Find the cheapest flights from Helsinki to Riga in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: Helsinki (HEL) → Riga (RIX)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 3h 30m – 6h 30m
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €310 | medium |
| February | €285 | low |
| March | €275 | low |
| April | €295 | medium |
| May | €325 | medium |
| June | €365 | high |
| July | €405 | high |
| August | €395 | high |
| September | €325 | medium |
| October | €285 | medium |
| November | €270 | low |
| December | €345 | medium-high |
Airlines on This Route
- airBaltic (direct): from €85 — Book directly on airBaltic website – they often have sales with prices starting €59 for this route. Tuesday and Wednesday flights are cheapest.
- Finnair (direct): from €110 — Finnair offers better frequencies but higher prices. Check their Finnair Plus portal for member discounts on this Baltic route.
- LOT Polish Airlines (connecting): from €140 — Via Warsaw – good value if you need checked luggage. Warsaw connection adds 2-3 hours but often cheaper than direct.
- SAS (connecting): from €160 — Via Copenhagen – usually more expensive but good for Scandinavian connect. Check for mini-price campaigns.
Booking Strategy
For Helsinki-Riga flights, book 4-8 weeks ahead for the best deals. Direct flights with airBaltic are typically cheapest at €80-120 one-way. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are consistently the cheapest days to fly, with savings of €20-40 compared to Friday-Sunday departures. Use Skyscanner’s ‘everywhere’ search to compare, then book directly with the airline – airBaltic frequently releases flash sales. Avoid peak July-August when prices surge to €200+. For winter travel (November-February), book 3-4 weeks ahead as frequencies are reduced. If flying connecting, Copenhagen and Warsaw are the main hubs with reasonable layover times of 1-3 hours.
Route Tips
- airBaltic dominates this route – check their website first for flash sales starting €59 one-way
- Riga Airport (RIX) is small and efficient – arrive 1.5 hours before your flight is plenty
- Latvia is outside the eurozone’sSchengen Area for some EU members – check visa requirements
- Use Bolt or Uber from Riga airport – typically €8-12 to city center, much cheaper than taxis
- Book connecting flights with at least 2-hour layovers – Baltic weather can cause delays
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Helsinki to Riga?
The direct flight from Helsinki (HEL) to Riga (RIX) takes approximately 1 hour 35 minutes. airBaltic operates the majority of direct flights, with Finnair providing seasonal direct service. If you take a connecting flight via Copenhagen (SAS), Warsaw (LOT), or other European hubs, expect a total travel time of 3h 30m to 6h 30m depending on layover duration. The shortest connecting routes typically go through Tallinn on regional flights, but this adds significant time.
How much does it cost to fly from Helsinki to Riga?
One-way tickets start from around €80-120 with airBaltic for direct flights. Round-trip prices typically range from €150-250 depending on season. The cheapest period is November to March with average prices of €170-220 return. Summer months (June-August) see prices jump to €280-400 return due to high demand. Business class fares on airBaltic run €350-500. Connecting flights via other airlines often cost €200-350 round-trip.
Are there direct flights from Helsinki to Riga?
Yes, direct flights are available and operate daily. airBaltic is the primary carrier with 4-6 flights daily, offering the best frequencies and typically the lowest prices. Finnair also operates direct flights, particularly during summer and winter schedule changes, though they may have higher fares. The flight time is just 1h 35m, making this one of the shortest international routes from Helsinki.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Helsinki to Riga?
February and March are the cheapest months, with average return fares of €170-220. November also offers excellent value at €180-230. The lowest prices are typically found in late February when airBaltic runs post-winter sales. Avoid August (€350+), July, and the Christmas/New Year period when demand drives prices significantly higher. Weekday departures in off-peak months can drop prices to €80-100 one-way.
Which airlines fly from Helsinki to Riga?
airBaltic dominates this route with the most frequencies and cheapest fares. They offer direct flights from €80 one-way with 8kg cabin bag included. Finnair operates seasonal direct flights with better scheduling integration for Finnair customers. Connecting options include LOT via Warsaw, SAS via Copenhagen, and Lufthansa via Frankfurt. Wizz Air occasionally operates charter services during peak periods. For checked baggage, airBaltic charges €15-25 extra while LOT includes a 23kg bag in the fare.
What airport do I fly into in Riga?
You will fly into Riga International Airport (RIX), located 10km southwest of Riga’s city center. The airport is modern and efficient, handling over 7 million passengers annually. To reach the city center, take bus route 22 (€2, 30 minutes) or a taxi (€10-15, 15-20 minutes). Uber and Bolt operate in Riga and are often cheaper than taxis. The airport has good facilities including currency exchange, cafes, and car rental services.
How far in advance should I book Helsinki to Riga flights?
For this route, book 4-8 weeks ahead for optimal prices. Too early (12+ weeks) often doesn’t yield better deals, and too close (under 2 weeks) risks higher prices especially in summer. During low season (November-March), 3-4 weeks is sufficient as demand is lower. For August travel, book 8-10 weeks ahead as this is the busiest period. Business travelers should check last-minute deals on airBaltic’s website as they release unsold seats at discounted rates.
Is it cheaper to fly from Helsinki to Riga on weekdays?
Yes, Tuesday and Wednesday departures are consistently €20-40 cheaper than weekend flights. Friday departures are most expensive as business travelers and weekend tourists combine demand. A typical round-trip costs €150-180 on Tuesdays/Wednesdays in low season versus €200-250 on Fridays/Sundays. Monday and Thursday fall in between. If your schedule is flexible, shifting a weekend trip by 1-2 days can yield significant savings on this route.
Data updated: 2026-03
