Latvia · Riga · Port guide

Riga

Name: Riga
Address: Latvia

Riga combines a city-centre passenger port within walking distance of the Old Town with deeper outer-port cruise berths for larger ships, while new Eksportosta passenger infrastructure is being developed for future growth.

Dock

Riga is Latvia's principal cruise port and one of the Baltic's most attractive city-centre calls. Most cruise ships use Riga Passenger Port on Andrejsala, within walking distance of the UNESCO-listed Old Town.

Where cruise ships dock in Riga

The Freeport of Riga identifies three main cruise-capable areas. Riga Passenger Port is the usual city-centre facility and is published for vessels up to approximately 300 metres LOA and 8.7 metres draught. Riga Central Terminal is published at around 240 metres and 8.5 metres draught, while KS Terminal at Krievu Sala is published at approximately 320 metres and 10 metres draught.

Larger or deeper-draught ships can be moved to outer-port berths. In May 2026 the 333-metre Mein Schiff Relax was assigned to Krievu Sala, becoming the largest cruise ship scheduled to visit Riga and demonstrating that exceptional calls can exceed the standard published cruise-terminal envelope when specifically approved.

Riga Passenger Port

Most passengers arrive here because of its excellent location. The terminal sits on the right bank of the Daugava close to the historic centre, allowing passengers to walk directly towards Riga Old Town. Parking and coach facilities are available and taxis can be arranged.

Navigation and vessel limits

The wider Freeport of Riga publishes a maximum vessel draught of approximately 15 metres. Cruise-berth limits are considerably lower and depend on the assigned terminal. The port also has four published turning basins with diameters ranging from 300 to 460 metres and depths between 10 and 12.5 metres.

Vessels over 24 metres are restricted to a maximum of eight knots on the main Daugava shipping fairway. Tug requirements are determined by the vessel's master in coordination with the pilot. Traffic may also be restricted during strong winds or poor visibility.

Future cruise development

Riga is expanding its passenger infrastructure in the Eksportosta area. During 2026 the Freeport began partial demolition of the ED breakwater and associated dredging work to improve access and create additional manoeuvring space. The objective is to allow the first cruise calls at upgraded Eksportosta berths from the 2027 cruise season.

The broader Riga RoPax development is intended to create a modern passenger terminal close to the historic centre and increase Riga's ability to accommodate large cruise and ferry vessels. Deck7 lists this separately as future infrastructure so planned specifications are not confused with current operational capability.

Exploring Riga

Passengers at Riga Passenger Port can walk into the city. Highlights include Riga Cathedral, House of the Black Heads, Town Hall Square, the Three Brothers, Central Market and Riga's extensive collection of Art Nouveau architecture.

Sources

Planning your visit

Terminal information

Most cruise ships berth at Riga Passenger Port on Andrejsala, on the right bank of the River Daugava and within walking distance of Riga Old Town. The Freeport of Riga also identifies Riga Central Terminal and KS Terminal/Krievu Sala as cruise-capable facilities. Larger or deeper-draught vessels may be assigned to outer-port berths, particularly Krievu Sala. New cruise and RoPax infrastructure is being developed in the Eksportosta area, with the first cruise use of upgraded Eksportosta berths targeted from the 2027 season.

Docking and tender information

Riga Passenger Port is the principal city-centre cruise facility and is published with a maximum cruise-ship length of 300 metres and maximum draught of 8.7 metres. Riga Central Terminal is published at 240 metres LOA and 8.5 metres draught. KS Terminal is published at 320 metres LOA and 10 metres draught, although the 333-metre Mein Schiff Relax was assigned to Krievu Sala in May 2026, demonstrating that exceptional larger-vessel calls can be accommodated subject to berth and Harbour Master approval. The port has multiple turning basins and a main fairway supporting deep-draught commercial shipping.

Getting around

From Riga Passenger Port, passengers can walk into central Riga and the Old Town. Taxis and coach parking are available, and cruise lines may provide shuttle services depending on berth assignment. Riga Central Railway Station and the main bus station are in the city centre. Riga International Airport is west of the city and is normally reached by taxi, transfer or public transport.

Accessibility

The city-centre passenger terminal offers straightforward access to Riga, although walking distances and gangway arrangements vary by berth and vessel. Outer-port berths require organised ground transport. Passengers requiring wheelchair assistance or adapted transfers should arrange these with their cruise line in advance.

Latest Riga articles

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