Transportation in Riga

Getting there and away

Riga Airport

Riga International Airport (Rīgas Lidosta) is located about 15 kilometres from Riga city centre and it may take 20 minutes’ drive by car or public transport. Bus No 22, which leaves from Abrenes Street, has direct services between the airport and city centre. Built in 1973 and renovated in 2001, Riga International Airport is one of the fastest growing airports in the world. In recent years it has experienced great increase in passengers.

Riga Railway Station

Riga Central Railway Station is located in the very city centre close to Bus Terminal and Old Riga. Local train traffic routes include Ventspils, Liepāja, Sigulda, Jūrmala, Daugavpils, Jelgava, Cēsis and many more interesting cities worth to visit during your stay in Latvia. International services include Moscow, St. Petersburg, Minsk and Pskov. 

Riga International Bus Terminal

Located just 500 metres from Riga Old Town, the International Bus Terminal offers both local and international traffic routes. There are daily services to Vilnius, Tallinn, Moscow, Hamburg, St. Petersburg and Berlin. 

Riga Passenger Port

All ferries depart from the Riga Passenger Terminal which is located 1.5 kilometres downstream of Akmens Bridge. Tickets for Riga – Stockholm can be bought at travel agents or online and prices are as low as 20 Ls per person.

Getting Around Riga

The public transport system in Riga consists of minibuses, trolley buses, buses and trams. These all start running at roughly 5:00 am, and continue until 11:30 pm. Some of the more popular routes have a night service, which normally runs every hour. Tickets for these forms of public transportation are bought on board and cost 60 santims (0.6 L).

For trams, buses and trolley buses you can buy the E-tickets from the press trade outlets or kiosks that are scattered around town. Most popular ones are Narvessen and Plus Punkts. The smart ticket is the most convenient for those who do not use Riga public transportation on a regular basis, including Riga visitors. It’s a ticket for a certain period of time – 5 days, 3 days or 24 hours.

Trolley Buses

Trolley bus tickets cost 60 santims. There are a total of 20 trolley bus routes in Riga, and they run quite frequently. A big part of trolley bus routes runs along Riga Central Railway Station and Bus Terminal. If you would like to select a Riga Hotel near the trolley bus route please let us know!

Buses

Bus tickets also cost 60 santims, and there more than 45 bus routes operating throughout Riga. As with other types of public transport, tickets are bought on board the bus. The most common bus route for Riga travellers is No. 22, because of running from Riga Airport to Riga centre.

Trams

It is the most common and historical type of public transportation in Riga. Nine tram lines operate in Riga at present. As with other types of public transportation, catching a tram will cost 60 santims.

To get off the beaten track it is possible to rent Riga’s retro tram for private trips and events. It’s a wonderful chance to see and feel the historical atmosphere of Riga.

Minibuses

Minibus tickets cost about 70 santims. Although costing a little bit more than buses at times, they are faster and also a little more comfortable. You can hail one by holding up your hand when they approach.

Taxis

There are various taxi companies in Riga so it’s quite easy to catch one. All taxis are recognizable by lighted roof signs and special yellow plates starting with TX.  The official tariff is up to 50 santims per km. In Euros it is about 0, 70 EUR per km. The embarkation fee is up to 1, 50 Ls or 2, 20 EUR. All taxis must be equipped with taximeters and you should always make sure the meter is turned on. Otherwise you should haggle for the price before getting into the taxi. Most common places to catch a taxi are in front of the Hotel de Rome, located next to the Monument of Freedom or in front of the Hotel Riga, near the Opera house.

On your travels to Riga be sure to look over our range of Riga Hotels and Riga Tours!

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