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Getting around Vilnius

Public transport: 

A large network of buses and trolleybuses is operated in Vilnius by the local authorities (tel: (5) 270 9339; www.vilniustransport.lt) and runs from 0400 in the morning until midnight. You can buy tickets at many newspaper kiosks, or pay when boarding, though it's cheaper to buy tickets beforehand. Private minibuses also operate, but routes (sometimes outlined by a placard in the front window) are erratic and subject to change mid-journey so are best avoided by most visitors.

Taxis: 

You can hail taxis in Vilnius on the street or at ranks at the railway and bus stations as well as in the Old Town. It's cheaper and safer to pre-book and you can ask your hotel receptionist for help. Pre-booked taxis can be ordered from a number of local companies. Reliable firms include Martonas (tel: 1422) and Ekipazas (tel: 1446). Ensure the meter is either switched on or agree a price in advance for all journeys.

Driving: 

Driving in Vilnius’s city centre can be chaotic and intimidating with heavy traffic and local drivers bent on speed and dangerous overtaking manoeuvres. Note that headlights must be used at all times.

Car hire: 

International car hire companies have offices at the airport and in the city centre. Companies at the airport include Avis (tel: (5) 232 9316; www.avis.lt) and Budget (tel: (5) 230 6708; www.budget.lt). In the city centre there are offices of Avis (tel: (5) 230 6820), Hertz (tel: (5) 272 6940; www.hertz.lt), and Sixt (tel: (5) 239 5636; www.sixt.lt).

Bicycle hire: 

Baltic Cycle (tel: 6995 6009; www.bicycle.lt) rents out bikes to those brave or foolish enough to take on the local drivers, many of whom tend to be both inconsiderate and erratic. They also offer one-way hires around Lithuania and on to Latvia and Estonia, as well as organised tours.

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