Latvia car hire

Compact (Volkswagen T-Cross or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Latvia.

Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

It is important to know that while Latvia has a network of well-maintained roads, especially in major cities and between towns, some rural and secondary roads may have potholes and uneven surfaces. Drivers should exercise caution, especially during winter when road conditions can be more challenging due to snow and ice. Moreover, major cities in Latvia, such as Riga, may experience traffic congestion during peak hours (07:00 to 09:00 and 17:00 to 19:00), especially on main routes and in the city centre.

The minimum age for hiring a car in Latvia depends on the car hire company you are booking with, but typically you can expect it to be around 19 to 21 years old. Some car hire companies may require you to have had your driver’s licence for at least one year, and there may be extra insurance costs for drivers under the age of 25. It is recommended to verify with your car hire company whether you are able to hire a car in Latvia and what their policies are.

When driving in Latvia you can expect to pay around €1.50 (£1.30) per litre of petrol and approximately €6 (£5.14) for a gallon. However, it is also advisable to check the petrol prices on an official government website before your trip to Latvia, as the prices may have changed slightly; it is common for the prices to fluctuate due to several factors.

The speed limit within built-up areas, which includes residential areas and city streets, is typically 50 km/h unless otherwise indicated by signs. On roads outside built-up areas, the default speed limit is usually 90 km/h. However, on some roads, particularly those with more challenging conditions or other factors, the speed limit may be 70 km/h or lower, so it's important to pay attention to posted speed limit signs. On dual carriageways or roads with more than one lane per direction, the speed limit is usually 100 km/h unless otherwise indicated.