5 Reasons to Visit Latvia Soon.
Latvia might reside in the deep, dark depths of Eastern Europe but this is the year for this ugly duckling to turn into a swan. It may not be a hugely popular…
Car Hire in Latvia.
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Many tourists will opt to stay within the walls of Riga when visiting this small country on the Baltic Sea. Although a marvellous capital filled with wonder, holidaymakers should take note that there are lots of historical architecture and natural delights dotted across the rest of Latvia too.
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Which car rental company should I book with in Latvia?
At Zest, we partner with both local and multinational providers in Latvia to give you the best choice and service every time. Whether you book with Carwiz, Green Motion or one of our other trusted providers, you can be sure of having a great car rental experience with no hidden complications. Start your holiday the right way with Zest!
Book with Zest Car Rental in Latvia
Renting a car in Latvia provides an opportunity to explore a beautiful Baltic nation defined by its pristine northern wilderness, grand Art Nouveau architecture, dense pine forests, and miles of untouched coastal sand dunes. At Zest Car Rental, we strive to make your Baltic road trip as clear and straightforward as possible. By helping you manage unexpected desk costs, keeping terms clear, and including excess protection features within our quotes, we help you book a reliable car with added reassurance. Whether you collect your vehicle at Riga International Airport or a central city terminal, you can start your journey with confidence.
Unlock the real Latvia
Having a rental vehicle gives you the freedom to explore Latvia well beyond its historic capital city, moving easily between peaceful regional national parks and vibrant coastal towns. You can begin by exploring the cobblestone lanes and cosmopolitan cultural architecture of Riga, before taking a relaxed drive outward. With your own set of wheels, you can leave rigid public transport schedules behind to spend days discovering the pristine white sands of Jūrmala resort or exploring the historic red-brick castles hidden within the forested valleys of Sigulda and the Gauja National Park.
Venture further into the countryside and your car becomes an asset for discovering Latvia’s deep cultural heritage and quiet, remote natural retreats. Well-maintained highways lead you straight toward the historic palaces of Rundāle in the south, or westward into the rolling hills of the Kurzeme region to visit charming historic towns like Kuldīga. Having control over your travel itinerary also allows you to easily tour the peaceful shores of Cape Kolka where two seas meet, visit traditional rural bakeries, and discover quiet Baltic routes completely at your own comfortable pace.
Can I take my rental car across borders?
Because of Latvia's ideal geographic position in the center of the Baltic region, many holidaymakers plan to drive across national borders to explore neighboring destinations like Estonia or Lithuania. Since international insurance rules, cross-border agreements, and territorial limits vary significantly by vehicle category and individual rental partners, different providers enforce completely different sets of regulations.
To check what options are available for your travel itinerary, we recommend generating a live quote on our website. Once you enter your travel dates and specific pickup location, vehicles authorized for cross-border travel will be visible. You will be able to review the relevant permissions, required vehicle documentation, and any local cross-border fees before confirming your booking request. This is particularly useful for checking terms if you plan to experience an expansive multi-country road trip along the via Baltica highway corridor.
Our Fleet in Latvia
Our vetted providers in Latvia supply a diverse fleet of modern vehicles to match the specific needs of your holiday. Fuel-efficient economy models and compact cars are highly practical for navigating historic city centers, parking in busy coastal resort districts, and touring between regional towns. If you plan to tour the vast rural highways, carry substantial holiday luggage and outdoor equipment, or prioritize extra comfort on long-distance cross-country journeys across the Baltic states, choosing a spacious intermediate model or choosing a compact SUV can provide additional comfort and luggage space.
One Way Rentals in Latvia
If you want to experience an expansive journey across the country without needing to double back, a one-way car hire provides logistical flexibility. You can easily arrange to pick up your rental car at an airport terminal in Riga and drop it off at a different approved location within Latvia, or even across international borders if allowed by your provider, after finishing a memorable road trip. While one-way bookings offer great freedom, keep in mind that provider-specific local one-way fees will apply to cover vehicle relocation costs, and these will always be clearly detailed during the booking process on our website.
Driver Age Requirements in Latvia
Can I rent a car in Latvia if I am under 25? Minimum age requirements and specific restrictions vary by provider, though options are often available from age 19 or 21 for drivers who have held a full, valid driving license for a minimum duration. Rental partners may require additional documentation or impose individual policies depending on the chosen vehicle category. Drivers under the age of 25 are generally subject to a daily young driver surcharge, which is collected locally by the provider at the rental counter when collecting the keys.
Can I rent a car in Latvia if I am over 70? Age restrictions and insurance requirements vary by provider. Some rental partners may require additional documentation, apply maximum age limits, or impose specific restrictions for older drivers, so always check the terms of your chosen rental.
What is the best time of year to explore Latvia by car?
Spring brings mild weather and beautifully awakening green landscapes, making it an excellent time for scenic valley drives and sightseeing before the peak summer crowds arrive. Summer offers warm, sunny temperatures and exceptionally long daylight hours, providing perfect conditions for coastal resort road trips, beach-hopping, or exploring dense forest parks, though main roads near popular resort towns will be busier. Autumn delivers comfortable driving temperatures and spectacular golden foliage across the river valleys, offering a relaxed climate for long-distance touring. Winter turns the historic towns and pine forests into a snowy escape, bringing stunning scenery but also challenging conditions like packed snow and ice, meaning appropriate winter equipment or specialized winter tyres are vital, and extra caution should be taken on rural routes.
Essential Driving Tips in Latvia
Driving in Latvia is conducted on the right-hand side of the road, with overtaking executed on the left. The state highway and motorway network is completely free of road toll vignettes for standard passenger cars under 3 tonnes, meaning you can navigate the country's main routes without needing to purchase national road passes. The primary exception to note is the coastal resort town of Jūrmala, which operates a localized electronic environmental entry fee system during specific seasonal periods. If you plan to visit Jūrmala, entry passes can easily be purchased online or via automated ticket terminals located at the municipal boundaries. Latvia takes drink-driving offences seriously and penalties can be severe. If you plan to drive, the safest approach is not to consume alcohol before getting behind the wheel. Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited and may result in penalties.
Many visitors are required to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their domestic driving licence, and rental providers may require one. Check the requirements that apply to your nationality and rental agreement before travel. In some conditions and on certain road types, dipped headlights or daytime running lights are required, particularly outside built-up areas. When parking, look closely at road markings and signs: pay-and-display zones require a ticket from a nearby meter, and failing to follow local restrictions can result in penalties like wheel-clamping. When navigating roundabouts or junctions, follow all local signs and road markings carefully, yielding to traffic already inside the circle approaching from your left-hand side. Outside major urban boundaries, maintain an alert driving style to look out for unique regional hazards. Speed limits drop significantly when entering rural villages, and motorists should remain alert for automated speed cameras, unexpected gravel transitions on secondary country roads, and wild deer or moose unexpectedly stepping out from the dense forests near rural highways.
Book nowPlaces to hire in Latvia
- Riga
- Riga Airport (RIX)
- Riga Port
- Riga Rail Station
Average customer rating for car hire in Latvia
(5 out of 5.00) based on 11 responses to our customer survey.
Zest's Top 3 Tourist Attractions in Latvia!
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Riga
The capital city boasts a charming mix of historical architecture and a lively cultural scene. Explore the medieval Old Town, visit the Riga Central Market housed in impressive Zeppelin hangars, and enjoy the city's vibrant arts and music festivals.
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Jūrmala
This popular seaside resort town along the Gulf of Riga offers beautiful sandy beaches, historic wooden architecture, and relaxing spa experiences. It's a great place to unwind and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
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Gauja National Park
Located in the Vidzeme region, Gauja National Park features diverse landscapes with dense forests, cliffs, caves, and the Gauja River. Explore the Turaida Castle, visit the Gutmanis Cave, and engage in outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing.
