MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Kaunas

How to Get to Kaunas

Central Lithuania Lithuania Travel Guide

Air Travel

Kaunas Airport KUN

This is the principal airport serving Kaunas. It is located about 14 kilometers (9 miles) to the northeast of the city center. KUN is Lithuania's second-busiest airport and a significant hub for low-low-cost airlines. It offers a direct entry point into the region.

Airlines & Routes

  • Mainly served by Ryanair, a low-cost carrier. Ryanair features a lot of connections to various European cities (London, Dublin, Copenhagen, Milan, Berlin).
  • Wizz Air additionally runs some routes from KUN, though having less frequency than Ryanair.
  • If going from withon The european continent, specifically Western or Central Europe, KUN frequently has straight and budget-friendly options.

Vilnius Airport VNO

As Lithuania's main international airport, Vilnius Airport has a greater variety of international connections and a greater number of airlines. It is situated about 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Kaunas. Despite the distance, regular bus and train services connect VNO to Kaunas, making it a feasible alternative.

Broader Connections

  • Airlines like airBaltic, Lufthansa, LOT Polish Airlines, SAS, A Low-cost european airline, Ryanair, Turkish Airlines, and others serve this airport.
  • From VNO, you find connections in Various parts of europe and to some destinations beyond. If flying from outside Europe, you likely connect through a major European hub (Frankfurt, Warsaw, Riga, Helsinki, London).
  • Flight prices generally fluctuate with demand and seasonality. High Season (June-August) plus national holidays mean higher prices. Shoulder Seasons (May, September) bring better value.

Car Rental

Desks for major international car rental companies (e.g., Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Sixt) are available at both airports. Local providers also operate.

ATMs & Currency Exchange

You will find ATMs for cash withdrawals and currency exchange offices in the arrival halls and departure areas.

Duty-Free & Dining

Both airports have duty-free shops. Various cafes and restaurants furnish food and drink options. Business or VIP lounges are available.

Airport Transfers

From Kaunas Airport KUN

  • Bus: Route 29G (airport express) connects KUN directly to Kaunas city center (25-30 min, ~€1.50).
  • Taxi/Ride-share: Taxis outside terminal. The Bolt app is widely used in Kaunas for prices that are competitive (~€15-€25).
  • Car Rental: Picking up a rental car at the airport has ease if you plan to explore the larger region.
  • DiscoverCars.com for car rental comparisons.

From Vilnius Airport VNO to Kaunas

  • Bus: Direct intercity buses operate frequently between VNO and Kaunas Bus Station (~1.5 to 2 hours).
  • Train: You can take a local train from VNO to Vilnius Train Station (a very short ride), and after that catch an intercity train from Vilnius to Kaunas.
  • Private Transfer/Taxi: Also an option, though more expensive.
  • Book your flights well in advance, particularly when visiting in the high season or around holidays. Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for flight comparisons.

Traveler Tip

Flight Booking

Book your flights well in advance, particularly when visiting in the high season or close to holidays. This helps secure your preferred options.

Price Monitoring

Use flight search websites like Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner to monitor prices and find the best deals.

Airport Facilities

Both Kaunas and Vilnius airports offer standard facilities including car rental, ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, and dining options.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Lithuanian Railways (Lietuvos Geležinkeliai, operating as LTG Link for passenger services) supplies comfortable and reliable train services.

Domestic Routes

  • Kaunas has connections to Vilnius, the capital. The journey between Kaunas and Vilnius takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • Other major Lithuanian cities, like Klaipėda (on the shoreline) and Šiauliai, are also accessible by train, though often phoning for connections.
  • International: Direct international train paths from Kaunas are limited. For connections to Warsaw, travel to Vilnius first.

Long-Distance Buses

Kaunas Bus Station (Kauno autobusų stotis) is a major hub for long-distance bus travel, supplying extensive domestic and international connections. The modern bus station is centrally located and well-equipped.

Domestic & International

  • Regular plus common bus services connect Kaunas to almost all cities and towns across Lithuania. Major operators include Kautra, ECOLINES, and Ollex.
  • Direct international bus routes link Kaunas to urban areas in neighboring countries and outside the area (Riga, Tallinn, Warsaw, Berlin).
  • Purchase bus tickets online in advance, especially for global routes or during peak travel times.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Renting a vehicle offers flexibility for exploring Kaunas and the surrounding region at your own pace.

Rental Requirements

  • To rent a car, you need a valid national driving license. For non-EU citizens, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is also needed.
  • Minimum age for car rental is typically 21 or 23; drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
  • A credit card in the main driver'it is called needed as a security deposit. Major car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Sixt) operate.

Road Conditions & Safety

Lithuania has a well-maintained system of roads. Roads in Lithuania are generally in good condition, specifically major highways and intercity routes. Smaller rural routes can be less maintained but are usually passable.

Driving Safety

  • Winter Driving: Driving in winter may be tough due to snow and ice. Winter tires are mandatory from November 10 to April 1.
  • Speed Limits: Standard limits apply: 50 km/h (31 mph) urban, 90 km/h (56 mph) rural, 110-A speed of 130 km/h (68-81 mph) highways.
  • Wildlife: On roads outside urban areas, be aware of deer, elk, or boar, especially at dawn, dusk, or night.

Border Crossings

  • Schengen Borders: Border crossings with Latvia northward and Poland to the lower west side are internal borders. No routine passport control.
  • External Borders: Crossings with Belarus to the east and Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) to the west are external borders of the Schengen Area.
  • At external borders, you undergo full passport and visa control. These crossings may have stricter checks and longer wait times.
  • Drive carefully, especially on rural roads. Driving under the influence of liquor is strictly prohibited and carries severe penalties.
  • If renting a car during winter, be certain it has winter tires.
  • Help If your car breaks down: Major rental companies offer help if your car breaks down. For personal cars, local emergency services are reached via 112.

Sea/River Arrivals

Kaunas - Inland City

Kaunas is an inland city, so direct sea or river arrivals as a main mode of international travel do not apply. It doesn't have a seaport.

River Navigability

  • Kaunas is on the Nemunas River, Lithuania's largest, that is navigable for parts of its length.
  • River excursions occasionally operate along parts of the Nemunas, notably leisure cruises on the Kaunas Lagoon or short scenic trips within the city.
  • These are recreational activities rather than a means of international arrival for travelers.

Connecting from Sea Arrivals

If you arrive by sea in Lithuania (e.g., using the ferry to Klaipėda on the Baltic coast), you would then use land transportation (bus or train) to reach Kaunas.

Ferry Connections

  • Regular ferry services connect Klaipėda with various ports across the Baltic Sea.
  • From Klaipėda, both public transport by train and bus services are available for travel to Kaunas.
  • The journey by land from Klaipėda to Kaunas typically takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the mode of transport.

Leisure Cruises

Boat trips on the river run seasonally on parts of the Nemunas and Kaunas Lagoon.

Scenic Trips

Short scenic travels within the city offer unique perspectives, like views of Pažaislis Monastery.

Recreational Only

These are fun activities, not a main a form of international arrival.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

There are no specific exit fees or taxes levied on departing from Lithuanian aviation hubs for standard passenger flights. The cost of any airport taxes is usually a portion of your flight ticket price.

Departure Timing

  • Kaunas Airport (KUN): For flights within the Schengen Area, arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before departure. For non-Schengen flights, permit 2 to 3 hours.
  • Vilnius Airport (VNO): Permit similar times. VNO is larger and busier, so extra time, especially during peak period or for early morning flights, is prudent.
  • Bus/Train Stations: For bus or when trains leave, arriving 20-30 minutes before departure is typically ample time to find your platform. For international bus routes, arriving 45 minutes away from an hour early is judicious.

Airport/Station Facilities

Both Kaunas and Vilnius airports furnish standard facilities for departing travelers.

Available Services

  • Shops: Duty-free shops, newsstands, and souvenir shops are available.
  • Restaurants and Cafes: Various options for nourishment and drinks before takeoff.
  • Lounges: Depending on your ticket class or loyalty program, access to the airport lounges may be available.

Financial Convenience

ATMs & Currency Exchange

For any last-minute cash needs or currency exchange.

Kaunas Bus Station

Has basic facilities, including cafes, small shops, and waiting areas.

Railway Station

Also offers basic amenities for travelers.

Departure Advice

Before heading to the airport, check your flight status and terminal information online. This can contribute to anticipating changes plus preparation your arrival time accurately.