USA Embassy Riga Latvia - Location and Public Transport Options

Where is the US Embassy in Riga Latvia?   How to get to the Riga US Embassy?



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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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Ride the Retro Tram - 1901 Vintage - Riga Latvia

RETRO TRAM will not be operating Summer 2009

Due to the current economic situation it was decided week of May 26 to not operate the Retro Tram this summer.

However, at a cost of 5 LS US$10 per trip it is no wonder so few (approximately 50 people per day in 2008) persons chose to ride the tram last summer.

A simple lesson in sales, marketing and value added pricing may have done the trick. But, unfortunately, sales, marketing and value added pricing is NOT taught in Latvian schools.

More on this Riga Rooster's opinion on value

Two routes to cruise the streets of Riga's famous Art Nouveau District or venture out to the beautiful wooded park area called Meza Parks (also take Tram 11).

The Retro Tram stop is on K. Barona Street at the Canal just South of the Opera House by the University Drug Store (Aptieka). Check schedules on sign post and our photos below:

(click photo to enlarge)

more info Riga City Tourist Office

more info Riga City Public Transport Department

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Prices Higher as of 1 July for Transport in Latvia 2008

According to the Information Internet site 1188.lv, the prices of busses and trains have increased from July 1.

The information is being updated in 1188 data base and the new prices will be published in the nearest time.

On average prices are increased by 40%. < -- thats a BIG WoW !

http://www.1188.lv/satiksme/starppilsetu_autobusi/

We have also heard that some taxi rates have increased as well starting 1 July, 2008

New Wave - Jurmala -- Riga Transport Boat

River ship „NEW WAVE” from Riga old town to Jurmala

click more information

Docks in Riga 50 meters South toward Stone bridge from White colored glass case enclosed statue of "Lielais Kristaps" along the Daugava River Front walkway opposite the Anglican Church (see photo below).



More information +371 29237123 (owner Dainis Ozols) or +371 67147900 (Jurmala TIC)

Leaves Riga at 11:00 arrives Jurmala Majori at 13:30

Departs Jurmala Majori at 19:00 arriving Riga at 21:30