Riga International Airport

Riga International Airport (RIX) is the largest airport in the Baltic states and the primary hub for airBaltic, Latvia's flag carrier. Located 10 km southwest of Riga city center, the airport handled over 7 million passengers in 2024 and serves as a key gateway between Western Europe and the Nordic/Baltic region.

The airport has a single terminal divided into interconnected sectors:

• Sector A: Used primarily for some arrivals
• Sector B (Pier B): Schengen Area departures and arrivals
• Sector C (Pier C): Non-Schengen Area departures and arrivals

The terminal building is a two-storey structure with check-in counters and security on the upper floor, and arrivals on the lower floor. All sectors are connected within the same building, making transfers straightforward. airBaltic dominates operations here with over 60% of seat capacity and a network of approximately 70 destinations, making Riga an efficient connecting hub between Northern Europe, Western Europe, and beyond.

A Rail Baltica station is planned to be integrated into a new passenger terminal by 2029, which will significantly improve ground transportation options.

Riga International Airport is located 10 km southwest of Riga city center. Public transport is limited compared to major Western European airports, but affordable options exist.

Travel time overview:

• Bus No. 22: 35-40 minutes to city center
• Lux Express Shuttle: 25 minutes to city center
• Taxi/Bolt: 15-25 minutes depending on traffic

The airport currently lacks a rail connection, though Rail Baltica will add direct train service by 2029.

Bolt

Bolt is the primary rideshare app in Latvia (Uber does not operate in Riga).

• Pickup location: Short-term parking P1, near terminal exits E and C
• Booking: Via Bolt app or self-service screens at arrivals exits E and C
• Fares to city center: EUR 15-20 (USD 16-22) typical, up to EUR 40 (USD 44) during peak demand
• Wait times: Usually 5-10 minutes

Licensed Taxis

Official airport taxis (XTaxi, TaxiLV, Red Cab) are available outside the terminal.

Destination	Fare	Time
Riga city center	EUR 33.50 (~USD 37) fixed	15-25 min
Riga Old Town	EUR 33.50 (~USD 37) fixed	15-25 min
Jurmala	EUR 45-55 (~USD 49-60)	25-35 min

Tip: Fixed-price taxi vouchers for EUR 33.50 (~USD 37) to the city center can be purchased at the Visitor Centre in the arrivals hall. These are valid only for licensed airport taxis and provide protection against overcharging.

Bus No. 22 (Public Transit)

The main public transit option is Bus No. 22, which connects the airport to Riga city center.

To Riga Center (Abrenes iela):

1. Exit arrivals and walk to the P1 car park (between exits E and C)
2. Board Bus No. 22 at the marked stop
3. Journey time: 35-40 minutes

Ticket Type	Price
Single from driver (card only)	EUR 1.81 (~USD 2)
Single from machine/Narvesen	EUR 1.50 (~USD 1.65)
24-hour pass	EUR 5.00 (~USD 5.50)
3-day pass	EUR 8.00 (~USD 8.80)
5-day pass	EUR 10.00 (~USD 11)

Frequency: Every 10-20 minutes Operating hours: 05:30-23:30

Purchase tickets from ticket machines at the bus stop, Narvesen stores in the terminal, or pay by card on the bus.

Lux Express Shuttle

Lux Express Shuttle operates a premium bus service between the airport and city center.

Detail	Information
Fare	EUR 8 adults (USD 8.80), EUR 6 children (USD 6.60)
Journey time	25 minutes
Frequency	21 trips daily
Stops	Airport, Kipsala, Esplanade (city center), Central Station, Coach Station

The shuttle buses feature WiFi, climate control, luggage compartments, and comfortable seating. Book online at luxexpress.eu for guaranteed seats.

Riga Airport offers short-term and long-term parking options.

Short-Term Parking (P1)

Duration	Price
First 10 minutes	Free
Up to 30 minutes	EUR 2 (~USD 2.20)
Each additional 30 min	EUR 1.50 (~USD 1.65)
Maximum per day	EUR 29 (~USD 32)

P1 is located closest to the terminal, approximately a 1-minute walk.

Long-Term Parking (P2, P3, P4)

Duration	Price
Per day (standard)	EUR 10 (~USD 11)
Per day (RIX Club members)	EUR 6 (~USD 6.60)
Monthly subscription	EUR 85 (~USD 93)

Tips:

• Book online at riga-airport.com for up to 25% discount
• Long-term car parks are 5-7 minute walk to terminal
• Car key storage available for EUR 5/day (~USD 5.50)
• Payment via machines (cash or card) or Mobilly app

Restaurants and cafes are located both landside and airside, with most options in the departures area after security.

Airside (Departures)

• Buffet Caffe: Latvian and international buffet options, fresh local cuisine
• Coffee shops: Various cafes serving pastries and light meals
• Pizza outlet: Quick-service Italian
• Bars: Options for drinks and light snacks

Landside (Arrivals/Check-in)

• Narvesen: Convenience store with sandwiches, snacks, and drinks (multiple locations)
• Cafe options: Limited selection before security

Budget tip: Airport prices are moderate by European standards. Expect EUR 10-15 (~USD 11-16) for a meal. Narvesen stores offer cheaper grab-and-go options.

Water: Complimentary drinking water dispensers are located in several locations after security.

Operating hours: No 24-hour food options; most restaurants operate from early morning until the last flight.

Free WiFi is available throughout Riga Airport.

Detail	Information
Network name	Riga Airport Free WiFi
Time limit	Unlimited
Speed	Good for browsing and basic tasks
Registration	May require acceptance of terms

Faster connections are available in the Primeclass Business Lounge.

SIM cards from major Latvian carriers are available at the airport.

Where to Buy

• Narvesen stores: Multiple locations in arrivals and departures (Arrivals Hall, near exits E and C, departures area)
• RIX Duty-Free Shop: Near arrivals, open 24/7

Carriers and Pricing

Provider	Price	Data
LMT (best coverage)	EUR 1-25 (~USD 1-27)	Plans vary, up to unlimited
Tele2 (Zelta Zivtina)	EUR 1.50-5 (~USD 1.65-5.50)	7-day unlimited from EUR 5

Tips:

• LMT has the best coverage in Latvia
• All Latvian SIM cards include EU roaming
• Prices are slightly higher at the airport than in city stores
• eSIM activation is possible using the airport WiFi

ATMs

ATMs are located in both the public and passenger zones:

• Departures sector E (public zone)
• Arrivals sector C (public zone)
• Passenger zone at sectors E and C

Operating hours adapt to the flight schedule.

Currency

• Latvia: Euro (EUR)
• No exchange needed for Eurozone travelers

Currency Exchange

Eurex Capital currency exchange offices are located before and after security.

Better alternatives:

• Latvia is highly card-friendly; contactless payments accepted widely
• Withdraw euros from ATMs if cash is needed
• Use Wise or Revolut for non-Euro travelers
• Avoid ATM "dynamic currency conversion" - always choose to be charged in euros

Warning: Airport exchange rates include significant markups. Exchange only minimal amounts if necessary.

Riga Airport offers duty-free shopping and local Latvian products.

ATU Duty Free

ATU Duty Free operates 16 stores covering nearly 2,000 sqm at the airport.

• Location: After passport control in departures
• Hours: Opens 1 hour before first flight, closes after last flight
• Products: Perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco, confectionery, souvenirs

Latvian Specialties

• Roots of Latvia: Dedicated store for local products, crafts, and food items
• Riga Black Balsam: Traditional Latvian herbal liqueur (popular souvenir)
• Laima chocolates: Iconic Latvian chocolate brand
• Amber jewelry: Baltic amber products

Services

• Order & Collect: Pre-order online at atudutyfree.lv at least 24 hours before your flight
• Shop & Collect: Purchase in-store and have items sent to an Omniva parcel machine

Note: Duty-free shopping to non-EU destinations only. Arriving passengers shop at regular tax-paid rates.

Riga Airport has one main lounge serving as the contract lounge for most airlines.

Primeclass Business Lounge

The Primeclass Business Lounge is the primary lounge at RIX, located in the Schengen area near gate B1.

Detail	Information
Location	Schengen departures, upstairs near gate B1
Hours	05:00-23:00 daily
Day pass	EUR 55 (~USD 60)

Access methods:

• Priority Pass: Accepted
• LoungeKey: Accepted
• DragonPass: Accepted
• Airline business class: airBaltic, Finnair, Turkish Airlines, and others
• Credit cards: Various premium cards with lounge access

Amenities:

• Hot and cold food buffet (soup of the day, salads, snacks)
• Full bar with spirits, wine, beer
• WiFi (60+ Mbps)
• Workstations
• Showers (additional charge)
• Sleeping pods/suites (additional charge)
• Conference room (8-10 people)

Quality notes: The lounge is decent by Priority Pass standards, with reliable food and drink options. Can get busy during peak periods. Note that gate B1 is separated from other B gates, so allow 10+ minutes to reach gates B2, B3, and beyond.

Sleeping Options

Primeclass offers sleeping pods and suites for rest at an additional cost, useful for early departures or long layovers.

Hotels near Riga Airport are limited, but the city center is only 15-25 minutes away with numerous options.

Near the Airport

• Hampton by Hilton Riga Airport: Closest option, excellent reviews, modern amenities

City Center Hotels (15-25 min)

Most travelers stay in Riga Old Town or city center given the short transfer time:

• Radisson Hotel Old Town Riga: Historic center location
• Park Inn by Radisson Riga Valdemara: Near Old Town, river views
• Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel: Central location with airport shuttle

Tip: Given the short journey to the city center, staying in Riga Old Town provides more dining, sightseeing, and atmosphere options than airport hotels.

Riga is a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture, well-preserved medieval Old Town, and vibrant cultural scene. The city center is just 20-30 minutes from the airport.

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time	Route
Riga Old Town	25-35 min	Bus 22 or taxi
Central Market	30-40 min	Bus 22 to Abrenes iela + walk
Art Nouveau District	25-35 min	Bus 22 or taxi
Freedom Monument	25-35 min	Bus 22 to city center

Top Attractions

• Riga Old Town (Vecriga): UNESCO World Heritage Site with medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and Gothic spires
• House of the Blackheads: Stunning Gothic building in Town Hall Square, originally built in 1334
• St. Peter's Church: 123-meter steeple with panoramic views of the city
• Art Nouveau District: World's largest collection of Art Nouveau buildings, especially on Alberta Street
• Riga Central Market: Europe's largest indoor market, housed in old German zeppelin hangars
• Freedom Monument: 42-meter monument symbolizing Latvian independence

Hidden Gems

• Cat House: Medieval building with sculptures of angry black cats on the roof
• Bremen Town Musicians: Sculpture based on the Brothers Grimm tale (rub the noses for good luck)
• Three Brothers: Trio of medieval houses representing different architectural periods

Layover Recommendations

• 4-hour layover: Stay at airport, visit Primeclass Lounge, shop for Latvian souvenirs
• 6-hour layover: Quick taxi to Old Town, walk Town Hall Square, see House of Blackheads
• 8+ hour layover: Add Central Market, Art Nouveau district walk, lunch in Old Town
• Full day: Complete Old Town exploration plus St. Peter's tower, Central Market, and Art Nouveau district

Day Trips from Riga

• Jurmala: 30 min by train, Baltic Sea beach resort town with wooden Art Nouveau villas
• Sigulda: 1 hour by train, "Switzerland of Latvia" with castles and nature trails
• Rundale Palace: 1 hour by car, baroque palace often called "the Versailles of the Baltics"

Practical Tips

• Riga was voted the second "most walkable city in the world" in 2024
• Old Town is largely car-free, excellent for walking
• Most locals speak English, especially in tourist areas
• Tipping: Not mandatory, 10% appreciated for good service
• Budget-friendly destination compared to Western European capitals

Latvian Specialties to Try

• Riga Black Balsam: Traditional herbal liqueur (44% ABV)
• Grey peas with bacon: National dish
• Sklandrausis: Traditional carrot and potato tart
• Rupjmaize: Dark rye bread
• Kvass: Fermented rye bread drink
• Laima chocolates: Iconic Latvian sweets