Travel - Internal
Rail
Latvia’s reasonably well-developed rail network includes routes from Riga to all other major towns in the country. The railway terminal is at Stacijas laukums. For information about trains, contact LDZ (tel: 723 4940 or 4208; fax: 782 0231; e-mail: info@ldz.lv or webmaster@ldz.lv; website: www.ldz.lv).
Road
There are reasonable connections to all parts of the country from Riga. Traffic drives on the right. Bus: A better form of transport than trains in Latvia. The Central Bus Station is at Pragas iela 1. Car hire: Available through hotels and directly from car hire companies, reservations are recommended. Drivers can also be hired. Traffic regulations: Seat belts must be worn. Speed limits on country lanes are 90kph (56mph) and 50kph (32mph) in cities. It is compulsory to drive with headlights on 24 hours a day all year round. The consumption of alcohol by drivers is strictly forbidden as is the use of mobile telephones while driving. Documentation: European nationals should be in possession of an EU pink format licence, otherwise an International Driving Permit is required.
Urban
Public transport in Riga runs from 0530-0000. Taxis in Riga are cheap, but prices are rising. All taxis are now privately run and all have meters. There is a 50 per cent surcharge at night. All parts of the city can also be reached by bus, tram and trolleybus. Tickets should be bought on board from the conductor and retained for inspection. Share-taxis (taksobussi) also operate but are slightly more expensive than ordinary buses. Fines for fare dodging are common.
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