London to Riga is a straightforward short-haul route with three airlines competing head-to-head, so fares stay low and there’s no need to connect. You can fly non-stop to the Latvian capital in under three hours. This guide covers who flies it, what a fair return costs in pounds, and when to book for the best price.
Route: London (LGW / LHR / STN / LTN) → Riga (RIX)
Distance: approximately 1,660 km (1,030 miles)
Non-stop flight time: about 2h 40m eastbound
Direct flights: Yes — airBaltic flies non-stop from Gatwick and Heathrow, Ryanair from Stansted, and Wizz Air from Luton.
Fares from London to Riga (GBP)
Riga is busiest in the warm summer months (June–August), when the Baltic weather is at its best, and again around the Christmas-market weeks in December. The cheapest fares fall in the quiet winter and late-autumn periods. The table below shows when the route is busiest. We no longer print per-month fare estimates here, because they were never measured.
| Month | Demand |
|---|---|
| January | low |
| February | low |
| March | medium |
| April | medium |
| May | medium-high |
| June | high |
| July | high |
| August | high |
| September | medium |
| October | medium |
| November | low |
| December | medium-high (markets) |
We do not quote a target fare for this route. Our price tracking holds no recorded observations for it, so a “typical” or “good deal” figure here would be an estimate dressed up as a measurement — so this page leaves it out rather than guess. The seasonal pattern above is the part we can stand behind; check the live fare for the number.
Airlines on this route
Non-stop (about 2h 40m):
- airBaltic — Latvia’s flag carrier, non-stop from Gatwick and Heathrow; the most frequent service, with a checked bag on higher fares. Its cheapest fare (Economy MINI) is an under-seat personal item only; a cabin bag starts at Economy BASIC.
- Ryanair — non-stop from Stansted; usually the lowest lead fares, hand-baggage-only unless you add a bag.
- Wizz Air — non-stop from Luton; another low-cost option, competitive with Ryanair on price.
With three carriers on the route the non-stops are always the cheapest option, so there’s no reason to take a connection. Prices swing most on how far ahead you book rather than which airline you pick — compare the all-in fare once bags are added.
When to book & how to save
- Book 3–8 weeks ahead for the best low-cost fares; on this route prices tend to climb as seats fill closer to departure.
- Travel off-peak — January, February and November are the quietest and cheapest; summer weekends and the December markets are dearest.
- Watch the bag rules: Ryanair and Wizz Air lead fares are cabin-bag-only, so add luggage at booking (it’s cheaper than at the airport) and compare the total against airBaltic.
- Be flexible on London airport — Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted and Luton all serve Riga, and fares can differ by £20–£40.
- Midweek is cheaper — a Tuesday-to-Thursday city break usually undercuts a Friday-to-Sunday one.
Arriving in Riga
All flights land at Riga International (RIX), about 10 km southwest of the old town and the largest airport in the Baltics. The cheapest way in is city bus 22, which runs to the centre in around 25–30 minutes for roughly about £1.70. A metered taxi to the old town costs around about £13 — use the official ranks or a ride app to avoid overcharging. Latvia uses the euro, so no separate currency is needed within the eurozone.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from London to Riga?
The non-stop flight takes about 2 hours 40 minutes eastbound, and a similar time coming back. It’s a comfortable short-haul journey with no connection needed, so you can leave London in the morning and be in the old town by early afternoon.
Are there direct flights from London to Riga?
Yes. airBaltic flies non-stop from Gatwick and Heathrow, Ryanair from Stansted and Wizz Air from Luton. With three carriers competing, the direct flights are always cheaper than any connecting option.
How much does it cost to fly from London to Riga?
A typical economy return runs about £50–£130 depending on the season. Good deals dip to around £35–£50 in the quiet winter months, while summer and the December Christmas markets sit toward the top of the range.
What is the cheapest month to fly from London to Riga?
January, February and November are usually the cheapest months to fly. Avoid the June–August summer peak and the December market weekends, which are the busiest and most expensive.
Which airlines fly from London to Riga?
airBaltic (Gatwick and Heathrow), Ryanair (Stansted) and Wizz Air (Luton) all fly the route non-stop. airBaltic is the most frequent full-service option; Ryanair and Wizz Air usually offer the lowest lead fares if you travel light.
Which airport do I fly into in Riga?
You arrive at Riga International (RIX), the only commercial airport serving the city and the biggest in the Baltic states. It sits about 10 km from the old town, an easy bus or taxi ride away.
How far in advance should I book London to Riga flights?
Aim to book 3 to 8 weeks ahead for the best low-cost fares. Prices on this route tend to rise as departure nears, especially for summer weekends and the Christmas period, so booking early usually wins.
Is it cheaper to fly on weekdays?
Yes, generally — midweek departures (Tuesday to Thursday) are usually cheaper than Friday-to-Sunday weekend breaks. Flying out and back midweek save a little on a return, and it’s the easiest way to cut the fare on a short trip.
Route and schedule details from current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Indicative economy returns — always check the live fare before booking.
