Riga Airport is close to the city and transfer costs are reasonable by European standards. Here is a straightforward breakdown of what each option costs in 2026.
Prices by Transport Type
All prices in euros (EUR).
To Old Town / city center (10 km, 15-25 min):
- Pre-booked private transfer: EUR 15-25
- Taxi (metered): EUR 15-20
- Bolt: EUR 8-15
- Airport Express Bus 22: EUR 2.50
- Pre-booked transfer: EUR 15-22
- Taxi: EUR 13-18
- Bolt: EUR 7-13
- Bus 22: EUR 2.50 (this is the bus terminus)
- Pre-booked transfer: EUR 30-45
- Taxi: EUR 30-40
- Bolt: EUR 20-35
- Pre-booked transfer: EUR 55-75
What Drives the Price
Riga is not a city with extreme traffic congestion. Rush hours add 10-15 minutes to the drive but nothing dramatic. This means metered taxi fares stay relatively predictable, and Bolt surge pricing is modest.
Time of day matters more for transport availability than pricing. Late at night, Bolt fares may tick up slightly due to fewer drivers, and Bus 22 stops running after 11 PM.
Bus 22 — The Budget Winner
At EUR 2.50, Bus 22 is hard to argue with if you are traveling light. The bus is modern, clean, and runs a direct route from the airport to Abrenes iela near the Central Station. From there, the Old Town is a 10-minute walk, or you can take a tram for the final stretch.
The bus runs every 10-30 minutes depending on the time of day. Payment is by contactless bank card — tap as you board. No need to buy a ticket in advance or carry exact change.
The catch: if you have more than one piece of hand luggage, the bus gets uncomfortable. During peak hours, standing room only is common, which is miserable with heavy bags.
Taxi Meter Rates
Riga taxis charge by the meter. The tariff includes a starting fee (typically EUR 2-3) plus a per-kilometer rate (approximately EUR 0.70-1.00/km). Nighttime and weekend rates are slightly higher. The total from the airport to Old Town lands at EUR 15-20 for most trips.
Always check that the meter is running. If a driver quotes a fixed price at the airport that seems high, politely insist on the meter or choose another taxi.
Bolt vs Taxi
Bolt consistently undercuts metered taxis by 30-50% for the airport-to-center route. The tradeoff is a short wait for pickup (3-10 minutes) and the need for a data connection. If you have roaming or a local SIM, Bolt is the best value for door-to-door service.
Pre-Booked Transfer Value
At EUR 15-25, a pre-booked transfer costs about the same as a taxi but includes meet-and-greet service, flight tracking, fixed pricing, and the option to request child seats or a larger vehicle. For solo travelers it may feel unnecessary, but for families, groups, or late arrivals, the premium over Bolt is small for significantly more convenience.
Bottom Line
Riga offers good transport value across the board. The bus at EUR 2.50 is one of Europe's cheapest airport connections. Bolt at EUR 8-15 is the sweet spot for most travelers. And a pre-booked transfer at EUR 15-25 costs less than a taxi in many other European capitals while providing premium service.