Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Liepaja. LiepÄja International Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 60 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Before You Step Outside LPX
A few things to sort out before you leave LPX:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Latvia. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Liepaja takes about 60 minutes by local transport. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Liepaja from the Airport
From LPX, the local transport gets you to Liepaja in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Things to Do During Your Layover
If you head into Liepaja, here are two things worth checking out:
Liepaja Beach and Promenade is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Perfect for a short walk when you need fresh air after a long flight.
Rose Square (Rožu laukums) is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside LPX, you can spend time at Relax in the Passenger Waiting Area or try Aircraft Spotting. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food & Dining Options
- In the city: Pastnieka MÄja and Upe Cafe are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Liepaja.
- At the airport: Liepaja Airport Cafe and Terminal Snack Kiosk will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
What to Budget for Your Liepaja Side Trip
Quick budget math for your Liepaja layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$20 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$40 |
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage options at LPX can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Liepaja for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at LPX, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Liepaja itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Latvia that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Long overnight layover? Your options at LPX include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Latvia also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Liepaja exploring the streets or relaxing at LPX, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.