Kaunas on a Shoestring: Budget-Friendly Day Trip

Experience the charm of historic Kaunas without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Experience the charm and beauty of Kaunas, Lithuania without breaking the bank. Take advantage of the city's affordable accommodations, public transportation, and delicious food options. Visit popular attractions such as the Old Town, Kaunas Castle, and the Ninth Fort for free or at a low cost.

Day trip plan

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Day

Discovering Kaunas on a Budget

  • Start your day with a visit to the historical Kaunas Castle, the perfect spot for some awesome photo ops.
  • Sample traditional Lithuanian cuisine at Kuhne, a budget-friendly restaurant that's popular with locals. Try the potato pancakes!
  • Take a stroll along the Laisves Aleja, the main pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes and street performers.
  • Visit the Statue of Liberty atop the hill of Kryziu Kalnas. It's a bit of a hike up, but well worth it for the views of the city.
  • End your day with a visit to the Lithuanian Art Museum, home to a vast collection of Lithuanian art from across the centuries.
  • Wrap up your day with a drink or two at Apynys, a cozy pub in the heart of the old town.
  • Kaunas may not be as well-known as Vilnius, but it's definitely worth a visit for its rich history, charming old town, and friendly locals. Even if you're on a tight budget, there are plenty of things to see and do that won't break the bank.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Kaunas, Lithuania by plane is to fly into Kaunas International Airport, which is located about 15km east of the city center. There are direct flights to Kaunas from several European cities, including London, Dublin, Frankfurt, and Brussels.

Car

If you prefer driving, the best way to get to Kaunas is to rent a car and drive from Vilnius—Lithuania's capital. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours and the A1/E85 highway connects the two cities. There are several car rental companies located at Vilnius International Airport.

Train

While there are no direct trains to Kaunas from other countries, it is possible to take a train to Vilnius—Lithuania's capital—and then transfer to a train to Kaunas. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours and trains leave from Vilnius Central Station.

Boat

Unfortunately, there are no boats or ferries that go directly to Kaunas, as the city is not located on the coast. However, you can take a ferry from Germany or Poland to the port city of Klaipeda, which is located west of Kaunas. From Klaipeda, you can either rent a car or take a bus to Kaunas.

Bus

There are several bus companies that offer direct trips to Kaunas from major European cities, including Warsaw, Berlin, and Prague. The journey time varies depending on the departure city, but most trips take between 6-10 hours. Buses typically arrive at the Kaunas Bus Station, which is located in the city center.

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