Suggested length of stay
The ideal length of visit to Latvia really depends on your travel plans and interests. If you’re interested in exploring some of the major cities and attractions, a week to ten days would be enough to cover the highlights. However, if you want to experience the local culture, outdoor activities, and visit some of the smaller towns and villages, a longer stay of two to three weeks would be more appropriate.
Modes of transport
Road
Regardless of what kind of car rental you choose, there are several aspects you must consider when travelling in Latvia with a car. The laws of Latvia require the front lights to be turned on when driving. The speed limit is 50 km/h in cities and 90 km/h on rural roads if not indicated otherwise. Some motorways allow you to drive at 100 or 110 km/h. There are no toll roads in Latvia; however, from 1 April to 30 September, you must pay for entering the special regime zone – Jurmala.
Rail
Latvia’s rail network system connects the Latvian capital with lines to several different directions – you can get to Liepāja, Sigulda, Cēsis, Jelgava, Rēzekne etc. by train. Timetables can be found at each station and online at Pv.lv and 1188.lv or on the Mobilly mobile application.
Air
Yes, there are domestic air travel options available in Latvia. AirBaltic, the national airline of Latvia, operates flights to domestic destinations such as Liepaja, Ventspils, and Riga. Other airlines, such as SmartLynx and RAF-Avia, also offer domestic flights within Latvia.
Ferry
Latvia has a well-developed ferry network connecting the country’s main ports with neighbouring countries such as Sweden, Germany, and Finland. The most popular ferry routes are from Riga to Stockholm and from Ventspils to Nynashamn in Sweden. Other ferry routes include those from Liepaja to Travemunde in Germany and Helsinki to Riga. The major ferry operators in Latvia include Tallink, Viking Line, and Stena Line. Additionally, there are also local ferry services that operate between smaller ports and islands.
Food
Latvian cuisine is known for its hearty and wholesome dishes, often made using locally sourced ingredients. Traditional Latvian food reflects the country’s history and geography, with influences from neighbouring countries such as Russia, Germany, and Sweden. Some popular dishes include grey peas and bacon, black bread, and sklandrausis, a sweet pie made with rye flour and mashed vegetables. Fresh fish from Latvia’s rivers and the Baltic Sea, such as smoked eel and herring, are also staples of Latvian cuisine. Overall, Latvian food is flavorful, satisfying, and perfectly reflects the country’s culture and traditions.
Drinking water
Latvia’s tap water is safe to drink.
Visas
Latvia is part of the Schengen Area with many other European countries. This means you can enter Latvia without a visa in some cases.
Money
Latvia’s currency is the euro.
Inoculations & health precautions
Health risks in Latvia are broadly like those in Australia.
Embassy Contacts for Latvia
Australian Consulate, Riga
Teikums Teodors
Gustava Zemgala Gatve 74
Riga LV-1039
LATVIA
Telephone: +371 29 509100
Email: AU.HonConsul.Riga@gmail.com
Electricity
In Latvia, the power plug sockets are of type F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.
Getting there
The best way to fly to Latvia from Australia is to take a flight from any major Australian city to a connecting hub in Europe, such as London, Paris, or Amsterdam, and then take a connecting flight to Riga, the capital city of Latvia. Some airlines that offer flights to Riga from Europe include AirBaltic, Ryanair, and Lufthansa.
Time Zone
Eastern European Summer Time UTC+3
Ready to discuss your trip to Latvia?
Speak to one of our travel specialists and we’ll create your personalised itinerary just for you.
