Car Rental in Latvia — Guide, Prices & Tips
Need a car for a trip around Latvia, a business trip, or temporary use? Car rental can be convenient and affordable — if you know where to look, what to avoid, and how to save. This guide covers all types, real prices, insurance details, and concrete tips.
Contents
1. 🚗 Types of car rental
Several car rental formats are available in Latvia. Your choice depends on how long you need the car, budget, and convenience requirements.
| Rental type | Price/day | Duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional rental (Sixt, Budget, Europcar) | €25–100+ | 1–30 days | Travel, business trips, tourists |
| Peer-to-peer (GetAround, local) | €20–70 | 1–30 days | Budget option, unique vehicles |
| Long-term rental | €15–50 | 1–12+ months | Temporary need, alternative to buying |
| Van / minibus rental | €70–120 | 1–7 days | Moving, group travel |
| Premium / luxury rental | €100–300+ | 1–7 days | Special occasions, corporate events |
2. 💰 Typical prices
Prices depend on car class, season, rental duration, and location. Summer (June–August) prices are 20–40% higher.
Economy
VW Polo, Toyota Yaris, Škoda Fabia
Mid-range
VW Golf, Toyota Corolla, Škoda Octavia
SUV / Crossover
Toyota RAV4, VW Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai
Van / Minibus
VW Transporter, Ford Transit, Mercedes Vito
3. 📋 Required documents
Before heading to the rental office, make sure all your documents are in order.
📄 Required documents
- ✅ Driver's license (valid for at least 1 year)
- ✅ ID document (passport or ID card)
- ✅ Credit card in the driver's name (for deposit)
- ✅ International driving permit (if non-EU license)
⚠️ Additional conditions
- 📌 Minimum age: 21 (premium cars — 25)
- 📌 Driving experience: at least 1 year (some require 2)
- 📌 Deposit: €200–1,500 (depending on car class)
- 📌 Additional driver: must be registered in contract (+€5–10/day)
4. 🛡️ Insurance
Insurance is one of the most important aspects of car rental. Understand what's included and what's not.
CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)
Basic protection against collision damage. Included in the price, but with excess of €500–1,500.
SCDW (Super CDW)
Reduced excess to €0–200. Recommended if you don't want to risk large expenses.
Theft Protection (TP)
Protects against car theft or attempted theft. Sometimes included in CDW, sometimes separate.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
Covers driver and passenger medical expenses in case of an accident.
Tire & Glass Protection
Covers tire, windshield, and headlight damage. Useful in winter and on rural roads.
5. 📍 Where to rent
Rental cars can be picked up at the airport, city center, or booked online. Each option has its pros and cons.
✈️ Riga Airport (RIX)
- ✅ Convenient pickup for tourists
- ✅ Widest selection of rental companies
- ✅ Open early morning / late evening
- ✅ All international brands available
- ❌ 10–20% more expensive than city
- ❌ Airport surcharge €10–30
- ❌ Queues in season (June–August)
🏙️ Riga Center / Online
- ✅ Lower prices (no airport surcharge)
- ✅ Local companies with better rates
- ✅ More flexibility with pickup times
- ✅ Peer-to-peer platforms available
- ❌ Need to get to the rental office
- ❌ Fewer options outside business hours
- ❌ Smaller vehicle selection
6. 💡 Tips to save money
1. Choose "full-to-full" fuel policy
Pick up with a full tank, return with a full tank. This is the fairest and cheapest option. "Prepaid fuel" is usually more expensive as you pay for a full tank regardless of distance driven.
2. Check the mileage limit
Many offers include unlimited km, but cheaper options may limit to 200–300 km/day. Excess charge is typically €0.15–0.30/km — it adds up fast.
3. Book early
Booking 2–4 weeks ahead can save 20–40%. In summer, popular cars sell out fast, especially SUVs and minibuses.
4. Photograph the car at pickup
Document all existing scratches and damage before driving off. Also capture the odometer and fuel level. This protects you from unjustified damage claims.
5. Plan for border crossing
If you plan to drive to Lithuania, Estonia, or other countries — you must inform the rental company and get a green card. Extra fee is €10–30, but without it you risk losing insurance coverage.
6. Winter tires (November–March)
Winter tires are mandatory in Latvia from November 1 to March 1. Make sure the rental car is equipped. Legitimate companies provide them automatically.
7. Return on time
Being late can cost a full extra day (€25–100). Some companies offer a 29–59 min grace period, but don't count on it.
7. 🚩 Red flags — what to watch out for
Hidden fees that only appear at the counter
Some rental companies advertise a low price but add airport fees, young driver surcharges, mandatory extra insurance, and fuel service fees. Always verify the total amount.
Large deposit without clear information
A normal deposit is €200–500 for economy class. If they ask for €1,500+ without clear reason — it could be a scheme where the deposit isn't fully refunded.
Pressure tactics for extra insurance
Counter staff may convince you that without extra coverage "you're risking thousands." Standard CDW is adequate in most cases. SCDW is a nice addition but not mandatory.
Unclear or contradictory fuel policy
Avoid "same-to-same" offers where you receive the car with a partially full tank. You end up overpaying since you can't return the exact same level.
Damage scams at return
Dishonest companies may "discover" existing scratches and demand payment. This is why you should ALWAYS photograph the car in detail before and after rental, including roof and underside.