Car Hire in Vilnius, Lithuania

Renting a Car in Vilnius

Vilnius is Lithuania's compact, walkable capital, but a rental car unlocks the countryside that surrounds it. The historic Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and within two hours of the city you can reach the Curonian Spit, the Hill of Crosses, and the Latvian border. City-centre rental offices are clustered on Gedimino prospektas and at major hotels — collection is straightforward, usually within 20 minutes.

Prices in Vilnius are among the lowest in the EU for city pickup. Economy cars start around €12–€15 per day when booked in advance. Cross-border travel to Latvia, Estonia, and Poland is generally permitted by all major providers — always confirm at booking.

Car Rental Providers in Vilnius

• Europcar
• Sixt
• 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 Vilnius

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

• Book 2+ weeks ahead in summer — city office fleets are smaller than at VNO airport.
• Old Town parking is limited; use Gedimino or Vingio Park underground car parks.
• Fuel is cheapest at Orlen and Circle K stations on the city outskirts.
• Cross-border to Poland via Suwalki corridor requires provider written confirmation.

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

• Trakai Castle — 28 km, 30 min. Medieval island fortress on Lake Galvė — the most visited site in Lithuania.
• Kaunas — 100 km, 1 hr. Lithuania's second city; excellent street art, interwar modernist architecture, and a lively food scene.
• Curonian Spit (Nida) — 310 km, 3.5 hr. UNESCO sand dunes and pine forest along the Baltic coast. Memorable day trip or overnight stay.
• Hill of Crosses (Šiauliai) — 215 km, 2.5 hr. Extraordinary pilgrimage site with over 100,000 crosses. A uniquely Lithuanian experience.

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