Kaunas · Getting around
How to get around Kaunas, Lithuania
August 29, 2026 · last updated · about 4 min read
Transport Modes in Kaunas
Kaunas is a compact city where the most significant sites—the castle, cathedral, and old fortress—are concentrated near the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers. Depending on your itinerary, different modes of transport are most effective:
- Walking: The best option for the Old Town and the city center. Most historical landmarks are within walking distance of each other.
- Public Buses: The primary network for reaching the Kaunas Zoo or residential districts. These are efficient for longer cross-city trips.
- Ride-sharing: Apps like Bolt are widely used and provide the fastest door-to-door service, especially for families with luggage or those visiting outskirts.
Tickets and Passes
Public transport tickets can be purchased via mobile apps or at designated kiosks. Short-term tickets are suitable for occasional users. Multi-trip passes are available for those staying longer, though they may not suit travelers who primarily stick to the pedestrian-friendly city center.
From Vilnius Airport (VNO) to Kaunas
Since Kaunas does not have its own major international airport, most visitors arrive via Vilnius Airport. Options include:
- Train: Requires a short transit from the airport to Vilnius station. It is a mid-range cost option with a reliable schedule.
- Bus: Direct or connecting buses run frequently between the two cities. This is generally the most cost-effective method.
- Private Transfer/Taxi: The fastest and lowest-effort option, though it falls in the highest cost band.
Practical Travel Notes
- Rush Hours: Expect congestion in the city center during morning and evening commutes, which can delay buses and ride-shares.
- Accessibility: Most modern buses are equipped for accessibility, though some older cobblestone streets in the Old Town can be challenging for strollers and wheelchairs.
- Last Services: Public transport frequency drops significantly late at night; ride-sharing is the primary alternative after midnight.
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Things to see in Kaunas
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Heritage & monuments
Ninth Fort
A 19th-century fort on the outskirts of Kaunas, used during the Soviet occupation as a transit point for prisoners bound for the camps. During the Nazi occupation it became a site of tragedy where Jews and others were killed, making it a meaningful place to reflect on history.
Temples & religious sites
Kaunas Cathedral Basilica
The Roman Catholic cathedral seat of the Archdiocese of Kaunas, dedicated to the apostles Peter and Paul. As the city's leading religious building, it's a peaceful place to explore.
Castles & palaces
Kaunas Castle
A medieval Gothic castle built where the Nemunas and Neris rivers meet. Only about a third of its original structure remains today, bearing the marks of centuries gone by.
Nature
Neris
The Neris River rises in Belarus and flows across Lithuania before joining the Nemunas River as a tributary. In Kaunas, its banks make for a pleasant riverside stroll.
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