Taxi services in Riga
Riga, the capital city of Latvia, is the perfect European holiday destination, seeing over 8 million visitors every year. Due to its popularity, trying to navigate the busy city streets and public transport networks can be stressful and complicated. To beat the crowds and enjoy exploring Riga in a relaxing and smooth manner, we recommend using a Riga taxi service. In a private Riga taxi, you can make your way directly to all of the most popular attractions in the city in minutes.
The metered taxis in Riga are available 24 hours a day and can easily be hailed in the street, found at taxi ranks, called on the phone, or booked on a mobile application. You can also pre-book rides, such as your Riga Airport taxi, to enjoy a more personalised experience.
Hand picked & english speaking drivers
Same price as a regular Taxi from the line
Drivers are always on time
24/7 Email & Phone support
HOW MUCH DOES A TAXI COST?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FROM AIRPORT TO CITY CENTRE | 22 € | 24 € | 20 MIN |
| FROM CITY CENTRE TO RIGA CASTLE | 8 € | 10 € | 10 MIN |
| FROM OLD TOWN TO RAGAKAPAS PARK | 25 € | 27 € | 30 MIN |
| FROM CITY CENTRE TO JURMALA | 32 € | 34 € | 40 MIN |
| FROM AIRPORT TO LEIPAJA | 120 € | 122 € | 2 HR 30 |
| FROM AIRPORT TO JELGAVA | 60 € | 62 € | 45 MIN |
What are the Riga taxi prices?
Each taxi company in Riga sets their own tariffs, underneath a government-set maximum. This means that Riga taxi rates vary depending on who you choose to travel with. However, all taxis in Riga must have a taximeter fitted and use this to calculate your fare, based on the distance you travel and the time taken. The following tariffs are an average based on the two most popular taxi services in Riga:
Base fare: €2.99
Price per km: €1.10
Price per minute: €0.25
Extra Charges:
The taxi in Riga cost per km won’t change if you’re travelling at night, however, there will be a surcharge of €2 added to every journey in the evenings, on the weekends and during public holidays. Any toll charges incurred during your journey will also be added to your final fare.
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How to get a taxi in Riga
Many different taxi companies are operating throughout Riga, so getting a cab should be easy. Having said this, two companies are the most trustworthy and reliable: Red Cab and Baltic Taxi. You can easily spot a Red Cab thanks to its white base and bright red roof, while the Baltic Taxi vehicles are neon green. You can hail a taxi in Riga in the street, use a taxi app, call one of the phone dispatch numbers, pre-book your rides or walk to a taxi rank. You can find a taxi rank in Riga outside of most tourist spots, in the Old Town, outside of Riga Airport, at Riga Central Station and at the bus station.
How to get a taxi from Riga Airport
There’s an official Riga taxi rank located just outside of the Arrivals Hall at Riga Airport, next to the Persons of Reduced Mobility (PRM) kiosk. Only two companies are permitted to offer taxis from the airport: Red Cab and Baltic Taxi. You will see a mixture of 4 seaters and minivans lined up as you exit the main doors. All taxis from Riga Airport will use a taximeter to calculate the cost of your journey and must display their prices in the window of the vehicle.
Riga taxi app options
Most international taxi apps such as Uber and Lyft aren’t available in Riga. However, there are a couple of local apps and one international Riga taxi app available. You can use either Bolt, MOBI or Taxi in Riga to book your rides from your phone. MOBI is the most popular app as it has the highest number of registered vehicles and fair pricing.
As the large taxi apps aren’t available in Riga, there can be long wait times and issues with payment and pricing when it comes to using the local apps. To avoid this, you can always pre-book your taxi in Riga with an international company such as Welcome Pickups.
Useful Riga taxi numbers
If having to download yet another app to your phone seems like too much hassle, you can always ask your hotel to call a taxi in Riga number for you or make the call yourself if you feel confident speaking to the dispatch person. Many different Riga taxi companies are operating throughout the city, but some of the most popular are:
Red Cab: +371 6000 8383
Baltic Taxi: +371 2000 8500
Smile Taxi: +371 2233 0330
GINX Taxi: +371 6800 0006
The benefits of booking a Riga taxi in advance
Getting around a new city in the comfort of a private vehicle is priceless, especially if you are travelling in a group and/or with small children. The last thing you want is to get lost in Riga’s vast public transport network or waste your time looking for a taxi rank. That’s why pre-booking your private transfer with a trusted company such as Welcome Pickups is the best way to start your holiday.
Welcome Pickups provides 24-hour premium customer support, guaranteed on-time pickups, all-inclusive prices, a fast and simple booking process, and local English-speaking drivers that have been handpicked and immaculately trained by our team.
Riga taxi tips
- Before starting your journey, ensure that the taximeter has been switched on and set to the base fare.
- Standard taxis in Riga can take up to 4 passengers, after the 4th, you will need a larger vehicle which will incur an extra charge.
- To ensure your driver isn’t overcharging by taking a long route, you can track your progress on Google Maps.
- Not all Riga taxi drivers speak English, however, pre-booking your ride will ensure an English-speaking driver for your convenience.
- Only two official taxi companies can operate at Riga International Airport: Red Cab and Baltic Taxi.
- Some Riga taxi drivers accept credit card payments but it is still important to double-check with your driver beforehand to ensure you can pay for your ride in this way.
- There is no price difference when travelling in a taxi during the day, at night or on weekends in Riga. However, many companies add a €2 surcharge for late night journeys and travelling during public holidays.
- Tipping your Riga taxi driver is customary. You can add around 10 to 15% to your final fare to add a generous tip.
- Taxis in Riga don’t come with baby seats as standard but you can bring and fit your own for free.
- Pre-booking your taxi in Riga will ensure guaranteed on-time pickups, all-inclusive fares, English-speaking drivers and 24/7 customer support.
Wheelchair-accessible taxi in Riga
Although the standard taxis in Riga aren’t wheelchair-accessible, RedCab does offer reliable wheelchair-accessible vehicles equipped with plenty of space and ramps.
However, it’s important to book your taxi at least 3 to 4 hours in advance, as they only have a few adapted vehicles available. You can book your wheelchair-accessible taxi in Riga by calling +371 8383 on a local phone or +371 6000 8383 from a foreign number.
Riga taxi safety and complaints
Taking a taxi in Riga is usually a reliable and pleasant experience. However, if you do encounter a ride driver or someone trying to scam a higher fare, you can file a complaint directly with the taxi company you travelled with. Before making your complaint, be sure to note down as much information as possible, such as your driver’s ID, the taxi number, time of day, location and the license plate number.