Cheap Car Rental in Riga

Car Hire in Riga

The enchanting Riga, the capital of Latvia, is the largest city in the Baltics. While it may not yet be one of the most celebrated destinations in Europe, Riga gives the better-known cities of Paris and Amsterdam a run for their money when it comes to beauty, food and romance.

Like many cities in the region, Riga’s history and architecture has earned it a place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What sets this city apart is the existence of around 800 buildings which are classic examples of the architectural style known as Art Nouveau, famous for its intricate linear designs and floral patterns. Unfortunately, during World War II, a lot of the old town of Riga was destroyed, but the 1990s saw a total overhaul of the area, resulting in Riga becoming one of the top spots in the Balkan area.

Riga’s streets are home to a thriving café culture, where it’s wonderful just to relax and take in the surroundings. There are also numerous parks within the city, for walking and picnicking. A good idea to make the most of your time in Riga would be to join one of pre-organized tours available for visitors to the city. These tours take you to visit a number of famous sights, including:

• House of Blackheads
• Statue of Roland
• The Town Hall
• The Big Guild
• The Little Guild
• Wagner Concert Hall
• The Three Brothers

Just beyond the city limits, you will find yourself in the enchanting Latvian countryside. Less than an hour’s drive away is the forest of Sigulda, with a castle straight out of a fairy tale and many hiking trails to enjoy. For the thrill-seekers among you, you can brave a bungee jump or treetop walkway.

Even closer to the city is the seaside resort of Jurmala, an easy and popular day trip from Riga. There’s plenty going on in this town, with cultural events on the sandy beach throughout the year.

Cheap Vehicle Rentals in Riga

If you want to make the best of your visit to Riga, the best option may be to hire a car for the duration of your trip. Depending on what type of car you want to drive, you could find rentals for as little as driving down to Riga Downtown from as little as $12 per day, although it may be extra for a waiver covering you in the unfortunate case of any collision, coverage against theft, any third-party liability, and roadside assistance. Inter Rent, Green Motion, and Sixt all operate in Riga. Here are some examples of deals in the city:

1. Skoda Citigo or similar (mini class) – $12/day
2. Ford Fiesta or similar (economy class) – $15/day
3. Volkswagen Golf or similar (compact class) – $17/day
4. Toyota Corolla or similar (intermediate class) – $19/day
5. Volkswagen Passat or similar (standard class) – $25/day

Driving Like a Latvian

Some tips for staying safe and legal on the roads in Latvia:

Just like at home, it is important to stay safe in the car. The country has a pretty high crash rate, so when driving, place all your focus on the road, in order to avoid any accidents.

Make sure that as a driver, you are carrying your driving license with you at all times, and that if you have hired a car, that the car rental company has provided you with the appropriate car registration and insurance documents, where all drivers are covered appropriately. Once you have left the car rental company, the car becomes your responsibility – don’t take any chances.

Apart from the documents, make sure that your car is equipped with the following: a headlamp beam deflector, a fire extinguisher sized appropriately, a fully-stocked first aid kit, a high visibility vest, and a warning triangle.

When driving, the lights must be on, and all passengers in the car must be strapped in tightly. Kids must be strapped even tighter in a car seat suited to them according to their age and size.

If you plan to drive in the winter months, it is important to know that winter tires must be installed between 1st December and 1st March of every year, and in the case of spiked tires, these are prohibited between 1st May and 1st October.

Speed limits must always be adhered to, and change depending on the area you are driving in. In residential areas, driving is at a slow 10 mph, however in built-up areas this increases to 30 mph. On normal roads, it increases again to 55 mph with a maximum speed of 60 mph. For vacationers, it is not necessary to obtain an international permit; as long as you have been in the country for less than a year, your US license will be valid to drive with.