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CURRENCY: Euro TIME ZONE: GMT+2 STATE CARRIER: LTG Link
Getting to Lithuania...
Getting to Lithuania...
Regular flights operate from the United Kingdom to Lithuania.
The capital city is Vilnius, the currency is the Euro, and the official language is Lithuanian. English is widely understood in most cities, however in towns and villages in the north or east of the country, Russian is still spoken. Particularly in the Visaginas area, where Russian is the predominant language.
Lithuania has a very small population, roughly a third the size of London, despite being 41 times larger. Lithuania is a very safe country across the board both statistically and in reality.
Prices are roughly on par with countries in the area, for example, Latvia and Poland.
Vilnius Airport Arrival
Vilnius Airport Arrival
Vilnius Airport is a short distance from the city centre. A single carriage shuttle train runs an irregular timetable throughout the day between the Airport station, Oro uostas, and the central station in Vilnius. A single fare is €0.90.
Alternatively, regular buses depart from the front of the airport to the City Centre and main station. A single fare is €1.25 and is valid for 60 minutes from activation on all public transport in the city. All buses and trolleybuses accept contactless card and there are multiple readers to 'tap in' on. A card must be tapped in every time a new bus is boarded, and the reader will show how long is left on your 60 minute ticket.
Cash is available from a Swedbank cash machine in the airport terminal, which does not charge fees on international cards.
Cash is not essential.
Palanga Airport Arrival
Palanga Airport Arrival
Usually one return flight a day operates from London Stansted to Palanga, this is operated by Ryanair.
The nearest city is Klaipeda, and a 'Bus-Taxi' service Number. 31 runs from the airport to the city bus/train station.
The bus accepts contactless card payment, the fare is €2.20 one way.
The bus timetable for this route changes daily to match the flight schedule at Palanga, the timetable is found here.
Kaunas Airport Arrival
Kaunas Airport Arrival
Local bus line 21 runs from the airport to Kaunas city centre and Kaunas station, more information to follow when avaliable
Locomotive Hauled Services
Locomotive Hauled Services
Locomotive hauled trains run in Lithuania, only on the Vilnius to Klaipeda route.
Locomotive hauled trains run in Lithuania, only on the Vilnius to Klaipeda route.
The Siemens Eurorunner type (Known as ER20's) are diesel locomotives that work passenger services in Lithuania. Introduced in 2007, this type replaced older, Soviet built locomotives.
The Siemens Eurorunner type (Known as ER20's) are diesel locomotives that work passenger services in Lithuania. Introduced in 2007, this type replaced older, Soviet built locomotives.
Soviet rolling stock is still in operation, however these carriages have been heavily refurbished by Pesa of Poland and offer First, Second and Third class seating arrangements.
Soviet rolling stock is still in operation, however these carriages have been heavily refurbished by Pesa of Poland and offer First, Second and Third class seating arrangements.
There are two scheduled diagrams, which currently run some days of the week, but always on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
There are two scheduled diagrams, which currently run some days of the week, but always on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
These trains are booked to work the following turns;
These trains are booked to work the following turns;
Diagram 1:
Train 15 0643 Vilnius to Klaipėda 1119
Train 18 1221 Klaipėda to Vilnius 1702
Diagram 2:
Train 17 1255 Vilnius to Klaipėda 1732
Train 20 1800 Klaipėda to Vilnius 2237
Note:
Note:
Train schedules can often change for any reason, much like the UK. The operator, LTG Link, provides a journey planner which helpfully highlights which trains are scheduled to be locomotive hauled.
Trains marked 'Passenger Carriage' and offer third class accommodation on this route are locomotive hauled trains.
Example of a loco hauled service on LTG Link's journey planner
On Board
On Board
LTG Link offer a limited dining service on this train. It consists of hot and cold drinks, light refreshments and some hot sandwiches. Menus will be handed out by the carriage attendant, or can be collected from them upon request. A menu is available on their website.
IMPORTANT:
IMPORTANT:
Drinking alcohol is a criminal offence on the railway in Lithuania and carries harsh penalties.
The minimum age to purchase and consume alcohol is 20, and supermarkets and shops adhere to strict trading hours regarding alcohol.
Classes of Travel
Classes of Travel
First class accommodation is extremely modern, with a lounge area at the end of the carriage. There is also a reservable 2 seater compartment at the end of the carriage. You can use the seatmap online to select this area.
First class accommodation is extremely modern, with a lounge area at the end of the carriage. There is also a reservable 2 seater compartment at the end of the carriage. You can use the seatmap online to select this area.
Second Class accommodation is well spaced and modern, and typical of most interiors on modern trains. The majority of the carriage is open seating with a few tables. Two compartments seating 6 with a table and reclining seats are available at each end of the carriage.
Second Class accommodation is well spaced and modern, and typical of most interiors on modern trains. The majority of the carriage is open seating with a few tables. Two compartments seating 6 with a table and reclining seats are available at each end of the carriage.
Third Class accommodation is comprised of closed compartments for 6 passengers, with a table for the two occupying the window seat. Not recommended for long distances.
Third Class accommodation is comprised of closed compartments for 6 passengers, with a table for the two occupying the window seat. Not recommended for long distances.
European railway travel blogger Simon Andersen offers an in depth review and showcase of all classes of travel, tips and things to do on board.
Multiple Units
Multiple Units
DR1A units still operate some services in Lithuania, mainly on the Vilnius - Turmantas route via Ignalina
Ex-Soviet Diesel Multiple Units built in Riga are in regular service on the Vilnius to Turmantas route. All trains on this line are currently scheduled to be operated by DR1A Units as seen above.
Cross border services from Turmantas to Daugavpils (Latvia) have not run for some years, however services are set to resume soon, date unknown. Forum posts suggest this will be the case when other units become available after cascading from other routes caused by the introduction of Stadler 'FLIRT' units which will also replace locomotive hauled workings.
If you wish to cross the border, you can travel by train to Turmantas and take a bus connection to Daugavpils. Alternatively there are direct trains from Vilnius to Riga (Latvia).
For more information on border crossings for Lithuania, see the separate page on the Borders section. (under construction at time of writing)
RVR DR1AM
RVR DR1AM
Built during and after the fall of the Soviet Union, these units are currently the oldest passenger units in service in Lithuania. Each consist is three carriages long and offer only third class accommodation.
These units are currently only in service on the Vilnius-Turmantas-Vilnius route.
Pesa 620M
Pesa 620M
Single carriage diesel multiple units built by Pesa of Poland and entered service between 2008 and 2011.
These trains operate lightly used routes in the country, and also operate the Vilnius Airport shuttle.
Pesa 630M
Pesa 630M
Photo pending
Pesa 730M
Pesa 730M
Photo pending
Metrovagonmash RA2
Metrovagonmash RA2
Photo pending
Skoda EJ575
Skoda EJ575
Photo pending
Ticketing
Ticketing
FOR RAIL STAFF
FOR RAIL STAFF
LTG Link are part of the FIP scheme, entitling ATOC FIP holders to a 50% discount on fares.
FIP coupons are available to active staff, there is no entitlement for family members or dependants.
Booking seats and tickets online with FIP is easy, click the highlighted box, and look for the 'I have a FIP' toggle at the bottom of the discounts menu.
For coupon holders, enter your FIP card or individual coupon number into the box that pops up and select 'FIP 100% Discount'. If you do not have a coupon but do have a valid FIP card, select the 50% option as usual. Tickets and reservations will be offered as a PDF document and can be added to Apple and Google Wallet. Seat selection is possible via an online seat map.
As always, the very helpful website FIP Guide is your friend for all advice regarding FIP travel.
FOR PUBLIC FARES
FOR PUBLIC FARES
WITH INTERRAIL
To book seat reservations, enter your Interrail document number into the box that pops up, then select the 'I have Eurail/Interrail pass' option. You will then need to put your pass number in the box to be able to purchase seat reservations.
Seat selection is possible via an online seat map. Tickets and reservations will be offered as a PDF document and can be added to Apple and Google Wallet.
WITHOUT INTERRAIL
Purchase tickets as normal, for the class of travel you desire. Seat selection is possible via an online seat map. Tickets and reservations will be offered as a PDF document and can be added to Apple and Google Wallet.
Please Note:
Please Note:
The majority of trains in Lithuania do not require a seat reservation, however they are recommended, as services can be busy.
Other places of interest in Lithuania
Other places of interest in Lithuania
Lithuania has erased much of its history of the occupation by the Soviet Union from daily life, however museums are dotted across the country that detail life for Lithuanians behind the iron curtain. Some personal recommendations are;
Museum of Occupation and Freedom Fighters, Vilnius
Three Crosses Monument, Vilnius
Aleksoto Funicular Railway, Kaunas
Lithuanian Aviation Museum, Kaunas
Visaginas Soviet Mural, Visaginas
Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant Tour, Ignalina/Visaginas (High demand)
Not all Soviet history has been erased, Manhole covers across Klaipeda Station are embossed with '1978 Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic'
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