Getting Around Latvia: Transport Guide for Travellers

Latvia is straightforward to navigate: use airport transfers or Bolt from Riga Airport, rely on trams, buses, and trains for everyday travel, and rent a car only if you want rural flexibility. In cities, public transport is cheap; for longer regional hops, buses often beat trains on frequency and coverage.

The easiest Latvia airport transfer from Riga International Airport is usually a taxi or Bolt, while the 22 bus is the budget option into the city. A taxi to central Riga typically costs about €15–25 in 2026 depending on traffic and time of day, and Bolt fares are often similar or slightly cheaper when demand is normal. The 22 bus is much lower cost at roughly €1.50–€2 for a standard city ticket, making it the best choice if you are travelling light and don’t mind a short ride. Riga Airport is about 10 km from the centre, so transfers are usually quick outside rush hour. If you’re arriving late or with luggage, pre-booking a car can be the least stressful option. For travellers using ride-hailing, mobile data helps immediately after landing, so an eSIM from Hello is useful for opening apps, checking live pickup points, and avoiding airport kiosk queues. If Riga is your base, it’s also worth linking your trip planning with Latvia and setting up connectivity in advance with Hello eSIM for Latvia.

Latvia public transport is reliable, low-cost, and especially good in Riga, where trams, buses, trolleybuses, and minibuses cover most day-to-day journeys. In the capital, a standard single ride typically costs around €1.50–€1.90 in 2026, with lower prices if you buy tickets in advance through official channels or use time-based passes. A 24-hour pass is often the best value for sightseeing days, especially if you plan multiple hops between the Old Town, Central Market, and neighbourhood museums. Riga is the only Latvian city with a tram network, so trams are a practical way to cross town quickly. For intercity travel, Latvia’s rail network is centred on Riga, with frequent services to places like Jūrmala, Ogre, and Tukums, while buses usually offer better reach to smaller towns. One useful local tip: validate or buy the right ticket before boarding, because inspections are common. If you’re navigating schedules, station platforms, or last-minute changes, the live data in a Hello eSIM can make the difference between a smooth transfer and a missed departure.

Bolt is the most practical ride-hailing app in Latvia, especially in Riga, where it is widely used for airport pickups, nightlife rides, and quick trips when public transport is less convenient. Uber’s presence is limited compared with Bolt, and travellers should not assume it will be as easy to find a car as in larger Western European capitals. A short city ride in Riga often lands in the €4–€10 range in 2026, while airport journeys usually sit higher depending on demand, traffic, and luggage. Traditional taxis are available too, but it’s best to use a reputable app or confirmed stand rather than hailing randomly on the street. For late arrivals, many travellers prefer ordering a Bolt at the terminal rather than negotiating fares. The key practical point is that ride-hailing depends on mobile data, so arriving with connectivity already active saves time. That is where Hello’s eSIM plans are especially handy: you can buy and activate before departure, then use maps, messaging, and ride apps the moment you land.

For most travellers, buses are the most flexible inter-city option in Latvia, while trains are best on the main corridors radiating from Riga. A rail trip from Riga to Jūrmala is fast and inexpensive, making it one of the easiest day trips in the country, while longer routes to cities such as Liepāja or Daugavpils are often better served by coach because of frequency and route coverage. As a rule, buses tend to connect more towns and villages than trains, and they often run at times that suit day-trippers and weekend travellers. Prices vary by distance, but domestic inter-city bus fares commonly start in the few-euro range and rise into the teens for longer routes in 2026. Trains are usually competitive on price for short to medium distances, especially when booked simply at the station or online in advance. If you are planning day trips, check the return timetable before you leave Riga, because evening departures can be less frequent outside peak season. A stable data connection from Hello eSIM makes schedule checks, ticket retrieval, and platform changes much easier on the move.

Driving in Latvia is practical if you want to explore beyond the main rail and bus corridors, but in Riga itself a car is usually more hassle than help. Roads are generally in good condition on main routes, though winter driving can be challenging, and travellers should be prepared for snow, ice, and reduced daylight between late autumn and early spring. Rental cars in Latvia commonly start around €25–€50 per day in 2026 for a compact vehicle, with higher prices during summer and holiday periods. Fuel costs fluctuate, so budget extra for long rural loops. If you are coming from outside the EU/EEA, it is sensible to check whether your licence is valid on its own or whether you also need an International Driving Permit; rental companies may ask for one depending on your issuing country. Keep your documents, insurance details, and passport accessible. Parking in central Riga can be limited and paid, so many visitors park once and use tram or taxi for the rest of the day. Navigation apps and road updates are data-hungry, so activating a Hello eSIM before departure is a smart way to stay online while driving.

The best way to get around Latvia depends on where you are going: use public transport in Riga, trains or buses for regional travel, and ride-hailing or airport transfers for convenience. Below are the questions travellers ask most often when planning transport in Latvia.

If you want to travel light and stay flexible, plan a mix of buses, trains, and app-based transfers rather than relying on one mode alone.