✈ Getting from Riga Airport to City Centre

When visiting the Baltic city of Riga, you’ll be landing at Riga International Airport, and from there, you have three transportation options to get to Riga’s city centre. The most convenient choices from Riga Airport to the centre are an airport taxi or private transfer. They are available 24/7 and provide fast and reliable door-to-door services, getting you to your Riga hotel in just 15 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

A more affordable alternative is to take the public bus Line 22 from the airport to Old Town. The bus is direct and frequent, taking 25 to 35 minutes to reach the Old Town centre, not including wait times.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Riga at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€33.50	20min	24/7
Private Transfer	€27	20min	24/7
Bus Line 22	€3	25min	05:30–00:00

How to get from Riga Airport to the city centre by taxi

Taking a taxi from Riga Airport to the city centre is a fast and convenient way to travel. While not the most affordable option, taxis provide 24/7 door-to-door services, transporting you and your loved ones to your Riga hotel in just 20 to 30 minutes.

The two official taxi companies operating from Riga Airport are ‘XTaxi’ and ‘TaksiLV’ which provide fixed fare prices for up to 4 passengers – including luggage – to hotels within the territories of Krišjāņas, Skanstes, Lāčplēša, Valdemāras and Valmieras streets to Tallinas street in the centre of Riga.

How much is a taxi from Riga Airport to the city centre?

If you choose to use the services of XTaxi or TaksiLV, you’ll need to purchase a taxi voucher from the airport’s Visitor Centre in Hall E. A voucher to the main tourist area and hotels downtown costs €33.50 and once purchased should be handed to the next available driver in the queue.

If you wish to use a different taxi service, the taxi price from Riga Airport to the centre will be charged using a taximeter based on the time and distance travelled, although keep in mind when using the meter that each driver/company sets their own fares.

For a fixed price with no hidden fees and a local English-speaking driver, you also have the option to pre-book your Riga Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.

Cost

€33.50

Trip Duration

20 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Riga International Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

The official taxi rank at Riga International Airport (RIX) is located right outside the Arrivals terminal exit.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Riga Airport to the city is an easy and hassle-free way to travel. Taxis have plenty of room for luggage so your travel partners and any personal belongings can all stick together, which is ideal for families and larger groups. The only downside to this option is waiting for an available taxi unless you book one in advance, which can actually be less expensive than waiting at the rank.

Editor’s Note

There are no price differences for day, night or weekend trips in Riga.

Useful Tips

It's not customary to tip your taxi driver in Latvia, although it is always appreciated. Most travellers round up their final fare to the nearest significant amount.

Some Riga taxi drivers take longer than necessary routes, resulting in a higher fare. For this reason, we recommend following your journey on Google Maps.

Regardless of which taxi company taxi you choose to use, a current price list should be printed and placed on the passenger side door.

How to get from Riga Airport to the city centre by private transfer

Similar to a taxi, private transfer services offer a direct and door-to-door transport option allowing you to reach your hotel quickly and seamlessly in 20 to 30 minutes. Given that these services are designed to cater for tourists, they include lots of other benefits such as 24/7 customer support, guaranteed fixed fare prices, flight monitoring in case your plane is delayed and an English-speaking driver who is local to the area.

Moreover, you’ll receive a much more personalised service that you can customise to suit your needs. For instance, when you book with Welcome Pickups, your driver will not only give you a mini tour of the city on the way to your destination, but they’ll also share some tips and tricks about Riga to ensure you get the most out of your holiday.

How much is a private transfer from Riga Airport to the city?

One of the advantages of using a private transfer service is receiving a fixed fare quote prior to booking, inclusive of all charges. This means your fare won’t be affected by traffic levels or surcharges, plus you can budget and pay for your trip in advance.

From Riga Airport to the city, the price for a stylish sedan that can seat 3 passengers and a standard suitcase each is €27, or you’ll pay €41 for a more spacious minivan that can seat 6 passengers.

Booking takes less than a minute. Simply head to the Welcome Pickups website or download the app, then enter your personal details, flight information and select a pick-up time and date.

Cost

€27

Trip Duration

20 Min.

Private transfers vehicles will be ready to depart on arrival.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers can be arranged 24/7 from Riga International Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Upon disembarking your flight, make your way to the Arrivals Hall after collecting any baggage along the way. Your friendly driver will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name on it. And don’t worry if you’re late, your driver will receive live updates on your flight’s status so they can adjust the pick-up time if needed. After a warm introduction, you’ll be shown to your pre-selected private vehicle and be on your way!

Convenience

Using a private transfer service in Riga like those offered by Welcome Pickup is by far the most convenient and reliable way to get from the airport, not to mention they are cheaper than a taxi! In Riga, you can affordably treat yourself to privacy and comfort and start your trip off relaxed and stress-free.

Editor’s Note

We suggest booking your transfer at least 20 to 30 minutes after your flight is scheduled to land. That way you'll have time to collect your luggage and pass through Immigration.

Useful Tips

It's common in Riga to tip your driver so if you'd like to show your appreciation for good service, add 10 to 15% to the final price.

Payment will be made in advance by credit card so that on the day everything will be taken care of.

If you need to make any special requests such as a baby seat or wheelchair-accessible vehicle, this should be done at the time of booking.

How to get from Riga Airport to the city centre by bus

A great cost-savvy alternative to a taxi from Riga Airport to the city centre is to take the public bus Line 22. The bus takes 25 minutes to reach Old Town (11.novembra krastmala) or you can continue to the Central Bus Station, Central Railway Station or the Central Market. If there is heavy traffic or lots of traffic on board then the journey can take much longer.

There is also a Lux Express bus option which is run by a private company. While it may be more comfortable with extra space, the journey takes around the same amount of time to the city centre but doesn’t run as regularly and costs considerably more (€8).

How much is the bus from Riga Airport to the city centre?

A one-way ticket on bus Line 22 costs €1.50 if you purchase your tickets in advance at the ticket vending machines or €1.81 if you buy your tickets directly from the driver. The ticket is valid for 90 minutes.

You can find the ticket vending machines at the airport’s bus stop and the airport’s information office on Level 1.

Cost

€1.50

Trip Duration

25 Min.

Wait times range from 10 to 20 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Bus 22 is available daily from 04:45 to 23:50

Where do I get the bus from?

The bus stop at Riga International Airport is located in the P1 car park, 300 metres from the terminal between the E and C exits of the Arrival Terminal. There is plenty of signage to help direct you. Once in Riga city centre, you can alight at two stops within Old Town, 11. Novembra Krastmala and 13. Janvāra Iela, or at Riga’s Central Train Station.

Convenience

Taking the bus is an excellent travel alternative for those on a budget. Buses are frequent, direct and take you straight from Riga Airport to the city.

Nonetheless, you will have to make your way to your hotel after alighting at the bus stop, which can be a challenge if you’re travelling with children or heavy luggage. Moreover, if you arrive after midnight, you will need to find another way to get downtown or wait a long time for the next service.

Timetables

Bus Line 22 Timetable

Riga Airport to Old Town

Editor’s Note

Various tickets are available, such as 24-hour tickets (€5), 3-day tickets (€8), and 5-day tickets (€10).

Useful Tips

For added convenience, a one-way ticket can also be purchased direct from the driver for €1.81 using a credit or debit card.

The bus can get quite full during peak hours, so it's best to arrive 5-10 minutes before the bus leaves to get a seat.

There is no allocated storage space on the bus so you will have to keep your luggage by your side.

Bus Line 22 is wheelchair accessible; notify the bus driver if you require assistance.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Riga. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€23.0

NIGHTTIME

€28.0

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How far is Riga Airport from the city centre?

The distance from Riga Airport to the city centre is 10 km, taking around 20 minutes to cover when travelling by car or airport taxi, or 25 minutes if you choose to take Bus Line 22 (not including wait times).

How much is a taxi from Riga Airport to the city centre?

Taxis in Riga either calculate their fares using a taximeter or offer a fixed fare price. If you choose the fixed fare option – which is recommended – from Riga Airport to the city centre the taxi cost is set at €33.50 for the main city centre.

If you prefer peace of mind that everything is arranged and budgeted for before you travel, you can pre-book your personalised private transfer with Welcome Pickups and avoid any hidden costs.

How do I get to the city centre from Riga Airport?

There are three main transportation options from Riga Airport to the city centre; you can take a taxi or private transfer, which takes 15 to 25 minutes and provides a door-to-door service, or you can take public bus Line 22, which takes 25 to 35 minutes, excluding wait times.

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How to get from Riga Airport to the city centre by taxi

How much is a taxi from Riga Airport to the city centre?

Cost

€33.50

Trip Duration

20 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Riga International Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Riga Airport to the city centre by private transfer

How much is a private transfer from Riga Airport to the city?

Cost

€27

Trip Duration

20 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers can be arranged 24/7 from Riga International Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Riga Airport to the city centre by bus

How much is the bus from Riga Airport to the city centre?

Cost

€1.50

Trip Duration

25 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Bus 22 is available daily from 04:45 to 23:50

Where do I get the bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

Bus Line 22 Timetable

Riga Airport to Old Town

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car

Frequently asked questions

How far is Riga Airport from the city centre?

How much is a taxi from Riga Airport to the city centre?

How do I get to the city centre from Riga Airport?

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