Complete Guide to Riga Airport - Terminals, Lounges and Layover Tips

1Terminal Overview

Riga Airport operates from a single integrated terminal building that handles both Schengen and non-Schengen flights. The terminal is divided into sections, with gates in the B area serving Schengen destinations and the C area handling flights outside the Schengen zone. The layout is straightforward and most passengers can walk from check-in to their gate in under 15 minutes, even during peak hours.

The departures hall is on the upper level, with check-in counters arranged in rows along the main concourse. Self-service kiosks are available for airBaltic and several other carriers, which can speed up the process considerably. Security screening is centralised, and wait times rarely exceed 20 minutes outside of the early morning rush when several flights depart close together.

The arrivals area is on the ground floor, with a small duty-free shop, car rental desks, ATMs, and a tourist information counter. Baggage claim has multiple carousels, and luggage typically appears within 20 to 30 minutes of landing. The airport also has a dedicated area for passengers with reduced mobility, with assistance available on request through your airline.

Transfer passengers moving between Schengen and non-Schengen flights will need to pass through passport control. The process is generally quick, but allow at least 60 minutes for connections that require a zone change. For Schengen-to-Schengen connections, you can stay airside and walk directly to your next gate.

2Getting To and From the Airport

Bus number 22 is the most popular public transport link between Riga Airport and the city centre. The bus runs every 10 to 30 minutes depending on the time of day and takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the central station and Old Town area. A single ticket costs around 2 EUR when purchased from the driver or 1.15 EUR using a Rigas Satiksme e-ticket card, which you can buy at the airport newsstand.

Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals hall. The fare to central Riga typically costs 15 to 20 EUR and the journey takes around 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Only use official taxis from the designated rank or pre-book through apps like Bolt, which operates widely in Riga and often offers cheaper fares than traditional taxis.

Car rental companies including Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, and Budget have desks in the arrivals hall. The airport is connected to the city via the A10 highway, and driving to the centre takes about 15 minutes in normal traffic. Parking at the airport starts from around 8 EUR per day for long-term lots, with short-term parking closer to the terminal costing more.

A rail connection between the airport and central Riga has been discussed for years, and construction of the Rail Baltica station at the airport is underway. Once completed, this will provide a direct train link to Riga Central Station and eventually connect to Tallinn and Vilnius as part of the broader Rail Baltica project.

3Airport Lounges

The main lounge option at Riga Airport is the Primeclass Business Lounge, located in the Schengen departure area after security. This lounge is accessible to business class passengers on select airlines, Priority Pass holders, and walk-in guests for around 30 EUR. The space offers comfortable seating, a buffet with hot and cold dishes, a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, WiFi, and charging stations.

The lounge is not particularly large, so it can feel crowded during peak morning hours when multiple flights are boarding simultaneously. Despite its modest size, the food quality is decent, with a rotating menu that typically includes soups, salads, pastries, and at least one hot main dish. The drink selection includes local Latvian beer, wine, and spirits.

For non-Schengen passengers, lounge options are more limited. There is a small business lounge in the C gate area that operates on a similar model. airBaltic business class passengers also receive lounge access as part of their ticket. If neither lounge is available to you, the airport has several cafes and quiet seating areas that serve as reasonable alternatives for a comfortable wait before your flight.

4Where to Eat and Drink

The landside area before security has a few dining options including a cafe and a convenience store. Most of the food and drink offerings are located airside in the departure halls. The LSG Sky Lounge cafe near the B gates offers sandwiches, pastries, and hot drinks at reasonable airport prices. There is also a larger restaurant with table service that serves Latvian and international dishes, with mains costing around 10 to 15 EUR.

For quick bites, a Burger King and a deli counter are available in the Schengen area, offering familiar options for travellers who want something fast. A bar near the gate area serves local Latvian beers including Aldaris and Uzavas, as well as cocktails and wine. Prices are typical for an airport setting, with a beer costing around 5 to 6 EUR.

The non-Schengen area has fewer choices, with a small cafe and a convenience shop being the main options. If you are flying outside the Schengen zone, it is worth grabbing food before passing through the additional passport control. Vending machines with snacks and drinks are scattered throughout both areas for basic needs. Overall, Riga Airport's food scene is functional rather than exciting, but it covers the essentials for a comfortable wait.

5Sleeping and Layover Tips

Riga Airport does not have a dedicated airside sleep pod or capsule hotel facility. For short layovers, the best option is to find a quiet spot in the gate area, where padded benches are available. The airport is generally quiet after the last evening flights, and security staff are tolerant of passengers resting in the terminal overnight, though the experience is not particularly comfortable.

For layovers of 4 hours or more, consider visiting the city centre. Riga's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well worth exploring. The bus ride takes only 30 minutes each way, giving you a few hours to walk through the cobbled streets, visit the Central Market, or grab a meal at one of the city's excellent restaurants. Just make sure to return to the airport with plenty of time for security.

If you need proper sleep, several hotels are located within a short drive of the airport. The Wellton Riga Hotel and Spa is about 15 minutes by taxi and offers comfortable rooms. Closer to the airport, smaller guesthouses and budget hotels can be found along the main road. Booking a room for a few hours through platforms that offer day-use rates is a practical option for red-eye connections.

The airport terminal itself stays open 24 hours, so you will not be asked to leave overnight. However, the shops and restaurants close after the last departures, typically around midnight, and do not reopen until early morning. Bring your own snacks and entertainment if you plan to spend the night in the terminal.

6Hotels Near Riga Airport

The closest hotel to Riga Airport is the Kolonna Hotel Brigita, located about 5 minutes by car from the terminal. It offers clean, basic rooms starting from around 50 EUR per night, and the hotel can arrange airport transfers on request. It is a solid no-frills option for early morning departures or late arrivals.

Slightly further away, the Wellton Riga Hotel and Spa sits about 10 kilometres from the airport in the city centre. Rooms start from around 80 EUR per night, and the hotel features a full spa, restaurant, and modern facilities. If you want to combine your layover with a bit of relaxation, this is a good mid-range choice.

The Radisson Blu Latvija Conference and Spa Hotel is one of the top-rated properties in Riga, located in the heart of the city about 15 minutes from the airport by taxi. Rates start from around 100 EUR per night, and the rooftop bar offers panoramic views of the city. For budget travellers, hostels in the Old Town area offer dormitory beds from as low as 15 EUR per night, though you will need to factor in the taxi fare back to the airport.

Several properties along Kalnciema iela and Jelgavas iela offer apartment-style accommodation at competitive rates, typically 40 to 70 EUR per night. These are especially good value for families or small groups. Ride-hailing apps like Bolt make getting to and from the airport straightforward regardless of which neighbourhood you choose to stay in.

7Staying Connected

Free WiFi is available throughout Riga Airport. Connect to the network labelled "RIX Free WiFi" and accept the terms to get online. The connection is reliable for browsing, email, and messaging, though streaming and video calls may be inconsistent during busy periods. There is no time limit on the free WiFi, which is a welcome convenience for longer waits.

For travellers who need mobile data in Latvia and across Europe, purchasing a local SIM card is straightforward. LMT and Tele2 are the main operators, and prepaid SIM cards can be purchased from convenience stores in Riga for around 5 to 10 EUR with a generous data allowance. Alternatively, an eSIM from providers like Airalo or Holafly can be activated before you land, giving you instant connectivity on arrival.

Using a VPN on the airport WiFi network is advisable, as public networks can be vulnerable to data interception. Charging points are available at most gate areas, though they can be in high demand during peak hours. Bringing a portable battery pack is a good backup plan, especially if you have a longer layover ahead.

8Practical Tips

Latvia uses the euro, so there is no need to exchange currency if you are arriving from another Eurozone country. ATMs are located in the arrivals hall and accept major international bank cards. Avoid the currency exchange counters in the terminal, which typically offer poor rates compared to withdrawing directly from an ATM.

Left luggage facilities are available in the arrivals area, with storage costing around 4 to 7 EUR per item per day. This is a useful service if you want to explore Riga during a long layover without dragging your bags around the city. The storage counter is staffed during airport operating hours.

EU and EEA citizens can use the automated e-gates at passport control for faster processing. Non-EU travellers should check visa requirements before arrival. Latvia is part of the Schengen Area, so if you are arriving from another Schengen country, there is no passport control. The airport has a pharmacy in the departures area and a medical assistance point near arrivals. Duty-free shopping is available for passengers departing to non-EU destinations, with competitive prices on local products like Riga Black Balsam, a traditional herbal liqueur that makes for a distinctive souvenir.