Getting Around Latvia: Transport Guide for Travellers

Getting around Latvia is straightforward, with affordable public transport, reliable inter-city buses, and easy car rentals connecting cities, countryside, and the Baltic coast in just a few hours. Most visitors start in Riga, then use buses or trains for day trips and explore regionally by car.

Latvia is compact: you can drive from Riga to most major towns in 2–3 hours, and public transport fills in the gaps for travellers who prefer not to drive. Riga International Airport is the main entry point, with buses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps ready to take you into the city.

Riga’s public transport network of trams, trolleybuses, and buses covers the city and suburbs, while regional buses and trains link destinations like Sigulda, Cēsis, Jūrmala, and Liepāja. For flexible road trips, car rental is widely available and relatively affordable by European standards.

Staying connected is important in Latvia, especially for ride-hailing, navigation, and timetable apps. An eSIM from Hello keeps your Latvian data sorted from the moment you land, so you can order a Bolt, check a train schedule, or navigate to your guesthouse without hunting for Wi‑Fi.

If you’re planning a week in Latvia, a common route is: Riga (2–3 nights), a day trip or overnight in Sigulda and Gauja National Park, then a couple of days on the coast in Jūrmala or Liepāja. Transport options are cheap, frequent on main routes, and easy to book or buy on the spot.

Riga Airport transfers are simple and affordable, with a choice of city buses, airport shuttles, taxis, and Bolt ride-hailing taking 20–30 minutes into the centre. Most travellers pay €2–3 on public transport or €15–25 for a taxi or Bolt in 2025, depending on traffic and time of day.

Riga International Airport (RIX) is Latvia’s main gateway and handles over 6 million passengers annually, according to Riga Airport’s 2023 traffic report. The airport sits about 10 km southwest of the Old Town, so journeys into the city are short.

The cheapest option is Riga’s city bus line 22, which runs roughly every 15–20 minutes between the airport and the city centre. A ticket bought from a machine or app costs around €2.00 in 2025, while buying from the driver is slightly more. The ride takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

You may also find dedicated airport minibuses or shuttles; these usually cost €3–5 per person, and some hotels organise transfers on request. Taxis rank outside the terminal, with typical fares to central Riga between €15–25; confirm that the meter is used and check for any fixed airport surcharge posted on the taxi window or stand sign.

Ride‑hailing is popular: Bolt is widely used in Latvia and often cheaper than taxis at peak times. Having mobile data makes a big difference here; with a Hello eSIM activated before arrival, you can order a Bolt the moment you clear customs and follow the driver’s location in real time.

If you’re picking up a rental car at the airport, follow the signposted car rental desks in the arrivals hall and expect a 10‑minute walk or shuttle to the car park for some providers.

Latvia’s public transport is cheap and reliable, with Riga’s trams, trolleybuses, and buses covering the city and regional buses and trains connecting towns nationwide. Most rides in Riga cost around €1.50–2.50 in 2025, and inter-city tickets rarely exceed €15–20 for standard routes.

Riga has no metro, but its surface network is extensive. Trams are the most scenic way to get around central and inner districts, while trolleybuses and buses cover suburbs and outlying neighbourhoods. The municipal operator Rīgas Satiksme offers contactless e‑tickets and reloadable cards valid across modes.

A single-trip ticket bought in advance from kiosks or ticket machines is usually around €1.50–2.00, while paying onboard costs slightly more. Day passes and multi-trip cards (for example, 24‑hour, 3‑day, or 5‑day products) often bring the per‑ride cost down to under €1, making them ideal if you’re in Riga for a few days.

Outside Riga, regional buses link small towns and villages; fares are typically €3–8 for distances of 50–150 km. Latvia’s rail network, operated primarily by Pasažieru Vilciens, connects Riga with Jūrmala, Sigulda, Cēsis, Jelgava, Liepāja (via a combination of routes and sometimes bus substitution), and other key towns. A suburban train ride from Riga to popular beach town Jūrmala (Majori) costs roughly €2–3 one way in 2025.

Latvia’s Central Statistical Bureau reports that public transport remains the primary mode of commuting for many residents in Riga, underscoring its reliability for visitors as well. Validating your ticket is important: look for card readers on buses and trams, and keep your receipt or e‑card handy for inspections.

Timetables and route planners are best checked online or via local apps; with mobile data from a Hello eSIM, you can quickly compare tram vs bus options while standing at the stop.

Ride-hailing in Latvia is dominated by Bolt, supplemented by classic metered taxis and some local apps, giving travellers flexible, on-demand transport in Riga and larger towns. Expect most city rides to cost €5–12, with airport or longer suburban trips typically €15–25 in 2025.

Unlike some countries, Latvia does not currently rely on Uber; Bolt is the go‑to ride‑hailing service across Riga and in many other urban centres. You can choose between categories like economy and comfort, and fares are calculated by distance and time, with clear pricing shown in the app.

In central Riga, short hops between districts such as the Old Town, Central Station, and the Art Nouveau neighbourhood around Alberta iela often cost €4–7, depending on traffic and demand. Night-time or weekend surcharges can push prices higher, but they remain reasonable compared with many Western European capitals.

Traditional taxis are available at stands near Riga Airport, the Central Station, major hotels, and busy intersections. Official taxis use meters, and some display estimated fares to popular destinations. To avoid overpaying, look for company branding, a visible price list on the window, and a working meter before starting your journey.

For all of this, mobile connectivity is essential—you need data to request rides, track drivers, and communicate if pickup points are unclear. Activating Hello eSIM for Latvia before you land means you can open Bolt, drop a pin on your exact location, and avoid language barriers with dispatchers.

Outside major cities, ride‑hailing coverage is more limited, so you may rely on pre‑booked taxis from local companies or your guesthouse. In remote rural areas, plan return journeys in advance or opt for a rental car if you want full flexibility.

Inter-city travel in Latvia is best done by bus for speed and coverage, train for comfort on key routes like Riga–Jūrmala, and rental car for exploring rural areas and national parks. Most major routes cost €5–15 one way in 2025 and take under three hours from Riga.

According to Latvia’s Ministry of Transport, regional buses provide the densest coverage across the country, linking small towns that trains do not reach. From Riga, frequent buses run to Sigulda (about 1.5 hours, roughly €4–6), Cēsis (around 2 hours, €5–8), and Liepāja (3.5–4 hours, €10–15), making them practical for both day trips and multi‑day stays.

Trains are a great option on certain lines. The Riga–Jūrmala route is particularly popular with travellers heading to the beach: suburban trains run several times per hour in summer, with tickets typically €2–3. Trains to Sigulda, Jelgava, and other towns are comfortable and scenic, though frequencies may be lower than buses, especially on weekends or evenings.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose:

Route (from Riga)	Best Mode	Typical Time	Approx. One-way Cost (2025)
Jūrmala (Majori)	Train	30–40 min	€2–3
Sigulda	Bus/Train	1–1.5 hours	€4–6
Cēsis	Bus	2 hours	€5–8
Liepāja	Bus	3.5–4 hours	€10–15
Daugavpils	Train/Bus	3.5–4 hours	€10–15

Inter-city tickets are easy to buy at bus stations, railway stations, and often online. For route planning and real-time updates, travellers increasingly rely on journey planner apps and local operators’ websites, so having mobile data from a Hello eSIM helps you compare departure times while you’re still at breakfast.

If your itinerary includes remote lakes, off‑the‑beaten‑path villages, or multiple national parks, consider renting a car for a few days to unlock more flexible routing.

Driving in Latvia is straightforward for experienced drivers, with generally good main roads, right-hand traffic, and widely available rentals, but you should watch for changing weather, wildlife, and lower-speed local roads. EU licences are accepted, and most other visitors do not need an International Driving Permit for short stays.

Latvia follows EU driving standards: you drive on the right-hand side, seat belts are mandatory, and blood alcohol limits are strict (0.5‰ for most drivers and lower for novices), according to Latvia’s Road Traffic Safety Directorate. Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on main roads, and up to 110 km/h on some upgraded sections in summer.

If you hold an EU or EEA driving licence, you can drive in Latvia without additional documents. Travellers from many other countries (including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) can usually drive with their national licence for a limited period; local authorities and major rental companies note that an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be requested if your licence is not in Latin script or lacks a photo, so it is wise to carry one.

Car rental desks are found at Riga Airport and in the city centre. In 2025, expect compact rental cars to start around €30–45 per day, with cheaper weekly rates if booked in advance and in low season. AutoEurope and local rental statistics for the Baltic region note that automatic cars tend to cost more and sell out faster, so reserve early if you don’t drive manual.

Fuel prices in Latvia are usually a bit lower than in Western Europe but higher than global averages; budget €1.60–1.90 per litre of petrol or diesel in 2025, based on European Commission energy price monitoring. Most fuel stations accept credit cards, and many are self‑service.

Rural and forest roads can be unpaved, and winter brings snow and ice, especially inland. Check whether your rental includes winter tyres (legally required in winter months) and avoid speeding on unfamiliar roads.

Most travellers get around Latvia using a mix of Riga’s public transport, inter-city buses and trains, plus occasional Bolt rides, and staying connected with mobile data makes it much easier to navigate routes, buy tickets online, and coordinate airport transfers or day trips on the fly.

Is public transport in Latvia safe and reliable?
Yes. Public transport in Riga and on main inter-city routes is generally considered safe, clean, and punctual, especially during the day. Latvia’s Central Statistical Bureau notes consistent annual ridership on urban systems, which reflects local trust and regular use.

Do I need to book inter-city buses or trains in advance?
On popular routes—like Riga to Liepāja or Daugavpils—booking ahead is a good idea in peak summer or on Friday/Sunday evenings. For shorter routes such as Riga–Sigulda or Riga–Jūrmala, you can usually buy tickets on the day, either at the station or on board.

Can I use contactless cards on public transport?
Riga’s system increasingly supports contactless payments and e‑tickets, but it’s still common for travellers to buy physical tickets or top‑up cards at kiosks. Check the latest information on Rīgas Satiksme’s English‑language pages before your trip, as payment options expand over time.

How much should I budget for transport in Latvia per day?
For a typical visitor: €5–10 per day covers local public transport and the occasional inter-city bus if you’re travelling every few days. Add €5–15 more on days when you use taxis or Bolt, and significantly more if you’re renting a car.

What’s the best way to stay connected for maps and ride-hailing?
A Hello eSIM is the easiest way to stay online across Latvia, letting you activate data plans before arrival, split expenses with friends, and track your transport costs in euros and your home currency. You can manage expenses for tickets, fuel, and taxis inside the Hello app while travelling.

For more on the country itself, you can also check out the main Latvia destination page when planning your route and choosing which regions to explore.