Riga International Airport (RIX) serves the Latvian capital and is the largest airport in the Baltic states.
The airport is located about 10 km west of central Riga in the Mārupe Municipality.
In 2024, RIX handled just over 7 million passengers, which was an all-time high. They flew on more than 63,200 flights during the year, with transit passengers accounting for a bit over 20% of the total.
Major Airlines - airBaltic, Ryanair
The dominant carrier at RIX is airBaltic - the Latvian flag carrier and the largest airline in the Baltics. It held around 58% of the passenger traffic in 2024 and serves the greatest number of destinations originating from Riga, more than 75.
It is followed by Ryanair at 24%. The Irish low-cost airline operates budget-friendly flights to more than 25 destinations in Europe and North Africa.
Norwegian Air Shuttle also operates multiple flights, with a focus on cities in Scandinavia and seaside resorts in Southern Europe.
Other notable airlines that serve Riga include British Airways, Finnair, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Uzbekistan Airlines.
They, together with airBaltic, are the reason for the busiest outbound routes at RIX, namely London, Helsinki, Oslo, Stockholm, and Tallinn.
Terminal Layout and Gates of RIX
RIX features a single, two-storey terminal.
As is normal with modern airports, on the ground floor, you’ll find Arrivals, baggage claim, and service counters, whereas the upper level hosts the check-in desks, security, Departures, and landside services.
Airside, two concourse piers extend from the central hall:
Pier B for Schengen flights.
Pier C for non-Schengen flights.
Boarding area A is only used for some arrivals.
Connecting Flights and Transit at Riga Airport
Riga Airport is compact enough to make flight connections and layovers very simple and straightforward.
Schengen-to-Schengen transfers stay within Pier B.
International transfers between Schengen and non-Schengen involve a simple walk across the upper corridor and a passport check.
Flights between two non-Schengen countries with a connection in Riga will go through Security but not Immigration. No visa is needed if you remain within the transit area.
Most layovers are between two flights with the same airline. In this case, you will likely have your second boarding pass ready, your luggage will be checked through to your final destination, and all you need to do is make your way to the new gate.
If you don’t have your second boarding pass yet, you can get checked in at the Transfer Centre if you have more than 30 minutes until your next flight. If the time left is less than that, proceed straight to the gate, and you will be checked in there.
If you have a longer layover and can go through Immigration, you can hop over to the city and check out some of the best things to do in Riga.
Wi-Fi at Riga Airport
Wi-Fi at RIX is free across landside, airside, and pier areas, and no registration is required. Connect to RIX-Free-WiFi” network to use.
After 15 minutes, you will have to watch an advertisement to continue.
Alternative options for an internet connection are the dedicated Wi-Fi network that the lounge offers and the various cafes and restaurants, which have their own network.
Lounges at Riga Airport
The only lounge at the airport is the Primeclass Lounge. It is located airside and serves departing and transit passengers (including non-Schengen with a valid visa). It operates from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Lounge Access is by prepaid lounge passes, free for members of lounge programs, or by paying for a day pass at the door.
Dining Options at RIX
There are several cafes, bars, and restaurants both landside and airside.
In the Departures Area, your choices for grabbing a cup of coffee include Andrito Coffee Roastery, Caffeine, Cakes&Bakes, Kafe Napoli, Needstop, Pascucci, and Tasty. These establishments also offer a variety of breakfast, snacks, pastries, desserts, and healthy meal options.
The main sports bar at the airport is Tickerdaze. There, you can watch your favorite sports while enjoying a variety of beers and a lengthy menu of over 70 meals and bar fare.
Should you want to try local Latvian beer, you can also check out Valmiermuiža, a small bar/cafe serving beers from this Latvian brewery.
Transportation options at Riga Airport
Access to the city is straightforward, even using public transport.
Bus 22 is the go-to choice for most travelers. It connects the airport with the city centre in about 30 minutes for a ticket price of just €1.81. For Bus 22 only, tickets can be bought from the driver when boarding, only by card. Otherwise, buy a ticket beforehand at the ticket machines on the 1st floor of Arrivals Hall E or the 2nd floor of the Check-in Hall.
Bus 22 runs from 4:45 AM to 23:50 PM, every 30 minutes, stopping at most of the important places in Riga’s city center. The bus stop at the airport is located in the P1 car park, roughly halfway between exits E and C. There are signs.
Taxis pick up from outside and reach the city in 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. An approximate price to the city center is around 20-25 EUR. The only taxi companies licensed to offer rides at Riga Airport are "XTaxi", "TaksiLV”, and “Red Cab” - the fare must be displayed on the car door.
The main rideshare app in Latvia, including Riga Airport, is Bolt. It normally offers cheaper prices than regular taxis with much the same convenience. Follow the instructions in the app to book and get picked up at the airport.
Several car rental offices are located in Arrivals Hall E, including Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Sixt, among others. Note the opening hours, which are typically aligned with the airport’s hours of operation. Most offices open around 8:30 and close before midnight. The cars themselves are located in the P4 long-term car park.
Lastly, you can check out these options for private transfer at RIX.
Parking at Riga Airport
Riga Airport offers 3 car parks, all very close to the terminal - about a 5-10 minute walk. Alternatively, there is also a free transfer provided by the airport from the parking lots to the terminal.
P1 Short-term parking: The closest and most convenient car park, located just outside the terminal, so no shuttle needed! Perfect for short trips abroad. The first 10 minutes are free of charge. The first 30 minutes cost 2 EUR, then it’s 1.50 EUR per half hour, up to a maximum daily charge of 29 EUR.
P3 Long-term parking: Located a walkable distance away from the terminal, though if you don’t want to walk, there is also a free shuttle around the clock. The daily charge is 10 EUR.
P4 Long-term parking: Located just behind P3, also connected to the terminal via a free shuttle. The daily rate is capped at 10 EUR.
Book online to guarantee your parking spot and secure the best prices.
Hotels near Riga Airport
Right inside the terminal, the Kepler Club is available for both departing and arriving passengers. It can be accessed both landside and airside, so it makes for a suitable layover airport hotel. It offers sleeping rooms (or day-use), showers, and meeting room facilities. Yes, the rooms are small, akin to capsules, but cleanliness is at the highest standard, and the convenience is unparalleled.
Just outside the airport is the Sky-High Hotel. It is less than a 10-minute walk from the terminal and offers a shuttle service for those with lots of luggage. Although not an impressive property on the outside, the hotel is well-maintained and a perfect choice for layover stays or if you have an early flight from RIX.
If you’re looking for a higher-class hotel, check out Hampton by Hilton Riga Airport, located about 1 km from the terminal. They offer a paid transfer to the terminal and an early breakfast.
Riga, Latvia
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