Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Riga

Riga rewards anyone willing to look past the postcard shot of the Old Town. Swing a motorcycle east and you're threading the forested river bluffs of Gauja National Park within the hour; head west and the sand at Jūrmala opens up, with Jomas iela's promenade waiting at the end of the ride. This is a city built for two wheels once you clear the cobblestones.

Vecrīga itself is compact and largely closed to traffic, so a motorcycle earns its keep the moment you cross the river. Riga's roads fan out from the centre like spokes, which makes it unusually easy to string together a loop — Sigulda's castle ruins, Cēsis' medieval streets, even Rundāle's baroque palace 75 km south — all reachable without much planning. The terrain stays flat and traffic is light outside rush hour, so a mid-size touring or naked bike suits the city far better than anything built for switchbacks.

Top 10 things to see in Riga by motorcycle

1. Riga Old Town (Vecrīga) — cobbled streets, Riga Cathedral, the House of the Blackheads and St. Peter's Church tower make the natural start and end point of any ride.
2. Jūrmala — a seaside resort 25 km west, with a long sand beach and a scenic coastal road out over the Lielupe bridges.
3. Rundāle Palace — a baroque estate roughly 75 km south, best reached on an open ride through the Zemgale countryside.
4. Turaida Museum Reserve, Sigulda — a medieval castle and hilltop views about 50 km northeast, through the edge of Gauja National Park.
5. Gauja National Park / Sigulda–Cēsis road — forested valleys, river bluffs and castle ruins on the best twisty stretch near the city.
6. Ķīpsala — a riverside quarter of wooden houses with a skyline view back across to Old Town, an easy short ride.
7. AB dambis / Daugava riverside promenade — a flat road along the water, good for a relaxed evening loop past the bridges.
8. Riga TV Tower — on Zaķusala island, the tallest structure in the Baltics, just a quick hop across the river.
9. Freeport of Riga / Mangaļsala — a windswept coastal spit where the Daugava meets the Gulf of Riga, with lighthouses and open beach.
10. Cēsis Old Town and Cēsis Castle — a medieval town 90 km northeast, worth combining with the Gauja valley road for a full-day loop.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Riga?

Latvia follows the standard EU licence ladder: an A1 licence covers machines up to 125 cc, A2 the mid-range, and a full A licence unrestricted bikes, with age thresholds stepping up from 16 to 24 depending on the class. An IDP isn't required for EU and most international visitors. Rental companies typically ask for a passport or ID and take a deposit, usually as a card hold, with the amount scaling up for larger machines — check the exact figure with your chosen operator.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Riga?

Expect to pay around 25-30 EUR per day in low season and 35-50 EUR per day in high season, with premium touring and adventure models running 60-90 EUR per day.

• Prices climb through June-August, the busiest and priciest stretch of the year.
• November-March is cheapest, though far fewer operators run rentals through the winter.
• Shoulder months like May and September often strike the best balance of good weather and lower rates.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Riga?

High season runs June to August, when Riga is warmest and busiest — book ahead if you want a specific model. Low season is November to March, when cold and icy roads mean many rental operations close or run by appointment only. The sweet spot is late May through September, especially the shoulder weeks in late May, early June and September, when the weather is still good but the city is quieter and prices ease off their peak.

Local traffic rules in Riga

Latvia drives on the right. Dipped headlights must stay on at all times, day and night — a rule visitors forget more than any other. Helmets are compulsory for riders and passengers on any motorcycle or scooter. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas and 90 km/h outside them, rising on some main roads in summer and dropping again in winter — always follow the posted signs. The blood alcohol limit is a strict 0.05%, so plan to ride sober. Watch too for unsealed gravel on rural roads outside the main corridors, and note that winter tyres are mandatory roughly from 1 December to 1 March.

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!