Transportation & Travel

Kaunas’ public transport network is relatively affordable and easy to use. Additional travel discounts for commuters make it even more accessible. The city’s modern buses and trolleybuses offer both residents and visitors a comfortable and convenient way to navigate the city.

Modernization and Environmental Initiatives

As part of Kaunas’ ongoing efforts to make the city greener, Kaunas has made significant investments into acquiring new hybrid buses, specifically the “MAN Lion’s City 12” buses, which are powered by an electric motor and a smaller-than-usual internal combustion engine. This hybrid technology allows for a more eco-friendly means of transport, reducing emissions and noise. It is estimated that these hybrid buses may even be 7 times better for the environment compared to a standard motor vehicle.

Another drastic improvement in Kaunas’ public transport system is the replacement of the city’s trolleybuses, which have been serving commuters since the 1980s. They have been replaced with newly purchased low-floor electric trolleybuses, which are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 2,500 tonnes annually, making the city’s air cleaner for everyone.

Ticketing Options

If you’d like to try out Kaunas’ new buses or trolleybuses, here are the three main ways to purchase your ticket:

1. Single-use paper tickets
   A single-use, non-transferable paper ticket can be purchased from the driver for only €1. This ticket can only be used for one trip.

2. The “Žiogas” app
   For a more convenient option, the “Žiogas” app allows you to purchase tickets on your phone. Using the app, a single bus trip will cost you only €0.70.

   Using this purchase method, you are allowed one free transfer within the first 30 minutes of validating your ticket. To use the “Žiogas” app, simply download it, add money to your account, and scan the QR code located on the bus or trolleybus when boarding. You must immediately validate your ticket, as the bus control frequently checks commuters’ tickets.

3. The “Žiogas” card
   If you prefer a physical card, the “Žiogas” electronic ticket card is available for purchase for €1.50 at various supermarkets and gas stations in the city. You can load money directly onto the card. A single trip costs €0.70. You can also transfer for free within the first 30 minutes of validating your ticket. To use the card, simply tap your card on the scanner when boarding.

If you plan to stay in Kaunas for longer, the “Žiogas” card is your best option. Once the value of your validated single tickets reaches the value of the monthly pass (€28 without a discount), you no longer have to pay for travel for the remainder of the month.

Students can also enjoy a 50% discount on both single-use and monthly tickets. For international students, it’s recommended to invest in an ISIC card rather than relying solely on a university student ID. When purchasing your “Žiogas” card, be sure to inform the seller of your discount category. If you prefer the app, you can easily adjust the settings yourself. Remember to always carry proof of your discount to avoid fines during ticket inspections. Many other groups are also eligible for discounts, such as people with disabilities and the elderly. For more detailed information on the different discounts [click here].

A Vision for the Future

There is hope that by renewing Kaunas’ public transport system, the city will become greener by not only reducing emissions and improving efficiency, but also providing commuters with a more comfortable and positive commute experience, encouraging residents to opt for a cheaper, more sustainable mode of travel over private motor vehicles.

Embracing Greener Ways of Driving in Kaunas: Car Sharing

Although using the public transport available to everyone is the most green and cost-effective way to get around Kaunas, longer commutes outside the city may require a car. Car sharing services are a great option if you only intend to use a vehicle for a day or even a few hours. These services provide the convenience of having a car without the long-term commitment or the additional expenses that come with owning your own vehicle, such as road tax, insurance, and mandatory inspections. To acquire a car for a short period of time, simply reserve a car through a car sharing service and the car is yours (for the time being)!

Top Car Sharing Services in Kaunas

• Citybee
  Citybee was the first car sharing service to establish itself in Kaunas in 2013. The initial Citybee car parking area was established right next to the Kaunas train station. To utilize the Citybee car sharing service, all you need to do is download the Citybee app, fill in your personal details, including proof of a valid driver’s licence, and reserve a suitable vehicle for your trip! After completing your trip, leave the vehicle in a designated Citybee parking area, which can be seen on the app.

  The cost of your trip is calculated by adding the time of use and the kilometres driven. If you are planning a longer trip, travel packages can also help you save money. Citybee is valuable in a city like Kaunas, striving to become greener. To make your trip even more environmentally-friendly, opt for an electric vehicle!

• Spark
  Spark, the car sharing service that launched in Kaunas alongside Bolt in 2023, sets itself apart from the others by offering only electric vehicles. This provides drivers with certain privileges, such as the ability to use A+ lanes on the road to avoid standing in traffic. Spark aims to encourage the use of more environmentally friendly vehicles. The reservation process is similar to Citybee and Bolt, conducted through the Spark app. Pricing is also calculated based on driving time and distance. However, one standout feature of Spark is the ability to collect eGO points, which can be redeemed for free trips, making it an attractive option for more regular users of car sharing services.

• Bolt
  Bolt entered the Kaunas market in 2023 with the aim of reducing air pollution and the number of private vehicles on the city roads. This service operates similarly to Citybee, allowing users to easily reserve a vehicle through the Bolt app. Bolt calculates the cost of your trip based on the time of use and the kilometres driven. Bolt also offers travel packages, allowing you to save money on longer trips.

These car sharing services offer residents the flexibility of renting out a car for a few hours or days without the additional fees that come with car ownership. By promoting these services, Kaunas is modernizing its transportation options, becoming a more environmentally friendly city. By providing residents with the choices to make more eco-conscious decisions, Kaunas is steadily transforming into a modern, green, and forward-thinking city.

Green Adventures: Bike and Scooter Renting in Kaunas

Although the city offers affordable public transport options and a variety of car services to choose from, there are also more fun ways to explore the vibrant city. Renting a bike or scooter is a great way to get to know the city firsthand. Kaunas prides itself on making sure we can efficiently commute around the city by creating new bike lanes. So, why not try them out?

Additionally, Kaunas will continue to develop its bicycle path infrastructure. The Ministry of Transport has allocated record European Union (EU) investments for the development of pedestrian and bicycle path infrastructure in Lithuania by 2027, amounting to approximately 100 million euros. Of this sum, 4 million euros will be invested into Kaunas. However, there is no need to wait, Kaunas already offers many picturesque routes and trails to explore!

Bolt’s Electric Scooters and Bikes Revolutionize Kaunas’ City Transport

Bolt has established the most popular electric bicycle and scooter rental service in Kaunas.

The Bolt electric scooters first arrived in Kaunas in 2019, after becoming immensely popular in Vilnius, offering residents a new, fun alternative to their daily commute. Today, Bolt scooters have become a common mode of transportation for many Kaunas residents. The scooters can be rented out easily through the Bolt app. Each scooter has a GPS device, allowing you to see scooters close to you. Firstly, you must top up your Bolt account. After doing so, you can scan the QR on a scooter through the app, confirm, and begin your ride. After the completion of your trip, the app displays the areas in which parking is allowed. You should leave your scooter in a safe place away from the pedestrian path to ensure others’ safety. Bolt scooters cost €0.11 per minute. However, if you plan to use the scooter for longer, there are also subscriptions allowing you to ride for cheaper with a pre-paid weekly or monthly plan.

Following the success of Bolt scooters among Kaunas’ residents, Bolt introduced an electric bike rental service in 2022. The bikes have been created to ensure cyclists’ safety and comfort. The cyclist has access to a smart dashboard that tracks speed, battery-charging level, and warns about the speed restrictions applied in the city. The advanced GPS system can help you find the best route. If needed, there is a phone charger integrated into the steering structure, making sure you never have to worry about your phone battery. Additionally, the bike frame is made of 100% recyclable aluminium, and the integrated battery can be easily replaced, meaning that the maintenance team will not have to load the bikes to the warehouse every time, which significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions and maintains a relatively low price for the service.

Trails of Kaunas

“Like Bike Kaunas” is an initiative, striving to brand Kaunas as the first city in the Baltic states fully adapted for cyclists. “Like Bike” aims to make the bicycle a common means of transport in the Kaunas region. One of the ways this initiative hopes to achieve its goal is by establishing new bike routes around Kaunas. Here’s a few of the many routes you can try out:

• “Miesto Širdis” (“The Heart of the City”) Route
  This 6.5 km route winds through the very center of the city, the heart of Kaunas, showcasing the true face of Kaunas: full of photogenic interwar architecture, pleasant bustle, nature, and flowing rivers. You can diversify your trip by cooling off at the fountains, stopping for a picnic in Santaka Park, or grabbing a coffee in one of the many cafes in the surrounding area.

• “Romantikų” (“The Romantic Way”) Route
  The Pažaislis monastery, the surrounding pine forest, and the yacht club are all located around the scenic Kaunas lagoon, connected by “The Romantic Way” cycling route, creating an immersive nature experience. If you get hungry along the way, you can enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant located in the yacht club or enjoy a romantic picnic by the water. The route is approximately 3 km long, making it a perfect route for a peaceful date after a long workday.

Discovering Kaunas by Water

In the summer of 2023, water transport in Kaunas saw a 48% increase in usage compared to 2022, with the ferry “Nevėžis” becoming increasingly popular. This shows that both residents and visitors are eager to connect with the outstanding natural surroundings of Kaunas through a more fun way of travelling by water transport. Additionally, exploring the region by water allows you to discover the charming towns along the banks of the Nemunas river. As a city defined by its rivers and lakes, it is important that Kaunas allows travellers to enjoy its waterways. Here’s a brief overview of the ferry and boat rides available to you:

• “Nevėžis”
  The ferry “Nevėžis” offers cyclists and pedestrians a convenient way to cross the Nemunas river. It transports passengers from the historic town of Zapyškis, located on the left bank of the river, to Kulautuva on the opposite side, and back. The ferry operates from May to September, though specific beginning and end dates may vary each year. Currently, the ferry runs from Thursday to Sunday. Adult tickets are €1. Children up to 7 years old travel for free. Find more information about it [here].

• “Vilkynė”
  The ferry “Vilkynė” transports passengers and vehicles across the Nemunas river, connecting Vilkija with Pavilkija in the Šakiai district. The ferry can accommodate 7-8 cars. It operates 180 days a year, from May to early November. A single ticket is €1. Crossing with a car (including passengers inside the vehicle) costs €6. More detailed information can be found [here].
  Working hours:
  May, June, July, August, September: Monday-Sunday 7:00 – 20:30
  October, November: Monday-Sunday 7:00 – 19:30

• “Zapyškis”
  Excursions on the Nemunas river are a great opportunity to explore the unique towns within the Kaunas district. Boat “Zapyškis” offers trips to the nature-rich and architecturally significant towns of Kačerginė, Kulautuva, and Vilkija. It operates from May through October. Boat “Zapyškis” can also be privately rented for larger groups, which costs €100 per hour during weekdays and €150 per hour on weekends. Another boat trip available to everyone is a short 45-minute sightseeing cruise at only €5 per adult ticket. Additionally, there are also Sunday trips from Zapyškis to Kačerginė at the same price, and guided excursions to Kačerginė or Kulautuva, which should be booked in advance.