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By Air
Although one disgruntled journalist said he'd 'seen more impressive bus-stations', the diminutive Vilnius Airport has plenty of fans, and it has the added bonus of being just 6 km from the city itself. So bear in mind that if your jolly taxi driver spends an hour escorting you to the city centre, you're being taken for more than a 'ride' (10-12 litas is a fair price). But to start from the start, it's now possible to fly to the Lithuanian capital with several leading airlines, including British Airways, Lufthansa, Dutch KLM, Polish LOT and of course Lithuanian Airlines. Budget airlines such as Wizz are also getting in on the act, but some services arrive at nearby Kaunas (in which case there are shuttle buses to the capital).
By Rail
Again, Vilnius has a very pleasant train station that manages to exude an immensely laid back air. It also works, which is a handy bonus. On the negative side, train services may be plentiful within Lithuania itself, but travel connections between Vilnius and the major European capitals are few and far between. Indeed, they seem to be shrinking rather than growing. The most used service is the Warsaw-Vilnius connection, which leaves bright and early every day, arriving the same evening. However, this involves changing at Sestokai.
By Bus
If you're backpacking round Europe, this is definitely your cheapest option, short of thumbing a lift with a moustachioed lorry-driver with a marked taste for vodka. Again, Poland is the main springboard (for both), and there is even a service that runs from Rome to Vilnius, stopping at Vienna, Cracow, Warsaw and Kaunas on the way. See Eurolines for more details. Connections to Lithuania's other neighbors can also be made from the bus station.
By Car
We may no longer be in the golden age of the motorcar, a time when you could cruise for miles, cigar in hand, and barely meet another driver at all. All the same, there's no doubting that for the serious adventurer, being behind the wheel of your own vehicle opens up all kinds of possibilities. This is the way to really grasp the flavour of the country. Basics to bear in mind are the zero tolerance law on alcohol, and speeding - cameras have now been installed on many major roads. Also bear in mind that neighbouring Poland has the worst accident rate in Europe, and road conditions are not always pristine. Oh, and have fun parking in the centre...
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 | | "Just flew into Vilnius. Beautiful city, but I too was disgusted by the taxi driver.
According to the Bradt guide to Vilnius, taxi should have cost no more than 20 litas. Guidebook also said that majority of taxi drivers were pretty decent dudes.
So I jumped in a taxi at the airport. I checked that the driver switched on the meter straight away.
But was dismayed when the meter ticked at a ridiculously rapid rate....
I said to the driver that I thought his meter was broken.
He commented that his taxi was the most expensive to the airport...and I asked him why.
He said it was a special airport price - double usual price.
Which I told him was bullshit....
He said distance was 9km (Old town is 6km) and 3 litas per km.
So let's do the maths - 27lita? (including the detour)
The fucker charged me 50!!!!!
But the fucker took my money - of course I only had a 50litas.
Demanding change was of no use - the fucker wouldn't give me any.
Took down his rego and will contact authorities. Don't know if that will be of use but I can at least try.
" | Belinda
Australia
Mar.15.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Taxi drivers are asking more and more to get from the airport to the Old Town every time I go to Vilnius. On a Friday in December '07 the taxi driver asked me 70 Litas. If my pay went up at the same rate, I would now earn as much as the boss of my boss. Unfortunately I still earn the same as 2 months ago, so declined and headed for the bus, then found somebody more "reasonable" that went by the meter totaling 50 Litas." | Frequent Flyer
Italy
Jan.04.2008
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Prices for a ride from the airport to the Old Town have apparently soared. From the airport, the first taxi driver asked me 60 Litas (to be fair, it was national holiday), and refused my offer for 40 Litas. After I purchased the bus ticket and was heading for bus no. 2, another taxi driver offered me the ride for 45 Litas. From the old town, during a business day I have taken a taxi at the parking nearby St. Anne's, and costed me 25 Litas to get to the airport. BTW, is it possible that in Vilnius taxi drivers are not obliged to display their prices? In English please..." | Frequent Flyer
Italy
Nov.05.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Hello,
How can I add my details in your website?
Thanks " | donatas
Lithuania
Oct.02.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
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