Lithuania Transport Guide: Getting from Airports to Cities, Public Transit, and Inter-City Trains and Buses
How to get into town from Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda airports, how to buy and validate public transit tickets, and how to choose between inter-city trains and long-distance buses — everything about getting around Lithuania on one page.
Arrival and Getting into Town
| Airport | Location | Getting into Town |
|---|
| Vilnius (VNO) | About 6 km south of the city center | Bus lines 1/2/3G or taxi, around 15–20 minutes |
| Kaunas (KUN) | About 14 km north of the city | Bus or taxi, around 20–30 minutes |
| Palanga (PLQ) | About 7 km north of the city | Bus or taxi, around 15 minutes |
Public Transport within Cities
- Vilnius: A well-developed bus and trolleybus network; you can buy single tickets, day passes, or use the local Vilniečio kortelė transport card. Tickets must be validated upon boarding.
- Kaunas: Primarily served by buses and trolleybuses; you can also buy tickets via mobile app.
- Taxis and Ride-Hailing: Bolt is widely available in Lithuania, offers transparent pricing, and is more convenient than hailing a cab on the street.
Travel Between Cities
- Vilnius–Kaunas: Trains take about 1 hour 15 minutes, with frequent departures.
- Vilnius–Klaipėda: Trains take about 4 hours, or long-distance buses take about 4.5 hours.
- Vilnius–Trakai: Trains take about 30 minutes, buses take about 40 minutes.
- Major long-distance bus companies include Lux Express and Ecolines; tickets can be purchased online, and seats are comfortable.
How to Get to the Curonian Spit
Take a ferry from near the Old Town of Klaipėda to Smiltynė (about 10 minutes, carries passengers and vehicles), then transfer to a bus along the spit road to Nida. The whole journey takes about 1 hour. Driving into the spit requires paying an ecological fee.
Tips
- There are frequent international buses between Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland, making it a good option for a Baltic road trip.
- Train and bus stations are usually located close to city centers, with walkable access to old towns.
- In winter, roads may be icy or snowy — make sure your rental car has winter tires if driving.
Renting a Car and Driving
If you plan to explore deeper into the Curonian Spit, lake regions, or rural towns, renting a car will significantly improve convenience. Lithuania recognizes a foreign driver’s license accompanied by an International Driving Permit (some companies require a translated and notarized version). When picking up your car, you’ll need to show your passport, driver’s license, and credit card. Drive on the right side of the road. Urban speed limits are generally 50 km/h, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on highways. Entering the Curonian Spit requires paying an ecological fee, and winter tyres are mandatory in colder months.
If you’re not renting a car, a combination of trains and long-distance buses will cover most main routes. Services between Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda are frequent. Tickets can be bought at station counters, ticket machines, or official apps. It’s recommended to reserve a seat in advance during peak travel seasons.