So, you’re flying to Riga but don’t know how to get from Riga airport to city center? Don’t worry – the process is super simple and actually really cheap!
When we flew into Riga, we knew there was a bus to get us to the city center, but we didn’t find much more information other than that. Google maps wasn’t helpful, as the bus stop was pinned in the wrong location, and we found ourselves wandering around a bit before running to catch the bus.
We don’t want you to make the same mistake! This simple guide will tell you exactly how to get from Riga airport to city center without walking around like a chicken with its head cut off!
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How To Get From Riga Airport to City Centre Via Public Transport
Unlike most big cities in Europe, the Riga airport does not have a direct train to the city center. Instead, the only option for public transportation is the bus.
Thankfully, the kiosk for a bus ticket and the bus station is directly outside of the exit to the airport.
If you’re like us, you get nervous getting on a public bus with luggage, but don’t feel bad! This bus is literally the bus to and from the airport, so most people will have luggage too.
As a bonus, the airport is the starting point for this route, so you’ll have plenty of space to store your luggage.
Purchasing Your Bus Ticket
There are ticket kiosks inside the terminal for those landing in Riga airport from a non-Schengen country, and outside the terminal for those entering from the Schengen zone.
A bus ticket from the Riga airport to the city center will cost €1.80. Which can be paid with cash or card at the kiosk.
The ticket is good for 90 minutes, so if your accommodation is close enough, you may be able to use the same ticket for a connecting journey — don’t throw it away!
There are options to get tickets for multiple days; however, Riga is very walkable, and you don’t need public transportation in the Old Town of Riga, so I’d skip this option and get a single fare ticket instead.
Riga Airport To City Center By Public Bus
Walking out of the airport, once you get outside, there is a ticket kiosk immediately on the left. The kiosk is under the covered area of the airport, and on the left before you get to the crowds of people with signs waiting to pick up their passengers.
If you’ve walked to the curb, you’ve gone too far. It really is immediately to the left when exiting.
Once you have your ticket, cross the crosswalk immediately in front of the airport doors. From there, the bus stop is slightly to the left.
To get to the city center, take bus 22. It runs every 8 minutes and takes about 30-40 minutes to get into town.
Be sure to scan your ticket on the bus to validate your ride. You do not need to talk to the bus driver or enter the bus from the front. Simply scan and go!
Planning Your Bus 22 Route
While Google Maps did a terrible job with where to board the bus from the airport, it was super helpful when we were on the bus itself.
I suggest having an eSIM so you can access internet on your phone and then simply put in your accommodation and choose public transport to get there.
Purchase your eSIM here before landing, then simply activate when you touch down in Riga.
This will create a route where you can track what stop you’re at ensuring you get off at the correct location.
Remember, the bus takes you all the way to the city center. If staying on the airport side of the river, get off at the library. Otherwise, after crossing the bridge, the next three stops will be close to Old Town; choose the one closest to your accommodation.
How To Get From Riga Airport To City Center Via Rental Car
Renting a car in Latvia is relatively cheap compared to other countries in Europe.
If you plan on renting a car, we recommend booking ahead of time. We like to use Discover Cars as they compare both local and international companies, giving you loads of options.
For more options and lower prices, we highly recommend booking early as it gives you more options and better prices.
In our experience, we found that you need an International Driver’s Permit if you don’t have a UK or EU driver’s license. Likewise, you’ll need one if your license is in a language other than English.
We also learned that while Sixt Rental Car is more expensive than the other options, it’s one of the few agencies that doesn’t have a €50 surcharge for driving into Estonia or Lithuania. Most agencies charge €50 per country, whereas Sixt doesn’t.
Be sure to factor in that extra cost when comparing prices if you plan to travel to other countries.
Check rental car prices here, you’ll be surprised how low they are!
Riga Airport To City Center By Private Hire
Bolt, The Uber Of Latvia
Private Hire or a taxi will certainly be more than the €2 bus fare, but even for a 30 minute drive, you’re looking at under €15, so for some it may be worth it.
If you’re short on time, a Bolt or private hire is a quicker way into the city, and can drop you off right at your accommodation. Think closer to 15-20 minutes instead of 30 minutes, plus walking from the bus stop.
While there are taxis in Riga, the undeniably dominant private car service is Bolt. Bolt is a transportation company that started in Riga, and you’ll see it everywhere!
With the local bus not running in the early hours, we used Bolt to schedule a 3:30 AM pick-up on the day we were flying out of town as the buses don’t run that early, and can recommend scheduling this service for your return to the airport!
With so many drivers available, there’s no need to schedule a pickup in advance
However, if you want to schedule a pickup, we recommend scheduling it once you’ve landed and know your arrival time. This gives you time to get your luggage and walk through security. The pickups are super easy and quick to schedule!
Riga Airport To City Center
We didn’t find much information on how to get from Riga airport to city center online when planning our trip to Riga, so we hope this guide helps you!
We would highly suggest taking the bus, as it’s super cheap, easy to navigate, and is actually a pretty fast way into town!
Enjoy your time in Riga!
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