How to get from Riga Airport to the city centre
Riga International Airport (RIX) is Latvia’s main international airport and one of the busiest aviation hubs in the Baltic region. It is located in Mārupe Municipality, approximately 10 km south-west of central Riga. You can get from Riga Airport to the city centre by Bus 22, taxi, Bolt, private transfer or car sharing. The journey normally takes between 15 and 40 minutes, depending on your choice of transport and traffic.
For most travellers, Bus 22 is the best-value option and provides a direct connection between Riga Airport and the city centre, including stops convenient for Riga Old Town. A taxi or Bolt is considerably faster and is the easiest option with luggage or after the last bus has departed.
Riga Airport to city centre at a glance:
- Bus 22: €1.50; about 30–35 minutes to Riga Old Town.
- Bolt: typically €12–20; about 15–25 minutes.
- Airport taxi: typically €20–30; about 15–25 minutes.
- Private transfer: about 15–25 minutes; price depends on the operator.
- Car sharing: price depends on the operator, journey time and any airport fee.
Which option should you choose?
- ✅ Cheapest: take Bus 22 towards central Riga.
- ✅ Best for Riga Old Town: Bus 22 has stops within easy walking distance of the Old Town.
- ✅ Best with luggage: take a taxi or book Bolt through the app.
- ✅ For a late-night arrival: use a taxi, Bolt or a pre-booked transfer after Bus 22 stops running.
- ✅ Travelling beyond Riga: consider hiring a car if you plan to explore other parts of Latvia.
Riga Airport transport options compared
| Transport | Typical fare | Journey time | Availability | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 22 | €1.50 | 30–35 min to Old Town | Early morning to around midnight | Budget travel |
| Bolt | €12–20* | 15–25 min | 24 hours, subject to availability | Convenience and luggage |
| Airport taxi | €20–30* | 15–25 min | Subject to availability | Travelling without an app |
| Private transfer | Varies by operator | 15–25 min | Pre-booked | Families, groups and heavy luggage |
| Car sharing | App rate + possible airport fee | 15–25 min | Subject to vehicle availability | Registered car-sharing users |
| Car hire | Varies by date and vehicle | 15–25 min to the centre | According to rental office hours | Trips outside Riga |
* Taxi and ride-hailing prices are approximate and can vary according to demand, traffic and the service selected.
Bus 22 from Riga Airport to the city centre
Bus 22 is the main public transport connection between Riga Airport and central Riga. The route, Lidosta Rīga – Abrenes iela, runs from the airport through Pārdaugava, crosses the River Daugava and continues into the city centre. There is no railway station or metro at Riga Airport, so Bus 22 is the only direct conventional public transport route between the airport and central Riga.
Where to catch Bus 22 at Riga Airport
The Bus 22 stop, Lidosta Rīga, is located opposite the arrivals exit, beyond car park P1. Follow the public transport signs after leaving the terminal. The bus takes approximately 30–35 minutes to reach the stops closest to Riga Old Town. Traffic can make the journey longer, particularly during busy periods.
Best Bus 22 stops for Riga Old Town
If you are travelling from Riga Airport to the Old Town (Vecrīga), useful stops include 11. novembra krastmala and Grēcinieku iela. Both provide convenient access to the historic centre on foot. The 13. janvāra iela stop is useful for Riga International Bus Station, Riga Central Market and connections towards Riga Central railway station. Choosing the right stop before you travel can save you from walking across the centre with luggage, so check your accommodation on a map and compare it with the current Bus 22 route.
Bus 22 timetable
Bus 22 normally operates from early morning until around midnight, with services approximately every 10–20 minutes during much of the day. The first and last departures vary by day of the week, and schedules can change on weekends and public holidays. Check the current Bus 22 timetable on the Rīgas satiksme official website before travelling, particularly if your flight arrives early in the morning or late in the evening.
Bus 22 tickets and fare
A 90-minute public transport ticket costs €1.50 and can be used for transfers to other Rīgas satiksme services during its validity period. Tickets are available from ticket machines, Narvesen shops and mobile apps including Mobilly and Rīgas satiksme. Register your ticket after boarding and validate it again when changing to another service. Cash payments to the driver are not available.
Riga Airport to the Old Town
Riga Old Town, known locally as Vecrīga, is one of the most common destinations for visitors arriving at RIX. Bus 22 is the cheapest way to travel from Riga Airport to the Old Town. Depending on where your hotel is located, get off at 11. novembra krastmala or Grēcinieku iela and continue on foot. The bus journey normally takes around 30–35 minutes. A taxi or Bolt is faster and provides a direct door-to-door journey, which may be more convenient if you have heavy luggage or your accommodation is not close to a Bus 22 stop.
Taxi from Riga Airport to the city centre
Taxis are available outside the arrivals area at Riga Airport and are particularly useful for travellers with luggage, families with children or passengers arriving after public transport has stopped running. A taxi journey from Riga Airport to central Riga or the Old Town normally takes around 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic. A ride from the airport taxi rank typically costs around €20–30. Before starting your journey, check the applicable fare and make sure the driver accepts your preferred method of payment. Using the official taxi facilities at the airport is preferable to accepting unsolicited offers.
Bolt from Riga Airport
Bolt operates in Riga and is a popular alternative to a conventional airport taxi. The app displays the estimated price before you confirm the journey and provides the driver and pick-up details. A Bolt ride from Riga Airport to the city centre typically costs around €12–20 and takes approximately 15–25 minutes. Prices are dynamic, so the fare can be higher at busy times or when demand exceeds the number of available cars. After booking, follow the pick-up location shown in the Bolt app. Airport pick-up arrangements can change, so the current instructions in the app are more reliable than older online directions.
Private transfer from Riga Airport
A pre-booked Riga Airport transfer can be convenient if you prefer to have a driver waiting when your flight arrives. The driver normally meets passengers in the arrivals area and takes them directly to their accommodation. Private transfers are particularly useful for families, larger groups and passengers travelling with several bags. The price depends on the company, vehicle and destination and is normally confirmed when you make the booking.
How to get from Riga Airport at night
Bus 22 does not operate throughout the night. If your flight arrives after the final bus has departed, the most straightforward options are a taxi, Bolt or a pre-booked private transfer. Check the last Bus 22 departure for your arrival date rather than relying on a fixed time, as the timetable varies by day. If your flight is delayed and you miss the final service, a taxi or ride-hailing service is usually the simplest way to reach central Riga.
Is there a train or metro at Riga Airport?
No. Riga Airport does not currently have a railway station or metro connection. For public transport to central Riga, use Bus 22. If you need to continue your journey by train, Bus 22 can take you towards the city centre, from where Riga Central railway station can be reached on foot or by connecting public transport.
Car sharing at Riga Airport
Car-sharing services such as Bolt Drive and CityBee operate in Riga and can provide an alternative to a taxi or conventional car hire. Availability and airport rules can change, so check the relevant app before travelling. In particular, confirm that vehicles are available at the airport, where the rental can be started or ended, and whether an additional airport fee applies.
Car hire at Riga Airport
Hiring a car at Riga Airport is most useful if you plan to explore destinations outside the Latvian capital, such as Jūrmala, Sigulda, Kuldīga or the Baltic coast. International and local car hire companies operate at Riga Airport. Rates depend on travel dates, vehicle category, insurance and booking conditions, so booking in advance is usually preferable if you need a particular type of car. For a city break focused on central Riga, a car is usually unnecessary. Much of the Old Town is pedestrianised, while parking in central areas can be expensive.
Riga International Airport: address and details
- Official name: Riga International Airport
- IATA code: RIX
- ICAO code: EVRA
- Address: Lidosta “Rīga” 10/1, Mārupes novads, LV-1053, Latvia
- Official website: riga-airport.com
Riga Airport map
Riga International Airport (RIX) is located in Mārupe Municipality, approximately 10 km south-west of central Riga. The map below shows the airport in relation to the city centre and Riga Old Town.
Useful tips for arriving at Riga Airport
- Latvia uses the euro (€). Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, so you will not normally need cash immediately after arriving at the airport.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at Riga Airport and can be useful for checking the Bus 22 timetable or booking a Bolt after landing.
- Bus 22 schedules can vary on weekends and public holidays. Check the current timetable before travelling, especially for early-morning and late-evening journeys.
- If you are staying in Riga Old Town, check the location of your accommodation before choosing a bus stop. Getting off at the right stop can considerably reduce the distance you need to walk with luggage.
