Latvia Car Hire

Reasons to book a car hire in Latvia

Renting a car in Latvia is a practical choice for tourists looking to explore the country with freedom and flexibility. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and adapt your travel plans to suit your interests, making it ideal for outdoor adventures, beach outings, and family experiences.

Latvia boasts several key attractions that are best accessed by car. For instance, you can visit Jurmala Beach, perfect for beach experiences, located a short drive from the bustling metropolis of Riga. Additionally, the stunning Riga Cathedral offers rich cultural experiences in the heart of the city. If you crave scenic outdoor activities, Gauja National Park is easily reachable, providing opportunities for adventure amidst beautiful landscapes.

Exploring destinations like Old Town Riga, with its historic charm, or the vibrant city of Jurmala, featuring Jomas Street and Dzintari Forest Park, is made effortless with a rental car. This convenience enhances your ability to experience the diverse offerings of Latvia at your own pace, making your trip more enjoyable and memorable.

Most popular car hires in Latvia

• Economy: The Economy car is perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families, as it accommodates up to 5 travellers and allows for 2 medium suitcases. This option offers an efficient way to navigate Latvia, providing the flexibility to explore at your own pace while ensuring easy luggage management.
• Compact: Ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families, the Compact car also accommodates up to 5 travellers, with space for 3 medium suitcases. This type is particularly advantageous for those looking to enjoy the sights of Latvia while benefiting from a balance of space and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice among renters.
• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is an excellent option for families, couples, or small groups, accommodating up to 5 travellers and providing room for 3 large suitcases. This vehicle type offers additional comfort and space for your journey, making it suitable for longer drives around Latvia while ensuring you have ample room for your belongings.

Where to stay in Latvia

• Riga: As the capital city of Latvia, Riga offers a vibrant metropolis experience perfect for families and city-themed holidays. Key points of interest include the stunning Riga Cathedral and the historic House of the Blackheads, both rich in culture. The city also features an extensive public market nearby, ideal for sampling local cuisine. For outdoor relaxation, the parks and family beach areas are easily accessible, making Riga an excellent base for exploration.
• Jurmala: Known for its beautiful beaches, Jurmala is a fantastic destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including theatre performances and music concerts. The picturesque Jomas Street offers shopping and dining options, while the Dzintari Forest Park provides a serene urban park experience. With its family-friendly atmosphere and beach access, Jurmala is especially appealing during the summer months.
• Baltic Sea: Surrounding Latvia, the Baltic Sea region boasts stunning white sandy beaches and outdoor activities. Ideal for beach lovers, Jurmala Beach is a highlight, offering relaxation and stunning views. Additionally, the urban parks in the area, like Dzintari Forest Park, are perfect for families seeking eco-friendly adventures. The region is also known for its spa facilities, making it a great choice for a rejuvenating getaway.

10 tips to save on your car hire in Latvia

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're seeking an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to help you discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re likely to secure more favourable rates and enjoy a better selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come at a lower rental cost and are easier to manoeuvre and park in crowded areas. Mid-size cars provide a suitable compromise between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This may also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which is acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car with an empty tank in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience might justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you intend to embark on long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional fees.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is required to hire a car.

Best time to rent a car in Latvia

The best value period to rent a car in Latvia is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. March also offers a good option, as it typically sees slightly low prices and low demand. Following these months, May sees average prices and demand, making it another reasonable choice. However, August stands out as the most expensive month, with high demand and slightly high prices, which may make it less appealing for budget-conscious travellers.