Car Hire in Riga, Latvia

Renting a Car in Riga

Riga is one of Europe's great undiscovered capitals — a Baltic metropolis with a UNESCO-listed Old Town, the largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture on the continent, and a food scene that punches well above its weight. With a rental car you can reach Jūrmala beach (25 km), Sigulda's castles (50 km), and the Estonian border within a comfortable drive.

City-centre offices are clustered near the main hotels. Prices start around €14/day. Cross-border travel to Lithuania, Estonia, and other EU countries is generally permitted with all major providers.

Car Rental Providers in Riga

• Europcar
• Sixt
• Hertz
• Avis
• Budget

Compare all providers — including independent local operators — through DiscoverCars and RentalCars.com to find the best rate for your dates.

Where to Pick Up Your Car in Riga

Main pickup location: Riga city centre — near the Old Town and main hotels on Elizabetes iela. Additional collection points may be available at hotels and railway stations — check your provider's website for the full list of Riga locations.

What Documents Do You Need?

• Valid driving licence — held for at least 1 year.
• Passport or national identity card.
• Credit card in the primary driver's name for the security deposit.
• Non-EU licence holders may need an International Driving Permit if the licence is not in Latin script.

Young Driver Rules in Latvia

Drivers aged 18–24 can rent from most providers but typically pay a Young Driver Surcharge of €8–€20/day. Minimum age is usually 18, with some providers requiring 21 for premium categories.

Tips for Renting in Riga

• Riga Old Town has a Low Emission Zone — confirm your rental is compliant.
• Parking in the centre is competitive; the Origo shopping centre has reliable multi-storey parking.
• Fuel is cheapest at Virši and Neste stations on the city outskirts.
• The Riga–Tallinn drive is entirely on good roads with no toll sections.

Driving in Latvia

Latvia uses right-hand traffic. Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on rural roads, 110 km/h on motorways. Blood alcohol limit: 0.05%. Headlights on at all times. Winter tyres compulsory Dec–Mar. Currency: Euro (€).

Nearby Destinations Worth Driving To

• Jūrmala — 25 km, 25 min. Latvia's premier beach resort — 30 km of white sand, wooden Art Nouveau villas, and beach cafés.
• Sigulda — 50 km, 45 min. Medieval castles, a bobsled track, and the dramatic Gauja River valley. Latvia's 'Switzerland'.
• Tallinn, Estonia — 300 km, 3 hr. Estonia's fairy-tale capital via the Via Baltica — a classic Baltic road trip.
• Vilnius — 270 km, 3 hr. Lithuania's capital via the Via Baltica south — easy as an overnight trip.

For more planning help, read our car rental tips guide and find out which fees to watch for when collecting your vehicle.