Car rental in Lithuania

Car Rental in Lithuania: Admire Natural Beauty of the Baltics

Now is a great time to head to Lithuania, where the forests, rolling hills, and coastline boast natural beauty at its most pristine, and metropolitan centers like Vilnius retain their funky, artistic vibes. Make the most of your visit by exploring Lithuania in all of its variation; book your rental car today and plan your exploration through city, forest, and coastal landscapes.

The weather in the Baltics is quite changeable, so regardless of when you visit, bring a variety of warm- and cold-weather clothing with you. The most comfortable and beautiful time to visit Lithuania is late summer and early fall, particularly August and September, though the country is very navigable from May through October.

The official language is Lithuanian. Russian, Polish, and German are also widely spoken, though the younger generation much prefers English. Particularly in larger cities and major tourist destinations, many Lithuanians speak English.

Lithuania is located in the Eastern European Time Zone, UTC+2.

The currency, as in most of the European Union, is the euro, and credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops in major metropolitan areas. ATMs are also widely available. You will want to have cash on hand for visits to markets, villages, and market-like shops such as butcheries and bakeries.

Lithuania is an eminently drivable country; the spunky capital, Vilnius, is located just three hours from Klaipėda and the beautiful Baltic coastline, where day- or longer visits to Lithuania’s islands are highly recommended. Or take an hour’s lakeside drive to Kaunas from Vilnius to take advantage of the fantastic student-led nightlife. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kernavė is also less than an hour northwest of the capital and is well worth a visit.

Car rental is available in numerous locations throughout six cities in Lithuania: Druskininkai in the south, Kaunas in central Lithuania, Palanga and Klaipėda on the west coast, Šiauliai in the north, and in the capital Vilnius, in the southeast. Airports in Vilnius and Kaunas often provide the cheapest rental car options.

Visa Regulations

As a member of the Schengen Agreement, Lithuania accepts visitors visa-free from countries from within the EU and others such as Switzerland, New Zealand, and Australia. Citizens of other countries will be required to apply for a visa before they arrive and are permitted to stay for up to three months.

Driving in Lithuania

Driving between cities throughout Lithuania and into neighboring countries is quite comfortable, as the highway system is well maintained. You’ll want to be alert for quickly changing road conditions, animals, and potholes whenever you exit this highway system and navigate more rural roads.

Right-Hand Driving

• As in the rest of continental Europe, traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road.

Speed Limits

• The A1 and A2 motorways: 130 km/h in the summer and 110 km/h in the winter.
• Most other highways: 90 km/h
• In settled areas, such as cities: 50 km/h
• Keep your eyes out for speed cameras to ensure you don’t accrue any unwanted fines.

Other Regulations

1. Parking is generally accessible throughout Vilnius and other metropolitan centers. Street parking is regulated by color codes, telling you for how long and for what fee you can park.
2. Your domestic driver’s license is likely to be valid in Lithuania; double-check regulations for your nationality, as an additional international driver’s permit may be required in some cases.
3. Passenger cars are unlikely to be tolled throughout Lithuania; ask your rental company about the latest information on tolls or required vignettes when you book or pick up your car.
4. You must be at least 18 years old to drive and rent a car in Lithuania, though some rental agencies may require you to be older, and you are likely to face young-driver surcharges until the age of 25.
5. Headlights must be on at all times.

Cheap Car Rental in Lithuania

Automobile hire in Lithuania typically starts at around $9 a day. Here are some of the best deals in Lithuania:

• Skoda Citigo or similar (mini class) – $9/day
• Volkswagen Polo or similar (economy class) – $10/day
• Renault Megane or similar (compact class) – $12/day
• Mazda 6 Estate or similar (intermediate class) – $22/day
• Toyota Avensis or similar (standard class) – $25/day

Note that prices vary depending on the availability of each specific car and the season in which you rent. For the most accurate offers, use the search bar above.

Tips for Renting a Car Inexpensively in Lithuania

By far the cheapest rental brand in Lithuania is InterRent Red Car. While other well-known agencies offer cars for upwards of $23 a day throughout the country, InterRent’s locations at the Vilnius and Kaunas airports can often offer cars for $15 a day and below. If your ultimate destination is the spa town of Druskininkai in southern Lithuania, consider renting your car at either of these airports to save money before heading south, where rentals can cost more than $80 a day!

Extending your rental period to over a week is also a great way to push your daily rental price down by a euro or more.