Transportation in Latvia

# Getting Around Latvia Latvia's transportation network centers on Riga, where buses and trams form the backbone of urban transit, while intercity buses connect you to the rest of the country more efficiently than trains. First-time visitors should know that Latvia is compact—you can reach most destinations within 3-4 hours by bus—but public transport schedules thin out significantly outside Riga and major routes. The country uses euros, and cash is still king for local transport, though contactless payment is expanding in the capital. From Riga International Airport (RIX), located just 10km from the city center, your best move is the airport bus (check current schedules and prices in booking widgets, as these change seasonally). Taxis are available but verify the fare before departure—reputable services should offer transparent pricing through their apps. Skip the train from the airport; it doesn't exist, and anyone suggesting otherwise is confused with another Baltic capital. **What NOT to do:** Don't assume Riga's public transport runs late into the night—service becomes sparse after 11 PM, and you'll likely need a taxi or rideshare. Avoid booking intercity travel without checking current schedules first, as routes to smaller towns may run only once or twice daily. The old Soviet-era trains are atmospheric but painfully slow compared to buses for most routes; save your rail romance for the scenic coastal stretch if you have time to spare.

Download the Bolt app before arrival - it's widely used in Latvia for reliable taxi and ride-hailing services in Riga and other cities

Riga's public transport uses e-talons (electronic tickets) that work on trams, buses, and trolleybuses - buy them at kiosks or via mobile app

Riga International Airport is connected to the city center by bus 22, which runs frequently throughout the day to the central station area

Validate your public transport ticket immediately when boarding - ticket inspectors are common and fines for unvalidated tickets apply