There are 4 official PPCs on the Russian-Latvian border. And each of them can be overcome on a personal vehicle. However, the trip to Latvia by car can have a number of features. Some of them concern the procedure for passing the border, other - requirements for the vehicle itself.
general characteristics
Entry to the republic on your car is the convenience and independence of movement, the possibility of saving (for renting transport in the country and even on fuel - if you fill the tank before the border). This requires a valid visa, the passage of the procedure for customs control and compliance with the requirements extended to transport in the Schengen countries.
Travelers are not worth stocking food and medicine. The import into the state is strictly limited. But let nobody scares the trip to Riga Lights - everything you need to purchase there. At the first stage, the main thing - unhindered and legitimately cross the frontiers.
Points of car pass on the border of Russia-Latvia
Since the Russian Federation is not part of the European Union, then you can get to Latvia through four operating CPVIs:
- For those who are departed from Peter, the most convenient will be CPVA Brunishevo-Pededze.
- You can quickly go through the CPVV Ludonka - Wientulu. It goes here by nosovo, and the track is not overloaded with transport.
- The queue is what is waiting for you on the CPVV Terekhovo-bugs at any time of the year. The M9 "Baltic" route is almost always loaded with cars, including heavy trucks.
- A little less busy deception point - Grebheva, because it is most convenient to enter the car to Latvia from Moscow as much as possible: the Moscow route is held nearby. And tourists from Pskov, located nearby, are quite active. In winter, in the ice and in the summer in the heat staying here ceases to seem comfortable.
Waiting time
If good luck, if fuel trucks and heavy trucks will not be pulled into the entry points of the departure, can be pasted with a PPC within 30-40 minutes. However, get ready for you to stay there longer. It happens that waiting is delayed for a period of 12 hours before the day.
To warn these unpleasant moments allows the electronic queue according to the EVIS system. For 1.15 € for passenger cars And for 5 € for freight in the mode "Online" to book a place in the queue. The main thing is to specify the brand, the number, the characteristics of the car, do not imagine with the data. It is possible to do this here: https://www.lithisanianborder.eu/yphis/index.action?request_locale\u003dru The movement has already learned how to monitor and warn motorists about the accumulation of transport. Now, for displaying the movement of the queue on the border of Latvia-Russia online, you can trace the customs service: https://www.vid.gov.lv/ru/kravas_auto_rindas However, the appearance of offenders or the emergence of the accident on the road cannot be predicted. If the waiting time is delayed - there are beytles, but with the organization of food and resting places the situation is worse, such a situation should be provided. But do not overdo it so that you do not have to get rid of excess cargo prohibited to the provision in such quantities.
Customs monitoring
The main purpose of inspection is to establish whether you are dangerous or prohibited goods. It does not always fit into the formula "Weapons, Currency, Drugs". The crossing of the border with Latvia in 2019 will be held without any problems if the baggage does not find perishable products, the amount of drugs, tobacco and perfume products, alcohol, alcohol will not be exceeded.
To accelerate the process of passing the border, entering the drivers are sorted by corridors:
- Green - for traveling without cargo to be declaration.
- Red - if money is transported, goods, souvenirs, values \u200b\u200bthat should be issued.
There are also the features of customs under the car, relating to the regulations of the procedure itself:
- Approaching the checkpoint, prepare everything required documents (both personal and car, and cargo), place them so to present without delay.
2. During customs inspection, stop, check vehicle. To do this, stop, stop the motor and allow employees of the service to work. - In case of success in passing control, travelers will receive official marks on the intersection of the border and the wishes of the good way.
Technical Requirements for the Transport
To unhindered and quickly cross the border with the Republic of Latvia, you will have to prepare your car in accordance with European standards:
- Toning of glasses by more than 20% is considered unacceptable.
- The studded rubber in the summer can become an obstacle - you will be asked to "rebuild" cars.
- Be sure to have a children's chair, if you drive with a child, as well as aid kits, fire extinguisher and set for emergency stop (sign, vest with light reflectors, tools).
- Good total technical condition Vehicle confirmed documentary.
And, of course, the car must be "clean" in terms of design.
Package of necessary documentation
A complete set of papers should be collected in advance and without a rush. These are the documents for entering Latvia by car you will be needed:
- With regard to passengers:
- properly decorated passports;
- children under 14 fits into parents' passports, birth certificate is presented at customs;
- for a minor, traveling in a group with the accompanying, need a power of attorney from guardians or parents; resolution from the second, if one is lucky;
- medustration polishes.
- Regarding vehicles:
- certificate of registration of the car;
- technical inspection coupon;
- green-Card.
What depends on the value of the Green Card:
- From the term of the document: from 15 days to 1 year.
- From the type of vehicles: cars passenger, cargo, agricultural, motorcycle, etc.
- Territory of the Insurance Agreement:
- for all states of the contract;
- for a limited list of countries.
Let you not scare if instead of the usual "inspection coupon" you suddenly hear a "diagnostic card". In essence, this is the same, the main thing is that it is in order. Previously, for a car with a mileage of less than three years, they did an overlook, now the requirements have tightened.
If all the documents are in order - your visa in Latvia does not disappear in vain, the entrance is allowed.
What can be pronounced
Let us pay attention to the fact that you can import to Latvia from Russia and in what quantities:
- Money - no more than 300 € with cash (420 € permitted through the air or transport "River-Sea").
- Tobacco products - up to 40 pcs. Cigarettes and 50 g of tobacco (aircraft can be imported more - up to 200 pieces. Cigarette or 250 g of tobacco).
- Alcohol - 4 liters of wine; 16l beer, 4 l alcohol to 22% of the bulk degree; 1 l of strong alcohol over 22%.
- Medicines - within personal needs for staying (recipes).
Productivity rate of goods
Exhaustive information about this is on the website of the Latvian Embassy:
How much is gasoline in Riga? It worries many, and the answer does not console. According to the spring of the current year, the cost of gasoline of the 95th brand was 1,272 € per liter, and the price diesel fuel - 1,182 € per liter. Naturally, the majority makes the stock in order to save.
So, you can import with you for free:
Full standard capacity (tank) for a fuel available car;
Not more than 10 liters per unit of transport in cannors or other portable tanks.
Alcohol
Up to 18 years old are not provided in the payment of taxes and duties or exemption from them when importing tobacco or alcoholicopes. So imports of alcoholic beverages minors are prohibited, adults can be imported in the following volumes:
- from 0.3 to 1 liter of strong alcohol (over 22%),
- from 1 to 2 l sparkling (champagne, rut, cider); ;
4 l wines; - 16 l beer.
Combinations are different, but the most popular looks like this: 0.3 l of strong alcohol, 1.4 l aperitif, 4 liters of wine, 16 liters of beer.
What is prohibited
As in the rest of the EU countries, in Latvia some products cannot be imported. Even if you are going to use or use them yourself. The prohibition spreads:
on all sorts of meat products, fat, fish, culinary products with the content of these products, baking, canned goods;
- milk raw, condensed and treated, milk products, desserts;
- on animal feed, having in the composition of meat or milk.
How to declare cash
Each guest of the country should have a month financial support from 900 €. When traveling all big family, Avoid other extremes: It is important not to exceed the permissible amount of imported cash and correctly arrange it.
The rules of Latvia in this regard are identical and the requirements of the EU. So, mandatory for declaring is the amount of 10,000 € and above. Blanks for cash deposits are in the border crossing places. You can download them from the Public Revenue Service website. You need to fill in Latvian, in Russian and on english. The declaration in 2019 is served with the rest of the paper.
Latvian border crossing procedure by car
We have already considered how the rules of entry into Latvia on the car are looking for, what package of documents is needed and what auto requirements are valid.
Recall that you will need:
- calm, smooth, polite behavior on the border;
- timely presentation of all passports and travelers of travel participants;
- providing a full package of documents on the car during the inspection.
According to the law on the road traffic, the lack of mentioned documents entails the refusal to cross the border and enter the republic. An attempt to bypass the terms and requirements of customs control can entail a fine, refusal to enter its territory, even arrest.
Costs
For traveling to Latvia, the average budget per month is from 1000 € per person. This amount will include costs:
- for visas and documents
- on payment of duties;
- on fuel;
- on food and drink;
- to accommodation;
- on entertainment and souvenirs.
Everything needs to be provided for a certain amount and soberly appreciate your tourist appetites.
Popular routes
The most frequent direction of movement, if it comes to traveling to Latvia, this is a trip to Jurmala. This resort with a mild climate makes many. But from April and until the middle of the autumn, you can get here only when paying for skipping. Entry to Jurmala by car in 2019 is approximately 2 € per day. With a discount, this right is granted for 31 € per month, and at 107 € it will cost the whole season.
Those who decided to go to Riga on their own and familiarize themselves with the architecture of the capital, visit her museums, theaters, parks and cafes, we recommend extending the auto-job to Jurmala. You will see old fortresses, ethnographic settlements, the Yelgava and Rundale Palace, designed by Rastrelli, and, of course, the forest and the sea.
Road Roads in Latvia
Do not forget about the differences of local traffic rules. First, you can only drive with the close-up light. Secondly, speed mode In the city - up to 50 km / h, and beyond - 80 km / h. A violation is considered to be a plus 10 km / h - patrol will cost oral warning.
All parking in Latvia are paid. In the country it is impossible to park closer than:
- 25 meters from public transport stopping, transition,
- 100 meters from the intersection,
- at 50 m - from the railway crossing.
The permissible level of alcohol in the driver's blood is 0.5 ppm. If it is higher at least one hundredth - a fine of 300 lats (almost 300 €) cannot be avoided, as well as deprivation of the right to drive a car in the territory of the country for a year. Drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking, obscene behavior in the public can entail major penalties.
Punishment for violation of customs passing rules
In accordance with the Latvian Code of Administrative Crimes, an attempt to carry something forbidden, to hide the excess of the limit on the provision, the presence of undeclared values \u200b\u200band excisable goods entails administrative responsibility. Individuals They may subjected to sanctions from 70 to 700 €, and the Jurlitz - from 700 to 7,100 € with confiscation of all mentioned above. In special cases, the car can be arrested.
Conclusion
Going on a trip to such a calm and measured country as Latvia, you need to remember two things:
- Keeping someone else's dignity, you protect your: Do not argue and do not bargain with employees, take care of patience and goodwill.
- In someone else's monastery, they do not walk with its charter: learn to follow the rules of the country where you are visiting, and only then you feel Her Spirit.
Everything else depends on your responsible preparing for rest. If you did not lose sight of the design of documents and clearly planned your actions, then everything will turn out.
Autotourism among Russians is becoming more and more popular every year. Traveling in your car has many advantages.
It is not surprising that many tourists prefer to get to the Baltic countries who are close enough from Russia, by car.
In such a trip, travelers do not depend on other people's schedules and prices - they can stop at any time and enjoy your favorite place.
In Riga by car
Trip to Riga in its transport it has obvious advantages:
- auto travelists do not depend on the schedule of movement of aircraft, trains and buses;
- trip by own car, especially if 4-5 people go in it, it costs much cheaper than flight and even travel by train and bus;
- the ability to travel around the country on your own route, regardless of other tourists.
To travel from Moscow to Riga by car went well, without any incident, you need prepare a route in advance Trips, familiarize yourself with the rules for the passage of borders with Latvia and collect all the necessary documents.
Documents for a trip to Latvia by car
To enter Latvia, the following documents are needed to enter Latvia:
- foreign passports for each of the tourists. Children under 14 may be inscribed in a passport one (or both) from parents traveling with a child;
- if a child travels without parents, he must have its own passport regardless of age. In addition, in this case you need power power of attorneycertified by notary;
- certificates of the birth of children;
- acting Schengen visa pasted into a passport;
- activant Medical Insurance, Decorated in accordance with the requirements of the EU countries, with the amount of coverage not less than 30 000 EUR;
- for a car driver - driver's licensethat comply with international standards (that is, the driver data must be written in the rights of Latin letters);
- certificate of registration of the car;
- Green card (motorist civil liability insurance), operating in Latvia.
Green card is issued in the insurance company no earlier than in 30 days Before the start of the trip. The minimum term of the Green card is 15 days.
It is useful to read about what it is, because in Latvia strictly followed by compliance with its rules.
What you need to make a visa to Latvia in this and get all the necessary information if you are going to issue a visa to this country yourself.
Routes travel
You can enter into Latvia by car through Russia, and through Belarus. When traveling from Moscow, the difference in kilometers between the routes is about 90 km. On Russian territory (on the M9 highway) the path shorter.
Despite this, most of the autotourists prefer to go through Belorussia (on the M1 route). This is due to the fact that usually the CAT in the Latvian-Russian border is more loaded, and motorists fall within a few hours. stand in queues at customs.
In addition, many drivers did not suit the quality of the road on the M9 highway. Until recently, the road to the Tver region and in Rzhev district was very divided, but last year was implemented road repair.
Route on the route M9 on the map
Distance from Moscow to Riga federal highway M9 ("Baltic") is about 950 kilometers. Time on the way without stopping - 11-12 hours.
The route passes through Volokolamsk, Rzhev, Great Luca To the car border points of the bugs (at the border of Russia) and Terekhovo (on the border of Latvia). Further, on the territory of Latvia, the route passes through Ludza, Vilan and Ogre.
The road after repair, according to the latest reviews of motorists, really good. The exceptions make up small areas near Rzhev. In the Tver region, where there was the worst portion of the road, the new asphalt is laid and fresh marking is applied.
A little worse the road in Latvian territory from Ludza to Vilan (All in the plexuses), but there are practically no yam. In general, Latvian roads (A6, A12) are quite good quality.
From the advantages of this route you can call a small amount settlementswhere the driver comes strongly reduce speed. Therefore, Riga can be reached fairly quickly.
From the disadvantages of this highway, tourists mark a small amount of cafes and filling stations.
In the Russian-Lithuanian border, there are often queues in which you can simultane from 2 to 6 hours. Terechi-Terekhovo it is considered the most uploaded Of the 4 automotive gearbox, located on the border of Russia and Latvia.
Cars in which there are little children are missing without a queue. Customs inspection itself goes fast. The main thing is to have all the necessary documents.
Latvian border guards are also gathering in the example of Estonian colleagues to enter electronic reservations in the queue on the border, so the queues can be avoided rarely.
Terechovo-Terekhovo Point works round the clock.
Technological interruptions PPC: 08:45 - 09:00 in the morning and 20:45 - 21:00 in the evening.
Route on the route M1 on the map
Two options are possible here.
- Option One: From Moscow to go through the Minsk Highway (the route M1), and then, not to reach Smolensk slightly, turn on the road to the side of Velija Nevel, and in the area of \u200b\u200bthe wasteland, to go to the Baltic pathway (M9). Next, you can continue to move towards the Russian-Latvian border;
- Option second (via Belarus): From Moscow to move along the M1 highway, after the bypass Smolensk you need to turn onto the road to Vitebsk. Further go on Belarus on the route R21 and P20. The transition of the border is carried out at Urbana-Silene's checkpoints and Grigoroves-Paterleki.
The distance from Moscow to Riga is just over 1000 kilometers. Time on the road approximately 13-14 hours without stopping. And although the route is a little longer than on the M9 highway, to Riga can be reached faster.
This is due to the lower loading of automotive checkpoints at the Border of Belarus and Latvia. Therefore, such queues, as in the Russian-Latvian border, here, as a rule, no.
Works around the clock . The average waiting time in queues on the border with Latvia is approximately 1-2 hours.
Grigorovshchina-Paterleki checkpoint is also located in the Vitebsk region on the road P-20 Novopolotsk-Verkhnedvinsk-Riga.
Item works around the clock with technological interruptions: from 08:45 to 09:00 and from 20:45 to 21:00.
On the route M1 there is more cafes and fueling stations than in M9. However, the last gas station is located in the Polotsk region. Next refueling in Latvia. Autotourists should remember that in Latvia gasoline is much more expensive, so it is better to fix full tank Before crossing the border.
Duty free of the Republic of Latvia it is allowed to import:
- one full gasoline tank plus one canister 10 l;
- 40 cigarettes or 10 cigars;
- 1 liter of strong alcohol or 2 liters of fasten alcohol, or 4 liters.
In Schengen countries, it is forbidden to import dairy products and meat, including sausages.
Still motorists worth considering that in Latvia it is impossible to use Antiradar, so it is better to remove it before the border. The studded rubber is allowed only in the autumn-winter period (from October 1 to May 1).
In the car must be a sign of emergency stop and reflective vest.
Gathered on the journey. Bought a car and decided to go around at long distances. Romantic trip to Latvia.
If such thoughts are visited, then you will work perfectly travel by car in Riga.
Riga is the capital of Latviawhich is the largest city of Baltic States. The number of Riga is approximately 700,000 people. In 1921, after the signing of the Peace Soviet-Polish Treaty, the Golden Age began to develop the city. However, Latvian society was never formed, and the population continued to share to Russian, German, Jewish and Latvian communities.
Then in 1990, the Latvian parliament nevertheless declared its independence from the Soviet Union. Riga again became the capital of the sovereign Latvian state.
Riga meets tourists with some kind of inexplicable warmth, cozy streets, good smiles, Russian speech and attracting architecture of the old city.
Old city - This is the historic center of Riga, which is located on the right bank of the Daugava. He retained the fortress features of the structure, bends of structures and defense shafts. The city canal separates the old town from the new, and the demolition of the urban wall opens the view of the square and the parks.
In the center of the Old Town Burlit Evening Life. Music pours out of many cozy cafes with gentle illumination, the courtesy waiters bring delicious dishes and drinks, velaiks are ready for travel on architectural monuments. Everywhere laughter, music, lights in the eyes and from candles on the tables of a cafe.
The center of the Old Town is the Town Hall Square, which is famous for its Town Hall and the House of Chernogolov. The square has a statue of Roland.
So to see and feel all this romance and beauty, you need to drive 950 km highway M9 - Moscow (Russia) - Riga (Latvia). The road to the Latvian Republic is pretty good. There are several sections, closer to the Tver region, which is constantly repaired. There is lost about an hour for disassembled areas, passing with traffic lights, overlaps and pit. To these sites, the road can be called "without big flaws".
Our journey began On Friday at 5 am Moscow time. Such an early departure is explained by the desire not to get into traffic jams, leaving Moscow. And we managed it.
We quickly jumped at the Moscow Ring Road, about 40 minutes, and rushed!
Approximately at 13 o'clock we got to the border. The first thing that rushed into the eyes is an endless rim trucks and trucks. Fortunately cars Drive along a separate strip. Before us was the queue about 5-6 cars. However, she moved very slowly. Employees on the border were engaged in anywhere, just not by cars, patiently waiting for their turn.
We finally, about 30 minutes, approached the long-awaited document verification window. We were given a form of a declaration of imported goods, which was necessary to fill out. What for? We do not import anything, we have a romantic journey. Well, I had to fill out only our data and data of the vehicle, and in all other speakers concerning the imported goods, put a dash. This document is certainly necessary!? Only tranquility notes remained from the romantic mood.
Hurray, after 1 hour, one car remained before us. The ignition is included, the foot stretches to the gas pedal, our turn is suitable for inspection. But it was not there!
We do not know what was wrong with the car and the driver in front of us, but another 30 minutes the border staff went back-forward, chatted with each other, came up to the car, left, returned again and so 40 minutes. Finally our predecessor Moved from the place, and we took the honorary pedestal of checks.
We were lucky, we missed us pretty quickly, checking the documents for the car, passports. The car itself was examined inside, in the trunk, raised the hood.
Not passed 2 hours, as we "walked" the border !!! The long-awaited romantic Riga is only 300 km away.
Riga Really met us with kindness, warm and comfort. Two romantic days flew under living music in a cafe; with walks by narrow streets of the old city; with delicious home food in the Lido Mill; With an acquaintance with architecture and simply with a pleasant fresh Latvian air.
Road home. We immediately remembered the procedure for passing the border, we frowned, but what other options !?
We left Moscow at 5 am local time. For 9 o'clock we were already on the border. Thought that in the morning they will pass it quickly, without delay and lining.
When we arrived at our border, all corridors were with queues in 5-7 cars with Latvian numbers. One corridor "For Russian citizens" was blocked. We did not find out why, and parked for all seishers. A border guard came to us, which sent our car to that very clouded strip. He proudly pushed something like a barrier, and left us to wait.
The checkout of documents on our lane was empty. Moreover, directly in front of our nose from there the border guard came out and left. I had to go in a common queue to the point of another band. Failure, but fact.
Checked passports, documents for the car, and the car itself everywhere, and Dali green light On the passage, which until the next overlap was literally a couple of meters. We stopped again. Suggested that if we just underwent a thorough inspection, now they will raise the barrier and the road to the house is free. But it was not there!
We stand, the barrier does not move, the person at the check point is sitting and the eye does not blink. Strange!?
We left the car and headed for a house where the customs officer was now sitting.
"Check again? We just had a meter earlier thoroughly checked, "our nerves began to pass.
The customs officer brazenly asked: "Who checked you?"
"Won is the post of checks," we answered the choir and pointed to the border guard, which was in too accessible visibility.
"Who is he?" - said verifier. According to his view, we realized that he was not waiting for the answer. Submitted documents for the car and passports. I checked and went to the car. We simply did not believe our ears when he stated: "Open all the doors of the car, the hood, trunk, the glove box. What do you wear? Where are we going? ... ". The meter ago were the same questions and the same inspection !!! Now it is clear where all these rimpets are from cars!
We were checked again, the barrier opened and we, tired, a little evil, "humiliated tourists", rushed forward.
Oh God, after 100 meters, a barrier has grown again, "Booth with a big aunt", traffic light with red light. I wanted to "swell." Again came out of the car, approached the window, we again checked the documents, asked questions, and then, after a total of 2 hours, they missed the "Home" road.
Why do the border workers allow themselves to be so humiliating towards tourists? It is a feeling that they arranged among themselves the competition: "Who will slowly miss the next car."
Documents in check points slowly checks the border guards or customs officer, both from the Russian side and with Latvian, imposing his personal life at the same time, while discussing his personal life with another employee, barely turning the passport page of the passport.
There are several routes for which you can get to Latvia from Russia. However, not all the tracks are good quality. Yes, and on the border it would be nice to know - what the fastest lengthpoints.
Moscow-Riga. Which route to choose?
Many prefer to travel to Latvia on their own car. And cheaper, and more comfortable, and faster, the main thing - to see you have time more (you can plan trips and excursions without binding to public transport). Practice shows - it is quite convenient to get to Latvia through Belorussia, however, the most lively and popular route from Moscow - on the highway M9 of the Baltia.
Skip points at the border. What paragraphs are less than a queue?
It contains one of the most popular checkpoints - Burachka - Terekhovo. Here - a rather a lot of transport is going. Passenger trucks - Stand in different queues.
What documents are needed on the border of Russia and Latvia?
When crossing the state border, the following documents will be presented:
Passports with visas, medical policies for each traveling (for the time that is specified in the visa or the term of the first entry, if the visa is multiple). Insurance, as a rule, is drawn up before the registration of the visa is the main thing, not to leave them at home;
The driver's license decorated by the international model (for Russia is international rights);
Documents on the registration of the car, then the power of attorney (if you are not moving on your car);
At the entrance to Latvia, the Green Card is also needed - a green card for a car (for the time of all arriving in Latvia).
What and how much can you import to Latvia?
The list of things that are prohibited for the importation of Latvia is very strict. Especially closely on the border (at the entrance to Latvia) you will be checked / asking.
Chimes pierced midnight. Dried rowers. Deads of a plate from Olivier and red caviar. Raddles salutes. New year's night Celebrate ... But what to do the remaining eight days of massive festivities? As an option - go to Latvia by car. Take a walk along the old Riga, taste a delicious mulled wine on Christmas fairs, wander through snow-covered and empty from tourists medieval castles. So we did.
On a trip to Latvia, we allocated 40,000 rubles from the budget and four days, two of which were allotted on the road, two on the sights. True, it was necessary to prepare for the trip in advance: book a room in the hotel in Riga, but most importantly, make a Schengen visa. It is not difficult to do it yourself. Collect the package of documents and forth, in the Visa Center of the Republic of Latvia, in which you can please come to any working day without recording and in order of a live queue to apply for a visa.
To open a detailed route CLICK MAP
What about documents?
With you to the visa center it is necessary to bring a completed and signed visa form, a passport passport, a general passport with copies of the main pages, a photo on a visa, an extract from a bank account or sponsoring letter, a medical insurance policy, confirmation of armor at the hotel and, since we are talking about Traveling by car, documents on the car. These are copies of a driver's license, certificate of registration of a vehicle and a "green card". And also the power of attorney, if the car belongs not to you. Without these documents, the application for the provision of a visa will not even accept. The consular fee for a visa is 35 euros, plus you will still have to pay for the services of the visa center at the rate of 20 euros per passport.
Documents on the border
On the border will need, naturally, a passport with an open Schengen visa, a vehicle registration certificate, a "green card", power of attorney and, if your car over three years old, must necessarily have a diagnostic card with itself. Without it, the car on the territory of Latvia will not be allowed.
ROAD
At 5:30 am we threw our belongings in Volkswagen Golf. And, while Moscow slept a strong festive bed, left Riga. Alas, but slept at that early morning on January 2 and road servicesTherefore, the Moscow Ring Road and Novorizhskoye highway were thoroughly lined with snow.
Almost all highways in good condition, Only the last 50 kilometers to the border have absorbed all traditional jokes about the road in Russia. It is thoroughly crushed the brown mass of snow, reagents and sand, which poured onto the body and glass "golf" with a thick layer, and, of course, flying from the wheels of cars stones and dirt. In Latvia, although there are Middle-quality roads, but they are usually clean.
Throughout almost the entire Moscow region, the speed limit of 110 km / h, then 90 km / h, but there are short segments with a limitation of 70 km / h. In Latvia, permitted speed in the cities of 50 km / h, on country tracks 70 and 90 km / h. Signs are often found.
The shortest way to Riga runs through the customs post of MAPP "Burachka" - 600 km in Novorizhskoye highway through the Moscow, Tver and Pskov region, and then just over 300 km from the border to Riga itself. However, it is not a fact that this route will be the fastest. Even along the snow-covered road with stops for coffee and refueling, we drove up to the border by 13:00, and there were only fifteen cars before us. But we entered the territory of Latvia only four hours later. And this is not a record. It happens that on the border is losing 7-8 hours. Partly, this can be explained by the survivation of employees, partly unsuccessfully organized throughput points. I can definitely say: the sooner you reach the border, the less time to spend time on its passage. For example, on the way back, we passed it in 40 minutes: at 10 in the morning there were no cars in any of the parties.
There is another way - through the MAPP "Shumilkino" on the Russian-Estonian border. According to reviews, there are almost always free, and only about 60 km will be added to the total length of the route from Moscow. But no one will give any guarantees that you will not lose much time there. The main thing, remember that if you gather in Riga through Estonia on someone else's car, Estonia should also be indicated in the power of attorney.
Parking, Gasoline and Golf
Choosing a hotel in Riga, do not forget to pay attention to the availability of parking. The closer to the center, the less the chance of free hotel parking, and the prices of municipal fluctuate from 1.5 to 4.5 euros per hour. We stopped in Riga at the Kolonna Hotel Brigita in Zemgalsky Suburb: Dense breakfasts, free municipal parking, an excellent Ilkrorogs restaurant 2 minutes walk and 10 minutes to Old Riga by bus or trolleybus. By the way, you can buy a ticket for two trips in a supermarket or kiosk for 2.4 euros.
Gasoline prices in Latvia are about two times higher than Russian - 1.2 euros per liter of the 95th. Diesel for a couple of dozen cents cheaper. So it will appropriate to refuel the full tank in Russia. In addition, up to 10 liters of fuel in the canister can be transported to the territory of Latvia. So we did, having stopped at the last territory of Russia a gas station in front of the border - TNC, on the left hand a few kilometers from the throughput point.
And here I want to pay tribute to our Volkswagen Golf with a 125-strong turbo engine 1.4 TFSI and 7-speed DSG, which, surprisingly, not only coped without problems with overtakers on the track, confidently walked at a speed of 110 km / h on a dirty highway, but also Consumped fuel, as if sipped a cocktail in a bar from the straw, bought for the last money. Having entered Latvia with 60 liters of the 95th in the car and canister, the next time we refuel in Russia at the same refueling three days later or a little more than 800 km. In terms of average flow It turns out 7.5 liters. The total average fuel consumption for the entire trip was released 6.5 liters per 100 km.
He also has comfortable for the farward, to measure dense heated chairs, heated washer nozzles windshield, a lot of niches and compartments for trivia, a spacious trunk, full spare wheel in the subfield, powerful LED optics and good review. The rear view camera is not afraid of dirt, as it hides behind the emblem on the luggage door. From the disadvantages that manifested themselves in the course of the trip, I can single out that the presence in the cabin has only one USB port and one socket on 12 V, as well as weak noise insulation of the wheeled arches.
And, importantly, Golf returned to russian market After some lack of an acceptable price tag. With all the equipment, including a large touchscreen of a multimedia system or a sports kit R-Line, the price of a test car is 1,569,900 p.
WHAT TO SEE?
One full day we paid the old Riga. She is like an open-air museum, where castles, churches, cathedrals of different ages and householders are collected. Everyone has its own rich and interesting story. The German Crusaders and Swedes, and Russian monarchs were also left their significant trail at different times. If you want not just to contemplate, but also know the story, but a guide to different reasons You do not fit, eat good app For Smartphones Izi Travel, where you can listen about the sights to see and read.
Vatets (earlier Gorky) Bridge over the Daugava River.
In Riga, there are many authentic trams that no longer meet in Moscow.
The Anglican Church of the Holy Redeemer in Riga was built in the XIX century for the community of British sailors.
Be sure to walk through the narrow medieval streets, go to the organ concert to the Dome Cathedral, find out the secret of the house with black cats, go around the fairs and look at lunch to the local restaurant. Prices in the restaurants of Old Riga are about one and a half times higher than in other areas of the capital of Latvia. But the portions are big. On average, we had 35 euros for two for a couple of large portions of meat with a garnish, a couple of pile of Riga Balzam and a couple of glasses of local beer. By the way, connoisseurs of beer I advise you to visit the Miezis & Kompānija pub in Old Riga, where many varieties of crafting beer of various Latvian brewers are presented.
At Christmas fairs, right with you on an open fire fry or stew meat. And what does not go to cooking, used as decoration.
But Latvia is not limited to Riga alone. Therefore, on the second day, we again jumped into Golf and went to the city of Sigulda, where two medieval castle were located at once - Sigulda and Turaidsky. In winter, in the absence of tourists when snow flakes slowly fall on the dilapidated fortress walls and on the courtyard with the gallows, how easy it is easy to penetrate the atmosphere of those centuries. In addition, Riga has a large car museum with interesting expositions. And, of course, arriving in Latvia, it is impossible not to visit Jurmala beaches, albeit snow-covered.
Turaid castle completely burned down in the XVIII century. Restores since 1953
Fireplace and upgraded under LED candles. Vintage lamp in Turaid castle.
Sigulda castle, built in the XIII century at an early stage of conquering Baltic crusader land.
Our journey at this approached the end, but there are still many places in Latvia, for which it costs to return there: Rundale Palace, the Interiodine Palace, Daugavpils Fortress, national parks and much more.
Beach in Jurmala in winter.
