Vilnius is a modern, well organised city which makes both getting here and manoeuvring around the city a pleasant, enjoyable experience. Over 200 flights arrive weekly at Vilnius' International Airport, conveniently located just 5 kilometres from the city centre. Vilnius is well connected by an expansive motorway system allowing easy access by car or bus. Lithuanian rail connects Vilnius with other towns around Lithuania and many European cities.
In summer enjoy a romantic trip around the city in a horse drawn carriage!
Our
Vilnius Transportation guide below tells you everything you need to know about getting to, from, and around Vilnius. To help you see the best that Vilnius has to offer we have a number of
tours available. We also have some handy travel information to help you get to and around Lithuania.
Vilnius Transportation GuideGetting to Vilnius
By AirThe international airport at Vilnius has recently been renovated and rebuilt with a brand new passenger terminal having been inaugurated in October of 2007. The airport is a comfortable 15 minute drive by taxi and is a mere 5 kilometres from the city centre. About 12 international and domestic airlines fly out of
Vilnius International Airport to locations around Lithuania and the world, in addition to the usual traffic of chartered aircraft.
The airport has cafes, restaurants, car rental facilities, a florist, a medical store that is open 24-7, a news stand, a luggage storage facility, internet zones, telephone facilities, plenty of vending machines, ATMs and banks. There is ample parking available as well.
For transport from the airport to the city (or from the city to the airport), we recommend
Green Path Transfers, who offer eco-friendly airport transfers in hundreds of destinations around the world.
Visit our partner Air Valid for Airline Reviews and Information about Lithuania.
Flights to Vilnius
By Rail
Vilnius is a hub on the vast rail network of Lithuania. Trains to different parts of the country converge here, making it the ideal destination to kick off your travels around Lithuania. Vilnius is especially well linked to Siauliai, Klaipeda and Kaunas.
In addition to the domestic rail network there are also trains that ply the international routes to Moscow, Warsaw, Minsk and Kaliningrad. If you choose to travel by a train that transits at Belarus, you will require a tourist visa for the country.
By Road
Lithuania has the most developed motorway network in the Baltics with a motorway (the A1) linking Vilnius to the Lithuanian cities of Klaipeda and Kaunas. The A2 motorway heads north towards the Latvian border, while the less impressive M7 artery heads southeast to Belarus.
Services run to all major Lithuanian towns and cities as well as outside the country to Latvia, Estonia, Belarus, Germany and as far as the UK.
Getting Around Vilnius
Taxis
It is easy to hail taxis off the street or from taxi ranks at Vilnius International Airport, bus or railway stations and even in the Old Town area. A much cheaper way to travel, though, is to hire a taxi from an established taxi operator in town. You will need to make a local phone call for this.
Caution!
It doesn't cost much to travel by taxi in Lithuania but do take care to fix a price before you begin your journey and then ensure the meter is working and turned on when you get in.
Trolleybuses
Trolley services connect different parts of the city and are silent, smooth running buses that run on pollution-free electric power. Unlike trolleys elsewhere they don't run on tracks, but offer the same comfort and convenience. The services are regular and most places are served by a bus every few minutes. However, the trolleys operate only within city limits, so if you are travelling further you will need to take a bus or a taxi.
Minibuses
Apart from taxis and buses, Vilnius also has some minibuses that take fixed routes through the city and can be hailed anywhere along the route. Tickets are sold on board by the driver and the minibus numbers are usually identical to buses on the same route.
Buses
A cheap and easy way to travel is by bus. Buses usually travel at capacity during rush hour, so once on board grab a hold of a rail so you don't topple or get crushed by co-passengers!
Walking
For exploring the city centre there is no better mode of transport than your own two feet. Vilnius isn't a sprawling metropolis, so it is quite easy to get around on foot. The pedestrian streets and tiny roads are a delight for a walker.
Driving in Lithuania
All vehicles drive on the right hand side of the road with the right of way being given to vehicles coming from the right at all crossroads and junctions. Passengers and the driver must wear a seatbelt at all times.
Speed Limits
Within the town/city: 50 kmph
Large roads: 90 kmph
On highways (from 1 October to 1 May): 110 km/h
On highways (from 1 May to 1 October): 130 km/h (Kaunas-Klaipeda, Vilnius-Panevezys)
Car Rental
Car rental companies operate in most towns and cities and usually have counters at the airports as well. You will need to have your identity proof, a valid driving licence and be 21 years of age or older to be allowed to rent a car. Insurance coverage is good to get in case the car is involved in a collision. EC member country nationals can produce their identity cards for identity proof while all other foreigners will need to show their passports.
You can always contact us and we will be delighted to help you to rent a car.
