Riga is Latvia’s vibrant capital — the largest city in the Baltic states and a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. Art Nouveau architecture meets medieval Hanseatic history, with a thriving café culture and dynamic nightlife. But Latvia offers more than its capital. The Baltic coast stretches west to Jurmala’s beaches, south to the dunes of Pape, and north towards Estonia. The Gauja National Park lies just an hour away. Cheap car hire in Riga unlocks all of this, with prices starting from just €15/day.
Why Rent a Car in Riga?
Riga’s old town is compact and walkable, and public transport covers the city efficiently. So why rent a car?
Explore the Baltic coast. Jurmala is just 25 kilometres away — a 30-minute drive. But without a car, you’re tied to train schedules and limited luggage space. With a car, you can explore the entire coastline at your own pace.
Discover Latvia’s natural beauty. Gauja National Park, Sigulda Castle, the medieval ruins of Turaida — these require a car or expensive organised tours. Public transport exists but limits your flexibility.
Day trips to neighbouring countries. Tallinn is 4 hours north by car. Vilnius is 4 hours south. The Estonian border is just 2 hours away. A car opens up the entire Baltic region.
Car Hire Locations in Riga
Riga International Airport (RIX)
The airport sits 10 kilometres southwest of the city centre. All major car hire brands operate here — Sixt, Budget, Europcar, and local providers. The desks are in the arrivals hall, and the car park is a short walk from the terminal.
Driving from the airport to the city centre takes 20-25 minutes. Follow the E22 towards the centre. The route is straightforward and well-signed.
Riga City Centre
Several rental offices are located in the city centre, particularly around the railway station and old town. If you’re spending a few days in Riga before exploring beyond, city centre pickup saves the airport journey.
Bus Station and Ferry Terminal
If you’re arriving by bus from Lithuania or Estonia, or by ferry from Stockholm, the central bus station and ferry terminal area have rental desks nearby. This works well for continuing your Baltic journey by car.
Best Budget Cars Available in Riga
Economy cars (€15-22/day) — The Toyota Yaris, Volkswagen Polo, or similar are perfect for city trips and short excursions. Easy to park in Riga’s compact old town outskirts, economical on fuel, and comfortable for two passengers with luggage.
Compact cars (€20-32/day) — A Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf offers more space for families and better comfort on longer drives to the coast or national parks.
Family cars (€28-45/day) — The Volkswagen Passat or similar provides space for five passengers and luggage. Worth considering if you’re planning a week-long Baltic road trip.
SUVs (€35-60/day) — Useful in winter (December-February) when snow and ice are common. Most compact cars handle Latvian roads fine in summer, but winter conditions favour higher ground clearance.
Day Trips from Riga by Car
Jurmala (25 km, 30 minutes) — Latvia’s premier beach resort. Miles of white sand beaches, historic wooden villas, and a charming promenade. The train runs regularly, but a car lets you explore the full 32-kilometre coastline.
Sigulda and Gauja National Park (50 km, 1 hour) — Known as “Little Switzerland” for its dramatic river valley. Turaida Castle, Gutmanis Cave, and scenic cable car rides. A day trip by car gives you the freedom to hike and explore at your own pace.
Cesis (90 km, 1.5 hours) — A beautiful medieval town within Gauja National Park. Cobblestone streets, a 13th-century castle, and traditional Latvian architecture. Combine with Sigulda for a full day.
Bauska and Rundale Palace (70 km, 1 hour) — The “Versailles of Latvia.” A stunning Baroque palace with magnificent gardens. A car makes this easy — public transport requires connections and time.
Tallinn, Estonia (310 km, 4 hours) — A longer journey, but a rewarding one. The drive along the Baltic coast is scenic, and you arrive in Estonia’s beautiful capital with your own transport.
Driving in Latvia — What to Expect
Road quality: Main roads between Riga, Jurmala, and major towns are excellent. Secondary roads can be narrower but are generally well-maintained.
Speed limits: 50 km/h in cities, 90 km/h on open roads, 110-120 km/h on motorways (in summer). Winter limits may be lower.
Winter driving: From December to February, snow and ice are common. Winter tyres are mandatory from December 1 to March 1. If you’re renting during these months, confirm your car has winter tyres fitted.
Parking: Riga’s old town has restricted parking. Use the underground car parks on the outskirts or book accommodation with parking. Street parking outside the centre is generally affordable.
Traffic: Riga is less congested than Western European capitals, but morning and evening rush hours (8-9am, 5-6pm) see heavier traffic.
Requirements for Renting a Car in Riga
- Age: Minimum 21 years for most vehicles. Drivers under 25 may pay a young driver surcharge.
- Driving licence: A full licence held for at least 1 year. EU/EEA licences are accepted directly; others need an International Driving Permit.
- Credit card: Required for the security deposit. Debit cards are sometimes accepted but less common.
- Insurance: Basic coverage is included. Consider additional insurance for longer trips or cross-border travel.
Cross-Border Travel from Riga
Most rental agreements allow travel to Estonia and Lithuania without additional fees. This opens up the full Baltic region:
- Tallinn, Estonia: 4 hours north on the E67
- Vilnius, Lithuania: 4 hours south on the E67
- Pärnu, Estonia: 2.5 hours — Estonia’s summer capital
- Siauliai and the Hill of Crosses, Lithuania: 2 hours south
Always confirm cross-border permissions when booking. Some providers restrict travel to non-EU countries (Belarus and Russia).
Best Time to Visit Riga
Summer (June-August) offers the best weather, with long days (18+ hours of daylight in midsummer) and warm temperatures. This is peak tourist season, so car hire prices are higher.
Spring and autumn (April-May, September-October) are quieter and cheaper. The weather is mild, and the crowds are thinner. Perfect for city breaks and short driving trips.
Winter (December-February) transforms Latvia into a winter wonderland. Riga’s Christmas market is magical. Car hire is cheapest, but winter driving requires extra care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to drive in Latvia?
Yes. Latvian roads are generally good, and traffic is lighter than in Western Europe. The main challenge is winter driving — snow and ice require caution and winter tyres.
Can I drive from Riga to Tallinn?
Yes, the E67 (Via Baltica) connects Riga to Tallinn in about 4 hours. The road is excellent and the drive scenic, passing through coastal towns and forests.
Do I need winter tyres in Latvia?
Yes, from December 1 to March 1, winter tyres are mandatory. Most rental companies automatically fit them during winter months. Confirm this when booking.
Is parking difficult in Riga?
The old town has restricted parking. Use underground car parks or Park & Ride facilities. Outside the old town, street parking is generally available and affordable.
Can I take my rental car to Russia or Belarus?
Most rental agreements prohibit travel to non-EU countries. Check your specific terms. Travel to Estonia and Lithuania is usually permitted without additional fees.
Explore More of the Baltics by Car
- Car Hire Tallinn — Estonia’s beautiful medieval capital
- Car Hire Vilnius — Lithuania’s baroque jewel
- Car Hire in Lithuania — complete guide to driving across the country
- Car Hire in Estonia — explore the Baltic coast
Compare cheap car hire in Riga with 365 Car Hire. We search multiple providers to find you the best rates. Economy cars from €15/day. Free cancellation on most bookings. No hidden fees. Explore Latvia and the Baltic region at your own pace.