Getting Around Lithuania
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient buses and trolleybuses for Vilnius and Kaunas. Rural: Rent a car for countryside exploration. Coast: Buses and trains to Palanga. For convenience, book airport transfers from Vilnius to your destination.
Train Travel
LTG National Rail
Reliable train network connecting major cities like Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda with scenic routes.
Cost: Vilnius to Kaunas €6-12, journeys 1-2 hours between most cities.
Tickets: Buy via LTG app, website, or station machines. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM for better prices and seats.
Rail Passes
Multi-journey tickets offer up to 20% savings for frequent travelers, or seasonal passes from €50.
Best For: Multiple city visits over several days, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Train stations, LTG website, or official app with instant activation.
International Options
Direct trains connect to Riga (Latvia) and Warsaw (Poland), with bus-train combos for further travel.
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 30%.
Main Stations: Vilnius Central is the hub, with connections to Kaunas and Klaipėda.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for exploring rural areas and the Curonian Spit. Compare rental prices from €25-45/day at Vilnius Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (EU or International), credit card, minimum age 18-21.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 130 km/h highways.
Tolls: Minimal, some bridges like in Kaunas require small fees (€2-5).
Priority: Give way to right unless signposted otherwise, roundabouts common.
Parking: Free in rural areas, metered €1-2/hour in cities like Vilnius.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at €1.50-1.70/liter for petrol, €1.40-1.60 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Vilnius during rush hours and around Kaunas.
Urban Transport
Vilnius Buses & Trolleybuses
Comprehensive network covering the city, single ticket €1, day pass €5, 10-journey card €10.
Validation: Validate tickets in onboard machines before boarding, inspections common.
Apps: m.Ticket app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile tickets.
Bike Rentals
Cyclocity bike-sharing in Vilnius and Kaunas, €3-8/day with stations throughout.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths in cities and along the Baltic coast.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in major cities, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Buses & Local Services
Kautra and Toki operate intercity and local buses across Lithuania.
Tickets: €1-2 per ride, buy from driver or use contactless payment.
Coastal Routes: Frequent buses to Palanga and Klaipėda, €5-10 depending on distance.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near train stations in cities for easy access, central Vilnius or Kaunas Old Town for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major festivals like Vilnius Festival.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage in cities, 4G throughout most of Lithuania including rural areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Telia, Bitė, and Tele2 offer prepaid SIMs from €5-15 with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for €10, 10GB for €15, unlimited for €20/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major train stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-100 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2, daylight saving March-October (EEST, UTC+3).
- Airport Transfers: Vilnius Airport 6km from city center, bus to center €1 (15 min), taxi €10-15, or book private transfer for €20-30.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations (€3-5/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern trains and buses accessible, many historic sites have limited access due to cobblestone streets.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains (small free, large €3), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on trains off-peak for €2, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Lithuania
Vilnius Airport (VNO) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Vilnius Airport (VNO): Primary international gateway, 6km south of city center with bus connections.
Kaunas Airport (KUN): Budget airline hub 15km from city, bus to Kaunas €2 (30 min).
Palanga Airport (PLQ): Small regional airport for coastal flights, convenient for western Lithuania.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Riga or Warsaw and taking bus/train to Lithuania for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Ryanair, Wizz Air, and airBaltic serve Vilnius and Kaunas with European connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee €1-3, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep €50-100 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Service charge included in restaurants, round up or add 5-10% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.