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Home/Destinations/Latvia
From €9/day
Explore Latvia on your own schedule

Car rental in Latvia

Compare cars, choose your deal, and book in just 3 minutes.

★★★★★★ 4.5 / 8,764 reviews
Rent a car in Latvia
✓ No hidden fees · ✓ Free cancellation

Popular cities in Latvia

Riga
Riga
Jurmala
Jurmala
Liepaja
Liepaja
Ventspils
Ventspils

Why drive in Latvia

From Riga, drive the coastal road to Jurmala, Saulkrasti and up to Cape Kolka for pine forests and long beaches. A car makes it easy to detour into fishing villages and nature trails.

Head inland to Cesis and Sigulda to explore Gauja National Park at your own pace. With a rental you can link castles, sandstone cliffs and lakes in a relaxed loop rather than fitting fixed bus times.

At a glance
Drives onRight
Motorway tollFree (no car toll)
CurrencyEuro (€)
Min. rental age21 years

Good to know before you drive

The essentials for a smooth, ticket-free trip.

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Speed limits

Town50 km/h
Open road90 km/h
Motorway130 km/h
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Parking

Paid short-stay zones in city centres — buy a ticket and display it.

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Alcohol limit

Typically 0.05% blood-alcohol limit; lower for new drivers.

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Vignette / tolls

Check whether a motorway vignette or tolls apply — many rentals include one.

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No hidden fees
No card or admin charges — every cost shown up front.
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Change or cancel free up to 24 hours before pick-up.
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Practical Information for Drivers

Penalties for violation of driving regulations

We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the most common traffic offences and the amount of the fines:

  • failure to stop at the request of a police officer – 10 LVL
  • turning in a prohibited place – 20–40 LVL
  • dangerous or improper overtaking – 40–60 LVL
  • driving in the oncoming traffic lane – 40 LVL
  • stopping on a level crossing – 30 LVL

While travelling, please pay attention to road signs; this will help you to orient yourself and avoid violations. The road signs comply with common international standards.

Speed limitation

To avoid a fine or confiscation of your driving licence for speeding, you must follow the signs and plates on the road, which inform you about the speed limit for each particular area. If there are no such signs, the general speed limits apply:

  • you may drive at up to 50 km/h in built-up areas
  • outside built-up areas the speed limit is 90 km/h
  • on motorways you may drive at up to 110 km/h

Remember to observe the traffic rules when renting a car in Latvia

When travelling in Latvia by car, you must observe basic traffic regulations to avoid unpleasant situations. Dipped headlights must be switched on at all times, all year round. Children up to 14 years of age must travel in child safety seats suitable for their size and weight. The use of a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless a hands-free system is used. All passengers must wear seat belts.

Fuel

RON95 and RON98 petrol and also diesel fuel are available in Latvia. There are also gas filling stations. Unlike in most European countries, in Latvia it is permitted to transport petrol in cans.

Average prices for fuel in Latvia:

  • 1 litre of RON95 petrol - 1.31 EUR
  • 1 litre of RON98 petrol - 1.35 EUR
  • 1 litre of diesel fuel - 1.28 EUR

Filling stations are located throughout the country. You can pay with cash or a credit card. In winter there are two types of diesel fuel at filling stations: regular and winter-grade. The quality of fuel, especially at branded filling stations, is very high.

Toll roads in Latvia

There is no charge for using public roads in Latvia. However, entering the resort area of Jurmala is subject to a fee. The entry fee is charged only from April to the end of September, during the high tourist season. At other times it is free of charge. Around one fifth of all roads in Latvia have a hard surface.

What drivers say about Latvia

★★★★★★4.5
★★★★★ 5

"We landed late in Riga and were surprised how quick the car pick‑up was. Friendly staff, clear instructions, and the car was spotless. Unlimited mileage was perfect for our road trip along the coast and countryside. Drop‑off was just as smooth and stress‑free."

M
Mārtiņš Bērziņš
Latvia
★★★★★ 5

"I booked a small car in Riga for a weekend trip around Kurzeme and everything went very smoothly. The car was nearly new, economical on fuel and perfectly clean inside. Staff explained the insurance options clearly and did not pressure me."

E
Elīna Kalniņa
Latvia
★★★★★★ 4.5

"I rented a car with a friend for a week in Latvia. The booking and pick‑up were easy, car clean and reliable. Only minor issue was a slightly slow return queue, but overall we were very satisfied."

J
Jānis Ozoliņš
Latvia
More reviews →

Renting in Latvia — FAQ

For Latvia, booking 2 to 4 weeks ahead usually secures the best choice and price, especially in Riga and during summer or major events. In peak periods such as June to August and around Christmas or New Year, consider reserving 4 to 6 weeks in advance, as smaller vehicle categories and automatics can sell out quickly.
Most Latvian car hire companies release the blocked deposit on your card within 3 to 10 working days after you return the car, provided there is no new damage, missing fuel or extra fees. Your bank or card issuer may then take a few more days to show the funds as available in your account.
The excess is the maximum amount you must pay towards damage or theft before the insurer covers the rest. In Latvia it typically ranges from about EUR 500 to EUR 1,500, depending on vehicle type and supplier. You can often reduce or even bring this excess close to zero by purchasing additional insurance or excess waiver cover when booking.
Many suppliers in Latvia still prefer a credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit. Some, however, accept debit cards or offer special no-deposit, no-credit-card deals on selected cars or insurance packages. Always check the payment conditions in the rental terms, as rules vary by provider and vehicle category.
Prices vary by season, car class and location. As a general guide, a small economy car in Latvia typically costs around EUR 25 to EUR 45 per day, with higher rates in peak summer and for automatics or SUVs. Longer rentals often work out cheaper per day, and booking early usually helps you secure the lower end of this range.
Bookingcar lets you quickly compare prices and conditions from multiple car hire brands in Latvia in one search. You can see different vehicle types, inclusions and insurance options side by side, making it easier to spot good-value offers and special deals. This price-comparison approach helps you choose a rental that matches your budget and requirements.
Returning your Latvian rental late usually leads to extra charges. Many companies apply an additional hourly fee, and if you exceed the grace period (often 30 to 60 minutes), they may charge a full extra rental day at the local rate. It is best to contact the rental office as soon as you know you will be delayed to discuss possible re-pricing.
Typical speed limits in Latvia are:
  • Built-up areas: 50 km/h
  • Outside built-up areas (rural roads): 90 km/h
  • Dual carriageways and main roads: usually 90 km/h, sometimes 100 km/h where signed
  • Residential zones and courtyards: 20 km/h unless otherwise indicated
Always follow local signs, as temporary or lower limits may apply in roadworks or specific sections.
Traffic fines in Latvia are typically issued on the spot or by post for camera offences, and must be paid in EUR. Speeding can cost from around EUR 20 for minor excess up to several hundred euros and possible licence suspension for serious violations. Drink-driving, using a phone without hands-free or dangerous driving attract higher penalties and, in severe cases, criminal charges.
In Latvia, the general legal blood alcohol limit for experienced drivers is 0.5 g/l (0.05%). For novice drivers (usually with less than two years' experience) the limit is stricter at 0.2 g/l (0.02%). Penalties for exceeding these limits are severe and can include high fines, licence suspension and, in serious cases, criminal liability, so it is safest not to drink at all if you are driving.
Fuel prices in Latvia change with the global market and local taxes, but as a rough indication, 95-octane petrol is often around EUR 1.70 to EUR 1.90 per litre, and diesel slightly cheaper on average. Prices can be a little higher at motorway or remote stations and lower at major brand or supermarket outlets around Riga and larger towns.
Latvia does not currently operate a general motorway toll or vignette system for private cars, and most roads are free to use. There may be separate charges for certain bridges, parking zones, or private roads and areas, especially in cities or near tourist sites. These are clearly signposted, and you usually pay at a machine, barrier, or via local parking apps.

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