Jūrmala on the Baltic Sea: beaches, resort heritage and Riga

• Jūrmala lies west of Riga on the Gulf of Riga and consists of several districts.
• Majori has its own railway station near Jomas Street and the central beach.
• The train journey from Riga to Majori takes about 30 to 33 minutes.
• Dzintari has a concert hall, a park and villas, while Dubulti offers quieter stretches of coast.
• In 2026, a daily vehicle permit is required for the designated special access zone; public parking is separate and free of charge.

Majori makes a good base for a first visit: its railway station is in the district, near Jomas Street and the central beach. Cafés, shops and the promenade can be combined with a walk along the beach. Dzintari lies farther along the coast and is known for its park, concert hall and wooden villas dating from the resort era. Dubulti is characterized by quieter stretches of beach and older villas. This makes it easy to choose where to spend the day based on whether you prefer the beach, architecture or events.

The districts stretch along the Gulf of Riga, so the beach and your accommodation are not always right next to each other. For longer walks, consider the return journey to the station or your lodging. Choose accommodation in Jūrmala based on beach access, the railway station and the surroundings you prefer. Local transfers and public transport routes complement the train journey if your destination for the day is outside Majori.

The train journey from Riga to Majori station takes about 30 to 33 minutes. Majori has its own railway station in Jūrmala, near the center of the resort. The short train ride makes a coastal trip possible without a car. Plan your return to Riga around the day’s schedule. Getting there and transport includes the rail connection and routes between the station, beach and districts.

The capital, Riga, combines its Old Town and Art Nouveau architecture with a seaside stay. An extra stay in Riga offers an urban contrast to days at the beach. For longer trips around Latvia, Sigulda, with its Gauja scenery, and Daugavpils in the southeast offer additional destinations. The Baltic states also include Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south.

If you are visiting several cities, plan Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius and Kaunas as separate city stops. Lithuania’s western coast, with Klaipėda, adds another seaside destination. Sigulda complements Jūrmala with nature and castles, while Daugavpils takes you to another part of Latvia. A route through the southern Baltics could run from Riga to Vilnius and on to Kaunas. If you want to add another day in a city, you could also focus your stay on Kaunas. A trip through the Baltics can thus combine coast, cities and landscapes over several stops.

A beach day is all about swimming and walks; the resort character is especially evident in the wooden villas, parks and promenade. Nature and scenery bring together the coastal stretches, dunes and forests, while culture and history add insight into the villas and resort architecture. Personal planning should include your train ticket, return journey and an overnight stay if your chosen route takes in several districts. These details belong in your day-trip or weekend travel preparations.

The train offers a simple connection from Riga to Majori. If you arrive by car, distinguish between the 2026 entry permit for the designated special access zone and public parking, which is subject to separate rules and is free of charge. Your itinerary and personal preparations will depend on how you travel and where you stay. For getting there and transport, consider the train from Riga, local routes and the return journey.

The beaches in the different districts, wooden villas and Dzintari Park can all be combined on a longer day out. A shorter trip can focus on Majori and the central beach; relaxing by the sea can be combined with walks through the districts. Coastal scenery and forest trails offer other ways to spend your time, while Latvia has additional destinations such as Riga and Sigulda. The Baltics are well suited to longer cross-border trips.

How long does the train journey from Riga to Jūrmala take?

The journey to Majori station takes about 30 to 33 minutes. The station is near Jomas Street and the central beach; reaching other districts takes additional travel.

Which district is best for a first visit?

Majori links the railway station, Jomas Street and access to the central beach. Dzintari offers a concert hall, park and villas, while Dubulti is a quieter coastal option.

What fee applies to entering by car?

In 2026, a day permit for Jūrmala’s designated special access zone costs five euros. It can be purchased until 23:59 on the day of entry. Public parking is separate and free of charge.

How do Jūrmala and Sigulda differ as day-trip destinations?

Jūrmala is a coastal and beach destination, while Sigulda is known for Gauja scenery and castles. Both are in Latvia, but each requires its own day trip. Sigulda adds the Gauja region to your route; continuing to Vilnius and Kaunas is already part of a longer journey south.