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Getting around Riga

Public transport: 

Rigas Satiksme (tel: 8000 1919; www.rigassatiksme.lv) provides cheap and plentiful public transport in Riga, with buses, trams and trolleybuses. Some routes have a night service. Each mode of transport requires a separate ticket, which can only be bought from the on-board conductor (konduktor). Routes are displayed on the Riga City Map available from most city kiosks. Comfortable mikroautobus (small buses on set routes) and taksobus (small buses/vans on varying routes) also operate. Suburban electric commuter trains run to several destinations including Skulte, Aizkraukle and Jelgava.

A one-month bus pass and a one-month trolley pass are available. Passes are available from post offices and most city kiosks. The Riga Card gives visitors free use of trolleybuses, buses and trams.

Taxis: 

Taxis can be hailed on the street or pre-booked by telephone. Riga Taksometru Parks (tel: 8000 1313) and Bona (tel: 8000 5050) are both reputable companies. Whenever possible, visitors should only use the official metered taxis. When taking non-metered taxis, it is essential to agree the fare in advance. A tip of 10% is generally expected and appreciated.

Driving: 

Riga has a reasonable network of well-maintained roads. However, driving in the city can be frightening, as other road users are generally aggressive and fast. Expect erratic driving or, even worse, locals who flaunt Latvia's stringent drink-driving laws. Defensive driving, quick reactions and nerves of steel are essential.

Car parks that are open 24 hours are identifiable by the Autostavieta sign. A central car park can be found at Pragas 2, opposite the bus station.

Car hire: 

A valid International Driving Permit, national licence and passport are required to hire a car in Riga. There is a minimum age of 21 years. This can be raised to 23 or 25 years, with two years' minimum driving experience, depending on the hire company and car model. Third-party insurance is compulsory.

Major providers include Avis (tel: 6722 5876; www.avis.lv) and Hertz (tel: 6720 7980; www.hertz.com).

Bicycle hire: 

Gandrs, Kalnciema 28 (tel: 6761 4775; www.gandrs.lv), offers bicycle hire. Riga's centre is fairly flat and easily navigable, though beware the often aggressive local drivers.

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