Public Transport Riga - How Much and How To

Effective 1 May 2009, The Riga Transport Company (Riga Satiksme) has introduced an Electronic Ticketing System onboard all Trolleybuses (electric), Trams (electric) and Autobuses (fuel).


The system operates using a microchip Smart Card purchased at Newspaper Outlets and from the bus company kisoks. The price of one ride using the Smart Card is 0.50 Ls - each trip no transfers. Locations of Bus Company kisoks - the main one is at the Central Bus Station across from the Central Market. Another walkup Bus Company Point of Sale kisoks is located at the tram stop across from the Opera House and Hotel Riga (GE Money Bank) on Aspazijas Boulevard. All Narvesson (7 Eleven) newspaper shops and kisoks sell the "yellow Smart Card" as well.

You may purchase Smart Cards in 5, 10 and 20 ride amounts. The Smart Tickets are not able to be refilled. The ticket must be presented to a ticket reader onboard each car and the GREEN light must show. It also advises you of how many more trips are left on the ticket immediately after showing the green light.

Print this page and show to the sales clerk to purchase Yellow Smart Cards

Five (5) trip ticket - Biļete 5 braucieniem 2.50 Ls
Ten (10) trip ticket - Biļete 10 braucieniem 4.75 Ls
Twenty (2) trip ticket - Biļete 20 braucieniem 9.00 Ls

more information

sorry video is Latvian language only - but pictures tell the story

Paper tickets may be purchased from the driver for one trip at a cost of 0.70 Ls and if the rider has a standard size suitcase a luggage ticket should be purchased from the driver at an additional fee of 0.80 ls per piece of luggage.

A luggage ticket is now not required on the airport Bus number 22

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BEWARE of the TICKET KONTROLLERS - they are agressive - somewhat NASTY - and the fine (especially for no luggage ticket)  is large.

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Don't bother trying to call their information line as they don't seem to answer it. And never mind sending a question by email as they don't seem to reply in any language as well !

It's not an very impressive show of customer service at the bus company.

Somewhere there is (are?) a automatic ticket vending machine but no one will tell where it (they ?) are. Oh yes, maybe one is at the central bus station - but it has a very long line we hear.

For local residents, they will some day will have the ability to refill your blue permanent smart card using Internet bank - but I wouldn't hold my breath waiting as it is on permanent "test mode" and you may "turn blue waiting for it to come available.

For visitors, it may be best to purchase e-talons from Newspaper shops.

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Two most asked questions about visiting Riga

Two most asked questions about visiting Riga:

1. Don't bring Latvian money from your country to Latvia!
   Simply bring ATM Bank card (best option), GBP Sterling, Euros, or US Dollars (last choice). ATM bank machines everywhere at the airport or on the street. Simply use good judgment. Change money at banks all rates are the same. Watch exchange rate at small exchange shops some are rip-offs. more info


2. For airport (LIDOSTA) transfers, best to use taxi. The company at the airport (Red Renault cars) is safe, fair and reliable. more info
   Price is about 8 Ls (GBP) to center.


3. Why take a bus and wonder around for an hour in a strange city pulling your luggage to find an address?
   If you must, take bus 22 (most often) (get off at Stockmann) more info maps


4. All bus & tram information http://www.rigabus.info/

Parking for large busses in Riga Center

Parking in Riga for buses is very difficult.

Most parking lots are very small with narrow streets so it is difficult to turn around large long busses.

Some parking along river Novembra 11. Krastmala street close to Riga Pils (Castle) between the two (2) bridges Vansu tilts and Akmens tilts.

http://www.rigalatvia.net/rigamap/map_parking_lots.html

Best to park along river and look around for best place on foot.

Ask Riga City Tourist Information Office shown on map.


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