How to get from Riga Airport to the city center – step by step instructions, prices 2021
Riga looks like a real metropolis, where life does not stop even for a second. It is not surprising that many people come here to replenish the treasury of their tourist adventures. The city at the same time is very reminiscent of neighboring settlements, but at the same time it has many unique, inimitable features that make it one of the oldest and most mysterious capitals of the Baltic States.
How to get to the center
The Latvian capital often becomes not only a place of pilgrimage for tourists, but also a place where passengers of flights make transfers to planes of other carriers in order to travel further. Sometimes there is a many-hour pause between flights, which can be used to good use and go on an excursion to the central part of the Latvian capital. For those who enter the country for the first time, it may be difficult to choose a route and a way to travel. We note right away that there is nothing complicated about this, and if you wish, you can find yourself in the historical part of the city in some half an hour from the moment you leave the airport hall.
Of course, you don't have to go to the center, but then your cultural and entertainment program will be limited to a couple of small souvenir shops and boutiques that operate in the area of the runway. But, believe our experience, you will quickly get tired of this walk, and the prices for goods here are an order of magnitude higher than in the center of Riga. As additional bonuses from a trip to the heart of the capital, you will get new impressions from getting to know the beautiful architecture, a lot of sights and you will definitely return to the airport, although tired, but happy and with a full bag of purchases.
So, if you are determined to visit the Old City, you have to decide on the best way to get there. There are several types of transport with which you can realize your idea. Everyone chooses the type of transport that corresponds to his financial capabilities, and also depending on the time that the tourist has.
shuttle bus
A great alternative is the shuttle bus, which can take you to your destination for only 1.15 euros. But this is provided that you purchase a ticket at the box office, which is easy to find. It is located at the exit from the airport hall.
Fare payment
Since Latvia is considered a developed and modern country in Europe, you will have several options for paying for travel. You can use your credit card that works in the country or pay in cash. If you do not want to stand in line for a ticket, you can pay for the fare directly in the bus at the entrance. The driver will give you a ticket in the form of a paper card with a chip, but will charge you as much as 2 euros! Here are the prices for services.
If you decide to choose this type of public transport, then look for bus number 22 or minibus 222. The trip to the center of the capital will take about 30 minutes, and you will not notice how you will walk through the quiet and beautiful streets of Riga. We recommend that you immediately purchase a ticket in the opposite direction, because why overpay on the bus for travel or look for a ticket office in the center if you can secure travel in both directions in an instant. By the way, the tickets themselves, which look like a card with a built-in chip, can be used several times. Depending on how many trips you plan to make, you should purchase this type of travel document. Verification of the right to use transport occurs with the help of a special scanner, which is installed in the bus or minibus.
Where is the stop
To make it easier for you to find the right bus or minibus, remember that the stop is located just opposite the exit from the airport hall, right next to the parking lot for private cars. Please note: to get to the center of Riga, you need to follow the route Lidosta Riga – Greciniekuiela. Buses and minibuses leave from the “air gates” of Latvia every 15 minutes, so do not despair if you did not manage to take a seat in the cabin on time. Well, for those who are used to planning their time down to minutes, we advise you to pay attention to a special website that contains all the information regarding the time of departure, arrival, fare.
When you are in the center, we advise you to book one of the following stops: 11 Novembra Krastmala, the first one after you cross the bridge over the river, or go straight to the bus station. Do not forget to check the schedule of buses that run in the opposite direction, so as not to be late for check-in for the plane. We hope that the information provided by us will be useful for those tourists who want to see the sights of Riga and who have only a few hours at their disposal. Good luck with your travels and fair winds!
A little about the capital
Riga boasts not only an impressive set of antiquities that appear before us from time immemorial in the form of ancient fortresses, religious buildings and cathedrals. Residents were able to successfully combine both the modern lifestyle and at the same time preserve historical monuments. And to make the city look even more beautiful, “green islands” in the form of squares and parks are scattered everywhere. The city is famous for its attractions and shopping. People come here from all over the world to personally evaluate the famous Riga balsam, taste the delicious chocolate of a local company, and also purchase knitwear and amber products. Numerous shops and shops will become a favorite place for every tourist who finds himself in these parts.