Riga airport transfers to the Old Town and center
Riga Airport has a straightforward road connection to the city. Bus 22 suits travelers heading toward the Old Town or bus station, while a taxi or booked car is easier with heavy bags or an address farther north. Choose your drop-off around the final walk: cobbled lanes can make a short distance awkward with wheeled luggage.
The airports
- Riga Airport (RIX)
- west of the center, about 15 to 25 minutes by car or 40 minutes by bus
Every way from the airport to Riga
| How | Airport | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| BusBus 22 | RIX | about 40 minutes to the Old Town | The cheapest option for central stays |
| TaxiAirport taxi | RIX | about 15 to 25 minutes in normal traffic | Heavy luggage and direct hotel journeys |
| Private transferPrebooked car transfer | RIX | about 15 to 25 minutes, plus meeting time | Groups or an arranged arrival pickup |
How each one works
Bus: Bus 22
Follow signs from arrivals to the public bus stop and check that the service is heading into Riga. Grēcinieku iela and the bus station are useful central stops. Check current ticket purchase and validation instructions with Rīgas Satiksme before boarding.
Taxi: Airport taxi
Use the signed taxi arrangements outside the terminal and confirm the charging basis before setting off. Show the driver your full accommodation address. Ask about vehicle access if your hotel entrance is on a pedestrian lane.
Private transfer: Prebooked car transfer
Book with a transfer operator or through your accommodation and confirm the meeting point before flying. Keep the driver's contact details available and provide your flight number. Payment arrangements should be stated in the booking confirmation.
Arriving late or leaving early
Check the current bus 22 timetable against your landing time, allowing for baggage collection. If buses have finished, use a taxi or booked car. For an early departure, arrange pickup beforehand and allow extra time for any restricted vehicle access near your accommodation.
Before you land
- Choose your bus stop using the accommodation entrance, as an Old Town address can still involve a walk over cobbles.
- Save the full address on your phone before flying, including any instructions for reaching an apartment courtyard or side entrance.
- Check the operator's current luggage and ticket rules rather than relying on older airport transfer advice.
Riga airport transfers to the Old Town and center
Is there a train from Riga Airport to the center?
Use bus 22 or a road transfer for this journey. Do not plan your arrival around an airport train without checking the airport's official transport information.
Which bus stop is useful for the Old Town?
Grēcinieku iela is useful for the southern Old Town, while the bus station suits the market and station area. Check your accommodation entrance before choosing.
How long does the airport journey take?
Allow about 40 minutes on bus 22 or 15 to 25 minutes by car in normal traffic. Waiting, congestion and the final walk add to those times.
Should I book a transfer for a late arrival?
A booked car can simplify an arrival after bus services finish. Confirm the meeting point, flight monitoring arrangements and what happens if your flight is delayed.