Set the Vilnius public transport schedule. Urban transport in Lithuania
Read also
You already know how to get from the airport, now let's see how you can get around Vilnius itself. As mentioned above, the main transport of the capital is trolleybuses and buses. These types of transport begin to operate from 5 a.m. until approximately midnight. To travel you need to purchase a ticket. If you buy at a newsstand, the price is 2 litas ($0.74), and from the driver it’s a little more expensive - 2.50 litas ($0.93). If you intend to ride all day, then it is more profitable to purchase a pass, which costs −13 litas ($4.8) for a day, and 45 litas ($16.8) for 10 days. And recently, electronic tickets have begun to come into circulation - this is a regular plastic card that can be topped up as needed. For half an hour of travel you need to pay 2.50 litas ($0.93), and for a full hour - 3.50 ($1.31). This ticket is valid regardless of the number of transfers. And if you drove 35 minutes instead of the required 30 and control came, then they will simply let you go. Since after the allotted time you are given another 10 minutes of free travel.
Vilnius minibuses
A trip by minibus will cost you approximately 4 litas ($1.4), regardless of whether you traveled 1 stop or, for example, 10.
Taxi in Vilnius
Another convenient form of transport is a taxi. You can order a taxi in the airport arrivals hall, or by phone, we will list you a couple of short phone numbers:
- 1403;
- 1420;
- 1818;
- 1440.
The fare for one kilometer of travel ranges from 2-4 litas ($0.74-1.49). But this is only if you book your taxi in advance. If you want to ride without a pre-order, then the tariffs will double, which will significantly affect the price.
Rent a car in Vilnius
Well, if you want to be independent of transport and time, then the most suitable option for you is car rental. There are several car rental shops in Vilnius.
For example, the Dan-Lit salon, located at 25 Gedvizu Street. Or the Vayal salon, located at Vaiktus 1/7.
Another good option is to order a car online. But, regardless of which salon you choose, there are several rules. Firstly, you must have at least 2 years of driving experience, and you must have a license and passport with you. The minimum time for which you can rent a car is a day. If the rental period is more than 20 days, then the rental price will be lower. In general, it’s difficult to say the prices for a day’s rental, because it depends on the car itself. If you lose the keys or documents for the car, then you are obliged to pay a fine to the renter in the amount of 400 litas ($149.8).
Public transport is the cheapest way to get around the Lithuanian capital. Wealthy travelers prefer to rent a car, but for the average connoisseur of antiquity and good cuisine, saving on travel is an important point.
Should I buy a travel pass?
It offers numerous bus and trolleybus routes. The fare payment system is simple and does not pose any problems. There are several options:
- Ticket buy from bus or trolleybus drivers. The ticket costs 1 euro and is valid for one trip (to the final stop of the transport where the ticket was purchased). This option is suitable for those who decide to spend 1-2 days in the city;
- E-ticket. A plastic card that can be topped up either for a certain amount or for several trips. A ticket for a trip of no more than half an hour costs 64 eurocents; if the trip lasts an hour, 93 eurocents will be charged from the card. Within the paid time, a passenger can change routes (change from a bus to a trolleybus, etc.). In case of unforeseen delays, a passenger who exceeds the time limit by no more than 10 minutes is exempt from paying a fine in case of control.
Paying for a trip is simple: you need to attach a plastic card to the reader located in the bus or trolleybus, and then select the type of trip (30 minutes or an hour). When purchasing an electronic ticket (magnetic card), you need to pay 1.50 euros and contribute a certain amount for travel. A ticket like this is the best option for those who want to actively spend from 4 days to two weeks in Vilnius;
- Travel ticket valid for all types of public transport. For a day - 3.48 euros, for three days - 6.08 euros. The most “carefree” way for a tourist. The amount is fixed, and the number of trips is not limited. An excellent choice for those who are staying in Vilnius from one to three days.
Traveling without a ticket on Lithuanian public transport is fraught with a fine of 20 to 30 euros. The control is strict and constant, it is better not to take risks. Discount tickets for tourists are not available. Children under 7 years old have the right to travel free of charge.
The only city train connects the central railway station and the airport. The journey takes 8 minutes, the fare costs 71 euro cents.
Taxi
If your favorite transport in cities is a taxi, then you need to keep in mind some features of the taxi traditions of Lithuania.
Vilnius residents do not have the habit of “catching a car” on the road. The most inexpensive trip is obtained if you order a car by phone (the number can be found from numerous advertisements located at the train station, at the airport, at public transport stops, etc.). Tourists often do not suspect this and use the services of cars at special parking lots, not suspecting that they are overpaying from 30% to 70%. The cost of one kilometer in a Vilnius taxi is 70 euro cents. A trip around the city will cost from 7 to 10 euros (on average). Some taxis allow you to pay for the trip with a bank card. The taxi driver is obliged to give you a receipt. Otherwise, you will not be able to make any claims.
Vilnius is a very small city. If your hotel is located in the old town, everything
The transport system of Vilnius is one of the most developed, so you will not feel any discomfort while moving around the city. Progressivity is manifested not only in the use of modern vehicles, but also in providing each passenger with a convenient system of data on the schedule of all routes, as well as a method of payment for transport services.
It is worth noting that in Vilnius you can travel from one district to another not only by buses, trolleybuses, but also by minibuses or taxis. The city also has its own train, which runs on the Station-Airport route. In the near future, the city authorities plan to build a metro or put into operation a high-speed tram.
Trolleybuses of Vilnius
general information
The Vilnius trolleybus service has been operating since 1956. Moreover, the fleet of trolleybuses is much more developed than that of buses, so trolleybuses are the main urban transport here, transporting passengers along 20 routes.
Opening hours of Vilnius trolleybuses
The city's trolleybuses begin operating at 5:00 am and carry passengers until midnight.
Movement interval
The average departure time of trolleybuses from stops is 5 minutes. During rush hours, the traffic interval is reduced to 2-3 minutes. In the evening, trolleybuses run at intervals of 15 minutes.
Transport nuances
Please remember that new rules have been in force in Vilnius public transport since 2010, providing for the following:
- You should enter the vehicle only through the front doors, and exit through all the others.
- Upon entering the transport, you must present the driver with a travel pass or ticket, which, if necessary, can be purchased from him
Vilnius buses
general information
Bus service in the city has been operating since 1926. There are currently over 70 different day and night bus routes. They connect the center of Vilnius with its suburban areas.
In addition to city buses, so-called commercial buses also ply around the city. They travel along only two routes, which start from the station and end:
- route No. 05 - to Santariski
- route No. 062 - to Fabijonishki
To travel on a commercial bus, you will not be able to use travel tickets, since the fare will have to be paid to the conductor, who travels with the driver. The fare is 2 litas.
Bus operating hours
Buses begin transporting passengers from 5:00 am until midnight.
Movement interval
On average, buses run at intervals of 10-20 minutes, depending on the route and time of day.
Transport nuances
If you want to know the detailed schedule of city buses, you should pay attention to the information boards that are located at every bus stop in the city. You can also visit one of the websites (www.stops.lt and www.vilniustransport.lt/lt/) and find out all the detailed information there.
The rules of behavior on the bus are the same as for trolleybuses, that is, entry is through the front door of the vehicle, etc.
Minibus taxis in Vilnius
general information
One of the features of Vilnius city transport is the presence of city minibuses, with which you can easily and cheaply get to the desired point within the city limits. As a rule, their routes run from the central part of the city to its residential areas. In addition, this type of transport is more modern than city buses.
Minibuses do not run according to a schedule - departure is carried out after all the seats in the cabin are occupied. Payment for travel is transferred directly to the driver in cash only. The fare is 3.5 litas.
Vilnius minibus operating hours
City minibuses begin their work at 5:00 am and end around midnight.
Movement interval
Minibus taxis do not have a specific interval. On average they run every 20 minutes.
Taxi
general description
In Vilnius, as throughout the country, it is not customary to stop a taxi right on the street. It is best to go to a specialized stop or call transport by phone. In this case, there is no additional fee for providing a car.
Due to the presence in the city of a large number of transport companies that provide taxi services, the cost of travel does not differ much between them. True, when getting into a taxi, you must be very vigilant, since drivers, instead of the day rate, like to include the night rate, which is an order of magnitude higher.
Taxi fare
Currently, the fare is 2-2.5 litas per 1 km drive within the city. Getting into the car will cost you 2 litas. The taxi driver may charge additional fees for luggage and other services.
Tickets for public transport in Vilnius
general information
Since April of this year, 2013, a new fare payment system has been launched in Vilnius. It provides for the use of electronic tickets in the form of a “Vilnius Resident Card” (Vilniečio kortelė), which is an electronic plastic card with the ability to replenish. The card is sold at all final stops, as well as at ticket offices and kiosks of Lietuvos spauda.
Once inside the public transport salon, you need to present your card to the validator. And after the green light on it lights up, the trip will be considered paid for.
Ticket prices
It is worth noting that the new fare payment system for public transport provides for the purchase of only two types of tickets:
- valid for half an hour at a cost of 2.50 litas
- valid for 1 hour at a price of 3.50 LTL
Thanks to this ticket, you will be able to make an unlimited number of transfers within a given period of time for which the ticket is valid. At the same time, passengers are always given a 10-minute head start: for example, if you use a 30-minute ticket, and the controller catches you on the bus at 35, he will simply let you go without issuing a fine.
The cost of the Vilnius Card, which is sold at Lietuvos spauda kiosks, is 4 litas. It is valid for 4 years from the date of purchase. You can top it up with a certain amount of money or a certain number of tickets of one type or another (for 30 or 60 minutes).
The electronic card can also be used as a travel card. To do this, you need to replenish it with the amount:
- if you need a 24-hour pass, then it’s 13 litas
- if you need a 72-hour pass, then for 23 litas
Fines
For those passengers who decide to travel by Vilnius public transport as a “hare”, there is a very strict system of fines:
- for an adult - 60-100 litas
- for children (7-16 years old) - 40-80 litas
- for unpaid luggage - 10-20 litas
Public transport in Vilnius is represented by two main types - bus and trolleybus. In addition, of course, there are taxis and even a city train that runs along the Station-Airport route.
Buses And trolleybuses They run strictly according to the schedule, which can be found at public transport stops and on the Internet at www.stops.lt. On July 1, 2013, the transport system was reorganized and high-speed buses were introduced (distinguished from regular buses by the letter “g” in the number). Express buses stop only at major stops. There are no other differences from regular buses - on high-speed buses the same ticket is valid as on regular buses.
VILNIUS MAP
Since April 1, 2013, a new system of paying for travel using electronic tickets, the so-called “Vilnius Citizen Card” (Vilniečio kortelė), has been operating in Vilnius. The “Vilnius Resident Card” is an electronic plastic card that can be topped up with money as needed.
The new payment system provides two types of tickets – 30-minute tickets for €0.64 and 60-minute tickets for €0.93. The ticket begins to be valid from the moment of activation and allows you to make any number of transfers within the corresponding time interval. In addition, if you are making a transfer, passengers are given 10 minutes. odds: if you have a ticket for 30 minutes, and the inspector finds you on the transport at 35, they will let you go in peace. Travel time is calculated according to the schedule - if the bus is stuck in traffic jams, and instead of the expected 25 minutes you traveled for 40, the controller will also have no complaints against you.
You can buy or top up the Vilnius Citizen Card at Lietuvos spauda kiosks. At the same time, the electronic card itself will cost €1.50 and is valid for 4 years from the date of purchase. You can top it up either with money for a certain amount, or with a certain number of tickets of a certain type (30 or 60-minute). The first method allows you to select the desired type of ticket for each trip, which is certainly more profitable, but the second allows you to activate the ticket “with one touch”. You will learn more about how to use the card from the video prepared by the city government:
People often ask whether two people can travel on a bus with one card and write off two tickets. Unfortunately, it's not possible. Once you have activated the card when entering the bus, it remains activated for 30 or 60 minutes (depending on the type of ticket) and simply does not allow you to pay for another ticket.
The previously valid paper tickets of 2 litas became invalid from July 1, 2013. Thus, today paper tickets can only be purchased from the driver - for €1. They apply as before - for a trip on one bus or trolleybus to the final stop.
Until January 15, 2015, you can pay the driver for a ticket in either euros or litas. Litas on existing “Vilnius resident cards” are converted into euros when the card is first activated after January 1, 2015.
FINES
Driving as a “hare” is not recommended: road control is carried out regularly. At any stop, inspectors may enter all doors of the bus and ask you to follow them. The fine ranges from €17 to €29 (the amount largely depends on how you behave with the inspectors). For ticketless travel for children (there are discounted tickets for them) from 7 to 16 years old, parents will pay from €11 to €23. Unpaid baggage allowance will cost €3 – €6.
PRIVILEGES
Unfortunately, all the benefits listed in this section apply only to citizens (and permanent residents) of Lithuania and the European Union, so tourists from Russia and Belarus cannot formally take advantage of them. However, in many cases, controllers do not require documents confirming the right to benefits, and in this case you have a chance. For example, they never ask children of primary and secondary school age for documents. Students can also use their existing ISIC card. Although ISIC itself does not provide any benefits, it is unlikely that the controller will study it too closely to understand which university you are studying at. But in case something happens, we didn’t tell you anything like that...
Travel for children under 7 years old is free. Schoolchildren, students and pensioners enjoy a 50% discount, which applies to all types of tickets, including those purchased from the driver. At the same time, if you want to use a discount by paying with an electronic card, you must say this when purchasing the card itself - “preferential” cards differ from regular ones. It is also worth noting that formally schoolchildren must present an ID, so if your student is 16 years old and two meters tall, it is better to buy a full ticket.
PASS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The electronic card can also be used as a travel card. To do this, you need to replenish it accordingly at any point that sells tickets for public transport. There are passes for 24 hours (€3.48), 72 hours (€6.08) and so on. The pass begins to be valid from the moment of first activation.
From minibus taxis In Vilnius, there are currently only “Station-Acropolis” and “Station-Airport” buses that operate from the bus station platform. The flight schedule can be viewed.
TAXI
Taxi tariff today averages €0.5 - €1 per km. The price per kilometer may vary depending on the company providing the service. “Getting into the car” costs about €0.5. Many companies write the cost per km on their cars, so if you need a taxi, pay attention to the cars passing or standing nearby and... call a taxi by phone. Because the cars languishing idle carry passengers, albeit according to the meter, but at a completely different rate. You can also look up taxi numbers on the Internet (but the price per km is not always updated there on time).
Train "Vokzal-Airport" runs between the railway station and the airport every 40 minutes. The ticket costs €0.72. The train travels a distance of 5 km between terminal points in 8 minutes. Tickets can be purchased on the train or at the railway station, respectively. Timetables for airport-Vilnius and Vilnius-airport trips can be found on the railway station website.
The main types of public transport in Vilnius are buses and trolleybuses. The local authorities’ project includes a metro and a high-speed tram, but they haven’t gotten around to it yet. There are only two trolleybus depots and one bus depot in the entire capital. There are also electric trains, minibuses and private buses in the city.
Almost all types of urban transport begin their work at five o'clock in the morning. The only exceptions are private buses and minibuses, which can operate around the clock. Buses and trolleybuses adhere to a strict schedule, which can be viewed at the stops. But the schedule on weekends and weekdays is different.
You can also find high-speed buses on the routes. You can recognize them by the letter “g”, which is present in the number. Such buses stop only at major stops, but otherwise there are no differences from regular buses.
What can be said about minibus taxis is that they are gradually becoming obsolete and now operate on two routes: “Station-Airport” and “Station-Acropolis”. They cost one euro and depart from the bus station platforms.
A peculiarity of travel on public transport in Vilnius is that travel is paid using electronic tickets. They are ordinary plastic cards that are replenished as needed. Upon entering the transport, the ticket is activated and is valid for a certain time, while the passenger can make an unlimited number of transfers (during the validity period of the ticket). Please note that one card can only pay for one person.
Approximate travel prices are as follows: the card itself costs 1.5 euros; for 30 minutes – 0.65 euros; for 60 minutes – 0.95 euros, and for a month about 30 euros. A monthly pass is valid only on weekends and costs about 27 euros. You can purchase the card at Lietuvos spauda kiosks. There are also tickets for 24 hours (about 4 euros), 72 hours (7 euros) and 10 days (12-13 euros).
Especially for tourists, there is a Vilnius City Card, thanks to which you can not only use public transport, but also visit various attractions with good benefits. A card valid for 24 hours with the possibility of travel on public transport costs 20 euros (without such an opportunity - 15). For those who come to Vilnius for several days, it is best to buy a card valid for 72 hours with the ability to use public transport.
Such a card is personal, and its validity begins from the moment of purchase. Such cards cannot be exchanged or returned. You can buy them on the official website or from special tourist centers in the city. Along with the card, a small catalog is issued, which describes what services and discounts you can use thanks to this card. In your case, the Vilnius City Card will be simply irreplaceable and will help you save both time and money.
Fans of a healthy lifestyle, especially bicycles, will feel as comfortable as possible in the Lithuanian capital. There are many bike paths throughout the city, which are marked with special icons. In this case, you can be sure that no cars, motorcycles or other obstacles will appear on these paths (this is not Russia). Many cafes and shops have parking racks for these two-wheelers. At the information centers you can get a map of the city’s cycling routes absolutely free and find out about bicycle rental points, of which there are many in the city.
Back in 2003, a funicular appeared in Vilnius, which allows you to get from the foot of Castle Hill to one of the main and most popular tourist attractions - Gediminas' Tower. From April to September the funicular operates from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the rest of the time the operating schedule is reduced to 6 p.m. The funicular ride costs 1 euro.