Riga looks like a real metropolis in which life does not stop for a second. It is not surprising that many people come here to replenish their tourist adventures. At the same time, the city is very similar to neighboring settlements, but at the same time it has many unique, inimitable features that make it one of the oldest and most mysterious capitals of the Baltic states.
How to get to the center
The Latvian capital often becomes not only a place of pilgrimage for tourists, but also a place where passengers on flights make transfers to planes of other carriers in order to travel further. Sometimes there is a pause of many hours between flights, which can be used with benefit and go on an excursion to the central part of the Latvian capital. Those who enter the country for the first time may have difficulties in choosing a route and method of travel. Immediately, we note that there is nothing complicated about this, and if you wish, you can find yourself in the historical part of the city in about half an hour from the moment you leave the airport hall.
Of course, you don't have to go to the center, but then your cultural and entertainment program will be limited to a couple of small souvenir shops and boutiques that operate in the runway area. But, believe our experience, you will quickly get tired of this walk, and the prices for goods are much higher here than in the center of Riga. As additional bonuses from a trip to the heart of the capital, you will get new impressions from exploring the beautiful architecture, a lot of attractions, and you will definitely return to the airport, albeit tired, but happy and with a full bag of shopping.
So, if you are determined to visit the Old Town, you have to decide on the best way to get there. There are several types of transport with which you can realize your idea. Everyone chooses the type of transport that suits his financial capabilities, as well as depending on the time that the tourist has at his disposal.
Taxi
The fastest and easiest way to get to the center of Riga is by taxi. You can book a transfer in advance on the website. You will need to indicate the flight number and time of arrival, and at the appointed time an employee of the company with a sign will be waiting for you. You can comfortably get from Riga airport to the center by an economy, comfort or premium class car.
Shuttle bus
A great alternative is the shuttle bus, which can take you to your destination for as little as € 1.15. But this is provided that you purchase a ticket at the box office, which is easy to find. It is located at the exit from the airport hall.
Fare payment
Since Latvia is considered a developed and modern country in Europe, you will have several options for paying for travel. You can use your local credit card or pay in cash. If you do not want to stand in line for a ticket, you can pay for your fare right in the bus at the entrance. The driver will provide you with a ticket in the form of a paper card with a chip, but will charge you as much as 2 euros! These are the prices for services.
If you decide to choose this type of public transport, then look for bus number 22 or minibus 222. The trip to the center of the capital will take about 30 minutes, and you will not notice how you will stroll along the quiet and beautiful streets of Riga. We recommend buying a ticket in the opposite direction right away, because why overpay on the bus for a ride or look for a ticket office in the center, if you can guarantee yourself a trip in both directions in an instant. By the way, the tickets themselves, which look like a card with a built-in chip, can be used several times. Depending on how many trips you plan to make, this type of travel document should be purchased. Checking the right to use transport is carried out using a special scanner, which is installed in the bus or minibus.
Where is the stop
To make it easier for you to find the bus or minibus you need, remember that the stop is located just opposite the exit from the airport lounge, right next to the parking lot for private cars. Please note: to get to the center of Riga, you need to follow the route Lidosta Riga - Greciniekuiela. Buses and minibuses leave from the “air gates” of Latvia every 15 minutes, so do not despair if you did not have time to take a seat in the passenger compartment. Well, for those who are used to planning their time up to minutes, we advise you to pay attention to a special site, which contains all the information regarding the time of departure, arrival, fare.
Once you are in the center, we advise you to book one of the following stops: 11 Novembra Krastmala, the first one after you cross the bridge over the river, or go straight to the bus station. Do not forget to check the timetable of buses that follow in the opposite direction so as not to be late for check-in for the plane. We hope that the information we have provided will be useful for those tourists who want to see the sights of Riga and who have only a few hours at their disposal. Good luck with your travels and a fair wind!
A little about the capital
Riga can boast not only of an impressive set of antiquities that appear before us from time immemorial in the form of ancient fortresses, religious buildings and cathedrals. The residents were able to successfully combine both the modern lifestyle and preserve the historical monuments at the same time. And to make the city look even more beautiful, "green islets" are scattered everywhere in the form of squares and parks. The city is famous for its sights and shopping. People come here from all over the world to personally appreciate the famous Riga balsam, taste the delicious chocolate of a local company, as well as buy knitwear and amber products. Numerous shops and shops will become a favorite place for every tourist who finds himself in this area.
