Page 387 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Estonia Latvia & Lithuania

TRA VEL INFORM A TION 385

DIRECTORY
Travelling by Train
Latvian Railways
Gogoļa iela 3, Rīga.
Typical car rental sign at the Domestic Airport, Rīga Tel 6723 1181.
∑ ldz.lv
Travelling by Car major roads, degvielas stacija
and Motorcycle
(service stations) are often Travelling by Coach
Bringing or renting a vehicle open 24 hours, but in rural areas
is an excellent way to see it can be hard to find a place Autoosta
Latvia for those who come to refuel. Prāgas iela 1, Rīga.
for short trips, or wish to visit Parking is usually easy outside Tel 9000 0009.
out-of-the-way corners of the Rīga, although some cities,
country. However, neither notably Daugavpils and Liepāja, ∑ autoosta.lv
car rental nor petrol is cheap, have parking meters in certain
and road conditions vary areas. There is also a fee of €2 Car Hire
drama tically. Most major routes to enter Jūrmala, collected at
are in an acceptable state, a roadside booth. Budget Rent A Car
but minor roads can be in Tel 6720 7327.
poor condition. Many are ∑ budget.lv
surfaced with gravel or dirt. Car Hire
In winter, gritting is not Vehicle hire is most easily
widespread, and some minor arranged in Rīga, although other Travelling by Bicycle
roads become impassable towns and cities have hire offices. Cycling is a good way to
without a sturdy four-wheel- Most inter national car rental get around the relatively flat
drive vehicle. companies are represented in terrain of Latvia. Bicycles can be
Latvians tend to drive the capital, and many of them hired in many towns and cities.
aggressively and over taking have offices at the airport. The tourist information board
on blind corners is There are many smaller can provide details of cycle
common. Congestion companies as well. routes, such as the popular
is rare outside the Check the condition and easy trail from Rīga to
capital. The legal blood of the vehicle and the Jūrmala and routes in
alcohol limit is 0.05 per insurance cover provided. Gauja National Park and its
cent, with a 10-day Car hire services are surrounding valley. There are
prison sentence for Bumpy road sign operated by companies also two European Cycle Routes
exceeding it. Seat belt at Krāslava such as Budget Rent in Latvia, one of which, part of
use is mandatory in the A Car. Most companies the EuroVelo 10, runs along the
front seats, as well as in the rear stipulate a mini mum age for entire coast.
if fitted, and crash helmets must the person hiring the car. Bicycles are permitted on
be used on motorcycles. It is Requirements state that the trains, although you need to
compulsory to drive with driver should have held a licence buy a ticket for them. There are
the headlights switched on for at least a year. The driver may designated areas at the end of
at all times. The speed limit is also need to leave his credit card each carriage, marked with a
50 kmph (31 mph) in built-up details or a large deposit. bicycle symbol.
areas and 90 kmph (56 mph)
elsewhere. Traffic police cannot
always be spotted outside
towns and cities, but they are
strict about speeding and collect
fines on the spot. Remember to
ask for a receipt if you are fined.
In the countryside, changes
in speed limit are not always
sign posted and it is up to
the driver to notice signs
indicating built-up areas.
These are white rectangles
usually bearing the name of
the town or village.
Signposting is poor across
the country, making it essen tial
to buy a good roadmap. On Cyclists riding through a field of dandelions in Gauja National Park