Getting to Vilnius
Vilnius boasts excellent accessibility through alternative transport means, making it a convenient destination for conference attendees from Europe and overseas. The city is well-connected by bus and train services, offering efficient and sustainable travel options. Delegates can explore various routes to reach Vilnius, and detailed information on transportation options are provided here to ensure a seamless and comfortable journey.
By train
Travelling to Lithuania by train from other European countries is possible, although the options and frequencies may vary depending on the country of departure. Here’s some relevant information about distances and main connections to reach Vilnius:
- Warsaw, Poland: There are direct train connections between Warsaw-Krakow-Vilnius. The Warsaw–Krakow–Vilnius route includes a connection at Mockava train station (Lithuania).
More about this route. - Riga, Latvia: There is a direct train between Riga and Vilnius. The journey takes around 4-5 hours. Approximately 300 kilometres (186 miles). Trains are running on a direct route, without any changes, every day. More about this route.
When planning your journey, it’s essential to check the latest schedules and availability, as train services may be subject to changes and adjustments. Train timetable information and tickets are available HERE. Depending on your point of departure, you may also consider alternative routes, such as travelling to neighbouring countries and then continuing by bus or train to Vilnius.
Note: It is advisable to select a train that does not enter Belarusian territory. A transit visa must be obtained in advance for all passengers on transport which enters Belarusian territory, even if they stay on the train.
By bus
Lithuania can typically be accessed by bus through various international bus operators. Some of the common bus connections to Lithuania from abroad include:
- Eurolines: Eurolines operates bus services connecting various European countries, including Lithuania. Eurolines Baltic International
- Lux Express: Lux Express is a popular international bus operator in the Baltic region. They provide connections from neighbouring countries such as Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Germany, and to Lithuania.
- Ecolines: Ecolines is another international bus company serving routes across Europe, including Lithuania.
- FlixBus: FlixBus is a well-known bus company that operates across Europe.
- Simple Express operates bus services connecting Baltic countries with destinations in Western Europe. They offer routes to Lithuania from Latvia, Estonia, Poland, and other countries.
- Toks
- Vilnius Bus Station
Note: It is advisable to select a bus that does not enter Belarusian territory. A transit visa must be obtained in advance for passengers on transport which enters Belarusian territory, even if they stay on the bus.
By air
There are three international airports in Lithuania: Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga. Vilnius International Airport is a small but efficient airport with currency exchange and simple cafes. There are direct flights to several European cities and new flights are constantly being added, including several budget options. The city centre can be reached by bus, train or taxi and is about a 20 minute drive by car from the airport.
Airports in Lithuania:
It is also possible to reach Lithuania by flying into a neighbouring country such as Latvia or Poland and then taking a bus to Vilnius.
Vilnius Airport, situated 15 min. from the City Centre, is a hub of 11 airlines flying to over 56 destinations. It’s less than a 3-hour journey from any major European city. Central Bus and Train Stations are located a short distance from the old town / city centre and can be easily reached on foot.
Travelling from/to Vilnius Airport
Getting to and from the airport is easy. Once you have arrived at the airport, getting to the city centre couldn’t be easier. The airport is only a 15-minute ride to the city centre by bus or taxi, and by train it’s only 7 minutes to the city’s railway station.
Public transport
Buses
There is a direct bus from Vilnius city to the Vilnius Airport. The price of a single ticket is €1, and it can be purchased from the driver. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the city centre.
No. 3G – Airport–Center–Fabijoniškės
No. 1 – Airport– Vikingai St.–Station
No. 2 – Airport– Vikingai–Liepkalnio St.–Station
No. 88 – Airport–Center–Europa square
No. 88N* – Airport–Center–Europa square
*88 bus runs at night from 22:30 to 05:30.
Bus times are available at bus stops or on the website www.stops.lt
More information on the routes, tickets and schedules is available HERE.
Train
The special “Vilnius-Airport” train runs regularly from Vilnius railway station to the airport and back. Trains run 16 times per day and the journey takes 7 minutes. A ticket costs €0.70. It can be purchased online, on the train or at the railway station.
The schedules can be found at www.ltglink.lt.
Intercity and international transport available here
Car sharing
It is possible to travel within the country using car sharing systems like CityBee, SPARKS or Bolt. You will have to download the app and register with your valid B category driving licence. Then you will have to go to the parking lot designated to those companies. Once you get to your hotel/apartment in the city centre, just drop off the car next to it. Car sharing might be useful if you plan to use the cars more often during your stay. Check CityBee, SPARKSor Bolt websites for prices and conditions.
Car sharing information is available HERE.
The Vilnius Airport approved taxi stand can be found in front of the airport’s arrivals terminal. All taxis accept cash and credit cards. Here are the most popular routes and what they cost:
- Vilnius Airport–Old Town (Cathedral Square) – approximately €10
- Vilnius Airport–Konstitucijos avenue – approximately €12
- Vilnius Airport–Litexpo Exhibition and Congress Centre – approximately €9
Taxis carrying passengers from the Vilnius Airport taxi stand are not allowed* to apply rates that are higher than the following:
- 1 km daytime trip, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. – €1,01
- 1 km night-time trip, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. – €1,16
- 1 km at weekends and on public holidays – €1,16
- 1 km outside the city – €1,16
Initial fare – €1,45
1 min. of downtime while waiting for passengers or time stuck within traffic – €0,29
*If you pay more than this, you can contact: www.vno.lt
There are also other taxi options available. Find out more.
By car
It is generally straightforward to reach Lithuania by car from other European countries, especially those in the neighbouring region. The country has well-developed road infrastructure and is accessible via several main motorways. The main motorways crossing Lithuania include:
- Via Baltica (European route E67): Via Baltica is a significant north-south European route that connects the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) with Poland and other countries in Central and Western Europe. It runs from Tallinn in Estonia through Riga in Latvia and enters Lithuania, passing through cities like Panevėžys, Kaunas, and Vilnius before continuing towards Poland.
- A1 (also known as the Vilnius-Klaipėda Highway): A1 is one of the major motorways in Lithuania, connecting the capital city of Vilnius with the port city of Klaipėda on the Baltic Sea coast. It forms a part of the European route E85 and serves as a crucial east-west corridor within the country.
- A2 (also known as the Vilnius-Panevėžys Highway): A2 is another significant motorway in Lithuania, linking Vilnius with Panevėžys and further north to the border with Latvia. It is part of the European route E272.
- A5 (also known as the Kaunas-Klaipėda Highway): A5 connects the cities of Kaunas and Klaipėda, providing an alternative route to the A1 for travelers heading to or from Klaipėda.
Travellers driving to Lithuania from abroad can use these motorways to enter the country efficiently.
For more information, please check location on the map
By Ferry
Travelling to Vilnius from Europe and Scandinavia by ferry is easy when using Lithuania’s ferry services from Sweden (Karlshamn) and Germany (Kiel/Sassnitz). These overnight ‘cruise’ ferries to Lithuania allow you to take your car, caravan or motorhome and arrive in the coastal city of Klaipeda. From there Vilnius is only a short car journey of just over 3 hours via the E85.
You can find the routes and schedules and buy tickets by visiting the website of the Central Klaipėda terminal. And once you‘re in Lithuania, you can travel to Vilnius via bus, train or car sharing.
Getting around in Vilnius
Public transport
Public transportation in Lithuania is buses and shuttle buses. There are also trolleybuses in Vilnius and Kaunas. More information is available HERE.
Bicycles
Cycling in Vilnius – please check more information how to rent a bike HERE and HERE.
