Riga Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Riga

Renting a car in and around Riga offers a valuable opportunity to explore this vibrant metropolis at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as the stunning Riga Cathedral, the historic House of the Blackheads, and the charming Three Brothers, all located within the city. This flexibility allows you to manage your luggage conveniently and adjust your travel plans as needed. Families will appreciate the ease of transporting children and their belongings, while beach enthusiasts can venture to nearby coastal areas without the hassle of public transportation. Furthermore, a car rental enables you to explore popular neighbourhoods like Old Town Riga, which features iconic sites, and Centrs, home to the Cathedral of Christ's Nativity and Latvian Art Museum. The Zemgale Suburb, with attractions like the National Library of Latvia, is also within reach. By choosing to rent a car, you can create a personalized itinerary that caters to your interests, making your visit to Riga both enjoyable and memorable.

Most popular car rentals in Riga

• Economy: This car type accommodates 5 travellers with room for up to 2 medium suitcases, making it an ideal choice for solo travellers, couples, or families. The Economy option offers a budget-friendly way to explore Riga and its surroundings, ensuring you can manage your luggage comfortably while enjoying the flexibility of your own travel plans.
• Midsize SUV: Perfect for families, couples, or small groups, this car type can comfortably accommodate 5 travellers along with up to 3 large suitcases. The Midsize SUV provides extra space and comfort, allowing you to navigate both urban and rural areas with ease, making it an excellent option for those looking to explore the wider vicinity of Riga.
• Compact: Designed for 5 travellers and capable of holding up to 3 medium suitcases, the Compact car is versatile and efficient. This option is ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families seeking a smaller vehicle that is easy to park and manoeuvre in the city. With its balance of space and efficiency, the Compact car is an excellent choice for those wanting to discover Riga at their own pace.

Top rated car suppliers in Riga

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a popular choice among travellers in Riga, offering a single rental location in the area. It is particularly noted for its well-maintained vehicles, with Midsize SUVs and Economy cars being the most booked options. Customers appreciate the quick pickup process and friendly staff, making for a pleasant rental experience. Alamo's hassle-free returns further enhance its reputation, providing a reliable option for those looking to explore Riga and its surroundings.
• Budget: Budget also operates one rental location in Riga, catering to travellers seeking flexibility during their trips. Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs are the most popular choices among its customers. The company is recognized for its competitive pricing and convenient pickup process, allowing visitors to embark on their adventures with ease. With a reputation for friendly service, Budget is a solid option for those planning to drive around Riga and the nearby regions.
• Avis: Avis maintains a rental location in Riga, offering a varied fleet that includes Standard SUVs and Compact cars, making it suitable for different travel needs. Customers have highlighted Avis for its efficient service and well-kept vehicles. The company is praised for its smooth rental process, allowing travellers to focus on enjoying their time in Latvia. Avis stands out as a dependable choice for those wishing to explore Riga and its picturesque surroundings comfortably.

Where to stay in Riga

• Old Town Riga: Rich in history and culture, Old Town Riga offers a vibrant experience for travellers. With attractions such as the Riga Cathedral and the House of the Blackheads, it's ideal for those seeking a cultural holiday. The area is also known for its markets and nearby dining options, making it a fantastic spot for both family and business-themed visits. Enjoy the local beach and historic places within close proximity, enhancing your stay with a blend of leisure and exploration.
• Centrs: A bustling neighbourhood, Centrs is perfect for family and city-themed experiences. With attractions like the Latvian Art Museum and the Cathedral of Christ's Nativity, it offers a rich cultural scene. The area features shopping centres and public markets, catering to diverse interests. Nearby dining options ensure a satisfying culinary experience. Centrs is a great choice for those wanting to immerse themselves in local culture while enjoying the conveniences of urban life.
• Zemgale Suburb: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Zemgale Suburb provides a mix of cultural and leisure activities. Key attractions such as the National Library of Latvia and the Riga Cathedral are nearby, making it an excellent option for culture enthusiasts. The area also features markets and venues for music concerts and theatre, appealing to visitors with varied interests. Zemgale Suburb is a serene choice for those looking to enjoy both family-focused activities and cultural exploration.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Riga

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search based on vehicle type and features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to locate the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary depending on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your travel date. By booking early, you’re more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Other rentals may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unexpected events during your trip. It’s simple to add car rental insurance when making your booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Riga

The best value period for renting a car in and around Riga is January, when both prices and demand are low. February also offers low demand, though prices rise slightly. March continues this trend with slightly low prices and low demand. As spring approaches, April through June sees average prices and increasing demand, peaking in July when the demand is highest and prices are slightly high. August remains busy and expensive, making it the most costly month for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	27.0°F (-2.8°C)	Light Rain	Very Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
February	27.9°F (-2.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
March	33.3°F (0.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
April	42.8°F (6.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
June	61.5°F (16.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
July	65.8°F (18.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
August	64.6°F (18.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	56.8°F (13.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	46.4°F (8.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
December	31.6°F (-0.2°C)	Light Rain	Very Cloudy	Average	Slightly High