Hire Car

Discover Riga by Hire Car

Riga is the capital of the small Baltic state of Latvia. The metropolis of about 880,000 inhabitants on the Baltic Sea is the economic and cultural centre of the relatively young state.

The former Hanseatic city has an amazingly well-preserved old town dominated by Gothic buildings. It has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.

The surrounding area of Riga is also culturally very interesting and can be comfortably explored with a hire car. For rental and travel we have compiled a few tips.

Receiving the hire car

At the airport, you will find numerous rental companies in the arrivals terminal in area E. You should just make sure that your rental company is there before booking the hire car. If the hire car company only has a station near the airport, it can take longer until a shuttle takes you there. This will cost you valuable travel time.

Booking the right hire car

The main roads in Latvia are quite well developed. So you can book a slightly larger and more comfortable car to enjoy a relaxed drive. However, if you primarily want to be out and about in Riga, a smaller car may be advisable so that you can easily get a parking space in the big city.

Insuring the car properly

Your hire car should have fully comprehensive insurance without excess, so that you are well protected in the event of an accident in Latvia. For third party liability, you should also make sure that the coverage amount is at least one million euros. Then you will also have some protection if people are injured in an accident.

If your rental company’s coverage amount is too low, you have the chance to provide additional protection with an insurance policy taken out before the trip. Talk to your insurance company and ask about what’s called a Majorca policy. Make sure your insurance also covers you in Latvia.

Hire car prices

The cost of hire car in Riga is in the medium range. You can usually get the cheapest deals if you book well in advance of your actual trip and use our simple price comparison tool.

hire car price comparison Riga

age limit

With most rental companies in Riga, you must be at least 21 to hire car. And some don’t rent cars to drivers over 70. Drivers under 25 are often charged an additional fee. Check out the terms and conditions before you rent.

Accessories

Maybe you want to have snow chains with you in Latvian winter, just in case. Or a navigation device should make your journey to the numerous charming destinations around Riga easier. No matter what accessories you need, you should definitely reserve the items well in advance. This is the only way to ensure that the equipment you want will be there on the day of rental.

Language barrier

In order to actually get the hire car you want at the rental station, you should write down the phone number of the Latvian head office of your hire car company. There, they can act as an intermediary in case of communication difficulties.

Free kilometers

Even though Latvia is relatively small, extensive sightseeing trips in a hire car quickly add up to a lot of kilometres. It’s better to book a car with all kilometres free.

Bail

When booking, make sure you rent from a rental company that only blocks the deposit due on your credit card. This is because if he actually collects the amount, it may take longer for the money to be back in your account after you return the vehicle.

Border crossing

Some rental companies charge additional fees if you want to leave Latvia in your hire car and explore the other Baltic states as well. Make sure you enquire about the conditions before you drive.

Customer Satisfaction Hire Car

Some customers complain about the condition of the hire cars from their rental company in Riga. Before renting, read the reviews on this portal to avoid renting from a rental company that primarily has older cars in their fleet.

If you notice any defects on your vehicle, such as dents or scratches, be sure to insist that they be noted on a defect report when you hand it over. That way, when you return the car, you’ll avoid being held liable for damage that you didn’t cause in the first place.

Safety hire car

As some hire cars in Riga are quite old, you should always test the lights before your first drive. Also remember to check the brake light and indicators. And do a brake test while still in the rental company’s parking lot. It is also important to check the tread of the tyres before the first ride. And test the air pressure at the first petrol station.

A worthwhile destination in the area

Old Town: Impressive Gothic buildings
The main sights of Riga are mainly located in the historic Old Town. There is the Cathedral, built mostly in Gothic style, St. Peter’s Church, also Gothic, the so-called Blackhead House (Built in the 14th century when Riga was a Hanseatic city), and the Gothic Town Hall standing on the square of the same name. Also on the town hall square, as in the Hanseatic city of Bremen, is a statue of Roland. These statues were erected in some Hanseatic cities to symbolize the freedom of the cities towards the German Emperor. The Powder Tower, as part of Riga’s former city fortifications, and Riga Castle are also tourist attractions.

New Town: Discover the magic of the Jungian style
Next to the Old Town is the New Town, built mainly in the 19th and 20th centuries. This is dominated by many houses in the Art Nouveau style. But also buildings of more modern architectural style, such as the TV tower can be found there.

In Riga on “Kultour
Riga also has a large number of cultural institutions such as museums or galleries. The Jewish Museum shows very impressively the history of the Jews of Riga. The Museum of Latvian History the history of the country from its beginnings to modern times.

Suggestion of a round trip

Jēkabpils: Impressive open-air museum
The first destination of a round trip by hire car could be Jēkabpils. From Riga you need about two hours by hire car. There, especially the open-air museum is worth the visit. Historical buildings from Latvia were built true to the original and give a good impression of life in earlier times. After the visit to the museum, you will have the opportunity to visit the castle of the village, the oldest parts of which date back to 1237.

Nereta: Ancient Protestant Church
The next stop is Nereta. In three quarters of an hour you will be there. In Nereta it is worth visiting the evangelical church which was built between 1584 and 1593.

Bauska: Fantastic view
Before you drive back to Riga with your hire car, you can take a break in Bauska. The drive will take you about an hour and a half. In Bauska, the ruins of a 15th century castle await you. The main tower is still partially preserved and can be climbed. From the top you can enjoy a magnificent view of the town and the surrounding countryside. A one-hour drive now separates you from Riga, where you can plan the next round trip at your leisure.

conclusion

For a round trip by hire car, Riga is a good location. Many destinations in the surrounding area can be reached easily. And with our price comparison you will always find a good deal.

Get best prices on your

Hire car

here!

Search now »

Advisor Articles

How to protect yourself from potential hire car rip-offs!

Wet roads, new car: here are helpful tips!

Tips & tricks for hire car. What to look out for!

Is it possible to rent the hire car without a credit card?

Choosing the right rental vehicle from the hire car company.

How to protect yourself from a hire car theft

Break down with your holiday car? Here's how best to respond.

What to look for in a hire car accident

What insurance coverage you need when renting a car

Road trip Latvia - Small with many attractions