Fast answer
For a first trip, use trains or coaches between Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda, Bolt or city buses inside cities, and a rental car only for flexible nature days. Lithuania is compact enough that transport should shape the route, not dominate it.
Best by train
Vilnius to Kaunas, Klaipėda, Trakai and Vilnius Airport. LTG Link publishes annual timetables and recommends checking the ticket search before travel because temporary changes are not always shown in the annual PDFs.
Best by bus
Town-to-town hops, evening departures and routes where the railway is indirect. Coaches are usually simple, cheap and luggage-friendly.
Best by car
Hill of Crosses, lake-region sodybos, Žemaitija National Park, rural museums and a slow Curonian Spit day where you want your own pace.
Trains
Lithuanian trains are most useful on the spine from Vilnius to Kaunas and Klaipėda, plus shorter visitor routes such as Vilnius to Trakai and Vilnius Airport. Book through LTG Link and check the live search close to departure. Use the train when comfort matters more than absolute door-to-door speed. Stations in Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda are central enough for most travellers.
Buses and coaches
Intercity buses fill the gaps between rail routes and are often the easiest way to reach smaller towns. They also work well when you need a late departure or when the train connection requires a change. For a simple first itinerary, compare both train and bus times before deciding whether to sleep in Kaunas, Klaipėda or return to Vilnius.
Car rental
Do not rent a car just for Vilnius. The Old Town is awkward for parking and much of the useful sightseeing is walkable. Rent for the days when you leave the easy train/bus corridor: Hill of Crosses, Anykščiai, Žemaitija National Park, Aukštaitija lake villages, or a coast loop.
- Book automatic transmission early if you need it.
- Check whether your hotel charges separately for parking.
- Expect short distances but slower rural roads once you leave the main corridors.
Vilnius airport transfer
Vilnius Airport is close to the city, so transfers are unusually painless. The airport train is fastest to the railway station when it fits your timing. Buses are cheap and frequent, with airport routes serving the station and central areas. Bolt or Uber is easiest with luggage or late arrivals; the app price is normally clearer than taking a random taxi offer outside the terminal.
Open the airport-to-city guideCuronian Spit ferry
The Curonian Spit trip starts in Klaipėda. Cross first to Smiltynė by ferry, then continue to Juodkrantė, Pervalka, Preila or Nida. Foot passengers and cyclists usually use the old ferry side; vehicles use the vehicle ferry. In summer, go early and expect queues around weekends.
Transport FAQ
Can you travel around Lithuania without a car?
Yes. Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda are easy by train or coach. Rent a car only when you want remote nature stops, the Hill of Crosses without a tour, or a flexible Curonian Spit day.
Are trains or buses better in Lithuania?
Use trains where they fit: Vilnius to Kaunas, Klaipėda, Trakai and the airport. Coaches are useful for towns with weaker rail links and for late departures.
How do you get to the Curonian Spit?
Go to Klaipėda first, then take the ferry across the lagoon to Smiltynė. From there continue by bus, bike, car or tour to Juodkrantė and Nida.