There are several types of parking lots in Riga. Paid parking lots managed by “Rīgas satiksme” dominate in the centre of Riga, while outside the epicentre of Riga there are also places where you can park your car for free. However, you should be careful and pay attention to the signs of the specific parking lot - it is possible that there is a zoning there, which confirms that it is a paid parking lot.
Parking lots in Riga: Tariffs, zones and payment methods
Riga offers an extensive network of parking lots, divided into six tariff zones: A, B, C, D, R and V. Each of these zones has a different parking fee and working hours, as well as different payment methods. The existing system provides flexibility and adapts to the intensity of city traffic, offering both central and more remote parking options. To make it easier for drivers to navigate, it is important to know the main rules and available payment options. The current zones and their specific rules them can be viewed on the “Rīgas Satiksme” website. If you are confused about the specific zone, you can check it on the nearest payment machine.
Detailed information about the zones
In Zone A, the first hour of parking is charged at 2.50 euros, and each subsequent hour – 3.00 euros. The minimum fee is 0.60 euros. In Zone A you can use cashless means of payment (via prepaid machine), by text message or by using the “Mobilly”/“Europark” smartphone app. Working hours – on weekdays 8 am to 8 pm and on Saturdays 9 am to 5 pm.
In zone B, the first hour of parking costs 2.00 euros, and each subsequent hour – 2.50 euros. The minimum fee is 0.50 euros. In zone B you can use cashless means of payment (via prepaid machine), by text message or by using the “Mobilly”/“Europark” smartphone app. Working hours – on weekdays 8 am to 8 pm and on Saturdays 9 am to 5 pm.
In zone C, the first hour of parking costs 1.50 euros, and each subsequent hour – 2.00 euros. The minimum fee is 0.40 euros. In zone C, you can use cashless means of payment (via prepaid machine), by text message or by using the “Mobilly”/“Europark” smartphone app. Working hours – on weekdays 8 am to 8 pm and on Saturdays 9 am to 5 pm.
In zone D, the first hour of parking costs 1.00 euros, and each subsequent hour – 1.50 euros. The minimum fee is 0.30 euros. The maximum fee per day is 5.00 euros. In zone D, you can use cashless means of payment (via prepaid machine), by text message or by using the “Mobilly”/“Europark” smartphone app. Working hours – on weekdays 8 am to 8 pm and on Saturdays 9 am to 5 pm.
In zone R (Old Town), the first hour of parking costs 5.00 euros, each subsequent hour – 8.00 euros. The minimum fee is 1.30 euros. In zone R, you can use cashless means of payment (via prepaid machine), by text message or by using the “Mobilly”/“Europark” smartphone app. Working hours – every day 6 am to 12 pm.
In zone V (Vecāķi), the daily fee is 2.00 euros. The minimum fee is 2.00 euros. In zone V, you can use cashless means of payment (via prepaid machine), by text message or by using the “Mobilly”/“Europark” smartphone app. Working hours from May 1st to September 30th, from 8 am to 8 pm.
Currently, the most widely used payment methods in Riga are cashless payments via prepaid machines and payment by smartphone (via text message or the “Mobilly”/“Europark” app).
“Europark” parking lots and free options
For free parking you can use a map (via “Google Maps”) of free parking lots in the centre of Riga. Please note that the information on the map may change. Outside the centre of Riga, you should pay attention to zoning markings – if there is a designated parking space, but there is no specific zoning, then you can park your car for free.
“Europark” paid parking lots can be found in several places in Riga, including near some shopping centres, such as “Origo”. Prices are indicated on signs or payment machines located near the parking lot. Payment must be made for the entire desired time of use by purchasing a ticket at the payment machine or by using the “Europark” smartphone app. You can use the function to activate the parking lot for an indefinite period until it is cancelled.
Currently, electric cars with special state registration plates (registration number with blue letters) can be parked free of charge in parking lots managed by “Rīgas Satiksme”, including those in Old Riga (V). It should be noted that these regulations only apply to electric cars that are classified as EV (electric vehicle), ̶ so-called hybrid cars do not fall into this category. It should be noted that this situation may change, as discussions about the abolition of electric car benefits in “Rīgas Satiksme” parking lots are underway.
Electric vehicle charging is available in certain “Europark” parking lots for a separate fee. In addition to the charging fee, the user must pay for the use of the parking lot, and the electric vehicle must leave the charging point within 1 (one) hour after charging.