Practical InformationThe airport “RIGA” is located 13 km south-west of Riga. You can take bus No 22 which goes to the centre of Riga for the price of a regular ticket (LVL 0.50). Be ready to pay extra, if carrying a lot of baggage with you. The ride is approximately 30 minutes long and the bus leaves every 20 minutes from 05:50 a.m. till 23:15 p.m.
A taxi can take you to the centre in 15 - 20 minutes. Prepare to pay 8 - 12 LVL. Allow extra time, if travelling by bus or taxi during the rush hours.
Information service: tel: + (371) 67207009, location: Departure hall, first floor.
To see the European cities with which Riga has flight connections please click here.
To see the airlines that fly to Riga, please click here.
There are railway and bus connections with all the neighbouring countries. The main route from Western Europe runs to Riga from Berlin, via Warsaw and Vilnius. The central railway terminal is located in the central part of Riga. It will take you a 5 - 10 minutes walk to get to the Old Town, the major hotels and to the University of Latvia.
Information service: tel: + (371) 67233397, + (371) 1188
The bus terminal is also situated in the centre of Riga, next to the railway terminal. The luggage room is open from 05:30 to 23:00. Tram No 7 will take you to the centre which is just one stop ahead. If you choose to walk, it will take you 5 - 10 minutes to reach the Old Town.
Information service: tel: + (371) 1188 (local); + (371) 9000009 (international).
The ferry terminal is about 1.5 km away from the centre of Riga. It is possible to take trams No 5, 7 or 9 for the price of regular ticket (LVL 0.50). The tram stop is situated on Ausekļa iela in front of the terminal. Ride two stops.
Information service: tel: + (371) 67326200
Moderate climate with considerable temperature variations.
Winter, which lasts from November to mid March, can be very cold. The mean daily maximum temperature in December is -3C/28F.
Latvia operates GMT+2h.
National currency is the Latvian lat (LVL). One lat equals 100 santims. There are banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50,100 and 500 LVL denomination, coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 santims and 1 and 2 lats. The lat as a national currency was introduced in October of 1993 and it is pegged to the Euro (as of 01.01.2005) at a constant rate of 1 EUR = 0,7 LVL. Cash machines are installed at the majority of banks, major petrol stations, at the airport and at the Central Post Office in Riga. Traveler’s cheques and Eurocheques can be exchanged at the largest banks. You can exchange your money either in banks or exchange offices. The exchange rate is practically the same in all the exchange points, with the exception of the Exchange offices in Airport. Note: Torn banknotes, banknotes with ink marks or old banknotes are not accepted for exchange, so always take with you only good paper money. Banks are open on weekdays from 9 a/m to 5 p/m.
220 volts AC, 50 Hz. European-type 2-pin plugs are in use
Mail boxes in Latvia are coloured yellow, postage stamps can be bought at the post offices. The Central Post Office in Riga is located 21 Brīvības bulv.
Telephone numbers in Riga have eight digits and start with 6. The numbers of most mobile phones start with 9, 6, 8 or 2. Other cities have special city codes and five digits. Most public phones are operated with phone cards (Telekarte). They cost 2, 5 or 10 LVL and can be bought in the outlets where the sign ‘’Telekarte’’ is displayed (kiosks, stores, post offices).
To call abroad from Latvia, dial 00 followed by the country code.
Telephone directory inquiries: 1188
We recommend you to obtain insurance before you come to Latvia. If you haven’t done it before the arrival, you can get medical and accident insurance at the local insurance companies: Balta (10-12 Raunas iela, Rīga, www.balta.lv) or ask the International Relations Department of the University of Latvia to advise you which organization is most advantageous for you.
Fire 01, 112
Police 02
Ambulance 03
Gas leakage 04
If you stay in Riga: you can contact Medical Care Centre “ARS” (5 Skolas iela, Tel + (371) 67201001, + (371) 67201008, emergency home service: + (371) 67201003). ARS has English speaking doctors.
In Latvia there are state, non-profit making and private hospitals. If you have to go to a hospital, the health insurance scheme will cover the costs, although you will have to pay a small charge during the first days.
Pharmacies in Latvia are marked ‘’Aptieka’’, open on weekdays from 9 a.m to 7 p.m, and from 10 a.m to 4 p.m on Saturdays.
