Lithuania: Getting there & around

Frequent flights operate between Vilnius or Kaunas and most European capitals. There are no direct flights between Lithuania and North America, Australia and Asia. Vilnius airport is 5km (3mi) south of the city centre, in the suburb of Kirtimai, while Kaunas airport is 10km (6mi) north of the Old Town.

Buses are the cheapest method of reaching Lithuania, with direct buses from Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus (and pretty much from everywhere else in Europe if you can handle making a single change of bus in Warsaw). Lithuanian border guards are pretty nonchalant nowadays. They certainly don't bother stamping EU passports and manage the odd smile.

International trains to/from Vilnius are limited to Moscow, St Petersburg and Minsk; change in Kaliningrad to get to/from Berlin. Few trains pass through Belarus these days but it's always wise to check beforehand - if yes, a Belarus transit visa is imperative. Ferries link the west coast port of Klaipeda with Århus and Aabenraa (Denmark), Kiel and Sassnotz (Germany), Karlshamn (Sweden) and Gdansk (Poland).

Buses and trains are the best ways to get around, as they go just about everywhere. Although buses are quicker and slightly cheaper, train travel is far from dear: you can track 100km (62mi) on little more than small change in general seating class. Driving isn't a bad option since the main roads are good, traffic is light and distances are small. It's best to bring your own vehicle, because car rental is very expensive. Lithuanians drive on the right and a zero blood-alcohol level is strictly enforced. Cycle touring is slowily taking off in Lithuania, the country's flatness, small size and light traffic making it good pedalling territory.