Rail Baltica infrastructure
Rail Baltica is the largest infrastructure project in the Baltics, designed for both passenger and freight rail transport. Built to the latest European standards, it will double current top train speeds in the region and incorporate modern technologies currently being introduced and adopted across Europe.
Infrastructure system
Spanning nearly 900 km, Rail Baltica is a highly complex infrastructure project focused on performance, safety, and sustainability. More than just laying tracks, it represents a next-generation rail ecosystem built for the future.
7 international passenger stations
> 40 local passenger stations
> 40 structures
(bridges, overpasses, viaducts, tunnels)
Infrastructure maintenance facilities
> 90 wildlife crossings
(ecoducts, culverts, overpasses)
Freight terminals and port connections
Technical parameters
| Total line length |
~900 km |
| Design speed |
249 km/h for passenger trains |
| Standard gauge |
1435 mm |
| Double-track electrified |
2×25 kV |
| Axle load |
25 t |
| Traffic management |
ERTMS L2 |
International passenger terminals
As part of Rail Baltica’s mission to deliver a fast, sustainable, and fully integrated European railway, seven international passenger stations are planned across the Baltic states (in Tallinn, Pärnu, Riga, Riga airport, Panevėžys, Kaunas and Vilnius). These stations will not only serve as modern multimodal transport hubs but will also become drivers of urban development and improved quality of life in their surrounding areas.
Designed with a strong focus on functionality, inclusivity, and passenger comfort, these stations will offer improved connections between high-speed rail, regional trains, public transport, and active mobility options like cycling and walking – all within an accessible, efficient, and future-ready environment.
Beyond transport, the impact of Rail Baltica stations extends to the urban fabric itself. The construction of these stations goes hand in hand with revitalizing the areas around them – creating new streets, green public spaces, cycling paths, pedestrian connections, and reuniting parts of cities that were once divided by railway embankments. This transformation turns railway infrastructure into an engine of local regeneration.
Some of the world’s most renowned names in architecture and design – such as Zaha Hadid Architects, who designed the Linda passenger station in Ülemiste, Tallinn – have contributed to bringing these stations to life.
Structures
Rail Baltica prioritizes safety, accessibility, and environmental protection. To eliminate dangerous level crossings, it will use overpasses, bridges, viaducts, and tunnels.
In urban and suburban areas, where transport networks are dense, pedestrian overpasses with ramps, elevators, and stairs are preferred. Tunnels are used only when space is limited or where cycling lanes already exist or are planned.
Bridges will cross rivers and natural areas with care for the environment, while viaducts will span roads, valleys, and other obstacles to maintain a smooth rail line.
These structures ensure Rail Baltica integrates safely and efficiently into its surroundings.
Infrastructure maintenance facilities
Rail Baltica’s infrastructure maintenance facilities are an essential part of the railway’s long-term operation and reliability. These facilities are designed to support the upkeep of the railway infrastructure throughout its entire lifecycle.
During the construction phase, they will serve as logistical hubs – storing materials, equipment, and machinery, and supporting other key construction activities. Once the railway is operational, these sites will take on a permanent role, enabling regular maintenance, inspections, and repairs to keep the infrastructure safe, efficient, and in good working order.
Wildlife crossings
To ensure that the railway does not become a barrier to nature, Rail Baltica includes dedicated animal passages that allow wild animals to safely cross the tracks. These structures are especially important in areas where wildlife activity is high, helping reduce the risk of accidents and preserving natural migration routes.
The location of each passage is carefully chosen based on detailed environmental studies that monitor animal behavior, movement patterns, and habitat concentration.
In addition to dedicated overpasses for animals, some crossings will be made possible under bridges or through culverts. Wildlife monitoring will continue throughout the construction and operation of the railway to adapt and respond to environmental needs.
The design of the animal passages is inspired by the forests of the Baltic region, with elements that reflect the natural shapes of coniferous trees – helping the structures
blend into the landscape while supporting safe animal movement.
Freight terminals and port crossings
Rail Baltica will include modern freight terminals and direct rail connections to key ports, helping goods move faster and more efficiently across the Baltic region and beyond. These terminals will act as logistics hubs where cargo can be transferred between trains, trucks, and ships, supporting international trade and reducing pressure on road networks.
One of the key aims of these connections is to shift more freight from road to rail – offering a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective transport option. The planned terminals and port links will make it easier for companies to send and receive goods, strengthen supply chains, and open new trade routes between Northern and Western Europe.
By connecting inland terminals with major seaports, Rail Baltica will create a smart, integrated freight corridor designed for the future.
