On the evening of October 8, after a break of several decades, a night train departed from Vilnius to Tallinn. This route, planned by LTG Link, a passenger transport company belonging to the LTG Group, was taken by fans of the Lithuanian national football team who were going to Helsinki to watch the UEFA qualifying match between Lithuania and Finland. 

Although a one-off event, this pilot night train symbolises both a historic return to the map of international night journeys and cooperation between Baltic carriers – this transport is being carried out in conjunction with the Latvian carrier Vivi and the Estonian carrier Elron, and the traction required for the passenger train throughout the route from Vilnius to Tallinn will be provided by LTG Group company LTG Cargo. 

According to Kristina Meide, head of LTG Link, this route is further proof that trains are not just a means of transport, but also a link between countries, like-minded people, and important events. 

"We are delighted to be able to contribute to such a journey, which is not only convenient but also avoids long driving times – passengers can rest during the trip and arrive at the event well-rested. We hope that this trip will inspire new forms of cooperation connecting the cities of the Baltic region by rail," says K. Meidė, head of LTG Link.  

The train, which departed from Vilnius railway station on Wednesday evening, will stop at two other Lithuanian cities – Kaišiadorys and Šiauliai, where football fans from central and western Lithuania will join the trip. From Šiauliai, the train will travel directly to Tallinn with short stops at the border. From Tallinn, football fans will take a ferry to Helsinki, where the UEFA qualifying match between Lithuania and Finland will take place. 

The 5-carriage, 180-seat train is equipped for overnight travel – each 4-seat compartment has comfortable sleeping berths, so fans will be able to get a good night's rest. Catering services will also be available on the train. 

According to Steponas Nacius, representative of the Vyčio tribūna sector of the national football team's supporters, the train journey was a long-cherished dream of the fans. Football fans will not only experience the advantages of night travel, but will also set up a TV studio where they will produce a documentary about people who support the Lithuanian national football team.  

After the trip to Finland, Lithuanian national football team fans will gather at the Darius and Girėnas Stadium in Kaunas on October 12 to support the national team in their match against Poland.