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RIGALeaving Riga International: transport guide

Riga International · Latvia
RIX
Low riskUpdated July 2026High confidence

Bus 22 to Old Town in 30 min for EUR 2. Bolt dominates rideshare.

TL;DR

RIX (Riga International) is the main international airport serving Riga, Latvia. The recommended way out is Bus 22 to Old Town (EUR 2, 30 min) (~EUR 2, 30 min). Pickup is at Bus stop outside Arrivals. The most common scam to watch for is "Taxi rank overpay". Fares on the RIX → Old Town route typically run EUR 2 (bus) / EUR 10–15 (Bolt); anything above EUR 50 taxi rank quote is almost certainly a scam. Last updated July 2026.

IF YOU ONLY READ ONE THING

Bus 22 to Old Town (EUR 2, 30 min)

Typical fare
EUR 2
Journey time
30 min
Pickup
Bus stop outside Arrivals
WARNING · Skip the taxi rank — Bolt is half the price for the same trip.
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Compare your options at a glance

OptionCostWaitPaymentPick
Bus 22
EUR 2Every 10–20 min💳Card / Cash
Bolt
EUR 10–155–10 min📱App—
Taxi rank
EUR 25–40Immediate💳Card / Cash—
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Your first 30 minutes

  1. 1Buy bus ticket at Narvesen kiosk or via contactless
  2. 2Board Bus 22
  3. 3Ride ~30 min to city centre
  4. 4Or open Bolt for EUR 10–15
  5. 5Small EUR notes not needed
03

Airport exit score

AIRPORT EXIT SCORE
78/ 100
Easy exit
  • Public transport75
  • Rideshare80
  • Taxi honesty65
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Fare reality check

RIX → Old Town
  1. ExpectedWhat locals actually pay
    EUR 2 (bus) / EUR 10–15 (Bolt)
  2. ConcerningQuestion this — ask for the meter
    EUR 30+
  3. Probably being scammedWalk away. Find another ride.
    EUR 50 taxi rank quote
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Best ways out, ranked

  1. 1

    Bus 22

    RECOMMENDED
    Cost
    EUR 2
    Journey
    30 min
    Wait
    Every 10–20 min
    Payment
    💳 Card / Cash
    Pros
    • Cheap
    • Frequent
    Cons
    • Slower than car
  2. 2

    Bolt

    Cost
    EUR 10–15
    Journey
    15–25 min
    Wait
    5–10 min
    Payment
    📱 App
    Pros
    • Door-to-door
    • Fair pricing
    Cons
    • Costlier than bus
  3. 3

    Taxi rank

    Cost
    EUR 25–40
    Journey
    15–25 min
    Wait
    Immediate
    Payment
    💳 Card / Cash
    Pros
    • Immediate
    Cons
    • 2× Bolt rate
06

Paying without surprises

  • Card/contactless dominant
  • Cash rarely needed
07

Common scams

Taxi rank overpay

Medium risk

Rank quotes EUR 30–40 for a EUR 12 Bolt ride.

HOW TO AVOID · Use Bolt or Bus 22.

08

What locals & travellers say

RIX·Riga
“Bus 22 runs 24/7 with reduced frequency overnight.”
Official AirportAirport ExitChecked July 2026confirmed
  • "Bus 22 runs 24/7 with reduced frequency overnight." — Airport Exit
09

Arrival checklist

  • Bolt installed
  • Contactless card
  • Hotel address
✉︎

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RIX arrival FAQs

What is the safest way to leave Riga International?
Bus 22 to Old Town (EUR 2, 30 min). Skip the taxi rank — Bolt is half the price for the same trip..
Are taxis at RIX safe?
Official taxis from the marked rank are generally fine, but watch for: taxi rank overpay — Rank quotes EUR 30–40 for a EUR 12 Bolt ride. Use Bolt or Bus 22.
Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at RIX?
Yes — Bolt works at RIX. Typical cost EUR 10–15, journey ~15–25 min. Use the in-app pickup point rather than the arrivals curb.
How much should a taxi from RIX to the city centre cost?
Expected fare on the RIX → Old Town route is roughly EUR 2 (bus) / EUR 10–15 (Bolt). Anything around EUR 30+ is high — EUR 50 taxi rank quote is a scam. Fares vary with traffic, time of day and taxi type, so confirm before you get in.
Do I need cash for a taxi at RIX?
Carry small local notes — Bus 22 expects card & cash. A backup card with no FX fees helps if a driver claims the terminal is broken.
Where is the official taxi pickup at Riga International?
Bus stop outside Arrivals. If you can't see a marked rank with a dispatcher or queue, walk back inside and ask at the information desk — never take an offer from someone roaming arrivals.
Is RIX safe to arrive at late at night?
RIX is generally manageable at night if you stick to the official taxi rank or pre-book a transfer. Avoid empty bus stops and outdoor pickup zones, and confirm your ride is moving before sharing personal details.
What scams should I watch for at RIX?
The most reported at RIX: Taxi rank overpay. See the scams section above for how each one works and how to avoid it.
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