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Jurmala (Jūrmala in Latvian) is the biggest resort town in the Baltics: a 32 km (20 mile) strip of sandy beach, pine forest and old wooden villas, half an hour by train from Riga. If you’re in Riga for a few days and want one cheap day by the sea, this is it. You don’t need a car, a tour or a big budget. A train ticket and a rented bike will do.
I went in August 2023 with a friend, as a day trip from Riga at the height of beach season, and we did the whole thing for very little. This is exactly how we spent it, plus the one thing I’d add next time.
How to get to Jurmala from Riga
By train (the easiest way)
Trains leave from Riga Central Station towards Tukums, Ķemeri or Sloka, and they all pass through Jurmala. The ride to Majori takes about 30 minutes and costs €1.50 one way.
Which stop? There’s no station called “Jurmala”, which confuses a lot of people. Get off at:
- Majori for the main beach and Jomas Street (this is the one most people want)
- Dzintari for the forest park and observation tower, and a slightly quieter beach
- Dubulti for a calmer, family-friendly stretch of beach
You can buy tickets at the station, in the Vivi app, or from the conductor on the train (a little more expensive). We bought ours at the station counter in Riga, and I’d buy a return straight away, because the ticket office in Jurmala is sometimes closed. If you bring a bike, it needs its own small ticket.
By minibus
Minibuses run from Riga International Bus Terminal towards Sloka and Jaunķemeri, and take around 30 to 45 minutes to Majori. Handy if you’ve just missed a train.
By bike
If you’re feeling adventurous, cycle there. The EuroVelo 10 route starts at Vanšu Bridge in Riga and is about 20 to 25 km, through quiet neighbourhoods and pine forest, with the sea breeze for company.
By car
Driving takes 20 to 40 minutes, but every car entering Jurmala has to pay a small daily entry fee (check the current amount on the Visit Jurmala website before you go). Parking in public car parks is free once you’re in. Honestly, the train is cheaper and you won’t sit in summer beach traffic.
Need data for maps and train times? I use an Airalo eSIM so I’m online the minute I land.
Our Jurmala day plan
1. Start on Jomas Street
From Majori station, walk to Jomas Street. It’s the heart of Jurmala: a long pedestrian street with wooden houses, cafés, shops and street performers. It’s the prettiest place in town to wander and people-watch.
2. Rent a bike
We rented bikes, and I think it’s the best way to explore Jurmala. There are rental places all over town, so you don’t need to book ahead. From Jomas Street, ride into the pine forests along the coast. It’s so peaceful you won’t want to leave.
3. Relax on Jurmala beach
Jurmala’s beaches are wide, with soft white sand and shallow water. In August it was busy but fine: lots of people, and still plenty of space to find a spot. We stuck to the sand and the sun and didn’t go in, but you can swim, build sandcastles or just lie back. One thing to know: in summer the sea is usually completely flat, with no waves, and even in July and August the water is cool (roughly 16 to 20°C).
4. Climb the tower in Dzintari Forest Park
Dzintari Forest Park is a big pine park with a 36-metre observation tower that’s free to climb. We cycled up there, and it’s a great view over the forest and the sea.
5. Ride back along the sand at sunset
My favourite part of the day: you can cycle on the beach. We rode back towards the centre along the sand at sunset, when it’s cooler and the light is gorgeous. Don’t skip this.
Next time: add Ķemeri bog boardwalk
We didn’t make it to Ķemeri (often spelled Kemeri), and it’s the one thing I’d add if I went back. If you have a full day (or a second one), Ķemeri National Park has a wooden boardwalk across a bog, with a short 1.5 km loop and a longer 3.5 km loop plus an observation tower. It’s beautiful, but not that easy without a car: Ķemeri station is about an hour from Riga by train, and the trailhead is roughly 4 km (around 40 minutes’ walk) from the station. Bring insect repellent.
If you’d rather not work out the logistics, a guided Jurmala and Ķemeri day tour covers both in one go.
Where to eat in Jurmala (without paying the Jomas Street markup)
There are lots of restaurants and cafés serving fresh fish and Latvian dishes. But Jurmala is touristy, so eating out costs more than elsewhere in Latvia, especially right on the main strip. Two easy fixes:
- Walk a street or two away from Jomas Street, where prices drop.
- Bring a picnic from a supermarket in Riga and eat it on the beach. That’s what we did, and it’s the single biggest saving of the day.
What a Jurmala day costs
Jurmala can be one of the cheapest days of your Latvia trip. Prices in euros, with dollars at about €1 = $1.12 (October 2026).
| What | € | $ |
|---|---|---|
| Return train Riga–Majori | €3 | $3.40 |
| Picnic lunch from a Riga supermarket | what you’d spend on groceries anyway | |
| Observation tower in Dzintari | Free | Free |
| Beach | Free | Free |
| Bike rental | ask at the rental shop, prices vary by hours |
So the bare minimum is the €3 ($3.40) train ticket. Add a bike for a few hours and a coffee, and it’s still a budget day out. For more ways to keep a trip like this cheap, see my budget travel tips for Europe.
Optional extras: a day spa pass at one of the big resorts costs around €30–35 ($34–39) for 2 to 2.5 hours, and the summer boat from Riga is around €20 ($22) each way or €25 ($28) return. It takes 2.5 hours, so it’s more of an experience than transport.
Is Jurmala safe for a first-time solo female traveller?
Jurmala is a relaxed beach town and an easy first solo day trip: the train is simple, the centre is compact and walkable, and in summer the beach and Jomas Street are full of families and couples. The usual common sense applies: keep your phone and bag with you rather than on your towel while you swim, check the time of the last train back to Riga before you set off, and if you’re there out of season, stick to the busier stretch around Majori after dark.
Should you stay the night?
We did it as a day trip and caught the sunset before the train back, so you don’t need to. But if you want to add Ķemeri or a spa, staying a night makes it a lot more relaxed. It isn’t cheap, though. In high season, prices usually start around €70 ($78) a night. You’ll find plenty of options on Booking.com, but book ahead, as the best places go fast.
Jurmala FAQ
How long do you need in Jurmala? One day is enough for the beach, Jomas Street and a bike ride. That’s what we did, and it didn’t feel rushed. Add a second day if you want Ķemeri or a spa.
When is the best time to go? June to August for beach weather (20–30°C), but it’s busy. May and September are milder and great for cycling.
Can you swim in Jurmala? Yes. The water is shallow and calm, but cool, even in summer.
Is Jurmala worth it? Yes, if it’s sunny. On a good day it’s a cheap, easy beach escape from Riga. On a grey, windy one, I’d stay in the city. And don’t expect waves or warm water.
