Car Rental in Vilnius - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Vilnius is generally not recommended for exploring the city itself, as the compact Old Town is highly walkable and well-served by public transport. However, car rental becomes valuable for venturing into Lithuania's countryside, visiting castles like Trakai, exploring the Curonian Spit, or taking road trips to neighboring Baltic capitals. Lithuania drives on the right side of the road, and road conditions are generally good on major highways, though rural roads can vary in quality. Parking in central Vilnius can be challenging and expensive, with limited spaces in the historic center. The city's efficient bus and trolleybus network makes a car unnecessary for urban sightseeing. Consider renting only if your itinerary includes multiple day trips or rural destinations not easily accessible by public transport. Winter driving requires extra caution due to snow and ice. International visitors will find driving straightforward, as road signs follow European standards and many locals speak English. For current rental rates and availability, check the booking options below, as prices vary significantly by season and demand.

International Driving Permit

An IDP is typically recommended for non-EU license holders visiting Lithuania. Check current requirements with your rental agency as rules may vary.

Valid Driver's License

EU licenses are generally accepted. Non-EU visitors should verify their home country license acceptance with rental agencies before travel.

Minimum Age

Rental agencies in Vilnius typically require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some vehicle categories requiring drivers to be 25 or older.

Credit Card

A credit card in the main driver's name is required for the security deposit. Debit cards are often not accepted for deposits.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is typically included, but additional coverage options like CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) and theft protection are recommended. Verify coverage details with your rental agency.

Driving Experience

Most rental agencies require drivers to have held their license for at least 1-2 years. Requirements may be stricter for premium or larger vehicles.

Vilnius Airport has international rental agencies in the arrivals hall, offering convenient pickup for visitors, while city center locations may provide competitive rates from local companies - compare options based on your arrival point and itinerary.

Before driving off, thoroughly inspect the vehicle for existing damage, photograph any scratches or dents, verify the fuel level matches the rental agreement, and confirm you have all necessary documents including insurance papers and emergency contact numbers.

GPS navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze work well in Vilnius, though consider renting a GPS unit if you prefer not to use mobile data - download offline maps beforehand as a backup for areas with poor signal.

Most rental cars use diesel or petrol (check your agreement) - fuel stations are common throughout Vilnius, and parking in the Old Town requires paid permits during business hours, with color-coded zones indicating time limits and rates.

Plan to return your car with the agreed fuel level (typically full tank) and allow extra time for the return inspection - airport returns usually require arriving at least 2 hours before flight departure to account for vehicle check and shuttle transfers.

Winter driving in Vilnius requires winter tires (mandatory November-March) and extra caution on cobblestone streets in the Old Town, which become extremely slippery when wet or icy.

Rush hour traffic (7:30-9:30 AM and 4:30-7 PM) can be heavy on main arteries leading to the city center, and parking in the Old Town is restricted with limited spaces - plan extra time or use park-and-ride facilities.

Lithuanian traffic police conduct regular document checks and have zero tolerance for alcohol (0.04% limit) - always carry your driver's license, vehicle registration, insurance documents, and be aware that fines must often be paid on the spot or at a bank.

Be cautious of aggressive driving behaviors including tailgating and sudden lane changes on highways, and note that right turns on red lights are prohibited unless specifically signed otherwise, unlike in some Western countries.