Verified Facts
To get around in Lithuania, you can use a combination of buses, trains, and taxis, as well as rent a car or bike, with the country's well-developed road network and public transportation system making it easy to travel throughout the country.
Quick Facts
Getting There
Lithuania has three main international airports: Vilnius International Airport (VNO), Kaunas International Airport (KUN), and Palanga International Airport (PLQ), with Vilnius being the largest and busiest airport, offering direct flights to many European cities, including London, Berlin, and Moscow. The country is also accessible by land, with several overland entry points from neighboring countries, including Latvia, Belarus, Poland, and Russia, and you can take a bus or drive from these countries to Lithuania.
If you prefer to travel by land, you can take a bus or train from nearby cities, such as Riga, Minsk, or Warsaw, and Lithuania is also connected to the rest of Europe by the Via Baltica highway, which runs from Tallinn, Estonia to Warsaw, Poland, making it easy to drive to the country from other parts of Europe. Additionally, you can take a ferry from Sweden or Denmark to the port city of Klaipeda, which is a popular entry point for those traveling by sea.
Domestic Flights
Lithuania has a limited domestic air network, with only a few flights per week connecting the capital city of Vilnius to other cities, such as Kaunas and Palanga, and the main domestic airline is Air Lituanica, which offers flights from Vilnius to Kaunas and Palanga. You can book domestic flights online or through a travel agency, and the cost of a one-way ticket can range from $50 to $100, depending on the route and time of year.
Trains & Rail
Lithuania's rail network is moderate, with trains connecting the capital city of Vilnius to other major cities, such as Kaunas, Klaipeda, and Siauliai, and the main railway company is Lithuanian Railways, which offers passenger and freight services. You can book train tickets online or at the train station, and the cost of a one-way ticket can range from $10 to $30, depending on the route and class of service. There are no high-speed trains in Lithuania, but the rail network is generally reliable and comfortable.
Buses & Coaches
Lithuania has a well-developed bus network, with several companies offering intercity services, including Kautra and Tokas, which connect the capital city of Vilnius to other major cities, such as Kaunas, Klaipeda, and Siauliai. You can book bus tickets online or at the bus station, and the cost of a one-way ticket can range from $5 to $20, depending on the route and company. The bus network is generally reliable and frequent, making it a convenient option for traveling around the country.
City Transport
| Mode | Available In | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro/Subway | None | - | Lithuania does not have a metro system |
| City Bus | Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda | $1-$2 | Frequent and reliable services |
| Taxi | Everywhere | $2-$5/km | Available at taxi stands or by phone |
| Ride-Hailing | Vilnius, Kaunas | $5-$10 | Bolt and Uber operate in major cities |
| Tuk-tuk/Rickshaw | None | - | Not available in Lithuania |
Driving
- To drive in Lithuania, you need a valid driver's license from your home country, and you must be at least 18 years old to rent a car.
- The road quality in Lithuania is generally good, with well-maintained highways and urban roads, but be aware of potholes and uneven surfaces on rural roads.
- Fuel costs are relatively low in Lithuania, with gasoline and diesel prices ranging from $1 to $2 per liter.
- Car rental companies, such as Hertz and Europcar, operate in major cities, and you can book a car online or at the airport.
- Be aware of traffic rules, such as speed limits, parking restrictions, and right-hand drive, and always wear a seatbelt and use headlights during the day.
- In winter, be prepared for snow and ice on the roads, and consider renting a car with winter tires or snow chains.
Transport Tips
- Be aware of scams targeting tourists, such as overpriced taxi rides or fake ticket sellers, and always use reputable companies and services.
- You can pay for public transportation and taxis with cash or card, but be prepared for some rural areas to only accept cash.
- Download the Trafi app for public transportation information and route planning, and use Google Maps for navigation and traffic updates.
- Be mindful of peak hours and traffic congestion in major cities, and plan your journey accordingly.
- Consider purchasing a Lithuanian SIM card or portable Wi-Fi hotspot for data and navigation, and always keep your valuables safe and secure.
- Learn some basic Lithuanian phrases, such as "hello" (labas) and "thank you" (dekoju), to help you navigate and interact with locals.
- Be respectful of local customs and traditions, and dress modestly when visiting churches or cultural sites.