Transportation in Vilnius

Transportation in Vilnius

Your complete guide to getting around Vilnius - from airport transfers to local transport

Getting Around Vilnius

Vilnius runs on buses and trolleybuses. There is no metro. That matters less than you'd expect. The compact old town and most visitor destinations sit within easy walking distance of each other. Public transport is mainly useful for reaching neighbourhoods further from the historic core. The city card system (Vilniečio kortelė), available from ticket machines and some kiosks, loads credit for multiple journeys. It costs a fraction of buying single-ride paper tickets each time. Worth picking up if you plan to use buses more than once or twice. For door-to-door travel, Bolt dominates the ride-hailing market across the Baltics. It works reliably in Vilnius. Fares are moderate by western European standards. Increase pricing is rare outside weekend nights. Street taxis exist but are an unnecessary gamble. Unlicensed operators sometimes haunt tourist spots. The app removes all ambiguity about the fare before you're committed. From Vilnius Airport, the city centre is close. Regular public bus service connects the two throughout the day at budget-friendly prices. The ride takes under half an hour in ordinary traffic. A Bolt from the airport runs to a moderate fare. It is the right call when you're arriving late or travelling with luggage. Avoid unsolicited rides from drivers approaching you in arrivals. The legitimate options, bus or app, both outperform them on price and transparency.

Intercity Trains & Buses

Vilnius is well-connected to other Lithuanian cities and neighboring countries by both train and bus. For domestic travel, buses typically offer more frequent service and reach more towns than the rail network, making them the practical choice for many destinations. Long-distance international routes to cities like Warsaw or Riga are also commonly served by comfortable coach services. The main departure points are Vilnius Central Station for trains and the Vilnius Bus Station for coaches. For the most current schedules and fares across all operators, using a comparison platform like Omio is recommended. Trains can be a scenic and relaxed option for certain routes. But for complete coverage and flexibility, the bus network is generally superior.

Quick Transportation Tips

Use the Bolt app to book rides across Vilnius. It is the dominant ride-hailing service in the Baltics. Significantly cheaper than street-hailed taxis.

Bus No. 1 connects Vilnius Airport directly to the city center. A budget-friendly alternative to a taxi for the airport transfer.

Vilnius has no metro. The city runs entirely on buses and trolleybuses. Download Trafi to navigate routes and check real-time departures.

Load an electronic public transport card at station kiosks or ticket machines. Ride buses and trolleybuses without paying the higher single-ride cash fare.