From the airport into Riga: every option and what it costs

By Elza Ozola, Latvia host 25 September 2026 6 min read

Panoramic view of the Latvian National Library in Riga at sunset over the Daugava River. — Photo by Anastasiya Badun on Pexels

The sliding doors of Riga International Airport part onto a chill, damp September breeze. It is the kind of weather that smells of wet pine and impending rain—exactly what you signed up for when you booked this trip to the Baltics. You have your bags, your tickets, and now, the first logistical decision: how do you get from this functional transit hub into the heart of the city? The airport sits in Jugla, about 10 kilometers east of the Old Town, and the options are distinct. As someone who has navigated these routes since before the euro arrived, I can tell you there is no single “best” way, only the right way for your budget, your luggage, and your mood.

The Bus: The Commuter’s Realistic Choice

If you want to travel like a local and save money, the bus is your answer. Specifically, Bus No. 22. It runs frequently between the airport terminals and the central railway station (Dzelzceļa stacija), which is the gateway to everything else. The journey takes roughly 35 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic, and drops you right at the Central Market—a landmark housed in converted German Zeppelin hangars where you can buy smoked sprats and rye bread if you’re hungry.

The fare is straightforward. A single ticket costs about €1.50. You can pay via the Mobilly app, by tapping a contactless bank card, or with the physical ‘e-talons’ card available at kiosks. This ticket is valid for 90 minutes across all Rīgas satiksme buses, trams, and trolleybuses, so you can transfer if needed. For comparison, a monthly pass is around €30, but for a one-off arrival, the single ticket is unbeatable value. In US dollars, that’s roughly $1.38, keeping your initial spend minimal.

The downside? If you are traveling with heavy suitcases or arriving late at night, the bus can be cramped. However, during daylight hours, it offers a pleasant glimpse of Riga’s sprawling suburbs and tree-lined boulevards as you approach the center.

The Train: Scenic but Indirect

There is often confusion here because the train station is not at the airport. To take the train, you must first take Bus 22 (or a taxi) to the Dzelzceļa stacija. Once there, trains depart regularly for Jūrmala, the famous 28-kilometer stretch of white-sand beach and pine forests north of the city. While this isn’t a direct route to the Old Town, many visitors use the rail network to bypass road traffic.

If you choose to ride the train for any leg of your journey, expect to pay similar fares to the bus for short hops within the Greater Riga area. The comfort level is generally higher than the bus, with space for luggage, and the view of the Daugava River crossing is lovely. Just remember: the train does not stop at the airport. If you see signs for “Train,” they will lead you to the bus terminal outside. Do not follow them expecting a platform under the roof.

Taxi: Speed and Comfort

For those prioritizing convenience over cost, taxis are abundant. You will find official taxi stands outside both Terminal A and B. In Latvia, we rely heavily on apps like Bolt and Uber, which offer transparent pricing and cashless payment. Walking away from the curb to hail a random car is possible but less reliable; sticking to the app ensures you know the price before you move.

A ride from the airport to the Old Town (Vecrīga) or the Art Nouveau district typically costs between €15 and €25, depending on the time of day and demand surge. The journey takes about 20–25 minutes. This is a significant jump in price compared to the bus, but it saves you the hassle of transfers and navigating with bags. If you are a group of three or four, splitting the fare makes it competitive with other options.

Pro Tip: Avoid unlicensed drivers loitering near the arrivals hall. They may quote inflated prices. Always book through the app or use the official stand. Payment is almost entirely card-based; carrying cash is rarely essential, though having some euros for small tips is polite.

Private Transfer: The Seamless Arrival

If you prefer a meet-and-greet service, private transfers are widely available. These services pick you up inside the terminal with a driver holding your name sign. The cost is higher, usually ranging from €30 to €45 for a standard sedan to the city center. This option is ideal if you are arriving late, traveling with special equipment, or simply want to start your vacation with zero stress.

While more expensive, the reliability is high. Drivers monitor flight delays, so you won’t be left waiting. For business travelers or those attending events like the nearby European Researchers’ Night at the LU Academic Centre, this door-to-door service provides a quiet space to decompress after the flight.

Navigating the City After Arrival

Once you reach the center, getting around is easy. Riga is compact. The Old Town is walkable, but for longer distances, stick with the Rīgas satiksme system. A coffee at a place like Parunāsim kafe’teeka or Rocket Bean Roastery will set you back about €3.30, and a meal at an inexpensive local restaurant runs about €12–15. You’ll find that Riga remains affordable by EU standards, with overall prices roughly 17% below the EU average, though housing costs are rising.

Be mindful of safety in the Old Town’s nightlife areas late at night, and use normal caution in the Maskavas forštate district east of the market. But otherwise, you are in a safe, charming city ready to welcome you. Whether you arrive by bus, train, or taxi, you are stepping into a place where history, art nouveau elegance, and Baltic resilience meet. Enjoy your stay.