How to find a cheap car hire deal in Riga International (RIX)
Searching for a cheap Riga International rental car? With prices averaging R 925 a day, you're headed for some big savings. Whether you're after an economy ride, a large SUV, or anything in between, we round up all the top deals to help you spend less.
R 160 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental at Riga International.
Making it more than a quick visit? Book a weekly rental from R 834 and squeeze in a few road trips from Riga.
To land the cheapest price, book your RIX car hire around four weeks in advance.
At Riga International, you can grab your wheels from trusted providers such as Panek, Green Motion and Carwiz.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Riga International car hire policy, whether you book with Panek or a different supplier. Some may leave it out of the standard package and offer it as an extra.
Booking one-way could score you a discount on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in RIX.
Avoid those steep refueling fees by choosing a car hire in Riga International with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and pay only for what you use.
Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you roam without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value overall comes from this company, with average prices at R 926 a day.
Offering daily rates of around R 909, this provider takes the runner-up spot.
The third option also keeps costs manageable. Expect to pay roughly R 1,079 a day for one of their rentals.
Want a car that handles just about any journey? The Compact rental category is the crowd favourite among travellers at RIX.
Compare car hire types from Riga International (RIX)
Small: Whether you're weaving through city traffic or simply planning a quick trip, this cheap Riga International rental car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect great mileage and easy handling.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.
Large: You've got the kids, the suitcases, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to carry it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this RIX car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV is ready to roll. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for highways, country roads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Riga International takes heavy loads and larger groups in its stride. They're roomy, reliable, and ready for whatever your trip demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a big excess fee. Different RIX car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
Make driving easier when you rent a car in Riga International by adding some handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that make parking feel effortless.
Good to know
Age requirements can vary by provider and even car type, so know the rules before you book. Some companies in Latvia may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you're outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
Travel plans include the kids? Car seat rules vary according to the location, and the right setup may depend on their weight, height and age. Make sure you add the right one to your RIX car hire reservation.
You'll be asked for a few things when picking up your rental car: your physical driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with room to cover the excess. Debit cards aren't commonly accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
If you're new to driving in Latvia, don't forget that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's usually around 45kph in built-up areas and 100kph or so on highways. Always go by the posted signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Latvia. The only guaranteed way to stay safe to drive is to avoid alcohol completely.
Drive smarter from the start
Go from zero to adventure once you've grabbed the keys to your RIX car hire. You've got the freedom to follow your own road, but if you're headed to central Riga, it'll take you around 20 minutes to drive the 10 kilometres or so northeast.
At peak travel times, expect the drive from Riga International to the centre to take up to 30 minutes.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 8am. Make driving easier by avoiding peak periods in general.
If you don't need a set of wheels as soon as you land, consider picking up a car hire in Riga instead of at the airport. Collect your ride at a time that works for you and avoid paying for unused rental days.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Riga International (RIX)
Begin with some of the leading attractions in Riga, such as Old City Riga (Vecriga) and Riga Central Market. Whether you drive your rental or get there another way, you'll want to see these highlights before you move on.
Keep travelling to Jelgava. Around 32 kilometres southwest of RIX, you'll find must-do sights like Jelgava Palace and Wooden boardwalks at the flood-land meadows of the River Svēte.
Alternatively, grab the wheel of your Riga International car hire and drive around 14 kilometres west to Jūrmala. Featuring Jurmala Beach and Dzintari Concert Hall, its highlights live up to the hype.
Keep things moving and road-trip it to Rēzekne, about 209 kilometres east of RIX. Kick things off at Heart of Jesus Cathedral, then spend some time at Rēzekne, Leščinskis’ Garden, Memorial Site of 1941 Jewish Victims, Latvia.
