Getting Around
Public Transport
Riga’s Transport Information Authority (tel: 738 2645; website: www.ttp.lv) provides cheap and plentiful public transport, with buses, trams and trolley buses operating 0530-2400. In addition, some routes have an hourly night service. Each mode of transport requires a separate ticket, which can only be brought from the on-board conductor (Konduktor). There is a flat fee of Ls0.20 for each journey. Routes are displayed on the Riga City Map available from most city kiosks.Comfortable mikroautobus and taksobuss operate 0900-2400 and cost Ls0.10-Ls0.20, depending on the route taken.Suburban electric commuter trains run to Skulte, Aizkraukle, Jelgava, Dubulti, Kemeri, Lielvarde, Ogre, Salaspils, Saulkrasti, Sloka and Tukums (0500-2300). The fare is Ls0.40-Ls1.05, depending on the distance travelled.
A one-month bus pass costs Ls11.70 or Ls5.50 for one route. A one-month trolley bus/tram pass costs Ls11.70. Passes are available from post offices and most city kiosks. The Riga Card (see Sightseeing) gives visitors free use of trolley buses, buses and trams.
Taxis
Taxis can be hailed on the street or pre-booked by telephone. Riga Taxi (tel: 800 1313, toll free) and Bona (tel: 800 5050, toll free) are both reputable companies. Whenever possible, visitors should only use the official metered taxis. The meter rate is Ls0.30 per kilometre, rising to Ls0.40 per kilometre 2200-0600. When taking non-metered taxis, it is essential to agree the fare in advance. A tip of 10% is generally expected and appreciated.
Limousines
The major car hire companies (see Car Hire) provide limousine services. Rates start at Ls150 per day. The average fare from the airport is Ls25.
Driving in the City
Riga has a reasonable network of well-maintained roads. However, driving in the city can be a frightening experience, as other road users are generally aggressive and fast, erratic driving is common – or, even worse, some locals choose to flaunt Latvia’s stringent drink-driving laws. Defensive driving, quick reactions and nerves of steel are essential.
Car parks that are open 24 hours are identifiable by the Autostavieta sign. A central car park can be found at Pragas 2, opposite the bus station. Rates are Ls0.30-Ls1 per hour.
Car Hire
A valid International Driving Permit, national licence and passport are required to hire a car in Riga. There is a minimum age of 21 years. This can be raised to 23 or 25 years, with two years’ minimum driving experience, depending on the hire company and car model. Third-party insurance is compulsory.
Major providers include Avis (tel: 720 7353; website: www.avis.com), Europcar (tel: 721 2652; website: www.europcar.com) and Hertz (tel: 720 7980; website: www.hertz.com). Hire of a standard saloon car costs from Ls30 per day or Ls150 per week.
Bicycle Hire
Gandrs, Kalncienna 28 (tel: 761 4775), hires bicycles for Ls5 per day.
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