Main Railway station in Riga (Rīgas Centrālā stacijа) is located just outside the Old Town. It is a Soviet-style building, a part of the shopping centre. From Riga railway station operates all passenger trains within Latvia. Most public transport stops are situated in the nearby streets. The square in front of the station it is a meeting point for many people.
About 50–100 metres walk west-southwest one can also access Riga Central Market and Riga bus station nearby.
Last updated: 25.01.2024
Facilities for passengers:
– ticket offices
– toilets (paid only by cash)
– luggage lockers
– no benches or seats in the main hall
Other facilities:
– many shops and cafes
– cash machines
Platforms:
– to the platform lead steep stairs
– wheelchair lifts are often out-of-service
– domestic platforms are covered by a roof
– platforms for trains to Valga are not covered
– most of the trains have very steep stairs
Riga railway station poor accessible for people with disabilities. Navigation at the station is easy.
History in brief:
The construction of the first railway station in Riga started in 1858. The station was completed two years later. In 1885 the station was rebuilt and expanded with two large side wings. In 1889 a Neo-Byzantine style chapel was also built in front of the railway station.
Two separate stations – Riga I and Riga II were in operation in 19th century — one serving the line to Daugavpils and the other towards Jūrmala. In 1902 the plan for the reconstruction of the Riga railway was developed. In 1914 both stations were were joined and reconstructed. The Riga I station became the central railway station of Riga, but the station building itself was not completed due to World War I.
The project railway station project was developed in 1937 but outbreak of the World War II interrupted realization of this project. After war the old station building was almost completely damaged.
The new railway station was built in 1960-1965.
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