Complete Guide to Transportation in Latvia: Getting to and from Riga Airport, Trains, Buses, and City Passes
Riga is a Baltic transport hub: airport buses take 15 minutes to reach the city center, while trains and buses connect the coast with river valleys.
Arrival and Getting into Town
| Option | Description | Time/Price |
|---|
| Riga Airport (RIX) Bus 22 | Direct to the edge of the Old Town / Central Station | Around 30 minutes, about 2 EUR |
| Airport taxi / ride-hailing | Use apps like Bolt | Around 15–20 minutes, 10–15 EUR |
| Riga International Bus Terminal | Located a 10-minute walk south of the Old Town | Walking distance |
Public Transport in the City
- Riga has a network of trams, trolleybuses, and buses with a unified ticket system: buy a ticket onboard from the driver for around 2 EUR, or get a cheaper one (around 1.5 EUR) in advance at Narvesen convenience stores.
- We recommend using the Riga Transport App or buying a Ticket NFC mobile ticket and validating it on board.
- The Old Town, Central Market, and Art Nouveau District are all within walking distance; for Jurmala, take a suburban train.
- For taxis, use the Bolt app to avoid haggling with drivers on the street.
Intercity Transport
- Riga – Jurmala: Suburban train takes about 30–40 minutes, get off at Majori Station; fare is around 2 EUR.
- Riga – Sigulda / Cēsis: Buses or trains take about 1–1.5 hours; buses offer better views along the river valley.
- Riga – Rundāle Palace: Bus takes about 1.5 hours, with limited services; joining a tour or booking a private transfer is recommended.
- Cross-border routes: Lux Express and FlixBus operate routes from Riga to Tallinn (about 4.5 hours) and to Vilnius (about 4 hours), serving as key options for a Baltic States road trip.
City Connections
- Riga Airport is the largest air hub in the Baltics, with a strong presence of low-cost carriers like Ryanair and airBaltic. It’s a good entry and exit point for a Baltic States trip. Book flights during peak season at least two months in advance.
- Trains and buses are generally punctual in winter, but allow extra time in case of heavy snow.
- For drivers: Winter tyres are legally required, rural areas have few streetlights, and night driving should be done with caution.
Additional Information
Riga Airport is the largest in the Baltics and serves as the base for airBaltic, with frequent flights by low-cost carriers like Ryanair. During the high season, it’s advisable to book flights two months ahead. The long-distance bus terminal is next to the Central Railway Station, with frequent departures to Tallinn, Vilnius, and Warsaw. Suburban trains operated by Pasažieru vilciens serve destinations such as Jurmala, Tukums, and Sigulda. Overnight buses to Lithuania and Poland can save you a night’s accommodation. In winter, occasional heavy snow may affect connections, so allow some buffer time.