Cars & Transportation Lithuania

Lithuania has a diverse public transport system, including buses, trolleybuses, and rail transportation.

Buses and Trolleybuses

In major cities like Vilnius and Kaunas, the primary forms of public transport are buses and trolleybuses. Vilnius operates more than 60 bus routes and 18 trolleybus routes, providing efficient movement across the city. Vilnius's trolleybus network is one of the largest in Europe, transporting about 500,000 passengers daily.

Rail Transport

Lithuania's railway network connects the country's major cities and provides international transportation. The national company "Lietuvos Geležinkeliai" (LTG) offers passenger and freight services. Major routes include the Vilnius–Kaunas and Vilnius–Klaipeda lines. Since 2023, a direct rail connection has been launched between Vilnius and Riga, and since 2022, between Vilnius and Warsaw.

Intercity and International Bus Services

Intercity bus routes connect different regions of Lithuania, providing access even to remote settlements. International bus lines link Lithuania with neighboring countries and other European states.

Air Connection

Domestic Air Travel

Lithuania is a small country, and its major cities (Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda) are connected by a convenient network of road and rail routes. Therefore, domestic flights are rarely in demand.

Domestic flights exist in limited volume and are often related to seasonal tourist destinations, such as from Vilnius to the Curonian Spit.

International Air Travel

Main International Airports:

Vilnius Airport: the largest airport in the country, serving most international flights. Main destinations: Europe, the Middle East, and to a lesser extent, Asia.

Kaunas Airport: serves as an important hub for budget airlines like Ryanair. It offers numerous European destinations, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, and Italy.

Palanga Airport: a small airport on the Baltic Sea coast. Offers flights to Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) and other European countries.

Šiauliai Airport: primarily used for cargo transportation but occasionally serves charter flights.

Routes and Flight Frequency: Lithuania has regular flight connections with most major cities in Europe, including London, Berlin, Paris, Oslo, Stockholm, Warsaw, and Riga. Airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and airBaltic make Lithuania a convenient entry point for budget travel. Regular flights connect Lithuania with Helsinki and Warsaw airports, which serve as major transit hubs for flights to Asia and North America.

Infrastructure Features: Vilnius, Kaunas, and Palanga airports are conveniently connected to city centers via bus, rail, and road transport.

In Lithuania, the system for purchasing public transport tickets varies depending on the city, but the main principles are similar. Let's consider the features of ticket purchases in Vilnius and Kaunas.

Vilnius

In the capital of Lithuania, there are several ways to purchase tickets for buses and trolleybuses:

Electronic Card "Vilniečio kortelė" (JUDU/Vilnius card): a plastic card costing 1.50 euros, which can be purchased and recharged at "Lietuvos spauda," "Narvesen" kiosks, and other locations with the corresponding logo. The card allows loading various types of tickets:

Short-term Tickets:

30-minute ticket — 0.65 euros.

60-minute ticket — 0.90 euros.

Day Tickets:

1 day (24 hours) — 5.00 euros.

3 days (72 hours) — 8.00 euros.

Long-term Tickets:

1 month (30 days) — 29.00 euros.

3 months (90 days) — 81.00 euros.

12 months (365 days) — 310.00 euros.

Upon entering the transport, the card must be tapped on the validator to activate the ticket.

Mobile Apps: Tickets can be purchased through the "m.Ticket" and "Trafi" apps, available in the App Store and Google Play. These apps allow planning trips, checking schedules, and buying tickets online.

Contactless Payment: From August 2024 in Vilnius, there is an option to purchase a 60-minute ticket directly on transport using a contactless bank card or smart device. To do this, simply tap the card or device on the validator upon entering.

Purchase from the driver: a single paper ticket can be purchased from the driver for 1 euro. However, such a ticket does not allow free transfers and is usually more expensive than electronic options.

Kaunas

In Kaunas, the ticket purchasing system is similar to that in Vilnius:

Electronic card "Kauno kortelė": allows you to upload various types of tickets and top up the balance. The card can be purchased at kiosks and other points of sale.

Mobile application "Žiogas": allows you to purchase and activate tickets using a smartphone. Once the monthly limit (28 euros) is reached, the remaining trips until the end of the month become free.

Purchase from the driver: single tickets can be purchased directly from the driver, however, they may be more expensive than electronic options.

General recommendations

Discounts: students, pensioners, and other categories of citizens are entitled to discounts. When using discounted tickets, it is necessary to have a document confirming the right to the discount with you.

Ticket activation: when entering the vehicle, be sure to activate the ticket by applying the card or device to the validator.

Trip planning: use mobile applications to plan routes, check schedules, and purchase tickets, which will make moving around the city easier.

Taxis

In major cities of Lithuania, such as Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda, taxi services are provided by both traditional companies and mobile applications.

Mobile applications: services like Bolt and eTaksi allow you to quickly order a taxi via smartphone. The Bolt app offers various categories of cars, including economy and business class, as well as food delivery and electric scooter rental services.

Traditional taxi services: companies such as Opti 1868 provide taxi services by call. Drivers often speak several languages.

Car sharing

Car-sharing services are becoming increasingly popular in Lithuania, especially in Vilnius and Kaunas.

Bolt Drive: The service offers car rentals through the Bolt app. Users can choose a car, book it, and pay for the rental through the app. Rates start at 0.05 euros per minute, depending on the car model.

CityBee: Provides car and van rental services. The service operates through a mobile application where users can find the nearest available car, book it, and pay for the trip.

Spark: Specializes in electric car rentals. The service operates similarly to other car-sharing platforms, offering an environmentally friendly way of moving around the city.

Rental of electric scooters and bicycles

The rental of electric scooters and bicycles is well developed in Lithuania, especially in large cities.

Bolt: Offers electric scooter rentals through its app. Users can find the nearest scooter, scan the QR code to unlock it, and start the ride. Rates typically include an unlock fee and per-minute charge.

Cyclocity: A city bike rental system that provides bicycles for short-term rent. Stations are located throughout the city, making the service convenient for transportation.

Scoot911: Provides electric scooter rental services. Rates include an unlock fee and per-minute charge.

Usage features

Payment: Most services operate through mobile applications where you can link a bank card for payment. Some traditional taxi services accept cash.

Availability: Services are available around the clock, however, during peak hours or in adverse weather conditions, wait times may increase.

Thus, Lithuania offers a variety of convenient transportation options adapted to the different needs of residents and visitors.

Yes, it is comfortable to live in Lithuania without your own car, thanks to the developed public transport system and a variety of alternative modes of transportation.

In Lithuania, the process of obtaining a local driver's license depends on your residency status and the country where your current license was issued.

Citizens of EU and EEA countries

If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country, your driving license is recognized in Lithuania, and its exchange is not mandatory. However, if you plan to reside in Lithuania for a long period, it is recommended to exchange it for a Lithuanian license. To do this, you need to:

- Visit a branch of the State Enterprise "Regitra".

- Present a valid driving license.

- Provide a medical certificate confirming fitness to drive.

- Pay the state fee for the issuance of a new license.

Please note that the exchange of a driving license is possible provided you reside in Lithuania for at least 185 days in a calendar year or have personal or work connections with Lithuania.

Citizens of countries outside the EU and EEA

If your driving license is issued in a country outside the EU or EEA, to exchange it for a Lithuanian one, you need to:

- Pass a theoretical exam on traffic rules.

- Pass a practical driving exam.

Exams can be taken in Lithuanian, English, or Russian. To register for the exams, you need to:

- Present a valid foreign driving license and its certified translation into Lithuanian.

- Provide a medical certificate of fitness to drive.

- Present an identity document.

After successfully passing the exams, you will be able to exchange your foreign license for a Lithuanian one.

Persons without a driving license

If you do not have a driving license, the process of obtaining a Lithuanian one includes:

- Training at an accredited driving school.

- Passing the theoretical exam at "Regitra".

- Passing the practical driving exam.

In Lithuania, there are driving schools offering training in English and Russian, which makes the process easier for foreign citizens.

It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the requirements in advance and prepare the necessary documents for successfully obtaining a license.

In Lithuania, owning and operating a personal car involves certain requirements and rules that are important to consider for ensuring safety and compliance with the law.

Vehicle registration

For EU and EEA citizens: If you plan to use a car registered in another EU or EEA country in Lithuania for more than 180 days in a calendar year, it must be registered in Lithuania. For this, you need to declare your place of residence and provide documents proving ownership of the car, a valid technical inspection, and an insurance policy.

For citizens of third countries: Cars registered in countries outside the EU or EEA can be operated in Lithuania for up to 90 days. After this period, registration in Lithuania is required with a technical inspection and payment of the relevant fees.

Technical inspection and insurance

Technical inspection: All vehicles must regularly undergo a technical inspection at accredited centers. A valid inspection confirms the car's compliance with safety and environmental requirements.

Insurance: Liability insurance for third parties is mandatory. Additionally, you can purchase casco for broader protection.

Traffic rules

Speed limits:

In populated areas — up to 50 km/h.

Outside populated areas — up to 90 km/h.

On highways — up to 130 km/h in summer and up to 110 km/h in winter.

Use of headlights: Dipped headlights must be on round the clock throughout the year.

Seat belts: All passengers are required to wear seat belts.

Mobile devices: The use of mobile phones without a hands-free system is prohibited while driving.

Alcohol: The permissible blood alcohol concentration is up to 0.4‰. For drivers with less than two years of experience — up to 0.2‰.

Seasonal requirements

Winter tires: From November 10 to April 1, the use of winter or all-season tires is mandatory.

Studded tires: Allowed from November 1 to April 1. When using them, the vehicle must bear the appropriate sticker on the rear window.

Parking

Paid zones: In city centers, paid parking zones operate. Payment is made through parking meters or mobile applications.

Parking for Residents: Residents of certain areas can obtain a parking permit for their place of residence.

Additional Recommendations

Mandatory Equipment: The vehicle must be equipped with a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, warning triangle, and reflective vest. Leaving the vehicle on the road without a vest is prohibited.

Public Transport Priority: In populated areas, public transport has priority. Overtaking buses and trams during passenger boarding and disembarking is prohibited.

In Lithuania, various fines and penalties are imposed for traffic violations, depending on the nature and degree of the offense. Let's consider the main ones:

Speeding

Less than 10 km/h: warning.

11–20 km/h: fine from 12 to 30 euros.

21–30 km/h: fine from 30 to 90 euros.

31–40 km/h: fine from 120 to 170 euros.

41–50 km/h: fine from 170 to 230 euros.

Over 50 km/h: fine from 450 to 550 euros and possible suspension of the driving license for 1 to 6 months.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

0.4–1.5 permille: fine from 300 to 450 euros and suspension of rights for 1–1.5 years.

More than 1.5 permille: criminal liability.

Using a mobile phone while driving without a hands-free system

Fine from 60 to 90 euros.

Violation of parking and stopping rules

Fine from 30 to 90 euros.

Driving through a red light or failing to yield to pedestrians

Fine from 60 to 90 euros with possible suspension of rights for 1 to 6 months.

Dangerous or reckless driving

Fine from 450 to 550 euros and suspension of rights for 1–2 years.

Not wearing a seat belt or riding a motorcycle without a helmet

Fine from 30 to 50 euros.

Driving without a valid driver's license

Fine from 300 to 450 euros.

Violation causing a traffic accident with minor health damage

Fine from 150 to 300 euros with possible suspension of rights for 1–2 years.

Refusal to undergo sobriety testing or consuming alcohol after a traffic accident

Fine from 1000 to 2000 euros with suspension of rights for 2–3 years or arrest for 10–30 days with suspension of rights for 1–4 years.

Please note that for drivers with less than two years of experience, fines may be higher, and the periods of license suspension may be longer. Additionally, some violations may result in the confiscation of the vehicle.

Payment of Fines

Payment via the "Mano VMI" System

The Lithuanian State Tax Inspectorate provides an online service "Mano VMI", where you can check imposed fines and pay them.

Access to the System: Go to the site www.vmi.lt/manovmi and log into your account.

Fine Information: In the "Taxpayer Card" section, select "Administrative Fines", where information about imposed fines will be displayed.

Fine Payment: Click on the "Pay" or "Execute Payment" button next to the corresponding fine. The system will automatically fill in the necessary data, including the violation identification code (ROIK), minimizing the risk of payment errors.

This method is convenient for individuals with access to Lithuanian electronic services and bank accounts.

Payment in Local Banks

For those who prefer payment through banking institutions, fines can be paid in local banks.

Getting Fine Information: Contact the nearest police station or State Tax Inspectorate to find out the details of the fine and obtain the necessary payment details.

Bank Payment: With the received details, visit any bank branch in Lithuania and make the payment.

This method is suitable for foreign citizens without access to Lithuanian electronic services.

Payment at the Place of Violation

In some cases, police officers may offer to pay the fine directly at the place of violation.

Conditions for Payment on the Spot: This option is possible if the police officer has a mobile payment terminal and the violator agrees to immediate payment.

Payment Methods: Payment can be made in cash or by bank card, depending on the resources available to the police officer.

This method is convenient for quickly settling the fine, but it is not always available.

Recommendations for Foreign Citizens

Timely Payment: Pay fines within the established deadlines to avoid additional sanctions or restrictions, such as the inability to obtain a driver's license or passport.

Document Preservation: After paying a fine, keep all supporting documents and receipts, especially if payment was made through a bank or at the site of the violation.

Consultation with Local Authorities: If you have questions or difficulties, contact the State Tax Inspectorate or the police for clarification and assistance.

Vehicle Registration

Vehicle registration in Lithuania is carried out through the State Enterprise “Regitra.”

For Lithuanian citizens and foreign citizens with a residence permit:

Required documents:

- Identification document (passport or ID card).

- Vehicle registration certificate from the country of origin.

- Documents confirming ownership of the vehicle (purchase or gift agreement, etc.).

- Medical certificate confirming the fitness to drive a vehicle.

- Valid compulsory civil liability insurance policy.

Registration procedure:

- Present the vehicle for identification at the nearest “Regitra” office.

- Provide all necessary documents.

- Pay the state fee for registration and issuance of license plates.

- Receive the registration certificate and license plates.

For foreign citizens without a residence permit: Foreign citizens can register a car in Lithuania only after obtaining a residence permit, personal identification number, and declaration of place of residence in the country.

Vehicle Inspection

Vehicle inspection is a mandatory procedure for all registered vehicles in Lithuania, conducted to check their technical condition and compliance with safety requirements.

Inspection frequency:

- New passenger cars: first inspection in 3 years, then every 2 years.

- Cars over 10 years old: annually.

- Commercial vehicles: annually or more frequently, depending on the category.

Inspection procedure:

- Schedule an inspection at an accredited technical inspection center.

- Provide the vehicle for inspection.

- Present the registration certificate and valid compulsory civil liability insurance policy.

- After successful inspection, receive the corresponding mark in the documents.

Important changes: From October 1, 2024, Lithuania introduced restrictions on the number of temporary permits for road use for vehicles without a valid technical inspection. Such a permit can now be obtained no more than twice to prevent abuse.

In Lithuania, the use and registration of foreign vehicles depend on the country of vehicle registration and the duration of its operation in the country.

Use of vehicles registered in European Economic Area countries

Short-term stay: If your vehicle is registered in an EEA member state, you can use it in Lithuania without registration for an unlimited time. However, it is recommended to have a valid technical inspection and compulsory civil liability insurance.

Long-term stay: When planning long-term residence in Lithuania with a vehicle from the EEA, it is recommended to register it in Lithuania. For this, you need to declare your place of residence and provide documents confirming vehicle ownership, valid technical inspection, and insurance policy.

Use of vehicles registered in non-EEA countries

Short-term stay: Vehicles registered in non-EEA countries can be operated in Lithuania for up to 90 days per calendar year without mandatory registration. However, you must have a valid technical inspection and compulsory civil liability insurance.

Long-term stay: If you plan to reside in Lithuania for more than 90 days, it is required to register a car. For this, you need to:

- Undergo a technical inspection at an accredited center to ensure the car meets Lithuanian safety and environmental standards.

- Arrange mandatory civil liability insurance with one of the Lithuanian insurance companies.

Provide documents confirming ownership of the car and the registration certificate from the country of origin.

Contact the State Enterprise "Regitra" to register the vehicle and obtain Lithuanian license plates.

Features for right-hand drive vehicles

Temporary use: Right-hand drive vehicles may be temporarily operated in Lithuania for up to 90 days per year.

Permanent use: For regular operation, registration is required, which necessitates installing additional equipment, such as an extra mirror. When registering the vehicle at "Regitra," an expert opinion confirming the installation of such equipment must be provided. Drivers with less than 2 years of experience are not allowed to operate such vehicles.

Registration of a car by a foreign citizen

Requirements: Foreign citizens can register a car in Lithuania only after obtaining a residence permit, a personal identification number, and a declaration of residence in the country.

Procedure:

Provide an identity document and a residence permit.

Present the vehicle registration certificate from the country of origin.

Undergo a technical inspection and arrange mandatory civil liability insurance.

Contact "Regitra" to register the car and obtain license plates.

Additional recommendations

Customs duties: When importing a car from outside the EU, relevant customs duties and VAT must be paid.

Compliance certification: Cars registered outside the EEA must undergo an assessment for compliance with Lithuanian standards.

Insurance: All vehicles registered in Lithuania must have mandatory civil liability insurance.

Charging stations

Current situation: The number of charging stations in Lithuania is growing, however, the pace of installation lags behind the increase in the number of electric vehicles. Both private and public charging stations are operating in the country, offering services for charging of various capacities.

Development plans: By 2030, it is planned to install about 60,000 charging points, of which 6,000 will be public and semi-public.

New projects: The company Enefit has signed an agreement with the Norfa retail network to install 250 public charging stations. A total of 500 new charging spots with a capacity from 22 to 320 kW will be equipped at 107 different parking lots across the Norfa retail network throughout Lithuania.

Service centers

Electric vehicle service: With the increase in the number of electric vehicles in Lithuania, the network of service centers specializing in their maintenance is also expanding. Many official dealers and independent services offer repair and maintenance services for electric vehicles.

Production of charging stations: Lithuanian companies are starting the serial production of charging stations for electric vehicles, which contributes to the development of local infrastructure and increases the availability of service services.

Government support

Funding: The Lithuanian Energy Agency is allocating 21.4 million euros to support residents wishing to install private charging stations for electric vehicles.

Information systems: The Lithuanian Road Directorate has integrated data about electric vehicle charging stations into travel planning platforms, such as Google Maps and Waze, which facilitates the search and use of charging stations.