The Narva-Ivangorod border is the best-known crossing point between Estonia and Russia in 2026. Buses connect Tallinn or Riga to Saint Petersburg daily via this border despite the fact that it is pedestrians only until further notice.
This post is based on my personal experience crossing the Ivangorod – Narva border from Saint Petersburg to Riga by bus and I explain you here how I did it in details. All informations are up-to-date for traveling in 2026.
Last updated : 12 January 2026
Current status of the Narva–Ivangorod border (updated January 2026)
• Since February 2024, the Narva-Ivangorod border has been open to pedestrians only, until further notice. No official date has been announced for reopening to vehicles.
• Opening hours: 7AM-11PM.
• Bus services LuxExpress and Ecolines still operate this route :
– buses run as far as Narva (Estonia side)
– passengers cross the border on foot with their luggage
– they then board another bus on the Russian side toward Saint Petersburg
Tickets are issued accordingly by the companies.
• You can compare prices and book tickets on Tutu.ru using a Visa or Mastercard bank card (important: this applies only to bus tickets, not trains or flights), or buy directly on the companies’ official websites.
• Long waiting times: queues are frequently reported at this border crossing. If you have a connection or onward transport after arriving in Russia, keep in mind that border processing times may vary and your bus may arrive later than scheduled.
• Crossing with a vehicle (car or motorbike): the Narva-Ivangorod crossing is currently closed to vehicles. To cross by car or motorbike, you must use the Luhamaa–Shumilkino checkpoint (valid with an e-Visa and open 24/7).
Where to buy a Tallinn/Riga-Saint Petersburg bus ticket in 2026 (prices, booking, e-ticket)
You can buy a Tallinn-Saint Petersburg or Riga-Saint Petersburg bus ticket either online or directly at the bus station.
I personally bought my ticket on Tutu.ru, a Russian booking platform where you can pay with a foreign Visa or Mastercard, just four days before departure.
You don’t need to print your ticket: the e-ticket on your phone is accepted by bus companies and is sufficient for boarding.
My Saint Petersburg → Riga bus ticket cost 4400₽ (around 48€). Prices may vary depending on the season, bus company, and how far in advance you book (+ current rate of the Russian rouble).
You can also buy your ticket directly at the bus station ticket counter. For example, at the Saint Petersburg bus station, look for the LuxExpress desk located on the far right side of the hall.
It is also possible to purchase your ticket directly on the official websites of LuxExpress or Ecolines.
My bus trip from Saint Petersburg to Riga
I took a bus from Saint Petersburg to Riga. The bus left right on time after the driver checked the passport, visa and all the necessary documents of every passenger. He had a Baltic accent, spoke to me in russian but I guess he could speak english as well.
The bus was brand new with wifi (worked well, in Russia and all the way to Riga my final destination), electric plugs, spacious seats, a bathroom and even hot free drinks.
Ivangorod border, Russia
Arriving at the Ivangorod border, there were 2 controls before entering the customs/immigration zone. Guards came into the bus and checked everybody’s passport.
We arrived at the customs/immigration building and everyone came out of the bus, took their own luggages and walked in.
Customs : all luggages were scanned, I got asked by the two young women if I had any US$ cash and medecine (no questions about euros).
Immigration : not a single question for me. I don’t think the lady spoke any english. She didn’t say a word but smiled. That’s it.
Note : Ivangorod is a town within the russian border security zone, foreigners technically need a special permit to visit it. Read my complete border zone permit guide to learn more.
We got back on the bus to cross the No Man’s land between Russia and Estonia.
Note : the bus driver only made announcements in russian. If you don’t understand the language, just follow the other passengers. It doesn’t matters, it won’t go any faster.
Narva border, Estonia
Same again, everyone came out of the bus, took their own luggages and walked into the immigration building.
There is no luggage scan, only go to the customs if you have something to declare after the immigration control.
There is an electronic passport control for European passport holders, so you won’t speak to any border officer.
After the immigration, follow the bus sign on the floor to the bus passenger waiting room. Wait there until you get called by the bus driver. There are bathrooms and seats.
The whole border crossing took 2 hours at most. The bus wasn’t full though, in fact it was probably at 1/4th of its passenger capacity.
People travelling with me seemed to be all russian people living in Estonia and Latvia and had European passports.
Arrival in Riga, my destination
The bus was only late of 45 minutes from the planned schedule. In total it was a 12 hours or so bus journey.
I share the behind the scenes of my travels (real-time stories, messy bits etc) on Telegram
Some tips
Saint Petersburg’s international bus station
Riga’s international bus station
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Comments (2)
hi there ! i plan on travelling from russia to estonia in a few days but im not an EU citizen rather a complete foriegner. since you went through all this i thoughtd asking you would be best since i really cant seem to find anything in specific online, is the border opened these days between the two countries and if so are there any specific restrictions placed or instructions that id have to follow considering im neither a european citizen nor russian? would really appreciate the help & thank you for posting this !!!
Hello, I just checked on the estonian borders website and all border crossings including Narva are open 24/7 for third country nationals. So as long as you have a valid visa for Europe (maybe you don’t need, I don’t know), it’s all good. There are no restrictions on either side, if you don’t overstay your visa/allowed time in Russia you should not have any problem exiting at the border and in Europe I guess if you’re not listed as a dangerous individual for the EU security, it should be all fine to get in . They will not deny you entry into Europe if you’re coming from Russia, if that’s what worries you.
I hope my answer was helpful. Let me know if you need anything else !
Enjoy your time in Europe !