Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Riga
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Riga
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Riga
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Riga
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Riga is a city with a blend of modern and historic attractions. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides greater flexibility and convenience, especially if you plan on exploring areas outside of the city centre.
Explore Jurmala Beach. Located a short drive from Riga, Jurmala offers beautiful sandy beaches and spa resorts. A rental car makes it easy to reach and enjoy this coastal destination at your own pace.
Discover Gauja National Park. With a rental car, you can venture into Gauja National Park, known for its stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and medieval castles like Turaida Castle.
Visit Rundale Palace. This baroque palace, often referred to as the 'Versailles of Latvia,' is located approximately an hour's drive from Riga. A car allows for a convenient day trip to explore its grandeur and gardens.
Before renting a car in Riga, ensure you meet the age requirements (typically 21+), have a valid driver's licence, and understand local regulations. Be aware of insurance options, deposit policies, mileage limits, and potential extra fees.
Area
253.07 square kilometres (97.71 square miles)
Population
Approximately 605,228 residents
Time Zone
Eastern European Time (EET), GMT+2
Ideal for
Weekend trips
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Riga require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may impose additional surcharges for drivers under the age of 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is necessary. Visitors from outside the EU may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in Latin characters. A passport is also generally required.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but you can opt for additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit will be held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck whether the rental includes unlimited mileage or if there are restrictions. Fuel policies often require you to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExpect extra charges for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons such as GPS navigation systems and child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £16 / $20 / €19 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 per day
Executive:
from £25 / $31 / €30 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $36 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £16 / $20 / €19 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Peak season (June to August): Expect higher demand and prices, increasing by 20-30% during the summer months.
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available, providing budget-friendly rental options.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Compare prices, select the right car, and carefully review the rental terms to avoid unexpected issues. Booking early is beneficial, especially during peak seasons. Remember to bring your licence, credit card, and identification when picking up the car.
1. Compare Prices - Utilise car rental comparison websites to discover the best deals that match your travel dates and car preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, whether you're looking for an economy car for city driving or an SUV for longer journeys.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the mileage limits, insurance coverage options, and deposit requirements to prevent any surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and a wider selection of vehicles by booking your rental car well in advance, particularly during the peak travel season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - When collecting your rental car, remember to bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and a valid form of identification.
Riga is a blend of historic charm and modern culture, ideal for sightseeing and exploring beyond the city. Understanding local traffic rules, parking regulations, and fuel availability is essential for a smooth driving experience.
As the capital of Latvia, Riga boasts a rich history and vibrant culture. The city offers a mix of medieval architecture, art nouveau buildings, and modern attractions. While Riga has a comprehensive public transport system, renting a car is advantageous for exploring nearby regions. Driving in Riga requires awareness of local traffic laws, especially in the city centre, where you'll encounter narrower streets and occasional congestion.
Top Attractions to Discover
Old Town Riga
A UNESCO World Heritage site with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and charming squares.
Art Nouveau District
Explore Alberta Street and Elizabetes Street, famous for their stunning art nouveau architecture.
Central Market
One of Europe's largest and oldest markets, offering a variety of local products and food.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages operated by companies like EuroPark or AParking for secure options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but these can be limited, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the city and utilise public transport to reach the city centre.
Gas Stations in Riga
Major Brands
Look for Statoil (Circle K), Neste, and Lukoil stations throughout Riga and on major roads.
Availability
Gas stations are generally easy to find, especially along the main roads and highways.
Payment
Most gas stations accept both card and cash payments.
Useful Tips for Visiting Riga
Use Public Transport
Riga offers a good public transportation network, including buses, trams, and trolleybuses, making it easy to get around the city.
Watch for Trams
Be cautious of trams, especially in the city centre, as they have the right-of-way.
Plan for Traffic
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM) to minimise traffic delays.
Learn Basic Phrases
Knowing a few basic Latvian phrases can enhance your experience and make communication easier.
Major Bus Stations
Riga International Bus Terminal
Located near the central train station, it serves both local and international routes.
Railway Stations
Riga Central Station
The main railway station, providing connections to various cities within Latvia and international destinations.
Airports
Riga International Airport (RIX)
Located approximately 13 kilometres (8 miles) southwest of Riga, serving numerous European and international destinations.
Renting a car in Latvia is a straightforward process. Here's what you’ll need to present at the rental counter
If you're from an EU country, your standard licence is sufficient. Non-EU residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national licence.
Most companies require renters to be at least 21 years old, with some charging extra for drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit. Credit cards are often preferred.
A passport or other form of official identification is usually required, especially for international renters.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Riga as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Summer in Riga was magical! Exploring with a car was effortless; the old town was breathtaking.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 22.07.2025
Riga charmed me! Getting around with a rental was a breeze; the architecture is stunning.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 20.02.2025
Riga was efficient for my business trip. Having a car helped, though the hotel breakfast was a bit bland.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 05.06.2025
Chill vibe, okay.
Olivia Brown
Reviewed: 24.04.2025
Pretty chill, overall.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 13.07.2025
Back in Riga after ages! Having a car was helpful, though the city centre felt a bit crowded. Still beautiful though.
Eleanor Hart
Reviewed: 22.10.2024
Riga's summer beauty was unforgettable! Having a car made exploring so convenient. Highly recommend.
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 14.04.2025
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Isabelle Clark
Reviewed: 17.09.2024
Riga surprised me! It was so easy to get around and explore everything I wanted to see. I loved the architecture and the charming atmosphere. Definitely recommend!
Katherine Lee
Reviewed: 27.08.2024
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Riga was a fantastic spontaneous weekend getaway! Having a car made exploring so easy. Beautiful city, highly recommend!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 14.06.2025