Metered taxis wait directly outside RIX Terminal 1 arrivals
Taxi ranks sit just beyond the Terminal 1 arrivals exit, so you’re in a car within 2–5 minutes of collecting bags. These are licensed taxis only, lined up in a marked zone in front of the terminal doors.
Each licensed taxi has official tariffs printed on both rear passenger doors, listing the starting fee, per‑kilometer rate, and any airport surcharge. Read those door stickers before you get in; drivers in Riga are required to respect the posted tariff for every ride.
Journey time from Riga International Airport to Old Town usually runs 15–25 minutes, depending on A10 traffic and time of day. Late nights after 22:00 tend to be quicker, while weekday rush hours can push the ride closer to 30 minutes.
Fares from RIX to central Riga commonly land in the 15–25 EUR range at normal tariff levels. Prices rise if you hit heavy traffic or ask for stops along the way, but the meter must reflect the same per‑kilometer rate that’s printed on the taxi doors.
Licensed taxis at Terminal 1 accept cash in euros, and many also take cards via in‑car POS terminals; look for Visa/Mastercard stickers on the rear side windows. If you plan to pay by card, confirm “card OK?” with the driver before the meter starts.
To use a licensed taxi safely, follow a simple sequence: 1) Walk to the official taxi rank outside Terminal 1 arrivals. 2) Check the tariffs on the rear doors of two or three cars. 3) Choose a taxi with clearly printed, legible rates. 4) Confirm approximate price to your address in euros. 5) Confirm payment method. 6) Watch the driver reset the meter to zero before departure.
The main risk at RIX is unlicensed drivers approaching inside the arrivals hall, especially after 20:00. These cars may not display tariffs on the doors and often quote flat prices like “40 euros to center” instead of using a meter, which is more than double the typical 15–25 EUR meter fare.
Final tip: before your trip, save your hotel or apartment address in Latvian on your phone and screenshot a map; showing the exact street name cuts down on detours and keeps that 15–25 minute ride from turning into a 40‑minute tour of Riga’s suburbs.
Step by step
- 01 Go to the designated taxi area outside the arrivals hall.
- 02 Choose a licensed taxi brand (XTaxi, TaksiLV, Red Cab).
- 03 Check the displayed tariff on the vehicle door before boarding.
- 04 Confirm your destination with the driver.
- •Not checking the tariff before getting in the taxi.
- •Using unlicensed taxis that may charge higher rates.