Getting around
Very high
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: rigassatiksme.lv, liveriga.com
Overall9.6/10Among the 5% easiest cities to get around
Good to know
Good to Know
- Riga's Old Town is pedestrian-only with cobblestone streets—wear sturdy footwear and avoid heels.
- Use the Mobilly or Rīgas Satiksme apps to buy public transport tickets instantly—very convenient for short stays.
- Bolt is the reliable local rideshare app; Uber is not available in Latvia.
- Avoid unlicensed taxis in Old Town. Legal taxis display a yellow license plate and rooftop TAXI sign with a running meter.
- Car rental is best for day trips to surrounding areas like Jūrmala and Gauja National Park; public parking in the city center is pricey.
- Biking and e-scooters are popular ways to explore areas outside the historic center.
- Bus #22 runs from the airport to city center every 10–30 minutes and costs €2; it's the most affordable transport from the airport.
Car Rental
- Best Booking Time
- Book 4 weeks in advance for better rates; cheapest months are January–March and November
- Average Daily Cost
- €40
- City Center Note
- Parking is limited and expensive in the historic city center. Car rental recommended primarily for day trips outside the city.
Typical Prices
Economy/Small
- Range
- $11–60/day USD
- Average Daily
- €24
Medium
- Range
- $36–52/day USD
- Average Daily
- €44
Public Transit
- Operating Hours
- 05:30 to 23:30 daily (with limited night bus service on weekends/public holidays in summer)
- Payment Methods
- Mobile apps (Mobilly, Rīgas Satiksme), ticket vending machines, kiosks, payment cards. Bus #22 from airport only accepts bank card payment.
- Reliability Note
- Public transport is reliable and affordable, operating throughout the city.
Fares
90-minute Ticket
- 90 Minute Ticket
- €1.50
Monthly Ticket
- Monthly Ticket
- €30
Airport Bus #22
- Airport Bus #22
- €2.00
Modes
- Bus
- Tram
- Trolleybus
Bike Rental
- Price Range
- €3–15+ per day depending on provider
- Availability
- Multiple rental companies throughout the city, including in Old Town
- Average Daily Cost
- €8.00
- Notes
- Bicycles include helmet, lock, and map with cycle routes. No driver's license required.
Walkability
- Overall Assessment
- Riga is the second most walkable city in the world, with a pedestrian-friendly design that makes it ideal for exploring on foot.
- Getting Around Tier
- Very high
- Getting Around Tier Rationale
- Riga's compact, pedestrian-friendly Old Town combined with its reputation as one of the world's most walkable cities suggests residents can easily get around without a car, likely supplemented by robust public transit typical of European capitals.
- Practical Notes
- Cobblestone streets in the Old Town require sturdy footwear. While the city center is highly walkable, some attractions like the Latvia National Library are further away and require alternative transportation.
Key Strengths
- UNESCO World Heritage Old Town with pedestrian-only streets and narrow cobblestone lanes
- Well-maintained sidewalks and scenic walking routes throughout the city
- Most major attractions (Riga Cathedral, Central Market, House of Black Heads, Bastejkalna Park, Vērmanes Garden) within 1.5 miles of each other
- Easy to explore the historic center in a couple of days on foot
Scooter Rental
Motor Scooter
- Price Range
- €5–40+ per day
- Average Daily Cost
- €34
- Notes
- Rental includes helmet, lock, and insurance. License requirements vary by engine capacity.
Electric Scooter
- Status
- Available through rental companies
- Details
- Used by locals and tourists for short trips within the city
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this walkability & transport research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Riga
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.