Riga Layover Guide (RIX)

What are you looking for in RIX?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Riga Airport (RIX) is an international airport located in Mārupe Municipality, near Riga, Latvia. It’s situated about 10 km (6.2 miles) from downtown Riga. The airport officially opened in 1974. Riga is the capital and largest city of Latvia, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant architecture. The city offers a blend of history and modernity, making it a popular destination for both business and leisure travelers.

Can you leave Riga Airport (RIX) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers can only exit Riga Airport on layover if they hold a valid Schengen C visa or are visa-exempt. Otherwise, transit passengers must remain in the international transit area. Nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DRC, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka require an airport transit visa. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Old Town Walking Tour Stroll through UNESCO-listed Medieval Old Town, admire cobblestone streets, guild houses, lively squares, charming cafés and hidden courtyards while soaking up centuries of history and vibrant local culture flair experience (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: Bus 22 or taxi (≈15 min))
• St. Peter’s Church Tower Ascend iconic 123-metre tower for panoramic views of Riga’s skyline, Red roofs, Daugava River and Art Nouveau façades, complemented by historical exhibitions inside the church enriching architectural insights worthwhile visit (Time required: 45 min / Airport to here: Bus 22 + walk or taxi (≈15 min))
• Art Nouveau District Explore elegant Alberta and Elizabetes Streets, marvel at ornate façades, decorative motifs and striking details by Riga’s master architects in this distinguished Jugendstil neighbourhood immersive architectural showcase enticing visitors daily (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Bus 22 to Stabu iela + walk or taxi)
• Riga Central Market Browse one of Europe’s largest markets housed in an old Zeppelin hangar, sample local cheeses, smoked fish, seasonal produce and handcrafted souvenirs amidst bustling vendor stalls cultural shopping adventure awaits (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Tram 10 to Centrāltirgus)
• Three Brothers Visit Riga’s oldest residential complex featuring three medieval houses, inspect distinct architectural styles and learn about their restoration through informative displays and guided audio tours historic charm enthralls every traveller (Time required: 30 min / Airport to here: Bus 22 + short walk)
• Latvian National Opera Enjoy stunning performances in a grand 19th-century building, admire opulent interiors, gilded foyers and professional ballet or opera productions by renowned Latvian artists immersive cultural experience captivates audiences don’t miss (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi (≈15–20 min) or bus)
• Museum of the Occupation of Latvia Discover Latvia’s turbulent 20th-century history through detailed exhibits on Soviet and Nazi occupations, personal testimonies and powerful multimedia installations moving narrative educates visitors about resilience imperative visit indeed (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Bus 22 to centre + tram)
• Daugava River Boat Cruise Sail along the majestic Daugava River, witness panoramic cityscapes, passing historical landmarks like the castle, bridges and modern architecture from a unique vantage point relaxing sightseeing tour delights travellers shore (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi to pier (≈20 min) or train + walk)

Things to Do in Riga Airport (RIX)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Riga Airport’s lounge, Primeclass Business Lounge, is on Level 3 airside (after security near Gate B1). Open daily from 06:00–23:00, it offers complimentary snacks, hot and cold drinks, seating, shower facilities with toiletries, a children’s playroom, safe deposit boxes, Wi-Fi, quiet workstations, newspapers, and magazines, and a maximum 3-hour stay. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Kepler Club, Riga Airport’s landside hotel above check-in, features 74 private sleeping cabins and family rooms. Guests enjoy ergonomic beds, worktables, personal tablets, high-speed Wi-Fi, Netflix access, autonomous delivery robot, shower facilities, towels, toiletries, coffee, tea, lockers and room service. Minimum one-hour booking, ideal for short layovers and extended stopovers. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
While Riga Airport provides no dedicated rest zones or cots, passengers can use ergonomic benches in departure halls C and E. A 24/7 left-luggage service on Level 1 stores bags for up to 30 days from €7 per 24 hours. Free seating areas near shops offer power outlets and Wi-Fi.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Riga Airport offers unlimited free Wi-Fi via “RIX-Free-WiFi”. Connect and surf for 15 continuous minutes, then view a brief ad to resume. Network boasts sufficient speed for streaming and video calling. Additional internet kiosks are available airside at Coffee Nation. No password required and service operates throughout all terminal areas.

SIM/eSIM Card: Visitors can purchase physical SIM cards from Narvesen convenience stores and duty-free outlets in Arrivals and Departures. Major Latvian providers—LMT, Tele2, Bite—offer prepaid plans from €5 with EU roaming. Alternatively, eSIM profiles from providers like Airalo and Tele2 can be downloaded online. Identification and payment by card or cash required. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Licensed Riga Airport taxis operate via pre-paid voucher kiosks after baggage claim, offering fixed rates to central Riga. Ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Yandex are also available. Average journey time is 20 minutes. Ensure card payment for vouchers; metered taxis accept cash. Extra charges apply for luggage. Licensed drivers.

Train: Riga Airport will feature a Rail Baltica station currently under construction, integrating high-speed and regional services. Completion is scheduled by 2030. The modern station will link the airport to central Riga in approximately 10 minutes with trains every 30 minutes. Wheelchair accessible platforms, ticket machines, parking integration, and real-time displays. more info

Bus: Bus No. 22 connects Riga Airport with the city centre P1 car park (between exits C and E). Operated by Rīgas Satiksme, it runs every 10–20 minutes daily. Tickets cost €1.81 (one-way via card onboard) or €1.50 for a 90-minute pass. Bicycles allowed, luggage racks available onboard free of charge. more info

Shuttle: Lux Express operates the official airport shuttle minibuses between Riga central bus station and the airport. Services run every 30 minutes; journey time is approximately 25 minutes. Airside pickup is outside arrivals anytime. Tickets start at €4.99 one-way, purchased online or at kiosks. Shared and private transfers available for groups.

Car rentals: International and local car rental agencies (Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar, Sixt) have desks in the arrivals hall 24/7. Vehicles include economy to premium models with GPS, child seats, and insurance options. Online booking and vehicle collection occur landside; returns are processed at dedicated drop-off zones near P1. Prepaid rates apply. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: P1 short-term, P3 and P4 long-term car parks offer 24/7 video surveillance, free shuttle for P3/P4, and online booking via RIX e-shop. P1 first 10 minutes are free; thereafter €2 for 30 minutes and €1.50 per additional 30 minutes. Long-stay daily rates start at €4.50 with free cancellation until two hours prior.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Riga Airport provides a 24-hour left-luggage service on Level 1 storing baggage up to 30 days from €7 per 24 hours. Secure lockers are available in landside areas. Payment by cash or card; oversized items incur extra fees. Collection requires the original ticket. Unclaimed items are disposed after 30 days. Baggage trolleys. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Riga Airport (RIX) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks