Taxis & Rideshare in Latvia - Grab, Uber & Local Taxis

## Taxi and Rideshare Options in Latvia Latvia's urban transportation relies primarily on traditional taxi services and international rideshare platforms like Bolt, which has a strong presence in Riga and other major cities. To use a taxi, you can hail one on the street (look for vehicles with illuminated taxi signs), find them at designated taxi stands near hotels, shopping centers, and transport hubs, or call dispatch services directly. For rideshare apps, download Bolt before your trip, set up your account with a payment method, and you'll be able to request rides with upfront fare estimates and driver tracking. All legitimate taxis in Latvia should have meters and display official taxi identification—always ensure the meter is running or agree on a fare beforehand for longer journeys. For different situations, rideshare apps like Bolt offer the most convenience for tech-savvy travelers, providing transparent pricing, cashless payments, and the ability to track your ride in real-time—ideal for airport transfers or navigating Riga's Old Town. Traditional taxis work well when you don't have mobile data, need to hail a ride quickly on the street, or prefer paying in cash. Both options provide similar comfort levels with standard sedans, though you can often request larger vehicles through apps if traveling with more luggage or passengers. For current rates and availability, check the Bolt app or ask your hotel to recommend reliable local taxi companies with English-speaking dispatchers.

{'tip': 'Always use official taxi companies like Baltic Taxi or Red Cab, which can be identified by company logos and phone numbers displayed on the vehicle. Avoid unmarked vehicles or drivers soliciting passengers at airports and stations.'}

{'tip': 'Ensure the meter is running from the start of your journey, or use ride-hailing apps like Bolt (widely available in Latvia) which provide transparent fare estimates and driver tracking for added security.'}

{'tip': 'Solo travelers should sit in the back seat and share their trip details or location with a friend or family member, especially during evening hours. Keep your belongings secure and within sight.'}

{'tip': 'If a driver refuses to use the meter or suggests a flat rate, politely decline and find another taxi. Legitimate taxi services in Latvia are required to use meters for fare calculation.'}

Unlicensed Taxis: Some drivers operate without proper licensing, particularly at airports and tourist areas. Avoid by only using official taxi companies with visible company markings and meters, or pre-book through reputable apps. Licensed taxis in Latvia have yellow license plates.

Meter Manipulation: Drivers may claim the meter is broken or take unnecessarily long routes to inflate fares. Avoid by insisting the meter is used from the start, checking that it's set to the correct tariff, and using GPS on your phone to monitor the route. Request a receipt at the end.

Airport Premium Pricing: Some taxis at Riga Airport may quote inflated flat rates instead of using the meter. Avoid by using the official taxi rank, confirming the approximate fare before departure, and ensuring the meter is running. Consider pre-booking a transfer or using ride-hailing apps for transparent pricing.