Latvia flagTransportation & Infrastructure Guide · Latvia

Transportation & Infrastructure Guide in Latvia

Public transit, airports, and getting around

Latvia offers a strategic transportation hub connecting Scandinavia, Central Europe, and Eastern Europe through diverse multimodal infrastructure. The country features three ice-free Baltic ports, an extensive railway network integrated with CIS systems, and Riga International Airport as the Baltic region's largest aviation hub. While public transport in major cities is functional, Latvia's strength lies in its logistics and transit capabilities, with over 30-35 million tonnes of cargo crossing annually. The nation is modernizing infrastructure through projects like Rail Baltica and expanding digital connectivity, though rural areas face some infrastructure gaps.
Public Transport
Moderate
Road Infrastructure
Moderate
Public Transport
6.2/10

Functional public transport in Riga and major cities with bus networks and regional rail connections. Vivy operates passenger rail services. Limited metro system; integration between modes is developing. Good coverage in urban centers but less frequent service in peripheral areas. Operating hours typically 5 AM-11 PM with reduced night service.

Road Infrastructure
6.8/10

Total road network of 13,181 km with 10,570 km hard-surface roads connecting to EU and CIS networks. Main highways well-maintained; regional and local roads vary in condition. Dense network supports commercial traffic; ongoing EU-funded modernization projects improving infrastructure quality and safety standards.

Internet Speed
7.6/10

Strong broadband infrastructure with average speeds of 120-150 Mbps in urban areas. Extensive fiber optic deployment in cities; growing rural coverage. Latvia ranks among Baltic leaders in digital connectivity with competitive pricing and high mobile internet speeds.

Avg: 135+ Mbps • Extensive urban fiber coverage; expanding to regional centers and rural areas through EU digital infrastructure programs

Airport Connectivity
7.8/10

Riga International Airport (RIX) serves as the Baltic region's largest hub with 5 million annual passengers and 80+ destinations across 30 countries. Approximately 20 passenger airlines operate from RIX; airBaltic uses it as primary hub. Secondary airports in Liepāja and Ventspils offer limited service. Strong European and Asian connectivity.

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass
€60/month (Riga public transport); €45/month regional
Bus Trip
€1.15 per ride (Riga); €1.50-2.50 regional routes
Taxi
€0.70 start + €0.80/km (Riga); varies by region
High-speed Train
€15-45 Riga-Daugavpils; Rail Baltica will enhance connections

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: Major cities and Riga metropolitan area; expanding deployment 2024-2026 from LMT, Tele2, Bite Latvia
4G Coverage: 98%+ nationwide coverage from major carriers (LMT, Tele2, Bite Latvia); excellent urban and suburban reliability

Excellent mobile network quality with high-speed 4G coverage nationwide and growing 5G in urban centers. Three major carriers provide competitive service with strong reliability. Mobile internet speeds competitive with Western Europe.

Driving License

EU licenses valid

EU/EEA driving licenses valid indefinitely in Latvia. Non-EU licenses valid for 12 months; IDP recommended for extended stays. Right-hand traffic. Minimum age 18 for car rental. Headlights required during day; winter tires mandatory November-March.