Traveling in Riga by private car has many advantages. The main ones are comfort and free choice of the route. Whether it is a business meeting or leisure, car rental in Riga will significantly save time, transport any luggage without any problems, and, if necessary, emphasize the status.
Important features of car rental in Latvia
When choosing a company and a car for traveling on Riga roads, pay attention to the following nuances:
- Car rental in Latvia is not very popular. You can find the stations of the renowned rental bureaus only in Riga. As a last resort, even in 1-2 large cities.
- Budget car rental in Latvia in small companies is always more stringent requirements (minimum rental period from three days, greater age and experience of the driver, lower, often daily, mileage limit).
- With a car rented in Latvia, you can travel to neighboring countries of the Schengen zone, Belarus and the Russian Federation (you should notify the distributor in advance to prepare the accompanying documents, power of attorney and insurance).
- The rental company guarantees the category and equipment of the car, but not its specific model.
- Total mileage for the rental period without surcharge - no more than 150 km per day
General conditions for car rental in Riga
Companies offering car rental in the capital of Latvia operate according to the following rules:
- the car will be issued if the driver is already 19 years old, and his driving experience is at least a year. And some companies will lease a car even at the age of 18, but with a surcharge;
- experience in driving a vehicle for at least 1 year;
- the place of issue of the car is indicated in the rental agreement and in the online booking form (you can order a car rental at the Riga airport, at the bus station or at a specific address);
- for targeted delivery of the car, as a rule, an additional fee is taken;
- rental prices at different points of the same distributor may differ;
- according to a preliminary agreement with the rental company, you can leave the car in another city or even a country;
- upon return, the rental company evaluates the cleanliness of the car and gets the right to write off up to 15 € if the vehicle was returned dirty;
- in some companies you can rent a car with a driver (the service is paid separately);
- for the delivery of the car outside working hours (20.00–08.00) an additional fee of 10-20 € is taken.
You get a fully fueled car at your disposal and must return it the same way. If you run out of fuel, you will have to pay extra for it.
If you need additional equipment, it is rented separately.
What documents are needed to rent a car in Riga
When concluding a lease agreement, a foreign driver in Riga will need to provide the following set of documents:
- international driving license;
- credit card (if it is a car rental in Riga without collateral, it is possible to provide a debit card);
- signed act of the technical condition of the car (the document is issued for signature by the distributor);
- a passport with a valid Schengen visa.
If you do not have a credit card, the rental can be assigned to someone else. In this case, you will be recorded as the second driver.
Taking out insurance for a rented car
All cars of the Latvian car rental companies are protected under the compulsory insurance system. By signing the certificate of technical condition of the vehicle, you fully accept responsibility for all possible damage.
A number of car rental companies offer additional insurance, including legal and technical support on the road.
When examining an insurance policy, be sure to check that it covers the following types of risks:
- CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) - accident insurance;
- TW (Theft Waiver) - car theft insurance;
- TPL (Third Party Liability Insurance) - civil liability insurance.
Insurance deductible - the amount within which you (the renter) undertake to personally indemnify the rental company. The insurance company only covers what is in excess of the amount of the insurance deductible.
Standard insurance never includes loss of keys, damage to windshield, windows, wheels, tires, car roof / underbody, navigation and additional equipment, even with a zero insurance deductible.
Deductible insurance is an additional type of insurance that covers damage to all parts of the car, including as a result of using the wrong fuel.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Riga
The total cost of renting a car in the capital of Latvia depends on the following factors:
- presence / absence of collateral;
- surcharge for exceeding the mileage restrictions (depending on the terms of the contract);
- rental of additional equipment;
- type of insurance and the presence / absence of additional insurance;
- vehicle class and equipment;
- the number of drivers (an additional fee may be charged for the registration of a second driver);
- lease term;
- availability of additional services;
- unforeseen costs associated with a lack of fuel and the return of the machine in an inappropriate condition.
On average, car rental prices in Riga range from 35-45 € per day (2,600 - 3,400 rubles). A variety of promotions from distributors can help you save a maximum of 10-25% of the rental price.
| Car category | Average rental price in Riga for 3 days, euro | Average rental price in Riga for 7 days, euro |
|---|---|---|
| Mini | 115–120 | 345–365 |
| Economy | 115–160 | 125–185 |
| Standard | 90–145 | 200–280 |
| Suite | 220–265 | 485–625 |
| Station wagon | 95–135 | 185–275 |
| SUV | 95–195 | 230–385 |
Where and how to rent a car in Riga
There is as far as the option of ordering a rental car in Riga. The choice depends on your needs and capabilities.
- Reservation on the website of the rental bureau. Perhaps the fastest, cheapest and safest way to rent a car in the Latvian capital. A special form allows you to electronically indicate all your requirements and data. Upon arrival in Riga, you will be asked to sign a contract, after which the car keys will be issued.
- Order on the website of the broker company. Brokers are organizations that collect offers from several rental bureaus for their clients in one place. According to tourists, the rental price in this case is sometimes lower due to special promotions and offers. The advantage of this approach is the ability to quickly compare rental conditions and choose the best option.
- Choosing a car in the office of the rental company upon arrival. The main advantage of such a solution is the ability to personally choose a car from those that are available. But the disadvantages outweigh: offices are not located everywhere, they work for a limited period of time, there may not be cars of the required category and equipment at the time of your visit.
Expenses for car enthusiasts in Riga: parking, gasoline and toll roads
Traveling by car is not only comfort, but also a number of additional costs that should be foreseen in advance.
Parking rules and fees in Riga
Parking lots within the city are divided into how many types, depending on the area. Payment for services is made through the automatic machine installed in the parking zone or via SMS by phone number. The payment receipt must be left on the windshield.
In case of violation of the parking rules, a traffic blocker can be installed on the car's wheels. The penalty for violation is double the cost of the parking space (minimum 40 €).
| Parking type in Riga | Price per hour, EUR |
|---|---|
| A | 3 |
| B | 2.5 |
| C | 2 |
| D | 1.5 |
| R (Old Town) | 8 |
You can park for free in the following places:
- Free public parking in the center of Riga on the right side of the Daugava (entrance from the embankment through Statoil gas station).
- Parking RP SIA Rigas Satiksme on Sunday / holidays and Saturday from 17.00 to 09.00, on weekdays from 20.00 to 08.00.
Average fuel prices in and around town
The difference in the cost of fuel in large companies and small firms is only 3-5%.
| Type of fuel | Average price in Riga, euro |
|---|---|
| Gasoline 95 | 1,19–1,21 |
| Gasoline 98 | 1,25–1,28 |
| Diesel | 1,10–1,13 |
| Gas | 0,53-0,55 |
Are there toll roads.
There are no toll roads in Latvia. However, from April 1 to September 30, an entry fee to the territory of Jurmala is charged - 2 €.
Peculiarities of traffic in Riga
Check local traffic regulations carefully before riding. Some of the most important and frequently violated rules are the following:
- A ban on parking a car on the sidewalk, even if it does not interfere with the movement of pedestrians.
- Speed limit: settlements - 50 km / h, motorways - maximum 130 km / h.
- When transporting children whose height does not exceed 150 cm, in vehicles equipped with seat belts, one of the following safety measures must be used: the child must be in a special child seat appropriate for his age and weight, which is attached to the passenger seat with seat belts ; the child must sit on a support suitable for his age and weight and must be wearing a seat belt.
- The maximum rate of alcohol in the driver's blood is 0.2 ppm with a driving experience of up to 5 years, 0.5 ppm - with a driving experience of 5 years or more.
- Talking on a mobile phone while driving is only hands free.
- Use of winter tires from December 1st to March 1st.
Violation of traffic rules leads to the imposition of fines, evacuation of the car and even deprivation of rights.
| Type of violation | The amount of the fine and other types of punishment |
|---|---|
| Violation of the speed limit | If the excess is up to 10 km / h - a warning. Exceeding the speed limit by more than 60 km / h - a fine from 720 to 960 EUR and a 12 month revocation. Possible fine from 1040 to 1400 EUR and deprivation of rights for 24 months. |
| Exceeding the permissible level of alcohol in the driver's blood | A fine of 430-1400 € (with deprivation of rights for up to 4 years) and arrest from 10 to 15 days. |
| Lack of low beam | Penalty: 7 € - daytime, 40 € - night. Or a warning. |
| Unfastened seat belt | Fine from 30 to 70 EUR or warning. |
| Violation of the rules for the transportation of children | Warning or fine from 30 to 70 EUR for violation of the rules for transporting children. A fine from 25 to 100 EUR for using a phone, tablet or other mobile device (not hands free) if the vehicle is in motion. |
| Conversation on the telephone, which takes the driver's hands |
Tips for foreign car tourists in Riga
To make your vacation or business trip go smoothly when renting a car in Riga, pay attention to the following recommendations:
- check with the bank if there will be problems with the debiting of funds from your credit / debit card by the Latvian distributor;
- before leaving, check again if there is any blocking of the credit limit or the seizure of your accounts;
- carefully inspect the car before signing the contract, fixing its condition on a phone camera / camera (some of the damages may not be noticed during a cursory inspection);
- carefully study the terms of insurance and read the entire lease agreement;
- find out in advance the cost of parking in Riga in the planned area of residence, check the availability of gas stations and technical service;
- always have the contacts of the bank and the rental office with you.
Summarizing
Having a car gives you the freedom to choose a route and significantly reduces the time spent on moving around Riga. And for this it is not at all necessary to go to Latvia in a personal vehicle. Daily car rental in the Latvian capital will help to resolve the issue. Sitting behind the wheel, you can arrange any excursion for yourself and your loved ones, carry oversized cargo or go to nature. It is practical and convenient.
