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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Central Lithuania, Lithuania

Air Travel

Kaunas Airport KUN

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

Airlines & Routes

  • Mainly served by Ryanair, a low-cost carrier. Ryanair has numerous connections to various European cities (London, Dublin, Copenhagen, Milan, Berlin).
  • Wizz Air also operates some routes from KUN, though with less frequency than Ryanair.
  • If traveling from within Europe, specifically Western or Central Europe, KUN often has direct and budget-friendly options.

Vilnius Airport VNO

As Lithuania's main international airport, Vilnius Airport has a wider range of international connections and a greater number of airlines. It is located 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, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Turkish Airlines, and others serve this airport.
  • From VNO, you find connections across 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) and major 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 competitive pricing (~€15-€25).
  • Car Rental: Picking up a rental car at the airport has ease if you plan to explore the wider 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 Railway Station (a very short ride), and then catch an intercity train from Vilnius to Kaunas.
  • Private Transfer/Taxi: Also an option, though more expensive.
  • Book your flights well in advance, especially if traveling during the high season or around holidays. Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for flight comparisons.

Traveler Tip

Flight Booking

Book your flights well in advance, especially if traveling during the high season or around holidays. This helps secure your preferred options.

Price Monitoring

Use flight comparison 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 coast) and Šiauliai, are also accessible by train, though often calling for connections.
  • International: Direct international train routes 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 and frequent 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 cities in neighboring countries and beyond (Riga, Tallinn, Warsaw, Berlin).
  • Purchase bus tickets online in advance, especially for international 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's name is needed for the security deposit. Major car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Sixt) operate.

Road Conditions & Safety

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

Driving Safety

  • Winter Driving: Driving in winter can be challenging 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, 110-130 km/h (68-81 mph) highways.
  • Wildlife: On roads outside urban areas, be aware of deer, elk, or wild boar, especially at dawn, dusk, or night.

Border Crossings

  • Schengen Borders: Border crossings with Latvia to the north and Poland to the southwest are internal borders. No routine passport checks.
  • 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 alcohol is strictly prohibited and carries severe penalties.
  • If renting a car during winter, be certain it has winter tires.
  • Roadside Assistance: Major rental companies offer roadside assistance. For private vehicles, 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 does not have a seaport.

River Navigability

  • Kaunas is on the Nemunas River, Lithuania's largest, which is navigable for parts of its length.
  • River cruises occasionally operate along sections 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., via 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 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

River cruises operate seasonally on sections of the Nemunas and Kaunas Lagoon.

Scenic Trips

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

Recreational Only

These are recreational activities, not a main means of international arrival.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

There are no specific exit fees or taxes levied upon departure from Lithuanian airports for standard passenger flights. The cost of any airport taxes is usually included in your airline 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 season or for early morning flights, is prudent.
  • Bus/Train Stations: For bus or train departures, arriving 20-30 minutes before departure is typically ample time to find your platform. For international bus routes, arriving 45 minutes to 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 food and drinks before your flight.
  • Lounges: Depending on your ticket class or loyalty program, access to airport lounges might 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 and planning your arrival time accurately.