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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Luggage Storage

Early arrival before check-in, or a late flight after checkout? Drop your bags at a storage point near Old Town, the train station, or the airport and explore hands-free for the day.

  • Storage points across central Riga, near the train/bus station and Old Town
  • Bag insurance included at most locations
  • Book online, pay a small daily rate per bag
Find Luggage Storage

Flying in? Our Riga Airport (RIX) guide covers transfers, the terminal, and layovers. Not sure when to book? See our guide to the best time to book cheap flights to Riga. Coming from Finland specifically? See our Riga from Helsinki guide — flight, bus, and why there's no direct ferry.

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. See our full Jūrmala guide for what to do once you're there.

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get from Riga Airport to the city centre?

By taxi (15-20 minutes, €10-15) or Bus 22, which runs every 10-20 minutes to the city centre for €2 and takes about 30 minutes. The airport is 10 km from the centre.

Is there a direct bus from Tallinn or Vilnius to Riga?

Yes — Lux Express and FlixBus run frequent, comfortable coaches from both cities, taking 4-4.5 hours and starting from around €15 each way.

Do you need a car in Riga?

No, not for the city itself — Riga's centre is compact and walkable, and trams/buses cover the rest. A car only becomes useful if you're exploring beyond Riga, such as the Gauja Valley, Sigulda, or the Latvian coast.

What's the best way to get to Jūrmala from Riga?

The train — it runs every 30 minutes from Riga Central Station, takes about 25 minutes, and costs €1.80. Get off at Majori for the main beach and Jomas Street.