Getting Around Riga: A Practical Guide
Riga offers multiple ways for visitors to navigate the city, from its well-established public transport network to walking and cycling. The city-owned Rīgas Satiksme company operates trams, buses, and trolleybuses, making public transport a convenient option for most journeys.
The Public Transport Network
Rīgas Satiksme operates three main modes of public transport that share a unified ticketing system. All three—trams, buses, and trolleybuses—accept the same e-ticket (e-talons) cards and mobile payment options, making it easy to switch between modes as needed.
Trams
Trams are among the fastest public transport options in Riga and have been operating in the city since the 19th century. They generally have the right of way over other traffic, allowing them to move efficiently even during busy periods. Tram lines are numbered 1 through 14, and stops are marked by blue rectangular signs identified with "Tr".
Buses
An extensive bus network serves the city with numerous routes. Bus lines are numbered 1 through 63, and stops are identified by "A" on blue rectangular signs. Night buses, numbered N1 through N10 plus N22 (which operates every night), provide service on Friday and Saturday nights as well as nightly service for route N22.
Trolleybuses
Trolleybus routes are numbered 1 through 35. Like buses, trolleybuses stop at blue rectangular signs, though the route numbers differ from bus routes—trolleybus 13, for example, follows a completely different path than bus 13. The trolleybus network has expanded in recent years, with some former bus routes converted to trolleybus service.
Buying Tickets and Passes
A single fare of €1.50 covers any journey on any public transport route, regardless of distance, and is valid for 90 minutes from activation. This single ticket also includes free transfers between different modes of transport within that 90-minute window.
Several options exist for purchasing tickets:
- Mobile apps: Download the official Rīgas Satiksmes app or Mobilly to purchase tickets directly on your phone. Mobilly is noted as convenient for visitors with foreign phone numbers.
- Ticket machines: Available at stops and stations throughout the city.
- Shops: Select shops around the city sell e-talons cards.
- Onboard: You may pay €1.81 directly to the driver using Visa or Mastercard on some services.
Three types of e-ticket cards are available for purchase: personalised cards with a photo, unpersonalised plastic cards that can be recharged as needed, and yellow cardboard tickets valid for a set number of trips or period of time.
Multi-Day Passes
Visitors planning multiple journeys should consider day or multi-day passes, which offer better value than individual tickets:
- 24-hour pass: €5.00
- 3-day pass: €8.00
- 5-day pass: €10.00
- One-month pass: €30.00
These passes are valid on all buses, trolleybuses, and trams within the city boundaries and must be activated by scanning a yellow device in each vehicle when you board.
Using Public Transport
Vehicles display next stop information on screens and include audible announcements, though screens occasionally malfunction. Timetables are posted at stops and are generally accurate. On printed timetables, yellow-orange indicates bus routes, red indicates trams, and blue indicates trolleybuses. Route planners and live traffic information are available on Rīgas Satiksme's official website.
Tickets must be activated each time you enter a vehicle by scanning against the yellow validation device. On certain Latvian public holidays (January 1st, May 4th, June 23rd and 24th, November 18th, and December 31st), all Riga public transport is free.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis operate throughout the city, though prices can vary significantly. Several services are available to visitors:
- Bolt Taxi: Use the Bolt app to see rates in advance, check pickup time, and pay by credit card linked to your account.
- Baltic Taxi: Offers a fixed price of €15 if booked online, or metered rates if paid directly to the driver. Journeys to the city centre take approximately 15 minutes.
- Red Cab Taxi: Provides metered taxi services; a journey to the city centre costs approximately €12 and takes about 15 minutes depending on traffic. Wheelchair-accessible mini-vans are available but must be pre-ordered.
Car-sharing apps such as Bolt and Citybee are often cheaper than traditional taxis and usually have vehicles available near central locations.
Walking
Walking is an excellent way to explore Riga, particularly the old town (Vecrīga). However, visitors should be aware that the old town's cobblestone streets can be difficult to navigate in unsuitable footwear. Outside the old town, most streets are paved with asphalt, though some smaller streets may be unpaved. Sidewalks are predominantly concrete. During heavy rainfall, streets in the old town may flood due to the drainage system.
Cycling
Self-service bicycle rentals operate at stands across the city through SIXT Latvia. Registration is free and requires only a mobile phone. Bikes include lights and three speeds but do not come with helmets. Downtown Riga's cobblestone streets can make for a bumpy ride, and while bike lanes and paths exist, they are not always clearly marked. Some hotels also offer bicycle rental to guests.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Riga International Airport is located approximately 10 kilometres southwest of the city. Several transport options connect the airport to central Riga:
Public Bus
Bus route 22 runs between the airport and the old town, with stops near the central bus and railway stations. The journey takes 30-40 minutes. Service operates throughout the day; after midnight, the route runs as N22 until 4:45 AM. Buses become crowded when there are many incoming flights. The bus stop at the airport is located at the arrivals hall entrance, where a ticket machine is available. Tickets can also be purchased from machines elsewhere in the airport, at Narvesen shops on the departure and arrivals levels, or through mobile apps such as Mobilly. A single ticket costs €1.50 and includes free transfers within the Riga public transport system for 90 minutes from first activation. You may also pay €1.81 onboard using Visa or Mastercard.
Taxi Services
Official taxi vouchers are available for purchase at the airport, though they are expensive (€33). The ride to the city centre takes approximately 15 minutes. Visitors should be cautious, as some taxis may illegally attempt to overcharge beyond the voucher price.
Several established taxi services offer more transparent pricing:
- Bolt Taxi: Available via the Bolt app, which shows rates in advance.
- Baltic Taxi: Fixed price of €15 if booked online; metered rates if paid to the driver.
- Red Cab Taxi: Metered services; approximately €12 to the city centre with a 15-minute journey time, depending on traffic.
Car-Sharing
Car-sharing services such as Bolt and Citybee often provide a cheaper alternative to taxis. Cars are usually available near the airport for immediate use, though you must download and register with these apps before arriving.