Major city · Lithuania
Kaunas
Give Kaunas 2 nights: Old Town and the Ninth Fort on day one, interwar modernism along Laisvės alėja on day two.
Kaunas is Lithuania's second city and its interwar capital, 90 minutes by train from Vilnius. The Old Town sits at the river confluence, the New Town runs along Laisvės alėja, and the modernism of the 1920s–30s plus the Ninth Fort are what separate it from Vilnius. Two nights covers it without rushing; one night is enough if you only want the Old Town.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Aug
- avoid Dec–Feb (ice, short days)
- Airports
- KUN · VNO
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…Treat the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian borders with R…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Baltic states ↗Treat the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian borders with Russia and Belarus as closed to your plans: crossings are restricted, change within hours, and sit under advisories on the far side.
- Baltic states ↗Book open-jaw flights (into Tallinn or Vilnius, out of the other) so the line runs one way; Riga is the biggest airport if you need a single hub.
- Baltic states ↗Midsummer (23–24 June) is the biggest holiday in all three countries: cities empty, many businesses close and island and coast transport sells out.
- Lithuania ↗Lithuania is in the EU and the Schengen area; the EU Entry/Exit System applies to non-EU visitors. Check the official EU and Lithuanian sources for your passport.
- Lithuania ↗Borders with Belarus and the Russian Kaliningrad region are not routes for casual travel; check your government's advice first.
- Lithuania ↗The Curonian Spit is a protected national park: cars pay an entry fee, and the Russian half of the spit is a separate border.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Kaunas112 ▾
- All services112
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Kaunas, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Lithuania-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelia, Bitė and Tele2 prepaid SIMs from Narvesen kiosks and Maxima supermarkets.Lithuania-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe.Lithuania-wide
- TippingRestaurant: About 10% for good service.Lithuania-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Lithuania-wide
- SafetyKaunas is a safe city by day and on the main streets at night.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPaid public toilets €0.30–1 (≈ US$1–2); free in malls and cafés for customers.Lithuania-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All services (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany shops close early on Sunday; museums often close Mondays.Lithuania-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportKUN Kaunas International Airport (14 km (8.7 mi) northeast; bus 29 to the centre about 1 h, or taxi about €20 (≈ US$25)).KUN Kaunas International Airport (8.7 mi (14 km) northeast; bus 29 to the centre about 1 h, or taxi about €20 (≈ US$25)).
- Getting aroundOld Town and New Town are walkable and joined by Laisvės alėja.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€2–3.50 (≈ US$3–5)
- Sit-down mealDinner with a drink€15–30 (≈ US$18–35)
- BeerDraught beer, 0.5 l€3–5 (≈ US$4–6)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across the centre€5–9 (≈ US$6–11)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry€2–10 (≈ US$3–12)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€20 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per room€85 (≈ US$100)
- High-end bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per room€160 (≈ US$190)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €45 (≈ US$55) · Mid €85 (≈ US$100) · High €150 (≈ US$180)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- KUN Kaunas International Airport (14 km (8.7 mi) northeast; bus 29 to the centre about 1 h, or taxi about €20) · VNO Vilnius Airport (100 km (62 mi) east; more flights, then train or Ollex bus to Kaunas)KUN Kaunas International Airport (8.7 mi (14 km) northeast; bus 29 to the centre about 1 h, or taxi about €20) · VNO Vilnius Airport (62 mi (100 km) east; more flights, then train or Ollex bus to Kaunas)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Feb
Avoid
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Mar
not flagged
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Nov
not flagged
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Dec
Avoid
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Best: May–Aug. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C) low), wettest Dec (12 rain days), driest Apr (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Kaunas: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
11 rd
Feb
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
9 rd
Mar
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
9 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
8 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
10 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
11 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
10 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
9 rd
Oct
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
10 rd
Nov
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
11 rd
Dec
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Old Town and New Town are walkable and joined by Laisvės alėja. Buses and trolleybuses run 05:00–23:00; an e-ticket is €0.70, a ticket bought on board €1.50. Bolt and Uber work well for short hops. The Aleksotas funicular climbs the south bank from the Vytautas the Great Bridge, daily 07:00–12:00 and 13:00–19:00, €1 (check).
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
- Vilnius full guide89 km (55 mi)55 mi (89 km) east of Kaunas
From Vilnius: Train or bus about 1.5 h · Full day
- Riga full guide230 km (143 mi)143 mi (230 km) north of Kaunas
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1 h 30 min
Train from Kaunas station, hourly 05:00–22:30Train from Kaunas station, hourly 5:00 AM–10:30 PM
Do it as a day trip only if you have already seen Kaunas; otherwise sleep in Vilnius.
Birštonas
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Bus or car south along the Nemunas
Spa town and river bends; a half-day.
Marijampolė
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Train or bus on the Via Baltica corridor
Mostly a transport stop; go only if you are heading further south.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Old Town
Castle, City Hall Square and the river; walkable, quiet at night, best for a short stay.
New Town (Laisvės alėja)
Cafés, shops and the station end; best for transport links and evening food.
Žaliakalnis
Uphill residential district with the funicular and the Čiurlionis museum; cheaper, quieter.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €40–60 (≈ US$50–70) excl. bed
- Mid
- €70–110 (≈ US$85–130) excl. bed
- High
- €130 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, mid hotel1 × 2 nights × €85 | €170 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €85 | €340 |
| Bus 29 airport to centre, one way2 × €2 · check | €3 |
| Single e-ticket, city bus or trolleybus2 × €1 · check | €1 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €10 | €20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €53 |
| Trip total≈ €147 per person per day, bed included | €587≈ US$700 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €2–3.50 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Lunch, soup and main | €8–14 (≈ US$10–17) |
| Dinner with a drink | €15–30 (≈ US$18–35) |
| Draught beer, 0.5 l | €3–5 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Museum entry | €2–10 (≈ US$3–12) |
| Taxi across the centre | €5–9 (≈ US$6–11) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Validate your e-ticket when boarding or it counts as unpaid.
- Shop alcohol sales stop at 20:00, 15:00 on Sundays.Shop alcohol sales stop at 8:00 PM, 3:00 PM on Sundays.
- Winter pavements are icy; the city clears snow but bring grip soles.
- The Ninth Fort is outside the centre with limited bus service: check times before you go and allow half a day.
Emergency numbers
- All services
- 112
Pocket card
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Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
KaunasKaunas
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Į šį adresą, prašauTo this address, please
Emergency
- All services112
Embassy
No embassies in Kaunas; most countries are represented in Vilnius.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus 29, airport to centre: €1.50 (≈ US$2), about 1 h (check)
- Taxi, airport to centre: about €20 (≈ US$25) (check)
- Train, Kaunas to Vilnius: about 90 min, hourly (check)
Say or show
- Laba diena — Hello (la-BA DEE-eh-na)
- Ačiū — Thank you (AH-choo)
- Prašau — Please (pra-SHAU)
- Kiek kainuoja? — How much is it? (kyek kai-NOO-oh-yah)
- Ar galima mokėti kortele? — Can I pay by card? (ar ga-LEE-ma mo-KEH-tee kor-teh-LEH)
- Kur yra tualetas? — Where is the toilet? (koor EE-ra too-a-LEH-tas)
Emergency 112 works in English.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Kaunas. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Aug · avoid Dec–Feb (ice, short days) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for KUN: bus 29 last departure and taxi fallback.
- Walking clusters: Old Town, Laisvės alėja, Žaliakalnis, Aleksotas.
- Place pages with verified hours for the castle, City Hall and the Ninth Fort.
- Winter arrival fixture so the page stays useful in ice and snow.
Sources
- officialKaunas IN — official tourism
- officialVisit Kaunas
- officialKaunas Airport
- officialKaunas Public Transport (KVT)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Kaunas, revision 5334643 (CC BY-SA 4.0)