Riviera of the Baltics: visiting Jūrmala from Riga

When looking for a noteworthy escape right outside Riga, travelling from Riga to Jūrmala is the definitive day trip choice.

This stunning seaside resort, stretching across 24 kilometres of the Gulf of Riga, is the essential coastal playground hiding right on the city's doorstep. Jūrmala is a captivating ribbon of fine quartz sand, historic timber villas, and whispering pine forests, making it incredibly easy for travellers based in the capital to swap the city streets for refreshing sea breezes in less than an hour.

Proximity: how far is Jūrmala from Riga?

The resort city’s eastern border sits a mere 20 kilometres west of Riga’s city centre. If you are heading straight to Majori - widely considered the central part of the resort town - the distance is roughly 25 kilometres. Because of this proximity, you can easily shift from urban sightseeing in Riga to dipping your toes in the Baltic Sea in less than 45 minutes.

Getting there: a breakdown of transport options

Latvia's transport infrastructure is highly centralised, making regional coast-bound travel remarkably fluid. You have several modes of transport to choose from depending on your budget, style, and timeline.

1. By train

Taking the Riga-Jūrmala train is universally acknowledged as the smartest, fastest, and most eco-friendly method available. From Riga Central Station (Rīgas Pasažieru stacija), you will need to look for trains departing in the direction of Ķemeri, Sloka, or Tukums.

By 2026, the passenger rail service (operated under the brand Vivi) has fully integrated its state-of-the-art Škoda electric trains across this route. These modern carriages offer level boarding, climate control, plenty of passenger space and room for bicycles.

• Where to disembark: Do not get off at the station named "Jūrmala" (because there isn't one!). For the main pedestrian strip and central beach, buy a ticket to Majori. For a slightly more quiet vibe amidst historic villas, choose Dzintari or Dubulti.

• Duration: The train ride from Riga to Majori takes 30 to 33 minutes.

• Cost: Very affordable – a one-way ticket costs roughly €1.50. Tickets can be bought at station counters, via the Vivi smartphone app, or directly from the conductor on board for a small surcharge.

2. By car

Driving offers great flexibility, especially if you intend to explore the wilder reaches of Ķemeri the national park. The drive follows the A10/E22 highway out of the city and takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

New 2026 entry regulation: To protect the coastal ecosystem and manage peak-season congestion, all motor vehicles entering the Jūrmala special regime zone must pay a mandatory €5 daily entry fee. Enforcement is entirely automated via smart camera systems that scan your vehicle licence plate as you cross the bridges over the Lielupe River. If you forget to buy your pass on the day of entry (before 23:59), you will face a steep €50 fine. You can purchase the electronic pass quickly via the Mobilly or EuroPark mobile apps, or at contactless payment kiosks near the city entrance (note: these kiosks no longer accept cash). Once inside, municipal public parking across Jūrmala is free of charge. Electric vehicles are exempt from the entry fee.

3. By bus

While less popular than the railway due to potential traffic jams, the Riga-Jūrmala bus network provides an alternative transit lane. Minibuses depart regularly from the Riga International Bus Terminal (Rīgas SAO) heading toward Sloka or Jaunķemeri. The journey to Majori takes around 35–45 minutes and costs between €1.50 and €2.50. It is a reliable backup if you happen to miss a train connection.

4. By cycling the EuroVelo 10 route

For active travellers, a dedicated, paved bicycle path connects Riga directly to the coast. The 20-kilometre route begins at the Vanšu Bridge in Riga and runs parallel to the railway tracks through the Imanta district straight into Jūrmala. It takes roughly an hour or a little more of gentle cycling and is an exceptional way to watch the urban sprawl dissolve into deep pine woodland.

5. By boat

If you love sun-drenched voyages across the water, seasonal vessels like the River Boat Elizabete and the Horizonts take passengers on a scenic 2.5-hour cruise down the Daugava River, going from Riga's historic skyline into the tranquil, reed-lined Buļļupe River, before sailing onto the Lielupe River, where Jūrmala slowly unfolds. While unarguably slow, this might be your most scenic way to travel to the resort town. The trip costs around €20 per person and must be booked in advance.

To quickly recap, see how the primary transport methods stack up:

When is the best time to visit Jūrmala?

Jūrmala is a coastal resort, so its vibe shifts depending on the time of year. Choosing when to visit depends entirely on whether you want to sunbathe, hike, or simply hide away in a spa.

• June to August: This is prime time. Summer brings the warmest Baltic weather – with daylight stretching well past 22:00 and air temperatures hovering between 20°C and 30°C. The beaches are buzzing, the outdoor terraces are packed, and the historic Dzintari Concert Hall hosts live music almost every night. If you want the classic Jūrmala experience, go in the summer (and expect to share the sand with plenty of locals).

• The Shoulder Season (May and September): If you prefer quiet strolls over sunbathing, the shoulder months are it. May brings spring blooms, while September treats you to the summer aftertaste of milder and breezier weather. Temperatures drop to around 12°C to 20°C, making it the best time for cycling or hiking the Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk without the summer heat.

• The Off-Peak (October to April): Winter in Jūrmala is a moody, peaceful experience. The sea breeze becomes fiercely cold, and parts of the gulf occasionally freeze over into surreal ice formations. However, this is just the time to visit for a wellness escape – hotel rates drop significantly, and there is nothing better than spending a freezing Baltic afternoon inside a hot sauna or a heated mineral pool.

Essential highlights: what to see and do

Once you arrive, the resort opens up into a playground of architectural history, natural beauty, and therapeutic seaside culture.

Enjoy the Jūrmala Beach

Spanning the entire length of the municipality, the Jūrmala beach is a proud recipient of the international Blue Flag certification for cleanliness and safety. Unlike the rocky or pebbled shores found in many other parts of Europe, the sand here is incredibly fine and soft. The parts of the beach stretch are named according to their adjacent district, such as Majori, Dubulti and so on. The water remains shallow for quite a distance out, making it very suited for wading. Along the dunes, you’ll find beach cafes, volleyball courts, several water sports options with on-the-spot gear rental, outdoor gyms and quiet pockets shaded by towering pines.

Stroll along Jomas iela

Stepping off the train at Majori puts you directly at the edge of Jomas iela, one of the oldest pedestrian streets in Latvia, stretching some 1.3 kilometres. This central boulevard is lined with restaurants, outdoor beer gardens, souvenir boutiques, and beautiful examples of Jūrmala’s signature wooden architecture. Keep your eyes up to admire the intricate, lace-like wood carvings and stained-glass windows that blend historic 19th century resort culture with elegant Art Nouveau styling.

Explore Dzintari Forest Park

This protected parkland sits right in the centre of the resort (Dzintari) and is perfect for families and nature enthusiasts. It features walking paths through a 200-year-old pine grove, inline skating tracks, and a 36-metre-high observation tower. Climbing to the top rewards you with a panoramic perspective of the Baltic Sea meeting the forest canopy.

Wander the Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk

If you get off further west to the Ķemeri station, you can explore the ancient moss landscapes of Ķemeri National Park. The Great Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk is a magnificent wooden pathway that loops through a surreal wilderness of stunted pines, dark peat pools, and wild moss – one of the most famous photography spots in Latvia, particularly mesmerizing during sunrise or sunset when mist hangs over the wetlands.

Tips for a day trip

• Pack for a sudden breeze: The Baltic Sea can change moods quickly. Even if Riga feels stiflingly hot, the coastal wind in Jūrmala can be brisk. Always pack a light windbreaker or an extra layer.

• Download the apps in advance: If you plan on driving or taking a taxi, have Mobilly (for the entry pass) and Bolt (for ride-hailing) downloaded and linked to your payment card before setting off.

• Dine off the main strip: While Jomas Iela is fantastic for people-watching or grabbing ice cream, the restaurants directly on the pedestrian path carry premium tourist pricing. For more authentic and reasonably priced meals, wander down the parallel residential avenues or visit the river-facing side of the strip.

The best of both worlds

Adding a coastal excursion to Jūrmala is the perfect way to elevate your time spent in Riga. It takes little effort to trade the urban energy of Riga for soft Baltic sand, pristine nature trails, and the therapeutic rustle of pine trees. Experiencing this seaside sanctuary ensures you see the very best of Latvia's natural beauty without ever wandering far from base.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best part of Jūrmala beach to visit?

For first-time visitors, the beach stretching alongside Majori and Dzintari is the best. This area features fine, golden sand, excellent beach amenities, volleyball courts, and cafes, all just a short walk from the train stations. If you prefer a more secluded experience surrounded by larger sand dunes and local forests, consider taking the train a few stops further to Pumpuri or Melluži.

Is the Baltic Sea water warm enough for swimming in Jūrmala?

Even at the peak of summer in July and August, the Baltic Sea remains famously refreshing. Water temperatures typically hover between 16°C and 20°C. On exceptionally hot and calm summer weeks, the shallow shoreline can climb to a comfortable 22°C, but it is generally a crisp, bracing swim rather than a tropical dip. The shallows drop off very gradually, so you will have to wade quite far out to fully submerge.

Are the Vivi trains accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and bicycles?

Yes. The new fleet of Vivi electric trains features level-boarding platforms that align perfectly with the modernised station platforms at Riga Central Station, Dzintari, and Majori. There are no steep steps to climb, making them friendly for prams and wheelchair users. If you are bringing a bicycle, look for the carriage marked with a bike symbol. You will have to purchase an additional baggage/bicycle ticket for a small fee.

Can I visit Jūrmala just for a day spa without staying at a resort hotel?

Absolutely. You do not need to book an overnight stay. Major resorts, such as the Hotel Jūrmala SPA (famous for its "Wellness Oasis" complex) and the Baltic Beach Hotel, offer individual Day SPA passes. A standard pass usually costs between €30 and €35, granting you 2 to 2.5 hours of access to multiple saunas, contrast showers, and mineral pools. It is highly recommended to book treatments like local mud wraps or amber massages in advance, especially for weekend visits.

Is there anywhere to store heavy luggage in Jūrmala?

There are no official left-luggage lockers or baggage offices at the smaller Jūrmala train stations (like Majori or Dzintari). If you are coming straight from Riga Airport or checking out of a Riga hotel early, it is highly recommended to leave your large bags at the secure luggage storage facility inside Riga Central Station before boarding your train or bus. Alternatively, if you plan to visit a day spa or a high-end restaurant in Jūrmala, the venue's concierge will usually agree to mind your bags while you use their services.