Riga is a family-friendly destination, and the airport transfer is one of the simpler parts of your trip to organize. A few things are worth knowing in advance.
Child Seat Requirements in Latvia
Latvian law requires appropriate child restraint systems for children under 150 cm in height. This is strictly enforced. Children must use a rear-facing seat, forward-facing seat, or booster depending on their age and size — the same EU standards that apply across most of Europe.
The problem is familiar: taxis and Bolt vehicles do not carry child seats. If your children need restraints, you have two choices — bring your own or book a transfer that includes them.
A pre-booked transfer lets you specify child seat requirements when booking. This is the only transport option at Riga Airport that reliably provides them.
The Airport with Kids
Riga Airport is compact and manageable. EU passport holders breeze through automated gates; non-EU families go through manual control, which takes 10-20 minutes. The terminal has clean restrooms, baby changing facilities, and a small play area in the departure zone.
Baggage claim is on the ground floor. Carts are available and free. The walk from the carousel to the arrivals exit is short — maybe 100 meters.
There is a small shop in arrivals where you can buy water and snacks for the kids before the drive.
Luggage Considerations
Families traveling within Europe tend to pack moderately, but strollers and car seats add bulk. A standard sedan fits a family of four with two suitcases and a folded stroller, but it is tight. If you are bringing your own car seat as well, request a larger vehicle.
Bus 22 has limited luggage space. It works for a couple with backpacks; it does not work for a family of four with checked bags and a stroller.
Winter Travel with Kids
If visiting Riga between November and March, temperatures can be well below freezing. The walk from the terminal to the taxi rank or Bolt pickup point is short but bitterly cold for small children. Snow and ice on the pavement add to the challenge with strollers.
A pre-booked transfer, where the driver brings the car to you, or a taxi from the rank directly outside the door, minimizes outdoor exposure. Bolt requires walking to the pickup zone and potentially waiting a few minutes — uncomfortable with bundled-up kids in minus temperatures.
Getting to Family-Friendly Areas
Most family visitors stay in or near the Old Town, which is about 15-20 minutes from the airport. Some families head to Jurmala, the beach resort town 25 km west, which has family hotels and a long sandy beach. A pre-booked transfer to Jurmala costs EUR 30-45 and takes about 30 minutes.
The Old Town is pedestrian-friendly and compact — once you are there, you will not need a car. This is another reason to skip the rental car for city-only stays.
Our Recommendation
For families with children under 150 cm, a pre-booked transfer with child seats is the clear choice at EUR 15-25 to the city center. It costs about the same as a taxi, includes proper restraints, and the driver waits for you inside the terminal. For families with older children who do not need car seats, a metered taxi from the rank works well — quick, easy, and no pre-planning needed.