srpski (latinica, Crna Gora)

Riga Airport

Riga International Airport (RIX) is the largest airport in the Baltic region, located about 10 km from the city center. It serves as the main gateway to Latvia, with connections to major European cities. The airport offers modern facilities, including car rental offices, restaurants, duty-free shopping, and efficient transport links such as buses and taxis to Riga’s downtown. Renting a car directly from the airport is a great way to start your journey and explore Latvia at your own pace.

The stunning capital of Riga is a must-visit when you are in Latvia. Home to many museums and concert halls such as The National Opera and Ballet House and St. Peter’s Church, there is plenty in Riga to keep you busy.

Known for its beautiful architecture, you can see a mixture of modern, Gothic, Art Nouveau and wooden buildings wherever you go. Make sure you visit the Old Town, a UNESCO protected area with buildings such as The House of the Blackheads and The Three Brothers.

It also serves as a fantastic location if you are looking to explore the rest of Latvia, where you can view more stunning architecture, eat at world-class restaurants and visit photogenic beaches such as the steep coast near Jūrkalne. 

Pick up your rental car at Riga Airport and start your adventure!

Tips for renting a car in Riga

Before you rent
Choose wisely. In 2019 we introduced our multi-product system which helps you choose a car based on your needs and easily see the final price. Car rental insurance can be tricky to navigate and often isn't what you expect, by booking with us direct you'll receive the correct insurance for your rental.

When you collect your vehicle
Plan ahead. We recommend planning your route before you leave, especially when renting a car at an airport. Are you sure where you're meeting your chaperone or where the rental desk is? Your confirmation email will have the contact information for the location, so we suggest saving the number in your phone ahead of time.

Have the correct documents ready. We try and keep the check in process as painless as possible but we do need to process certain information for legal reasons so having these ready ahead of time can help speed up the process. Make sure you have your booking details ready, along with your driving licence, passport and valid credit card.

Complete a vehicle check. It's essential when you are taken to your car you complete a Vehicle Condition Report (VCR) and note any existing damage, paying particular attention to the five damage hotspots. If you don't report this, you may be liable for these damages when you return the vehicle. We don't want you to get caught out, so we've put together a handy vehicle inspection video to help you check everything thoroughly.

While you rent
Take care. Unfortunately you may be liable for any damage caused to a vehicle in your care, and this will vary depending on the product you choose. A large proportion of damages to any car can be dings you pick up in car parks, so be mindful when space is limited and park further away and walk a little further to your destination.

When you return your vehicle
Complete a vehicle check. It's time to carry out a VCR again and even more essential to fully log any damage, no matter how small, to ensure you are fully covered and we can process your return effectively. Be sure to check the vehicle as before, paying special attention to the five damage hotspots.

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Why choose Green Motion for car rental?

Our pricing is transparent

With Green Motion, you always easily see the total final price. Car rental insurance can sometimes be difficult to understand - by booking with us, you always get the right insurance easily.

Get your car with ease

Our car rental points are located within easy distances from central locations - near airports and train stations, as well as in the heart of cities.

We are eco-friendly

We strive to minimize our environmental impact. We invest in, among other things, biodegradable chemicals and less water-consuming methods to clean our cars, such as steam cleaning.

We are always happy to help

You can get answers to frequently asked questions, and get in touch with us from the Contact-page: https://greenmotion.com/contact/ or contact us at [email protected].

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Good to know about car rental in Riga Airport

 

Once you have landed at Riga International Airport (RIX) and picked up your rental car from the designated office, we wish you a safe and enjoyable journey.

For those driving in Latvia for the first time, take a moment to get familiar with the vehicle, local traffic rules, and road signs. Navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze are recommended for smooth travel.

In Latvia, driving is on the right-hand side. A valid driving license is required, and non-EU drivers may need an IDP. Your rental car will come equipped with mandatory safety items, including a warning triangle and reflective safety vest.

Latvia’s roads are generally well-maintained, but rural roads may have gravel or uneven surfaces, so extra caution is advised.

Speed Limits in Latvia are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 100-110 km/h on highways. Speed cameras are widely used, and traffic fines can be issued electronically.

Fuel stations are available throughout the country, and most accept credit cards. However, in remote areas, it’s wise to keep an eye on your fuel levels and plan refueling stops.

When driving in Riga’s city center, be mindful of pedestrian zones and one-way streets. Parking is mostly paid, so it’s best to use official parking lots or apps like Mobilly for payments.

If you need assistance while in Latvia, don’t hesitate to contact our office. In case of emergencies, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical services.

Enjoy your Latvian road trip and explore the stunning natural landscapes, historic cities, and charming coastal towns!

Useful Information

Side of road

Drive on the right side of the road

Local Currency

Euro

Average temperature

-4°C (25°F) - 17°C (63°F)

Nearest Gas Station

Circle K, located 2 km from the airport on Kārļa Ulmaņa gatve

Nearest Train Station

Riga Central Station (Rīgas Centrālā Stacija), 10 km from the airport

Nearest Bus Station

Riga International Coach Terminal, 10 km from the airport

Car hire in Riga Airport – FAQs

Where do I pick up my rental car?

Our rental station is based within arrivals Terminal E, at the car rental station. If you arrive from a EU country, you will find our office straight on the left side from the exit door. If you arrive from outside of the EU (Terminal C), you have to exit the Terminal, turn right, walk straight 30m, again turn right and enter Terminal E, where you will find our office on the left side from the entrance.

Are there no-drive zones or restricted areas to keep in mind while in Riga?

Yes, Riga has some restricted traffic zones and parking regulations that drivers should be aware of: Old Town (Vecrīga) is mostly pedestrianized, and driving is restricted to residents, taxis, and delivery vehicles at certain hours. Unauthorized vehicles may receive fines. Paid Parking Zones – Riga is divided into different parking zones (A, B, C, and D), with Zone A being the most expensive in the city center. Parking apps like Mobilly or EuroPark are useful for paying. Rush Hour Congestion – Traffic is heaviest between 7:30–9:30 AM and 4:30–6:30 PM, especially on major roads like Brīvības iela and Krasta iela. Speed Cameras & Traffic Control – Speed limits and traffic rules are strictly enforced with cameras and police checkpoints. The speed limit in Riga is usually 50 km/h, but always check road signs.

Is it necessary to rent a car in Riga?

If you plan to stay within Riga, renting a car is not essential, as parking can be difficult and traffic can be heavy in the city center. However, if you want to explore places outside Riga—such as Sigulda, Jūrmala, Rundāle Palace, or Cape Kolka—renting a car is a great option for convenience and flexibility.

Is parking easy in Riga?

Parking in Riga’s city center is mostly paid, with different zones having different fees. There are public parking lots, as well as mobile apps like "Mobilly" to pay for parking.

Is fuel expensive in Riga?

Fuel prices in Riga are moderate compared to other European countries.

Are roads in Riga well-maintained?

Riga’s roads are generally in good condition, especially in the city center and major highways leading to other parts of Latvia. Some secondary roads and residential streets may have potholes or uneven surfaces, particularly after winter when road damage is more common. Road maintenance and upgrades are frequent, so be prepared for temporary detours and construction zones, particularly during the summer months when most repairs take place.

Are winter tires needed in Riga?

During winter (November–March), roads can be icy or covered in snow. The city regularly clears main roads, but rural roads and side streets may remain slippery, so winter tires are mandatory from December 1 to March 1.