Latvia (LV)
Latvia is a parliamentary republic and EU member state on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, bordered by Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, and Belarus.
Getting Around
Transport options for living in Latvia.
Public Transport Overview
Riga has a comprehensive public transport network operated by Rīgas Satiksme, consisting of trams, trolleybuses, and buses. The network covers most of the city and runs from approximately 05:30 to 23:30, with night buses on key routes on weekends. Outside Riga, Latvian regional buses (autobus) connect towns and villages, operated by various regional operators. Trains connect Riga with major Latvian cities and to Tallinn and Vilnius. Latvia does not have a metro system.
🎫 Transit Passes
All Rīgas Satiksme trams, trolleybuses, and buses within Riga
National rail network including suburban routes
Rīgas Satiksme and some regional buses
Taxi & Rideshare
Taxis in Riga: use apps for safe and metered rides. Main apps: Bolt (dominant in Latvia and Baltic states), inDriver, and local apps. Starting fare: approximately €2–3, then €0.50–0.80/km. Always use app-based taxis or radio taxis rather than hailing from the street in Riga to avoid overcharging. From Riga Airport to city centre: approximately €8–14 via app. Traditional radio taxis: Red Cab (+371 66633000), Baltic Taxi.
Rideshare (Long-distance)
BlaBlaCar is widely used for intercity travel between Latvian cities and to neighbouring Baltic states, Lithuania, and Estonia. Cheaper than trains or buses for longer distances. App-based carpooling is growing. Bolt also offers ridesharing and food delivery.
Cycling
Riga is developing its cycling infrastructure but it is not as advanced as Scandinavian cities. Dedicated cycle lanes exist along some major streets and the embankments. Sixt Scooters and Bolt Scooters are available for short urban trips. Cycling outside Riga in the Latvian countryside is excellent — flat terrain and quiet roads. Wear a helmet (recommended). Bike theft is an issue in Riga — use good locks.
Intercity Trains
Latvijas dzelzceļš (LDz) runs comfortable trains from Riga to: Jūrmala (25 min), Sigulda (50 min), Cēsis (1h15min), Jēkabpils (2h), Rēzekne (3h), Daugavpils (3.5h). No high-speed rail. The Rail Baltica project will eventually connect Riga to Tallinn and Vilnius via a new high-speed line (scheduled for 2030+). Cross-border trains: Riga–Tartu–Tallinn (Lux Express bus faster and more popular); Riga–Vilnius (Lux Express and FlixBus preferred over slow trains).
Driving
Latvia drives on the right. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, 100 km/h on dual carriageways (120 km/h permitted on limited expressway sections in summer only — Latvia has no full motorways). Driving is essential for reaching rural Latvia and highly convenient in Riga. Traffic in central Riga can be heavy at rush hour. Parking in Riga centre is paid (€1–2/hour). The A1/A2/A3/A4 motorways connect Riga to major cities. Road quality outside Riga varies significantly — some rural roads are unpaved. Winter driving requires mandatory winter tyres (November 1 to April 1). Black ice is a serious hazard December–February.
Airports
Riga International Airport (RIX) is the largest airport in the Baltic states, handling ~8 million passengers/year. Located 10 km from the city centre. Bus routes 22 and 322 connect the airport to Riga city centre. Bus 22 has a special fare of €1.81 (bank card only, no cash); route 322 uses standard network fare. Taxi to city centre: €8–14 via app (Bolt recommended). Terminal has one main building with all services. AirBaltic is Latvia's national carrier with extensive European connections. Ryanair, Wizz Air, and other carriers operate from Riga.