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Transportation Guide

Getting Around Latvia 2025

Navigate Latvia like a local with our transportation guide.

Latvia blends medieval charm with Art Nouveau splendor in the heart of the Baltics. From the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Riga to pristine beaches along the Baltic Sea, this compact country offers rich history, vibrant culture, and unspoiled nature.

Transportation Overview

Quick comparison of transport options in Latvia.

🚌

Public Transit

Availability: β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†

Riga has an excellent integrated tram, trolleybus, and bus network covering the entire city. Single tickets €1.50 (advance via app) or €1.81 on board. Day passes €5, 3-day €8. Operates 5:30AM-midnight with night buses at weekends.

πŸš•

Taxis

Availability: β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†

Bolt is the dominant rideshare app and is safe, trackable, and affordable. Traditional metered taxis start at €3 base plus €0.70-1/km. Always use apps or official ranks.

πŸš—

Car Rental

Recommended: β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†β˜†

Car rental from €25-45/day at Riga Airport. Essential for day trips to Rundāle Palace, Cape Kolka, and rural Latvia. Drive on the right, seatbelts mandatory, 0.05% drink-drive limit.

🚢

Walking

Suitable: β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†

Riga's Old Town is entirely walkable in 30-45 minutes. The Centrs neighborhood and park canal circuit are pleasant walks. City is flat making cycling easy.

Getting There

How to arrive in Latvia.

✈️ By Air

Airport

Riga International Airport

RIX

Transfer options: Bus Line 22: €1.50 (advance), €1.81 (on bus) - 25 minutes to Old Town, Lux Express Airport Shuttle: €4-€8 - 35 minutes, Pre-paid Taxi Voucher: €33.50 fixed price to city center, Metered Taxi: €15-€25 to city center, Bolt Rideshare: €11-€16 depending on time, Car Rental: Available at airport from €25/day

Airport Transfer Options

πŸš• Taxi

Bus Line 22: €1.50 (advance), €1.81 (on bus) - 25 minutes to Old Town

🚐 Shared Shuttle

Lux Express Airport Shuttle: €4-€8 - 35 minutes

🚌 Public Bus

Pre-paid Taxi Voucher: €33.50 fixed price to city center

πŸš— Private Transfer

πŸš—

Complete Transportation Guide

Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.

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Local Transportation

Getting around within Latvia.

🚌 Buses

Extensive network covering city and suburbs. Single ticket €1.50 (advance) or €1.81 (on bus). 24-hour pass €5, 3-day €8, 5-day €10. Operates 5:30 AM - midnight with night buses available.

πŸ›Ί Local Alternatives

metro, tram, trolleybus, taxi, rideshare

Taxis & Rideshare

On-demand transport options.

Taxi

Regular Taxis

Metered taxis start at €3 base fare plus €0.70-€1 per km. Use official taxi stands or book via phone. Credit cards accepted in most vehicles.

Typical fare: €5-12 for typical city rides
App

Ride-Hailing Apps

['Bolt', 'Yandex Go']

Bolt Yandex Go

Taxi Safety Tips

  • Use official taxis or verified ride-hailing apps
  • Agree on fare before starting or ensure meter is running
  • Have your destination written down in local language
  • Keep small bills for payment - drivers may not have change
  • Share your ride details with someone if traveling alone at night

Intercity Travel

Getting between cities and regions.

Bus

Long-Distance Buses

Lux Express, Ecolines, and Simple Express connect Riga to major Latvian cities and international destinations. Riga-Liepaja €12-€18 (3.5 hours), Riga-Daugavpils €10-€15 (3 hours). Book online for best prices.

Shared

Shared Taxis/Minivans

Air

Domestic Flights

Limited domestic flights. AirBaltic operates seasonal routes. Most domestic travel done by bus or car due to small country size.

Private

Private Car/Driver

Driving in Latvia

Information for self-driving travelers.

Recommended?

Generally not recommended

Driving Side

Right-hand traffic

License Required

International Driving Permit recommended

Road Conditions

Varies by region. Main highways usually good, rural roads may be poor.

Driving Considerations

  • Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
  • Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
  • Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
  • Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
  • Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)

Transportation Tips

Essential advice for getting around.

πŸ’‘

Download the RΔ«gas Satiksme app for real-time tram and bus tracking and mobile tickets β€” much cheaper than buying on board

πŸ’‘

Bolt is the only rideshare app you need in Latvia β€” install it before arrival and link a card for seamless late-night transport

πŸ’‘

The train to Jurmala beach (€2 each way) requires a separate ticket to enter Jurmala city β€” buy the combined train+entry pass at Riga Central Station

πŸ’‘

Rent a car for any day trip beyond Sigulda and Jurmala β€” Rundāle Palace, Cape Kolka, and Liepāja are difficult without private transport

πŸ’‘

Riga's city bike-share (Sixt Ride and Bolt bikes) is excellent for summer β€” pick up and drop off at hundreds of locations throughout the city for €0.15/minute

Useful Apps

Bolt

Primary rideshare app in Latvia β€” safe, affordable, and widely available in Riga and major cities

RΔ«gas Satiksme

Official Riga public transport app for real-time tracking and mobile ticketing for trams, trolleybuses, and buses

PasaΕΎieru Vilciens

Latvia's passenger rail app for booking train tickets to Jurmala, Sigulda, CΔ“sis, and other destinations

Bolt Bikes / Bolt Scooters

E-bike and e-scooter sharing throughout Riga city center β€” great for exploring beyond the Old Town

Navigate Latvia Like a Local

Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.

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