To Russia — Traveling between Russia and Latvia by train is far more comfortable than by bus. Although it is more expensive and takes a bit longer, the journey is far more pleasant and you don’t need to exit the train for border checks. There are two daily trains each way between Riga and Moscow and one daily train each way between Riga and St Petersburg. In Moscow trains depart from and arrive to Rizhsky Vokzal (metro Rizhskaya, orange line, north). In St Petersburg trains depart from and arrive to Vitebsky Vokzal (metro Pushkinskaya, red line). In Riga all trains depart from and arrive to the main train station.
Time zone — GMT + 2. (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October.)
Currency — The Latvian Lat (LVL) is the official currency of Latvia. Latvian Lat (LVL) = 100 santims. Notes are in denominations of LVL500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of LVL2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 santims.
Language — Latvian is the official language. It is an Indo-European, non-Slavic and non-Germanic language and is similar only to Lithuanian. Russian is the mother tongue of over 30 per cent of the population and is understood by most people. English and German may also be understood.
Electricity — 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are in use.
Air Connections — Riga has one airport, Riga International Airport, that serves commercial airlines.