Bus stations in Latvia

Nereta

Ilūkste

Ludza

Blonti

Kārsava

Šķilbēni

Alūksne

Several bus stations in East Latvia.
Photos by (c) Arnis Balcus

Gulbene's station

Gulbene's railway station is quite a spectacular building - it was built in 1926. Today it serves as a final stop for the narrow-gauge railway network that lasts from Gulbene to Alūksne - about 30km trip on the small train takes 1,5 hours. It's the only such train in Latvia and it's not just for tourists - locals travel on it as it serves twice-per-day trains to Alūksne. Next to the station is an old railway depot that were used for usual trains as well, but since the state has left only twice-per-week trains to Riga, the depot is not functional and mainly serves as a storage for old cars and garbage. Back in the station there's a cafe and a canteen that issues food to poor and homeless people.
Photos by (c) Arnis Balcus

Bus stations

Bus stations in rural areas usually have a vintage look. The first photo depicts the station in Preiļi, while the map is from the station Dagda, both East Latvia.
Photos by (c) Arnis Balcus

Valka/Valga

Valka and Valga are twin towns that were separated by the Latvian and Estonian border until 2007 when both countries joined Schengen zone. Before it was almost like East/West Berlin. But even now both cities run independent life, except for the fact that people from Valka very often cross the border to shop in Valga because in Estonia VAT is lower than in Latvia.
Photos by (c) Arnis Balcus

The relict of the station

Even though the central railway station has experienced major renovation works in the past years (some people say now it's hard to find the station) for some reason this exit sign has escaped the replacing.
Photo by (c) Arnis Balcus

Bus station in Rezekne

Bus station in Rēzekne, East Latvia has something common with a museum.
Photos by (c) Arnis Balcus