Lithuania Info
Joined: 20 Apr 2007
Posts: 16
Home Country: lithuania
|
 Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 7:54 am Post subject: GETTING AROUND IN LITHUANIA / LITHUANIA TRANSPORTATION GUIDE |
 |
|
GETTING AROUND IN LITHUANIA
BY AIR
There are domestic airports at Kaunas, Palanga and Siauliai. However, there are not many domestic flights.
BY SEA
Local ferries connect Klaipeda and the Curonian Spit. Kaipeda is home to two yacht clubs.
BY RAIL
There are good connections from Vilnius to Kaunas, Klaipeda and Siauliai. Twice-daily passenger trains (including a sleeper train) connect Vilnius with the Baltic coast. Though the train does not stop in Palanga, the major resort on the Baltic coast, passengers to Palanga usually get off at Kretinga station or in Klaipeda, and then reach Palanga by bus.
Passengers to Neringa (Nida, Juodkrante) can go to Klaipeda by train, and then take a bus. Suburban trains going to Ignalina connect Vilnius with the popular lake district of the National Park. The ancient Trakai Castle can be reached by taking the suburban train going to Trakai.
BY ROAD
There is a good network of roads within the country. Modern four-lane motorways connect Vilnius with Klaipeda, Kaunas and Panevezys. Seat belts must be worn. The speed limit is 110kph (68mph) on motorways, 90kph (56mph) on country roads and 60kph (44mph) inside towns. The Vilnius-Kaunas highway has a speed limit of 100kph (60mph). Traffic drives on the right.
Bus
Generally, buses are more frequent and quicker than domestic trains and serve almost every town and village. Kautra (website: www.kautra.lt) has services from Kaunas to almost all the major cities in Lithuania. Tickets are sold to as many passengers as wish to travel and more buses are assigned as necessary.
Car rental
Avis, Europcar and Hertz can provide chauffeur-driven or self-drive cars.
Documentation: Most European nationals should be in possession of EU pink format driving licences. Otherwise, a national driving licence is sufficient, if supported by photo-bearing ID.
URBAN TRANSPORTATION
Public transport in urban districts includes buses and trolleybuses, which usually run from 5 am - 11 pm, but times do vary between routes. Transport coupons can be bought either at news kiosks before boarding or from the driver. Minibuses are less crowded but more expensive.
Taxis display illuminated Taksi signs and can be hailed in the street, found at taxi ranks or ordered by phone. Taxis are run on a metre. They are relatively cheap compared to western Europe. Beware however, some companies may not be as safe as others, common sense will keep you safe in this regard. "Taking the long way round" used to be common but had nearly been irradicated. Western Europeans may still find themselves taking the scenic route but don't worry though as the maximum that this will add is a few litas. It is customary to give a small tip at the end of your journey.
It's usually cheaper to order a taxi by phone instead of taking one in the street, especially in bus stations or airports. |
|
Register
Log in
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
