Latvia flagTransportation & Infrastructure Guide

Public transit, airports, and getting around in Latvia

Latvia features a robust transportation landscape centered on its strategic Baltic ports (Riga, Ventspils, Liepāja) and extensive rail-road networks integrated into the EU's TEN-T corridors like North Sea-Baltic and Via Baltica (E67). With 69,532 km of roads, a freight-focused railway system handling over 21 million tons annually, and 81 airports including 4 major ones, strengths lie in transit logistics and EU connectivity. Challenges include limited high-speed passenger rail, rural coverage gaps, and ongoing infrastructure upgrades for modern standards. Residents and visitors rely on buses/trains in cities like Riga, cars for flexibility (right-side driving), and ferries/ports for regional mobility.
Public Transport
Moderate
Road Infrastructure
Moderate
Public Transport
5.2/10

Public transport centers on Riga's bus and tram networks with good urban coverage and frequency. Passenger rail by Vivi covers key routes like Riga-Jelgava-Liepāja and Riga-Daugavpils, but no metro, limited high-speed, and regional gaps exist. Integration is basic via e-tickets; services run ~5AM-11PM with variable rural access.

Road Infrastructure
6.8/10

69,532 km road network includes 1,651 km highways (A-roads) like A6/A7 (Via Baltica E67) connecting Riga to borders, upgraded to EU standards via EIB projects. Paved state roads are generally good, no tolls, low traffic aids flow; urban quality solid but rural unpaved sections (e.g., some P-roads) need maintenance. Safety features improving.

Internet Speed
7.8/10

Latvia boasts strong broadband with average fixed speeds ~220 Mbps (2025 Speedtest data), supported by extensive fiber deployment in urban areas and growing rural coverage. Mobile internet reliable at 100+ Mbps averages.

Avg: 220+ Mbps • Widespread in Riga/other cities (70%+ households), expanding rural via EU funds; 90% FTTP potential by 2026

Airport Connectivity
6.5/10

81 airports total, 4 major (Riga Intl as primary hub, Liepāja, Ventspils, Daugavpils) offer solid European routes via airBaltic/Ryanair. Good Baltic/Scandinavian links, limited long-haul/domestic; Riga handles most traffic with modern facilities.

Hubs: Riga International (RIX), Liepāja International (LPX), Ventspils International (VNT), Daugavpils International (DGP)

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass
€30-50/month (Riga e-ticket)
Bus Trip
€1.50 single ride (Riga, 1hr validity)
Taxi
€2-3 start + €0.80-1.20/km
High-speed Train
No HSR; €10-25 Riga-Daugavpils rail

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: Major cities (Riga, Daugavpils) full coverage by LMT/Tele2/Bite; nationwide expansion 2024-2026 targeting 80% population
4G Coverage: 99% nationwide, including rural/remote areas

High reliability from three operators; urban 5G at 500+ Mbps, rural 4G strong at 50-100 Mbps. Minimal dead zones due to flat terrain.

Driving License

EU licenses validConversion needed

EU/EEA licenses valid indefinitely. Non-EU valid 90 days (tourists) or 1 year (residents), then exchange required without test for most countries. Drive on right side. IDP recommended for non-Latin alphabet licenses.