How To Get From Riga Airport To The City Center

Reinier van der Windt

Oct. 11, 2023

4 min read

Riga Airport (RIX) is a relatively small airport located close to the city, but finding your way to the city can be a bit confusing. This article explores different transportation options, their costs and convenience levels to help you decide on the best way to start your Latvian adventure.

• Table of Contents
  • Riga Airport to City Center by Bus - An Affordable Adventure
  • Riga Airport to City Center by Taxi - Quick and Convenient
  • Bolt in Riga: Effortless Airport to City Center Travel
  • Private Transfers from Riga Airport: Tailored Travel Experiences
  • Car Rental in Riga: Freedom and Flexibility for Explorers
  • Conclusion

Riga Airport to City Center by Bus - An Affordable Adventure

If you're on a budget, bus 22 is a cost effective choice. You can purchase a ticket for €1.50 from Narvesen, a convenience store just outside the airport, or €2 directly from the bus driver. The duration of the journey to the city center may vary between 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

The bus stop is conveniently located near the airport exit, although ongoing construction around the airport might lead to changes in bus stop locations. To find the bus stop, just follow signs that guide you in the right direction. At the time of writing, the bus stop was on the right at the other end of the parking lot.

For most travelers, "11.novembra krastmala" and "Autoosta" (Bus Station) are the most convenient stops in the city center. The latter is close to Riga's train and bus stations. You can check here for real time bus schedules and routes.

Riga Airport to City Center by Taxi - Quick and Convenient

Taxis are readily available at the airport and offer a quick and convenient way to reach downtown Riga.

While taxis can be a convenient choice, it's crucial to be cautious and make sure you opt for an official taxi to avoid any scams. To ensure a safe and legitimate experience, look out for designated taxi stands or reputable taxi companies that are present at the airport. You can easily identify these taxis by their yellow number plates. A taxi ride to the city center would cost you somewhere between €20 and €25.

It's important to be wary of individuals who approach you inside the airport or near the exit, offering their services as unofficial taxi drivers. These unofficial taxis may not have meters and they often charge exorbitant rates. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it's best to ignore such offers and head straight to the official taxi stands or counters.

Bolt in Riga: Effortless Airport to City Center Travel

In Riga, there is also a ride sharing service called Bolt that operates in the city. You can conveniently book a ride using the Bolt app from the airport to your desired destination within Riga.

Private Transfers from Riga Airport: Tailored Travel Experiences

For a hassle free transition from the airport to your accommodation, you might want to consider pre-booking a private transfer in advance. With this option, you'll have a driver waiting for you at the airport upon arrival.

Additionally, some hotels in Riga offer private transfer services that can be booked along with your stay. In my previous experience at a hotel, they had partnered with Baltic Taxi and provided an option to book transfers from the airport to the hotel for €25. The return trip from the hotel back to the airport would have cost €35.

Car Rental in Riga: Freedom and Flexibility for Explorers

Riga Airport is home to several car rental agencies, where you can find rates as low as €35 per day. However, if your plan is to explore the city of Riga itself, renting a car might not be the most cost effective option. Riga is a compact and walkable city and using public transportation would be a more budget friendly alternative. Also keep in mind that parking in Riga can be quite expensive.

On the other hand, if you're considering exploring outside the city to visit places like Sigulda, Cēsis or Jūrmala, then renting a car would be a great choice since public transportation doesn't cover all areas of Latvia. You won't have any trouble finding a car to rent as all major car rental companies (such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sixt) operate in Latvia.

Conclusion

Choosing the best transportation option from Riga Airport to the city center depends on your priorities, budget and travel style. If you're looking for an affordable and authentic experience, taking bus 22 would be a good choice. Taxis or ride sharing services like Bolt are perfect for those who prefer quick and hassle free rides. For a personalized and comfortable transfer experience, it's worth considering booking a private transfer in advance. However, if you're intending to stay in Riga, it might not be the best decision to rent a car.

Remember that transportation circumstances and choices can vary, so it's advisable to check for the most up to date information once you arrive at Riga Airport.