Car Hire in Šiauliai, Lithuania

Renting a Car in Šiauliai

Šiauliai is northern Lithuania's largest city and the home of the legendary Hill of Crosses — one of the most striking pilgrimage sites in the world, just 12 km north of the city. As a crossroads between Vilnius, Riga, and Klaipėda, it's a logical stop on any Baltic road trip.

Rental supply is limited compared to the capital, but Europcar and Hertz maintain offices here. Prices are low — from €12/day. A car is essentially essential: the Hill of Crosses and the surrounding countryside have minimal public transport.

Car Rental Providers in Šiauliai

• Europcar
• Hertz

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 Šiauliai

Main pickup location: Šiauliai city centre — Tilžės gatvė. Additional collection points may be available at hotels and railway stations — check your provider's website for the full list of Šiauliai 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 Šiauliai

• Hill of Crosses parking is free; arrive before 10am in summer to avoid coach tour crowds.
• Fuel in Šiauliai is among the cheapest in Lithuania — fill up before heading to Riga.
• The Via Baltica (A8) north to Riga is well-maintained and lightly trafficked.
• Most rental offices are in the city centre and close at 6pm — confirm return times.

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

• Hill of Crosses — 12 km, 15 min. Over 100,000 crosses on a small hill — a globally unique spiritual monument.
• Radviliškis Solar Power Path — 30 km, 30 min. Educational trail and Lithuania's largest solar park.
• Riga, Latvia — 150 km, 1.5 hr. Straight north on the Via Baltica — easy day trip to the Latvian capital.
• Klaipėda — 130 km, 1.5 hr. Head west to the Baltic coast and Curonian Spit gateway.

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