How to find a cheap car hire deal in Riga
Searching for a cheap rental car in Riga? With prices averaging R 1,283 a day, your trip is already off to a wallet-friendly start. Whether you're after a zippy little number, a spacious SUV, or something else entirely, we compare all the best deals to land you a bargain.
The cheapest daily rental price in Riga is R 217.
For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from R 711 and pack in more adventures.
If you want to time it right, book about four weeks ahead to score the best price on a Riga car hire.
Get behind the wheel with Green Motion, Panek or Carwiz. They're some of the most reliable providers in the city.
Whether you choose Green Motion or a different supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Riga car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others treat it as an add-on.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to lock in a good deal if the provider needs to move cars between branches. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and bring it back full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Want to explore without stressing about the number of miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking first place for value is this company, with prices averaging R 981 a day.
Offering daily rates of around R 2,147, this provider is next in line.
The third option also makes your money go further. Expect to pay roughly R 1,260 a day for one of their rentals.
If you're unsure what kind of wheels you need, choose something from the Economy rental category. It's the most commonly booked type of car in Riga.
Flying to Riga? Think about an airport pick-up
Take the hassle out of arrival day by booking a car hire at Riga International Airport. If you're flying to Riga through this airport, simply collect your ride after landing and get moving. The drive to the city centre is about 10 kilometres and takes around 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Riga
Small: Whether you're zipping around busy cities or simply planning a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect good fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: A top choice when you want something that's easy to manoeuvre but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra space compared to smaller cars.
Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the space to fit it all in without a hassle. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this Riga car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a better view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're carving through winding trails or gliding down stretches of highway, many come with all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Riga that fits a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van is the roomy solution. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group travel, business use or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Riga car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or an accident. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so check how each one stacks up.
Make your trip smoother when you rent a car in Riga by adding some handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.
Good to know
Check each company's age requirements before booking your car hire in Latvia. Rules can differ, and some restrictions or fees may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to browse your options.
Add a car seat to your Riga car hire booking if you're travelling with small kids. Requirements change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their age and size is always the safest way to travel.
You'll need some documents when collecting your car. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with room for the security deposit (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will outline the exact requirements.
Spend some time getting acquainted with your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and blinkers, and get comfortable with its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stay on the right side of the road in Latvia.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 45kph in urban areas and 100kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
In Latvia, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you're planning to have a drink or two, get someone else to do the driving or arrange a ride-share or taxi instead.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
Best hotels in Riga for drivers
Offering accessible parking, A22 Hotel makes it easy to come and go as you please. This hotel is around 2 kilometres from central Riga and also comes with room service and internet access.
Alternatively, take advantage of the parking at NB Hotel With Free Parking. The city centre is roughly 3 kilometres from this option, which also features luggage storage and room service.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Riga and choose the stay that suits your travel style. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Riga and your hotel, all that's left to do is decide where to explore first. Start your trip with top attractions such as Old City Riga (Vecriga), Picturesque Rīga and Riga Central Market.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Riga
Shift gears and take off to Jelgava. Around 40 kilometres southwest of central Riga, you'll find must-see sights like Jelgava Palace and Holy Birch Grove.
Reliable accommodation options with parking in Jelgava include Riverside Motel Jelgava and Agate Hotel.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Riga and then head for Jūrmala. Roughly 19 kilometres west of Riga, Jurmala Beach and Jūrmala, Kempings are big attractions that make the drive worthwhile.
Jūrmala has some comfortable places to stay including Hotel Jurmala Spa and Baltic Beach Hotel & Spa. Both give you somewhere to leave your car while you're here.
Not ready to hit the brakes just yet? Motor on to Rēzekne, around 209 kilometres east of Riga. From Heart of Jesus Cathedral to Rēzeknes ezers, it'll bring your trip to a memorable close.
Book a room at Restart or Kolonna Hotel Rēzekne. They're an ideal base for exploring everything Rēzekne has to offer. They also offer parking.
