Car Hire in Kaunas, Lithuania

Renting a Car in Kaunas

Kaunas served as Lithuania's provisional capital between the wars and still carries a distinct, confident character. Its Old Town and Modernist New Town (a UNESCO-listed ensemble of 1920s–40s architecture) are best explored on foot, but a rental car is the gateway to the rest of central Lithuania.

City-centre offices are small; fleet availability is tighter than at Kaunas Airport, so book ahead especially in summer. Prices are comparable to Vilnius — economy cars from €12/day.

Car Rental Providers in Kaunas

• Europcar
• Hertz
• Avis
• Budget

Compare all providers — including independent local operators — through DiscoverCars and RentalCars.com to find the best rate for your dates.

Where to Pick Up Your Car in Kaunas

Main pickup location: Kaunas city centre — Laisvės alėja pedestrian boulevard. Additional collection points may be available at hotels and railway stations — check your provider's website for the full list of Kaunas locations.

What Documents Do You Need?

• Valid driving licence — held for at least 1 year.
• Passport or national identity card.
• Credit card in the primary driver's name for the security deposit.
• Non-EU licence holders may need an International Driving Permit if the licence is not in Latin script.

Young Driver Rules in Lithuania

Drivers aged 18–24 can rent from most providers but typically pay a Young Driver Surcharge of €8–€20/day. Minimum age is usually 18, with some providers requiring 21 for premium categories.

Tips for Renting in Kaunas

• Laisvės alėja is pedestrianised — collect/return from the side streets.
• Kaunas Airport is 14 km north; often cheaper to rent there if flying in.
• Street parking in the centre uses the SMS parking system (number posted on signs).
• Avoid the Kaunas–Vilnius A1 during Friday evening rush hours.

Driving in Lithuania

Lithuania uses right-hand traffic. Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on rural roads, 110–130 km/h on motorways. Blood alcohol limit: 0.04%. Headlights on at all times. Winter tyres required Nov–Mar. Currency: Euro (€).

Nearby Destinations Worth Driving To

• Kaunas Reservoir (Kauno marios) — 15 km, 20 min. Large artificial lake with cycling paths, beaches, and sailing in summer.
• Druskininkai — 130 km, 1.5 hr. Lithuania's premier spa resort town, set in pine forest near the Belarus border.
• Vilnius — 100 km, 1 hr. The capital via the A1 motorway — easy half-day trip.
• Palanga — 200 km, 2 hr. Lithuania's main beach resort on the Baltic coast. Popular for summer weekends.

For more planning help, read our car rental tips guide and find out which fees to watch for when collecting your vehicle.