect who built the Hermitage in Russia, constructed between 1736 and 1768 as a summer home for the Duke of Courland. It sits in a remote location, which keeps it quieter than many other Baltic attractions.

Do I need to book a licensed guide in advance, or can I just show up?

A licensed guide is not included and is optional. If you want one at either Rundale or Bauska, you must request it when you book the transfer so the operator can arrange it for you in advance. It costs extra.

What happens if one of the castles is closed when I visit?

Some sites close on certain days during winter, so check opening hours before booking. If a site is closed, your driver will suggest alternative stops to fill the day instead.

Is lunch included, or do I pay separately at the restaurant?

Lunch is not included. Your driver will advise local restaurants along the route, and you pay for your meal when you eat.