Transport

Getting to Riga & Around the City

Riga is well connected by air from across Europe and by bus from the other Baltic capitals. Once you're here, the city centre is compact and walkable — you won't need a car unless you're exploring the countryside.

By Air

Riga International Airport (RIX) is the largest airport in the Baltics, with direct flights from most European capitals. airBaltic (Latvia's flag carrier) operates the most routes. Budget carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air also serve Riga.

  • Airport to city centre: 10 km, 15-20 minutes by taxi (€10-15)
  • Bus 22 runs every 10-20 minutes to the city centre (€2, 30 min)
  • airBaltic flies direct from London, Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Helsinki, and 50+ cities
  • Ryanair connects Riga to London Stansted, Dublin, Milan, and Barcelona
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By Bus (from Tallinn or Vilnius)

Lux Express and FlixBus run comfortable, modern coaches between the three Baltic capitals. It's the cheapest way to travel between them and the buses have WiFi, power outlets, and sometimes even coffee machines.

  • Tallinn → Riga: 4-4.5 hours, from €15
  • Vilnius → Riga: 4-4.5 hours, from €15
  • Warsaw → Riga: 10-11 hours, from €25 (overnight option)
  • Buses arrive at Riga International Coach Station, next to Central Market
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By Car / Car Rental

Renting a car is the best way to explore Latvia beyond Riga — the Gauja Valley, Sigulda, Cēsis, and the Latvian coast are all within 1-2 hours. Roads are generally good, and traffic outside Riga is light.

  • Car rental from €20-35/day at Riga Airport
  • Drive on the right, speed limit 50 km/h in cities, 90 km/h on highways
  • Parking in Old Town is limited and expensive (€3-5/hour) — park outside
  • Headlights must be on at all times, year-round
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Getting Around Riga

Walking — Riga's centre is compact. Old Town to Art Nouveau district is a 15-minute walk. You can see all major sights on foot.

Trams & buses — Riga has an efficient public transport network. A single ticket costs €1.15 (with e-ticket) or €2 from the driver. The tram is the fastest way to cross the city.

Bolt (ride-hailing) — Riga's equivalent of Uber. Rides within the centre cost €3-6. Download the Bolt app before you arrive.

Train to Jūrmala — Trains run every 30 minutes from Riga Central Station to Jūrmala (25 min, €1.80). The best beach stops are Majori and Dzintari.

Stay Connected

Latvia uses the Euro and is in the EU — your European SIM card will work with no roaming charges. Visitors from outside the EU should get an eSIM before arriving.

Get a Latvia eSIM from Airalo →