Getting Around Latvia: Trains, Buses, Trams and Ride Apps

Getting around Latvia

Latvia is compact and well connected, so most travellers mix public transport in Riga with trains and buses for day trips. There is no metro, but the network is cheap, clean and easy once you know the basics.

Riga trams, buses and trolleybuses

The capital is run by Rigas Satiksme, covering trams, buses and trolleybuses on the same fare. A single ride is EUR 1.50 with an e-talons card, or EUR 2.00 if you buy from the driver. Time-saving passes are great value: a 24-hour ticket is EUR 5, three days EUR 8 and five days EUR 10.

• Buy an e-talons at Narvesen kiosks, ticket machines or online
• Validate by tapping the card reader as you board
• The old town is walkable, so you mainly need transport for the airport and suburbs

Trains: Vivi for day trips

Latvia's railway operator is Vivi (Pasazieru vilciens). Trains are the easiest way to reach the coast and countryside.

• Riga to Jurmala runs every 30 to 60 minutes and takes about 30 minutes
• Riga to Sigulda (gateway to Gauja National Park) takes around 1 hour
• Riga to Daugavpils crosses the country in roughly 3 hours

Buy tickets at the station, onboard, or via the Mobilly app. Fares are low, often just a few euros.

Intercity buses

For towns the train does not reach, buses leave from Riga International Coach Terminal near the central market. Operators run frequent links to Cesis, Kuldiga, Liepaja and across the Baltics to Tallinn and Vilnius. Check timetables on 1188.lv and book longer routes ahead in summer.

Ride apps and taxis

Bolt is the dominant ride app and usually cheaper than street taxis. An airport-to-centre trip costs about EUR 15 to 25, versus EUR 2 to 3 by bus 22. Always insist on the meter or app price with regular taxis.

Car rental and driving

Renting a car makes sense for rural Latvia, Cape Kolka or the Latgale lakes. Roads are good, fuel is widely available, and parking in Riga is paid by zone via app. Drive on the right, keep headlights on day and night, and watch for winter ice from November to March.

Stay connected in Latvia

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online for live train times, maps, translation and last-minute bookings without roaming fees the moment you land.