Lithuania

Brief History

In 1861, the first railway line in Lithuania was opened, connecting the cities of Šiauliai and Daugavpils. During the Russian Empire, Lithuania's railway network continued to grow, linking it with other regions and contributing to economic development.

After World War I and independence, Lithuania began to modernise and expand its railway infrastructure. In 1919, the Lithuanian Railways Company was established to manage the national network. During this period, existing lines were improved and new lines were built to improve connections between cities and support the country's economic development.

During the Soviet era, starting in 1940, Lithuania's railway system continued to develop under the influence of the USSR. New lines were built and existing lines were modernised. However, with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the restoration of Lithuania's independence, the railway network was taken over by Lithuanian Railways. Since then, Lithuania has continued to develop and modernise its railway infrastructure to meet modern standards and needs.

General Information and Statistics

Lithuanian Railways (Lithuanian: Lietuvos geležinkeliai) is the main carrier company in Lithuania. During 2022, Lithuanian Railways transported 4.69 million passengers.

The total length of railways in Lithuania is 1,910 kilometres. There are about 113 railway stations in Lithuania.

As of 2021, 150 km of railway tracks have been electrified. However, there were plans to significantly increase this figure. According to Lietuvos geležinkeliai (Lithuanian Railways), the goal was set to electrify about 39% of Lithuania's railway tracks by 2030.

What connections to other countries there are.

There is a connection Vilnius – Kaunas – Mockava – Warsaw – Krakow (Poland), but passengers change trains at Mockava station, on the Lithuanian-Polish border. The Lithuanian train follows the route Vilnius – Kaunas – Mockava, while the Polish train follows the route Mockava – Warsaw – Krakow. These trains run daily.

Are trains fast in Lithuania in general? How much time to cross the country?

In Lithuania, maximum train speeds are generally around 120-160 km/h (75-100 mph) on the main railway lines. However, it should be noted that train speeds may vary depending on the type of train and the specific route.

There are no high-speed trains capable of higher speeds in Lithuania. However, as mentioned earlier, Lithuania is participating in the Rail Baltica project, which aims to develop a high-speed railway link between the Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia) and the rest of Europe. Upon completion of the project, the high-speed rail line is expected to significantly improve travel times and provide faster journeys in the region. 

The journey from Siauliai to Marcinkonys takes 4:59 hours and from Klaipeda to Turmantas 8:19 hours.

What railway companies are available?

In Lithuania, the main railway company is Lietuvos geležinkeliai (Lithuanian Railways). It is the national railway company responsible for managing the railway infrastructure, operating passenger and freight train services, and overseeing the development and maintenance of the railway network.

Within the structure of Lietuvos geležinkeliai, there are several subsidiary companies that provide specific services:

LG CARGO: This is a subsidiary of Lietuvos geležinkeliai and is responsible for freight transportation services. LG CARGO handles the transportation of various goods, including containers, coal, oil, mineral fertilizers, chemicals, and other commodities.

Lietuvos geležinkelių infrastruktūra: This subsidiary focuses on the maintenance, development, and management of the railway infrastructure in Lithuania. Lietuvos geležinkelių infrastruktūra is responsible for maintaining tracks, stations, signaling systems, and other infrastructure components.

What train types are available in Lithuania

Lithuania has various types of trains, including diesel, electric and sleeper cars, providing a variety of passenger transport options.

Diesel trains are widely used for regional, intercity and suburban journeys. They provide flexibility and reliability in operation. Examples of diesel trains in Lithuania include PESA 630 MIIL, PESA 730 ML and RA2. These trains have modern features and offer comfortable seats for passengers.

Electric trains are also widely used for intercity and international journeys. They provide eco-friendly transport and faster speeds. An example of an electric train in Lithuania is the EJ575.

In addition, sleeper coaches provide a comfortable overnight journey. They have special compartments or folding chairs for passengers.

Are there high-speed-trains available?

Lithuania does not have dedicated high-speed trains. The maximum speeds of trains in Lithuania generally range from 120-160 km/h (75-100 mph) on major railway lines. However, it's important to note that Lithuania is part of the Rail Baltica project, which aims to develop a high-speed rail connection between the Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia) and the rest of Europe.

Most important train stations / hubs.

The main railway hubs in Lithuania are Vilnius, Klaipėda, Radviliškis and Kaunas.

Websites to buy train tickets for Lithuania?

https://bilietas.ltglink.lt

Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Lithuania?

Lietuvos geležinkeliai has the “LTG Link” app.

Possible to buy a ticket at a railway station in Lithuania?

In addition to buying tickets on the official website and app, you can also buy them at train stations. If you do not have time to buy a ticket in advance, you can always buy it from the conductor, but remember, you will have to pay 2 euros extra for it.

Can I buy my ticket by phone?

No information on purchasing tickets over the phone was found.

Return the ticket.

You can return a one-time ticket and get a 90 % refund. you can get the ticket price at least 24 hours before the train departs.
You can return a one-time ticket and get back 70 % of the ticket price at least 4 (four) hours before the train departs. Contact any Carrier's ticket office or you can do it yourself on the website www.ltglink.It or in the mobile application.
Less than 4 (four) hours before the departure time of the train indicated in the ticket and/or departure of the train, the money for an unused one-time ticket will not be refunded.

Train ticket prices

Travellers have the option of buying a one-way or round-trip ticket. It is also possible to purchase a monthly pass, which allows you to travel on the route you choose without restrictions 
The ticket price for a journey from Vilnius to Klaipeda will be 20.80 euros.

Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?

At the moment there are no direct railway connections with neighbouring countries.

Where to find timetables.

Find train schedules on https://bilietas.ltglink.lt

Buying tickets in advance or right before the train

Tickets can be purchased up to a maximum of 30 days in advance. You won't see any difference in the price of the tickets. So there is no point in buying them in advance, but you run the risk of not finding tickets on the day. So it is better to buy tickets 2-3 days before your trip.

Types of tickets.

There are regular tickets that can be purchased one way, or round trip. Or you can buy a travel pass, which allows you to use trains on a specific route without limit. 
A combined ticket is also available, which allows you to take a train, a bus, a trolleybus or simply walk the rest of the way. Now you can do it all in Vilnius with one ticket! 
Also, you can buy a "Gift Card" and give it to the person. He or she can use this card to pay for the fare.

Interrail/Eurail Passes in Lithuania

The Eurail and Interrail Pass is available for  Lithuania.
The best option is to buy your Eurail or Interrail Pass on the official website.

Saver price.

The cheapest tickets are sold for 3rd class. You cannot reserve a seat in this class. They can also be cancelled and exchanged.

Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?

A 5 % discount applies to a passenger who buys single tickets for the same return journey (“to” and “from”) on all local transport routes at the same time through all ticketing channels. The discount is granted on the return ticket price.

Flexible tickets.

Flexible tickets are present. One can say that the "trevelpass" are flexible. You can change to other trains, get off and on wherever you want (strictly within the boundaries of the stations you have chosen).

Rules of boarding.

There is no information that you need anything in addition to the ticket for boarding.

Discounts for group travel.

There are discounts for groups of people when buying tickets for seats on 2nd and 3rd class trains.

10% discount for groups of 3-20 people travelling on the same day on the same train and on the same route.

15% discount for groups of 21-30 people travelling on the same day on the same train and on the same route.

20% discount for groups of 31 or more travelling on the same day on the same train and on the same route. 

30% discount for student groups (11 or more passengers including 2 accompanying adults).

Age groups and discounts.

50 % The discount applies to children up to 7 years old who want to take a separate seat during the trip, third and all other children if traveling with multiple children up to 7 years old and children from 7 to 10 years old.
100 % The discount applies to children under the age of 7 without taking a separate seat. One passenger is entitled to travel with two children under 7 years of age.
There is a 50% discount for students
30% discount on single tickets for students of general education schools of the Republic of Lithuania Discounts are valid only when purchasing tickets for seats in 2nd and 3rd class trains.
50% The discount applies to persons aged 70-80.
80 % The discount applies to persons aged 80 and over.

Age limitations for minors.

Children from the age of 6 can buy tickets and travel alone on trains.

Handicapped passengers.

All necessary assistant services for passengers with disabilities, including boarding and disembarking from the train, meeting the passenger at the station (at a pre-arranged location), accompanying him/her to the ticket office or train, booking tickets or ticket purchase services, are provided free of charge.

Assistant services can be booked in several ways:

When purchasing a ticket online at www.ltglink.lt;
By phone: +370 700 55111;
At the ticket office of Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda and Šiauliai railway stations;
By e-mail: mobilumas@ltglink.lt.

Seat reservations in trains in Lithuania.

When buying a 3rd class ticket, the passenger does not have the option to book a ticket.
2nd class passengers have the opportunity to choose their seat and seating direction when buying a ticket on the Klaipeda route.
1st class passengers have the opportunity to choose their seat and seating directions on all trains when purchasing a ticket.

Comfort classes on the trains.

Lithuanian trains have 3 comfort classes:
1 class
It is possible to buy soft drinks and snacks on the routes of Kaunas and Klaipėda. On the Klaipeda route, passengers have free coffee, soft drinks, and snacks. More spacious seating, wider tables, electrical sockets at the seats, fewer seats and passengers around, choice of seat and seat when buying a ticket, space for bicycles, WC, air conditioning, silence area, luggage area, non-smoking area.
2 class
Electrical outlets near some seats, space for bicycles, WC, animal-friendly area, air condition, non-smoking area. Possibility to buy soft drinks and snacks on Kaunas and Klaipeda routes. When buying a ticket on the Klaipeda route, it is possible to choose a place and seating direction.
3 class
Seats on the train are not reserved - you can choose any available, places for bicycles, toilets, pet-friendly area, air conditioning, non-smoking area.

Food and drink in trains / train restaurant in Lithuania.

At the moment, you can treat yourself to your favorite food and drinks on the routes indicated below (the list is constantly updated). Vilnius–Klaipėda–Vilnius;Vilnius–Šiauliai–Vilnius;Vilnius–Warsaw–Krakow–Vilnius;Kaunas–Šiauliai–Kaunas;Vilnius–Trakai–Vilnius;Vilnius–Kaunas–Vilnius; Vilnius–Kena–Vilnius; Panevėžys–Šiauliai–Mažeikiai;Klaipėda–Šilutė–Klaipėda;Klaipėda–Radviliškis–Klaipėda.

You can enjoy a cup of aromatic coffee on the following routes:
Vilnius-Klaipeda-Vilnius;Vilnius-Siauliai-Vilnius;Vilnius-Varshuva-Krokuva-Vilnius.
On other routes it is suggested to refresh yourself with a bottle of water or other refreshments.

Meals for 1st class passengers on the route VILNIUS - KLAIPĖDA - VILNIUS
If the duration of the trip is up to 1 hour, we will offer you one drink of your choice: coffee, tea or a bottle of water.
If the duration of the trip exceeds 1 hour, we will treat you to a beverage of your choice (different types of coffee/tea), a bottle of water and a cake.

Night trains in Lithuania?

As of July 2023, there are no night train routes in Lithuania.

Important train routes in Lithuania.

Vilnius – Kaunas /from 1:09 hours / from 8,00 EUR / every hour
Vilnius – Klaipeda / from 4:41 hours / from 24,80 EUR / every 2-3 hours
Vilnius – Siauliai / from 2:48 hours / from 16,80 EUR / every 2-3 hours
Vilnius – Visaginas / from 1:55 hours / 8,60 EUR / every 3-4 hours 
Vilnius – Mockava / 2:31 hours / from 16,00 EUR / 1 train per day

International train routes.

There is one international train from Lithuania: Vilnius – Krakow with a transfer in Mockava.

Tourist / scenic routes in Lithuania.

    • Vilnius to Trakai: This route takes you from the capital city of Vilnius to the historic town of Trakai, known for its stunning Trakai Island Castle. The train journey provides scenic views of lakes, forests, and picturesque countryside.

    • Kaunas Aukštadvaris Narrow-Gauge Railway: Departing from Kaunas, this narrow-gauge railway takes you through the scenic Aukštadvaris Regional Park. Enjoy the charming countryside, meandering rivers, and quaint villages along the way.

    • Šiauliai Hill of Crosses: Located near Šiauliai, the Hill of Crosses is a unique pilgrimage site. While not directly accessible by train, you can take a train to Šiauliai and then continue by bus or taxi to visit this mesmerizing place filled with thousands of crosses.

    • Klaipėda to Nida: This route offers a scenic journey from the port city of Klaipėda to the charming resort town of Nida in the Curonian Spit. The train ride provides beautiful views of the Curonian Lagoon, sand dunes, and the unique landscape of the Spit.

    • Molėtai Tourist Train: Departing from Vilnius, the Molėtai Tourist Train takes you to the picturesque town of Molėtai and its surrounding area. Explore the stunning lakes, forests, and nature parks while enjoying a leisurely train ride.

Luggage information.

Luggage with a total sum of three dimensions (length, width, height) not exceeding 200 cm and a total weight not exceeding 50 kg. Hand Luggage up to 35 kg is free of charge.

Bicycle on the train.

Bicycle transportation service on trains is provided, therefore, safe and modern bicycle racks have been installed at major railway stations in various cities.

One passenger can only carry one bicycle. In addition, additional conditions and charges apply to the transportation of bicycles.

1st class (seated) cars - transportation of bicycles is prohibited.

2nd class cars (seated) - a fee of 45% of the 2nd class ticket price will be charged.

3rd class cars (seating) - 45% of the 3rd class ticket price will be charged.

Ski or snowboard on the train.

It is no problem to take your skis or snowboard with you on a Deutsche Bahn train at no extra charge. Put them in a baggage area, not in the aisle.

Luggage lockers on the stations in Lithuania.

Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda stations have luggage storage. Storage price starts from 2 euros for 0-6 hours.

Lost and Found Items.

Lost and found items on the train must be reported to the carrier's staff. Items may be inspected, seized and placed in storage or destroyed if they are dangerous. Items not recovered by owners are stored for 6 months and then disposed of. An additional fee is charged for the storage of found items. For information, please call +370 700 55111 or email informacija@ltglink.lt.

Pets on the trains.

It is allowed to transport animals in carriages of 2nd and 3rd class.
There is no charge for transporting an animal in a carrier.
If the animal is travelling without a carrier, you will have to pay 50% of the ticket price of the selected ticket office.