Private Transfer Vilnius to Riga: Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace

Stop at sacred sites and a ducal palace on the drive from Vilnius to Riga

A private transfer from Vilnius to Riga that breaks the journey into cultural stops: the Hill of Crosses, a spiritual monument holding roughly 100,000 crosses left by pilgrims since the 1830s; Rundale Palace, a Baroque residence designed by Rastrelli for the Dukes of Courland; and a brief stop at Bauska castle. The route takes six to eight hours total, with a private vehicle and flexible timing throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Hill of Crosses1h
2. Riga Old Town30m

Vilnius to Riga with scenic stops

• Visit Hill of Crosses
• Drive to Rundale Palace
• Explore Rundale Palace
• Stop at Bauska Castle
• Drive to Riga
• Tour ends at Riga accommodation

The experience

The Hill of Crosses sits as the first major stop, about an hour from Vilnius. The site holds spiritual weight for many travelers. It was visited by Pope John Paul II and draws visitors drawn to its peace and authenticity. After time there, the drive to Rundale Palace takes roughly forty minutes. The palace itself dates to 1736, when construction began on land the Duke of Courland had purchased. The architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli designed it as a summer residence. You'll have time to walk the grounds and photograph the Baroque facade before heading onward.

From Rundale, the final leg to Riga takes about an hour. A short stop at Bauska castle breaks the drive, then the transfer ends at your accommodation in Riga's Old Town or elsewhere in the city. Because the vehicle is private, timing stays flexible. You set the pace at each stop, and the driver adjusts the schedule to match. Pickup from your Vilnius hotel is included, and the car accommodates wheelchairs and infant seats.

What’s included

• Private vehicle transportation from Vilnius to Riga.
• pickup from your Vilnius accommodation.
• stops at the Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace.
• a brief stop at Bauska castle.
• drop-off at your Riga hotel or address.
• wheelchair-accessible vehicle and infant seats available upon request.

Options for this experience

4 options

RegularUp to 2 per booking · 09:00includes pickup

A live guide who speaks EnglishUp to 2 per booking · 09:00Pickup is included with the guided option

Up to 4Up to 4 per booking · 09:00Pickup is included with the larger car

MinivanUp to 7 per booking · 09:00Pickup is included with the van

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & 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 today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Baltia Tour

Is this one for you?Book this transfer if you want to see the Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace on the way to Riga without renting a car or joining a group. The private vehicle and flexible timing let you linger at each stop, and the driver handles navigation so you can focus on the landscape and landmarks. Add the English-speaking guide option if you'd like historical context about each site.

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Top questions

What is the Hill of Crosses and why do people visit it?

The Hill of Crosses is a spiritual site in Lithuania holding roughly 100,000 crosses placed there since the 1830s, when families of rebels who died in the 1831 uprising began leaving crosses as memorials. It has become a pilgrimage destination known for its peace and authenticity, and was visited by Pope John Paul II.

Can I spend as much time as I want at Rundale Palace?

Rundale Palace is a photo stop on the route, so timing is flexible within the overall six- to eight-hour journey. You can walk the grounds and view the exterior of the 1736 Baroque palace designed by Rastrelli, though entrance tickets to the interior are not included and must be purchased separately if you wish to tour inside.

Does the transfer include food or drinks?

Food and drinks are not included in the transfer. You'll want to bring refreshments or plan a meal stop along the route, particularly during the longer drive segments.

What vehicle options are available for this transfer?

You can choose a standard car or a minivan depending on group size and luggage. A minivan works well for larger groups or those with extra baggage, while a standard car suits smaller parties.

Is a guide included, or do I travel on my own?

The transfer is private transportation with a driver. An English-speaking live guide is available as an add-on option at checkout if you'd like narration and context about the sites along the way.