Intercity buses & trains in Lithuania
Getting between Lithuanian cities is cheap and easy. For the busiest route — Vilnius to Kaunas — both intercity buses and trains take roughly an hour, run frequently, and cost about the same, so you can usually just pick whatever leaves soonest.
Bus vs train at a glance
The numbers below are typical for the Vilnius–Kaunas route and change with operator, time of day and how early you book — always check the live price when you buy.
| Intercity bus | Train (LTG Link) | |
|---|---|---|
| Journey time | ~1h 20m–1h 30m | ~1h–1h 40m |
| Frequency | Very frequent (around every 30 min) | Up to ~15/day |
| Typical fare | From roughly €8–10 | From roughly €8–10 |
| Boarding | Steps; bags in hold | Step-free; space for bikes/luggage |
| Best for | Most departures, door-to-door near the bus station | Comfort, legroom, working en route |
No need to overthink it
Trains: LTG Link
Lithuania's railway passenger service is LTG Link. The network is small but reliable, linking Vilnius with Kaunas, Klaipėda (the coast), Šiauliai, Panevėžys and smaller towns.
- Tickets: buy at ltglink.lt, in the LTG Link app, at station ticket offices, or on board.
- Dynamic pricing: on Vilnius–Kaunas, fares are cheaper the earlier you book — planning ahead can save a fair bit.
- Comfort: modern trains, plenty of legroom, step-free boarding, and room for bikes and large luggage.
Useful long-distance options: Vilnius–Klaipėda (around 4 hours) is a popular run to the seaside, and there's a daily international train to Riga if you want to leave the country by rail.
Intercity buses
Buses (tarpmiestiniai autobusai) reach far more towns than the train and often run more often on the main routes. The largest carrier is Kautra; several others operate too.
- Tickets: the aggregator autobusubilietai.lt compares operators and lets you book online; you can also buy on the carrier's own site, in the app, at the station desk, or sometimes from the driver.
- Stations: in Vilnius the main bus station (autobusų stotis) is on Sodų gatvė, right next to the train station; in Kaunas the central bus station is on the edge of the centre.
- Luggage: large bags go in the hold; keep your ticket handy for the driver.
Buses reach more places
The student discount (this is the big one)
A 50% discount on domestic trains and on many intercity bus routes is available to full-time higher-education students — a real saving if you travel often.
To use it you generally need:
- An ISIC card issued in Lithuania (the international student card; see isic.lt), and
- A personal ID document.
How eligibility differs by status:
- EU/EEA and Swiss students: qualify with an ISIC and an ID proving your citizenship.
- Non-EU students: must additionally show a valid temporary or permanent residence permit.
- Erasmus/exchange students: the same ISIC-based rules apply — check whether your home ISIC is accepted or whether you need a Lithuanian-issued one.
Confirm before you rely on the discount
Practical tips
- Carry your ISIC and ID together — staff may check both when you use a discounted ticket.
- Buy train tickets early for Vilnius–Kaunas to catch the lower dynamic-pricing fares.
- Mind the last departure if you're out for the evening; intercity services thin out late at night.
- Watch for promotions: Lithuania occasionally runs temporary nationwide fare cuts on domestic trains, so check current offers before assuming the standard price.
One station, two options
Frequently asked
Bus or train between Vilnius and Kaunas — which is better?+
Both take roughly 1–1.5 hours and cost about the same. Buses run more often (around every 30 minutes); the train is comfortable, has more legroom and step-free boarding. Pick whichever fits your timing.
Where do I buy intercity bus tickets?+
Online at autobusubilietai.lt or the carrier's site (e.g. Kautra), in the app, at the bus station ticket desk, or sometimes from the driver. Booking ahead guarantees a seat on busy routes.
Can international students get a discount?+
Yes — a 50% student discount applies to domestic trains and many intercity buses, but you need an ISIC card issued in Lithuania plus ID. EU/EEA/Swiss students qualify with ISIC and ID; non-EU students must also show a residence permit. Confirm on the carrier's page.
Do I need to book the train in advance?+
Not required, but the Vilnius–Kaunas train uses dynamic pricing, so booking early can be noticeably cheaper. You can buy right up to departure at the station or in the app.
Can I take my bike or large luggage?+
Trains carry bikes and large luggage (sometimes for a small fee or in set spaces). On buses, large bags go in the hold. Check the specific service when you book.