Car Hire Riga International Airport (RIX)

Riga International Airport (RXI) is the largest airport in the Baltic states handling more than 7 million passengers a year.

First opened in 1973, it serves 100 destinations in 30 countries as well as domestic flights to Liepāja International Airport on the west coast of Latvia. The airport is going through a period of expansion and development to meet passenger demand and has a large, modern terminal building offering passengers a range of shopping and leisure facilities.

The airport is located to the southwestern edge of the city of Riga with good road access via the A10 and A5 motorways.

If you are driving in Riga, Latvia or the Baltic countries for the first time or have just arrived in Europe, make sure you familiarise yourself with Latvian driving rules before picking up your car. Some key road rules in Latvia include driving on the right and overtaking on the left. Be aware that cars must keep headlights lit throughout the day. This is applicable all year round. Mobile phones can only be used as a built-in audio device. It is forbidden to use headphones or earbuds.  If you are using one of Latvia’s toll roads, your vehicle must have a valid vignette to pay toll fees electronically. This can be bought online and at petrol stations. The price depends on the amount of time you will be driving for.

What are the age requirements for renting a car in Riga?

The minimum age to rent a car Riga and the rest of Latvia is 21. Age restrictions also vary by vehicle and some selected car groups are not available to drivers under the age of 25.

There is currently no maximum age for hiring a rental car, so long as you have had a full, valid, licence for at least 1 year. Some additional steps may be required for those who are over the age of 75 on the date of the scheduled return. When you book, you’ll be told if there are any maximum age restrictions for the vehicle you request. If you’re not sure, please check your booking confirmation email – or call the reservations team. 

What documents do I need to hire a car in Latvia?

To hire a car in Riga, Latvia, you just need to bring your:

• Driving licence
• The credit card used to make your booking (if it's a high value vehicle two payment cards must be provided, one of which needs to be a credit card),
• Proof of any discount (such as a frequent flyer or Avis Preferred  card),
• Photo ID for international rentals (such as a passport or driving licence) taken in the last 10 years.

Can I pick up my rental car in Riga and return it to another location?

One-way car rental with Avis makes it easy to go from A to B without driving full circle. That means you can collect your Avis hire car from Riga International Airport and then return it to another Avis office whether that’s in Latvia, other Baltic Countries or even  another country in Europe. Many of our Avis locations offer a 24-hour drop-off facility, which makes a one-way car hire hassle-free and very user-friendly. Simply check out our many available one-way journeys and start planning your route. When you are ready to book, just specify your destination in the booking panel and we will arrange it for you.

Is it worth hiring a car in Riga?

While much of Riga is easily walkable – and the old town itself is fully pedestrianised – and the city has a good public transport network of tram routes, trolleybus routes and bus routes, you’ll want to hire a car to travel further afield. Renting a car at Riga International Airport gives you the freedom and flexibility of independent travel and even the chance to plan a road trip around the Baltic countries.

The Avis team at Riga International Airport are experts on Riga and the surrounding regions and are ready to advise you on the best places to go to help make your trip a smooth one from the moment you touch down.

What is parking like in Riga?

There is a good mix of parking in Riga with multiple parking options around the city offering both central and more remote parking options. These are divided into six tariff zones: A, B, C, D, R and V. Each of these zones has a different parking fee and working hours, as well as different payment methods. The aim is to provide flexibility according to traffic levels. You can find out more about the zones and parking options from the city council 

From the Avis car park at Riga Airport to the centre of Riga is a drive of 10.4km which will take around 20min depending on the time of day. Head north from the airport and take the P133 to join the A10 motorway for one junction, leaving at Lielirbes iela and following signs to the centre of the city.

Riga is a fascinating city of roofs and spires combining incredible architecture with history. It has a picture-perfect old town filled with fairy tale gabled houses and cobbled streets. In winter, there may be snow on the ground in the Latvian capital while in summer flowers fill the gardens and window boxes.

While you are there, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city at the grand Riga Castle, residence of the president of Latvia, an important feature of Old Town Riga or head for St Peter’s Church for some fine views of the city. For something different take in the Riga aviation museum.

For outdoor lovers, there is the Kemeri National Park Nature Trail or the Sigulda and Gauja National Park hiking areas and stunning natural beauty. And finally, make sure to immerse yourself in the city’s coffee culture at one of the impressive cafes roasteries and pâtisseries in the narrow streets of Riga’s old town.

Beyond the city of Riga, the Latvian countryside is a natural paradise filled with stunning landscapes, heritage and folklore. As well as fascinating villages and towns, the wild Baltic coastline is within a couple of hours drive by hire car from Riga Airport.

Coastal road trip

Take a road trip to explore the coast and fishing villages of Lapmezciems, Ragaciems, and Klapkalnciems on the western coast of the Gulf of Riga. You’ll drive through lush pine forests to emerge onto a dramatic and in parts, remote coastline renowned for its birdlife.

Latvian Castle road trip

Gauja National Park is an easy 50km drive from Riga and an ideal base for visiting the medieval Turaida Castle, one of Latvia's most visited sites. This 13th century castle has been renovated with a museum and tower with a viewing area about 30 metres high offering stunning views across the national park.