Lithuania Driving Guide
Explore Lithuania driving when you get your IDP
Lithuania is a European country that is rich not just in culture and history but also in natural beauty. In addition to that, this country is famous for its landscape, numerous forests, and lakes. Significant architectural structures such as castles, churches, and cathedrals are what awaits you in Lithuania. With four UNESCO World Heritage Sites to its name, you should not pass on visiting Lithuania.
The best way to explore Lithuania is by driving. Driving in Lithuania by your car from one place to another will give you comfort and convenience as you will be in charge of your transportation. But first, you need to secure an International Driver’s Permit in Lithuania for you to legally driving through Lithuania.
How Can This Guide Help You
Driving in a country that you are not familiar with might be difficult. After reading this guide, you will most likely be familiar with Lithuania. From Lithuania's driving laws, situations, and required items to the country’s tourist destinations, you can learn a lot by giving time to read this guide. Aside from that, there are also tips provided for you.
General Information
Lithuania has always been famous for its mesmerizing natural sites and a mix of stunning architectural structures. Aside from that, it also shares half of a 61-mile strip of dunes called the “Curonian Spit.” Magisterial castles, refreshing lakes, and a beautiful coast awaits travelers in Lithuania.
Geographic Location
Lithuania is the southernmost country and the largest among the Baltic States, along with Estonia and Latvia. It sits in the northeastern part of Europe. Latvia borders the country to the North, the Baltic Sea to the West, Russia and Poland to the Southwest, and Belarus to the East and South. Vilnius is Lithuania’s most extensive and capital city
People leaving in Lithuania generally experience a very cold winter and a moderate rainy summer due to its geographic location. The temperature in Lithuania can go as low as -20 degrees during winter. Lithuania’s winter season will likely let you experience snowfall.
Languages Spoken
The primary and official language used in Lithuania is Lithuanian. It is widely-spoken by over 90% of the country’s population. As the Lithuanian language has been existent since the 16th century, and with the struggle for its survival, its official language is very much a part of every Lithuanian’s identity.
Other languages that Lithuanians use are Russian, Polish, and German. English is the most popular foreign language used in Lithuania. It is spoken by 30% of the country’s population, where 80% of those who speak English are youth. English is mostly taught in schools in the country.
Land Area
Lithuania is a low land country. It has a land area of 65,300 square kilometers, which is a little bigger compared to Latvia’s land area. Lithuania’s land area ranks 121st among the other countries in the world in terms of size and 24th among the European countries.
Above 50% of the land area of Lithuania is agricultural land. Almost 31% or about two million hectares of the country’s agricultural land is covered by forests. Forests in Lithuania are classified into two categories; forested land and non-forested land. You can find numerous forests in the southern part of Lithuania.
History
The first Baltic tribes in Lithuania, called the Balts, settled in the country about 14000-12000 BCE. In 1236, all the tribes were united by the first Grand Duke of Lithuania, Mindaugas. Over the next hundred years, Lithuania grew bigger and became the largest country in Europe in the 14th century. Lithuania unified with Poland in 1569 through a Commonwealth that is also known as “Rzeczpospolita.”
The kingdom of Lithuania and Poland lasted until the year 1975, after Lithuania was entirely conquered by Russia. In 1915, Lithuania was occupied by the Germans, but when World War I ended in 1918, Lithuania became an independent country. At the start of World War II, the Soviet Union absorbed Lithuania. When the Soviet Union collapsed, Lithuania became an independent country again and joined the European Union (EU) in the year 2004.
Government
The government of Lithuania practices the Parliamentary Democracy type of political system. The parliament holds power among others in the institution, and they will also be the one selecting the government. The president is elected by plurality vote and will serve as the government’s head for a term of five years. He/She will then appoint a prime minister with the approval of the parliament.
The supreme court judges hold the jurisdiction among all judicial matters. They are nominated by the president, appointed by the parliament, and will serve a five-year term. The constitutional court handles all matters involving the constitution and will serve for a nine-year term.
Tourism
Over 3 million tourists visited Lithuania in 2018. Of the 3 million arrivals, 1.74 million are international tourists. Over the last ten years, it has recorded a growth of 2 million tourists who visited the country. As more tourists are keen on exploring Lithuania, their tourism is projected to continue growing for the next years to come.
International Driver’s Permit FAQs
All drivers, especially non-EU citizens, should secure an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) before driving in Lithuania. An IDP is a U.N.-recognized legal document that contains the translation of your local driver’s license to 12 languages. It is a document that the Lithuanian authorities will check during road checkpoints. Aside from that, when renting a car, you will also need an IDP.
Is a Local Driver’s License Valid in Lithuania?
All local driver’s licenses are valid and can be used in Lithuania. But you have to support it with an International Driver’s Permit in Lithuania. If you are a non-EU citizen, you must have an International Driver’s Permit when driving in Lithuania. Driving without an IDP in Lithuania can get you in trouble with the Lithuanian road authorities.
As for EU citizens, they may not be required to have an IDP when driving in Lithuania, but it is still highly advisable for them to secure one. You must always bring your IDP with you, as it is one of the driving requirements in Lithuania. A list of the European Union countries is provided below:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Republic of Cyprus
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Sweden
- Spain
- Switzerland
Does an IDP Replace a Local Driver’s License for Tourists Driving to Lithuania?
While an International Driver’s Permit is one of the driving requirements in Lithuania, it does not replace your local driver’s license. An IDP will be a support document to your local driver’s license whenever you are driving in Lithuania or in other foreign countries. You can also use it when renting a car as most of the car rental companies do require an IDP if you rent a car from them.
Who Can Apply for An IDP to Drive in Lithuania?
Anyone that has a driver’s license and is already 18 years old and above can apply for an International Driver’s Permit in Lithuania. You can submit an application for an IDP online through the provided application form on our website. Before submitting, double-check the details that you entered in the form, especially if you’re driving in Lithuania, the zip code of your home country is essential to avoid delayed IDP shipments.
Your application will be processed by the IDA team. Within two hours after your submission, if your application is approved, the digital copy of your IDP will be emailed to you. The physical copy of your IDP will be shipped to you immediately. If you are US-based, then your IDP will arrive 7-15 days after shipment and up to 30 days internationally.
Can I Use My Digital Copy if I lost the Physical Copy of My IDP?
Road authorities only acknowledge a physical copy of an IDP; that is why you can not use the digital copy of your IDP. So if you lost the physical copy of your IDP, immediately request a replacement. We at the International Driver’s Association offer a free replacement to IDPs issued from our website. The only thing that you will be paying is the shipment cost of the IDP to your address. So, if you look into driving to Lithuania, a zip code must be placed to ensure your driving journey will not be delayed.
When I Visit Another Foreign Country After Lithuania, Is My IDP Still Valid?
Valid?
Our IDPs that are issued to you are valid for over 150 countries. You can still use it not just when driving in Lithuania but also when you are driving in other countries. Just make sure that it has not passed its validity date for you to be able to continue using it. If your IDP has expired already, you can not use it anymore. Do not worry, as you can renew for an IDP at IDA anytime you want.
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Renting a Car in Lithuania
You can really enjoy and explore Lithuania if you are in charge of your own transportation. And the best way possible is to drive your own car while roaming around Lithuania. Driving into Lithuania can get you from one place to another faster than riding public transportation. Aside from that, you can also get to places that are inaccessible by public transportation if you decide to drive in your own car. If you do not have your own car, do not worry as there are car rental companies for you.
Car Rental Companies
- Admita
- Alamo
- Autoeurope
- Avis
- Europcar
- Green Motion
- Hertz
- Kayak
- Sixt
- Thrifty
Another way for you to rent a car is by renting a car at car rental booths found at airports. The downside of renting car rental booths at airports is that the offer can be much expensive compared to the offers found online. But if you, unfortunately, forget to rent a car first before traveling to Lithuania, then renting on the booths at the airports is your best choice. The good news is that you can rent a car whether you are already in Lithuania
Documents Required
Most car rental companies will look for your local driver’s license and your International Driver’s Permit when you rent a car from them. Aside from that, they may also ask for your passport and a credit card issued to your name. Do not forget to bring an additional ID in case further verification is needed.
Vehicle Types
You can choose from a wide variety of vehicle types offered by the different car rental companies. Different car rental companies offer a variety of rented vehicle types with varying prices. You can choose from a manual or automatic transmission of a car. Small and large cars are also available. Whatever type of car you choose, you have to make sure that you will be comfortable driving through Lithuania with it.
Car Rental Cost
Different car rental companies have different bases for a car rental fee. But generally, a car rental fee will be based on the type of car you are about to rent, length of your rental, time of the year, and whether your rented car is dropped off and picked up at the same place. Add-ons such as Wi-Fi access, GPS, car seat, and additional drivers can also affect your car rental fee.
Age Requirements
You have to be at least 18 years old and have held your local driver’s license for a minimum of one year for you to be able to rent a car in Lithuania. But take note that the age requirement of renting a car can change depending on the car rental company that you are renting a car from. An additional fee or a young driver fee will also be charged if you are under 25 years old.
Car Insurance Cost
Car insurances are mostly included in the car rental fee. Car insurances are essential if, unfortunately, you will be involved in a road accident in the country. In Lithuania, any rented vehicle is required to have Third-Party Liability Insurance. There are other car insurances that you can avail of. Do not worry as it will be further discussed by the car rental company to you.
Car Insurance Policy
Aside from the mandatory Third-Party Liability insurance in every car in Lithuania, the car rental company may also include other insurances like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection Insurance, the 24/7 road assistance. The CDW covers the costs if ever the car you rented is damaged while driving it. The Theft Protection Insurance covers the costs if the car you rented is stolen or it is damaged while being attempted to be stolen. The 24/7 road assistance will be very important in case your car breaks down while you are on a trip.
Other Tips
There are other things that you should know in order to full-enjoy your trip to Lithuania. Aside from that, knowing more tips about traveling and the country you are about to visit is very advantageous on your part.
How Can You Get a Budget-Friendly Rental Car Deal?
A budget-friendly way of driving into Lithuania with a rented car is very much possible if you know how to do it. Choosing the best car rental fee that suits your budget is the first thing you should consider. This is where renting a car online becomes very advantageous because you have a wide variety of offers to choose from. Compare different car rental offers from different car rental companies and choose the one that is most likely suitable to your car rental budget.
When searching for a budget-friendly rental car deal, you also have to consider your own comfort and preference. Choose the car rental fee that is not just budget-friendly but the one that will let you rent a car that you are comfortable driving with. As you are satisfied with your rental car deal, you will also feel comfortable driving into Lithuania.
The Road Rules in Lithuania
When driving the roads of Lithuania, it is important to know and understand the mandated rules. If you have been driving for quite some time now, then you should already be familiar with the driving rules in Lithuania as they are pretty much the same as other countries’ road rules. You should not just know the driving rules in Lithuania, but also you should follow every bit of it. The road and traffic rules are implemented for the purpose of maintaining order on roads and also guiding you on your trip.
Important Regulations
Driving into Lithuania by car will easily get you to places that you wanted to visit, even the ones that are not accessible by public transportation. But first, you have to make sure that you are fully aware of the driving rules in Lithuania. Understanding and knowing the roads’ rules and regulations in Lithuania will help you have a trouble-free trip.
When driving on Lithuanian roads, it is necessary to bring your local driver’s license, your International Driver’s Permit in Lithuania, your passport, and the legal documents of your car. Those documents should be presented whenever you encounter road checkpoints in Lithuania. So make sure to always bring the documents when driving on Lithuanian roads.
Drunk-driving
One of the driving laws in Lithuania and also in other foreign countries is to never drive after drinking alcoholic drinks. The drinking and driving laws in Lithuania has allowed drivers to have a maximum of 0.04% or 40 mg BAC (Blood Alcohol Limit) whenever they are driving. It is reduced to 0.02% or 20mg BAC if the driver has less than two years of driving experience.
It is very important to follow the drinking and driving laws in Lithuania because driving under the influence in the country can get you and the other drivers on the road in a possible road accident.
Turning Signals at an Intersection
If you want to turn left or right at an intersection, you have to turn on your signal lights 100 feet before reaching the intersection. It is to inform the drivers behind you of what you intend to do. You must be on the lane closest to the side you are about to turn.
Parking
Lithuania has adopted the European Model Parking Card. The reserved parking spaces in Lithuania are marked with a wheelchair symbol. If you decided to take a break from your trip, you could only park on the road only if you are not causing traffic. You should check the traffic road signs for that.
As you reach your destination, only park your car at the designated parking space. Make sure that where you parked in a well-lit area. Before leaving your car unattended, turn off the car’s engine, bring your personal belongings with you, and do not forget to lock the car’s door as you close it. Violation of parking regulations will subject you to fines.
Ensure you and your vehicle are in good condition before driving.
Before you start driving in Lithuania, make sure that you yourself are capable of driving and that your car is fully functional. Check if the car’s steering wheel, engine, breaks, signal lights, mirrors, horns, and tires are functioning well. Remove all the things that could distract you while driving. Do not forget to put on your seatbelt and to close the car’s door before starting your drive.
Your attention should only be on the road ahead of you. Do not use your phone. If you really need to use it, you can slowly pull to the side of the road and take a break from your trip to use it. Remember to use signal lights whenever you would like to make a turn so as to inform other drivers of what you intend to do.
General Standards of Driving in Lithuania
Safe driving in Lithuania is what every tourist would want. You will enjoy more exploring the country if it is less hassle and trouble-free. With that, it is important to know the general standards of driving in Lithuania in order to guide you in your preparation for your journey, discovering what Lithuania has in store for tourists like you.
Speed Limits
Speed limits are put on roads to guide the drivers and maintain order in the flow of the cars. A road’s speed limit can vary depending on what road you are traveling on. A list of speed limits that are imposed on every road in Lithuania can be found below:
- On Motorways - 110-130 km/h
- On Urban roads - 50 km/h
- On Rural roads - 90 km/h
Following the road’s speed limit is one of the driving laws in Lithuania. Speed limits are there to maintain order on roads. This does not just apply when you are driving in Lithuania, but also when you are driving in other countries. You will be fined according to how much you surpassed the mandated speed limit. A list of the possible fines is listed below:
- Up to 10 km/h - warning
- From 11 to 20 km/h €12-€30
- From 21 to 30 km/h €30-€90
- From 31 to 40 km/h €120-€170
- More than 50 km/h - €450-€700 and disqualification from driving for one to six months
Driving Directions
It is best to tour around different places in Lithuania by driving your own car. Lithuania has a great network system, and for that, you won’t have any problems driving through them. The highway roads in Lithuania are usually a 4-lane road. Well-maintained asphalt roads are usually found in the smaller towns. There are also some villages that are accessible by gravel roads.
Seatbelt Laws
All passengers in the car are required to wear a seatbelt as it is one of the driving laws in Lithuania. That includes the front and back passengers. It is very beneficial to wear a seatbelt as it can lessen your body’s impact if ever you are involved in an accident. When you are caught not wearing a seatbelt, you are subject to an on the spot fine by the Lithuanian road authorities.
Children under three years old are not allowed to sit in the front of the car and are subject to sit in a car seat that is appropriate to their age/weight. For children under the age of 12, they are also not allowed to travel while sitting in the front seat. They should be sitting on the back with a booster seat appropriate to their height. Failure to follow these requirements will also be subject to an on-the-spot fine.
Road Signs
Traffic road signs are found on the driving roads in Lithuania to guide drivers along with their respective trips. It is important to follow them to avoid any road complications or troubles. You do not have to worry as traffic road signs in Lithuania are somewhat the same as those in other foreign countries. You should refresh your memory and familiarize yourself with some road signs found in Lithuania that are listed below:
- Warning signs - intersection, roundabout, uneven road, slippery road, traffic lights, falling rocks, pedestrian crossing, danger
- Priority signs - priority road, end of priority road, yield, stop, priority over oncoming traffic, junction with the main road
- Prohibitory signs - no entry, no U-turn, no overtaking, no left turn, no right turn, no stopping, no parking, end of all restrictions, no mopeds
- Mandatory signs - straight only, right only, left only, cycles only, keep left, keep right, minimum speed limit, end of the minimum speed limit, pedestrians only.
- Informational signs - highway, end of the highway, one way road, two-way road, parking, place for U-turn, reserved parking space, bus station, railway station
Right of Way
At intersections, the vehicle that arrives first should have the right of way. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the one on the right will have the right of way. When you are about to turn left on an intersection, you will only have the right of way if you had already turned on your signal lights thirty meters upon approaching the intersection.
You always have to give the right of way to the traffic in the roundabout. Before entering the roundabout, make sure that there is no traffic on your left. Emergency vehicles also have the right of way at all times.
Legal Driving Age
The legal driving age in Lithuania is 18 years old. This means that you have to be at least 18 years old to be legally allowed to drive in Lithuania. If you are 17 years old and you already have a driving license, you are still not allowed to drive in Lithuania. You have to wait until you are 18 years old to be legally driving as it is Lithuania’s driving age requirement.
Law About Overtaking
As you are required to drive on the right side of the road in Lithuania, you should always overtake on the left. Overtaking on the right might confuse other drivers on the road that can lead to a collision between cars. It is better to avoid any involvement in an accident, so you better follow driving laws in Lithuania. Violating the road rules might get your driving licence in Lithuania suspended.
Driving Side
Driving rules in Lithuania include all drivers’ requirement to drive on the right side of the road. With that, you should overtake on the left side of the road. Lithuania is one of the 163 countries around the world that requires all tourists and locals driving in the country to drive on the right and overtake on the left. Never overtake on the right side of the road as it can lead to a collision between your car and the other cars along with you.
Driving Etiquette in Lithuania
Problems can be very unpredicted and may occur anytime. And that includes the car problems you encounter while driving. From minor to major car problems, you can’t really predict when and where it is going to happen. And with that, you have to always be prepared when your car breaks down while driving in Lithuania. A guide is provided below on how to handle problems and situations that you might encounter on Lithuanian roads.
Car Breakdown
Your car can break down anywhere. Even in the place that you least expect it to happen. That is why it is important to know the tips on what to do if your car breaks down while driving in Lithuania. You can read through the essential steps listed below in handling a car-breakdown.
If Your Car Breaks Down on a Motorway
- As traffic can be very heavy on motorways, immediately turn on your hazard lights as soon as you notice that your car is breaking down to warn other drivers of your situation.
2. If possible, pull your car to the side of the road.
3. But if not, get out of the car with caution through the passenger’s door wearing a reflective jacket.
4. Set-up a warning triangle six steps from the back of your car.
5. Call for emergency rescue right away.
If Your Car Breaks Down in the Middle of Nowhere
- Turn on your hazard lights as soon as possible.
2. Pull to the side of the road. If you can’t, exit at the passenger’s door wearing a reflective jacket.
3. Set-up a warning triangle six-steps behind your car.
4. Call for emergency road assistance immediately.
Police Stops
There is this possibility of you violating driving rules in Lithuania without noticing it. As road authorities notice it, they will likely pull you off the road. It is important to know how to interact with a road officer properly so that the officer will treat you nicely as well. Tips on how to deal when a road officer pulls you off the road are listed below:
- As soon as you notice that a police or road officer’s car is trailing you, lower your speed and slowly pull to the side of the road
- Wait for the officer to knock on your window before opening it.
- Place your hand to where it is visible to the officer.
- If the officer asks for your legal documents to drive in Lithuania, do not hesitate to show it.
- Should you be asked to go with them, ask for their explanation first
- If you think that their reason makes sense, then do not hesitate to go with them.
- When the inspection is done, and there is no problem, give thanks to the officer and continue driving in Lithuania.
Asking Directions
Lithuanians are known to be friendly, hospitable, and welcoming towards tourists. With that, it will not be so hard asking for driving directions when you are somehow lost in Lithuania. Furthermore, you also have to treat and speak to them nicely so that they will treat you well. As most of the youths in Lithuania speak English, it is still important to know some of the most commonly used Lithuanian phrases to be able to communicate with the older locals.
- Labas (lah-bahs) - Hello
- Labas rytas (lah-bahs ree-tahs) - Good morning
- Labas vakaras (lah-bahs vah-kah-rahs) - Good evening
- Labos nakties/labanakt (lah-baws nahk-tyehs/lah-bah-nahkt) - Goodnight
- Viso gero (vee-saw gheh-raw) - Goodbye
- Mano vardas yra (mah-naw vahr-dahs ee-rah) - My name is
- Aciu (ah-choo) - Thank you
- Prasau (prah-show) - Please
- Atsiprasau (ah-tsih-prah-shaoo) - Sorry
- Taip (tayp) - Yes
- Ne (na) - No
- Gerai (geh-rai) - Okay
- Atleiskite (ah-tlais-kee-tah) - Excuse me
Checkpoints
When driving through Lithuania, you will most likely encounter road checkpoints along your way. Do not panic and stay calm when you are approaching a road checkpoint. It is important to treat the road authorities inspecting right so as not to trigger their bad side. Always remember that you will be treated the same way the way you treat road officers.
Interact with the officer kindly and with respect. Present your local driver’s license, your IDP in Lithuania, your passport, and other car-related documents to the officer. After the inspection, say thanks to the officer politely and continue wandering around Lithuania.
Other Tips
There are also other circumstances that might happen to you while you are driving in Lithuania aside from the mentioned above. It is also advantageous on your part to know what the right thing to do if ever you might get involved in a road accident.
What If I Get Involved in an Accident?
If you are unfortunately involved in a road accident in Lithuania, do not leave the scene. Leaving will only make you look bad to the road authorities. It is best to call Lithuania’s emergency number 112, report the accident, and ask for rescue. If you are able to, apply first-aid treatment if ever you have injuries.
The same goes for when you witnessed a traffic accident on the road. Do not leave! The police might ask you questions as a witness. Always see to it that you are responsible enough when it comes to situations like this.
Driving Conditions in Lithuania
Not all, but most of the Lithuanian drivers are well-disciplined when it comes to driving as they take driving tests in Lithuania before they can obtain a driving licence in Lithuania. Another thing is that some of them also attended driving schools in Lithuania before applying for a driving license. With that, they are well-aware of the road rules and regulations in the country. Furthermore, you should also follow driving rules in Lithuania to avoid any accidents on the road.
Accident Statistics
The year 2019 was not so good of a year for Lithuania in terms of the number of road accidents. In that year, Lithuania tallied almost 3500 road accidents with 184 fatalities. These statistics are a slight rise to 2018s recorded data of almost 3000 road accidents with 173 fatalities. It was then found that most road accidents in Lithuania are due to drivers violating driving laws in Lithuania.
Common Vehicles
Lithuania recorded 1.43 million registered passenger cars in the country. Cars are mostly used for transportation to work. Fiat 500, an amazing little looking car, is the most common car used in Lithuania. It is followed by Fiat Tipo, which is a car that is a little bigger compared to Fiat 500.
Toll Roads
Toll roads are currently widely-used in Lithuania, especially on all major routes. That is why you need to purchase a vignette before driving across Lithuania. Some of the toll roads in Lithuania are listed below:
- A1 - Vilnius to Kaunas to Klaipėda
- A2 - Vilnius to Panevėžys
- A3 - Vilnius to Minsk
- A4 - Vilnius to Varėna to Grodno
- A5 - Kaunas to Marijampolė to Suwalki
- A6 - Kaunas to Zarasai to Daugavpils
- A7 - Marijampolė to Kybartai to Kaliningrad
- A8 - Panevėžys to Aristava to Sitkūnai
- A9 - Panevėžys to Šiauliai
- A10 - Panevėžys to Pasvalys to Riga
- A11 - Šiauliai to Palanga
- A12 - Riga to Šiauliai to Tauragė to Kaliningrad
- A13 - Klaipėda to Liepaja
- A14 - Vilnius to Utena
- A15 - Vilnius to Lida
- A16 - Vilnius to Prienai to Marijampolė
- A17 - Panevėžys bypass
- A18 - Šiauliai bypass
Road Situation
Some streets in Lithuania are busy, especially in Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania. Being the largest and most populated city in Lithuania, any driver can experience busy streets frequently. A lot of vehicles are registered in Vilnius. That is why most streets in the city are congested. But you do not have to worry as you can check the traffic status of a street in Lithuania on google maps.
Driving in Lithuania is not that hard if you follow their driving rules. The Lithuanian roads are some of the best in Eastern Europe. Towns are accessible by well-maintained asphalt roads. With that, you won’t have any problems when it comes to the country’s road conditions. Another thing is that your driving in the different places in the country can only be as easy as you can imagine if you drive with caution and follow the driving rules in Lithuania.
Driving Culture
Before Lithuanians can obtain their driving license, they are required to take the practical driving test in Lithuania. Aside from that, most of them attend a driving school in Lithuania too. With that information, Lithuanian drivers are well-knowledgeable about the road rules and tend to follow those rules. There may be drivers that violate some road rules, but generally, they are well-disciplined when it comes to driving in Lithuania.
Other Tips
Knowing the driving situations and conditions in Lithuania is important. But you also have to know other driving-related tips for you to be fully prepared before driving in Lithuania.
What Is the Unit Used to Measure Speed in Lithuania?
There are two units to measure the speed of a car. One is kilometers per hour (kph) and miles per hour (mph). Lithuania is one of the 179 countries that use kilometers per hour. The United States of America, the United Kingdom, Scotland, Puerto Rico, Wales, and Barbados are some of the countries that use miles per hour as their unit of measuring speed.
Is Driving in Lithuania Safe at Night
Driving in Lithuania is safe if you take extra precautions. There are Lithuanian drivers that have great respect for the driving laws in Lithuania, but there are also ones that are aggressive drivers, especially at night. That is why, when you plan to drive in Lithuania at night, be extra cautious as you don’t know what kind of drivers are there along with you on the road. But overall, it is safe to be driving in Lithuania at night.
Things to Do in Lithuania
You can do a lot of things in Lithuania. With the country having numerous tourist attractions, Lithuania can be called a traveler’s paradise. You can visit different historic architectural structures that are scattered in the country. As Lithuania is a country with aesthetic natural beauty, you can enjoy its vibrant atmosphere by also exploring different outdoor activities.
Drive As a Tourist
You are allowed to drive in Lithuania as a tourist. You can either bring your own car, or you can rent one as you explore places in Lithuania. Do not forget that the driving required items in Lithuania include your local driver’s license, your IDP in Lithuania, your passport, and car-related documents. You must always bring the mentioned documents because those are what road authorities will look for during road checkpoints.
Work as a Driver
It is possible for you to apply for a driving job in Lithuania. Provided that you already have a local driver’s license and you have a lot of driving experience. Not just in Lithuania but also in your home country. But make sure that the company that you are applying from does accept foreigners in their job offers.
Aside from that, the fact that the driving job can make your stay in Lithuania longer than six months, before applying for a driving job, you might as well exchange your driving license first for a driving license in Lithuania. Driving jobs in Lithuania usually have salaries that range from 880 LTL (Lithuanian litas) to 3,990 LTL (around $302 to $1371).
Work As a Travel Guide
Aside from working as a driver in Lithuania, you can also work as a travel guide. As most tourists are now attracted to the beauty of the country, more and more tourists will surely visit Lithuania. With that, the demand for travel guides will also be high. Currently, the average minimum wage in Lithuania is 607 LTL (about $208)
Apply for Residency
There are two types of residence permits in Lithuania; temporary and permanent residence permits. The temporary residence permit will grant a foreigner/tourist to reside in Lithuania for an indicated period of time indicated in the application. Foreigners/tourists will be issued a temporary residence permit if he/she:
- Retained the right to citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania
- Has family reunification
- intends to study, work, or engage in lawful activities in Lithuania.
Some situations for a foreigner/tourist for him/her to be issued a permanent residence permit are listed below. A permanent residence permit will be issued to a foreigner/tourist if he/she:
- Is residing or has resided in the Republic of Lithuania uninterruptedly for the last five years, holding a temporary residence permit
- Has married a citizen of Lithuania and arrived in Lithuania to reside
- Is a family member of a foreigner who has retained the right to citizenship of Lithuania
- Has family reunification
Other Things to Do
There are also a lot of things that you can do in Lithuania if you decide to stay longer. As Lithuania is considered a developing country, there are a lot of opportunities that are waiting for you in the country.
How to Get a Driving License in Lithuania?
Foreigners can exchange driving licenses in Lithuania in place of their local driver’s license. You might take a theoretical and driving test in Lithuania to be able to secure a driving license. That is why it is important to be prepared and take driving lessons. You can also find driving schools in Vilnius, Lithuania. Read further below to know how to get a driving license in Lithuania.
When you exchange a driving license in Lithuania, it is somewhat the same as securing a driver’s license in your home country. You are to take and pass a driving theory test. You might also be asked to take the practical driving test depending on the country where you are from. So be prepared, and it is advised to take driving lessons before taking the practical driving test in Lithuania.
Can a Tourist Drive in Lithuania for More than 6 Months?
Before you decide to drive in Lithuania, you need to know how to get a driving licence in Lithuania. You can only legally drive using your local driver’s license for a maximum of 185 days or about six months. After that, your local driver’s license is required to be exchanged with a driving license in Lithuania. Again, make sure that your local driver’s license is still valid before exchanging it for a driving license in Lithuania.
Are There Any Driving Schools in Lithuania?
You can find a lot of driving schools in Vilnius, Lithuania. As it is the capital and biggest city in the country, there are a lot of driving schools that you can choose from. Not just that, you can also find other driving schools in the different cities in Lithuania, so do not worry. You can also get tips on how to get a driving licence in Lithuania by attending driving schools.
Top Destinations in Lithuania
Lithuania has a wide variety of tourist spots for every traveler. From historic architectural structures to scenic natural beauty, Lithuania has it all. It is a perfect place for a vacation. The history and culture of Lithuania itself attract tourists all over the world, making Lithuania a top country in Europe that everyone must visit.
Vilnius
The capital city of Lithuania has a lot of historical architectures that will surely blow you away. From stunning natural sites to a wide variety of structures that have different architectural designs, Vilnius is a city that is hard to pass on when visiting Lithuania. With its well-preserved Gothic, Neoclassical, and Renaissance designed architecture; it is labeled as one of the major towns in Europe.
Driving Directions
- From Vilnius International Airport Continue to Dariaus ir Girėno g.\
2. Head east on F. Vaitkaus g. toward A. Gustaičio g.
3. Make a U-turn at A. Gustaičio g.
4. Turn right onto Dariaus ir Girėno g.
5. Continue on Pelesos g. to M. Daukšos g.
6. Turn right onto M. Daukšos g.
7. Turn left onto A. Strazdelio g.
8. Turn left onto Subačiaus g.
9. Subačiaus g. turns right and becomes Didžioji g.
10. Sharp left onto Rotušės a.
Things to Do
As the town of Vilnius has a lot of historical architectural designs, it is best to feed your eyes to the different designs in the town. Museums, cathedrals, and castles are mostly found in the town of Vilnius.
1. Learn the History of Lithuania at the National Museum of Lithuania
The best place to know more about the country’s history is by visiting the National Museum of Lithuania. It was founded in the year 1855 and was first named the “Vilnius Museum of Antiques.” The museum now exhibits over 800,000 items, including the art and artifacts from the life of Lithuanians in the Neolithic times up to this day. You can browse through the relics from the Stone Age and folk art items that will provide you an important bit of knowledge of Lithuania’s culture.
2. Witness the Gates of Dawn
The Gates of Dawn is one of the symbols of Vilnius since 1514. In the past, the gate of dawn is the tallest of the nine defensive walls of Lithuania. The Russians destroyed the defensive walls of Lithuania in 1799, except the Gate of Dawn. A believed reason that Russians did not destroy the Gate of Dawn is that they were scared of demolishing the wall that has the painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Now, the Gate of Dawn is one of the most important religious monuments in Vilnius.
3. Visit St. Anne’s Church
One of the tourist attractions found in the Vilnius Historic Center is the St. Anne’s Church. This 500-year-old church is built with a Gothic style of architecture, and legends say that Napoleon fell in love with the church. It was built for the Grand Duchess of Lithuania, Anna, the wife of Vytautas the Great.
4. Capture the Scenic view of Vilnius at the Gediminas’ Tower
The Gediminas Tower is the last evident structure of the Upper Castle. It is one of the best places where you can witness a panoramic view of the whole city of Vilnius. It is also the last standing structure of Duke Gediminas’ reign. The castle was once used as the city’s first telegraph building in 1938.
5. Take a look at the 57-tall Bell Tower at the Vilnius Cathedral
Also known as the Cathedral Basilica of St. Stanislaus and St. Ladislaus, the Vilnius Cathedral is Lithuania's most important Catholic building. The cathedral was built several times due to wars and the unstable soil in which it was constructed. Its walls showcase the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles of architecture. There is a 57-tall bell tower located right beside the cathedral, which was originally part of one of the gates of Lithuania’s defensive walls.
Trakai
Trakai is a town in Lithuania that is located west of Vilnius. The town of Trakai is the former capital of Lithuania. The ancient castle is the main attraction of the town along with its gorgeous lakes and houses plus its refreshing atmosphere. It is a town that is both rich in nature and history.
Driving Directions
- From Vilnius International Airport, Get on Galvės g./A4 from Eišiškių pl.
2. Head east on F. Vaitkaus g. toward A. Gustaičio g.
3. Make a U-turn at A. Gustaičio g.
4. Turn left onto Dariaus ir Girėno g.
5. Make a right turn onto Geologų g.
6. Turn left onto Eišiškių pl.
7. Eišiškių pl. turns right and becomes Kirtimų g./A19.
8. Turn right onto the ramp to Trakai.
9. Merge onto Galvės g./A4 (signs for Trakai).
10. Continue straight onto Galvės g.
11. Then, continue onto Vilniaus g.
12. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Gedimino g.
13. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit.
14. Follow Vytauto g. to Mindaugo g.
Things to Do
You can roam around the town of Trakai and witness the different wooden architectural structures of the town. With its rich natural beauty and history, you can go and take pictures of the town while enjoying the refreshing vibe it radiates.
1. Go Boat Strolling at Lake Galve
Lake Galve is one of the largest lakes in Trakai and one of the deepest lakes in Lithuania. You can go and roam around by boat at the 21 islands of Trakai that are located in Lake Galve. You can also go swimming, fishing, and camping at the waterside of the lake.
2. Explore the Trakai Castle
The Trakai Island Castle is located in a town called Trakai in Lithuania. It is one of the most sought-out tourist destinations in Lithuania. It is a fairytale castle that is situated in the middle of Lake Galve. It is believed that the castle was first built in the 14th century. Aside from that, it is also the only castle that was built on an island in the whole of Eastern Europe.
3. Relax and Roam Around Trakai National Park
Trakai National Park is one of Lithuania’s places that are on the tentative list to become a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It might be the smallest national park in Lithuania, but it is home to historical monuments, forests, and lakes in Trakai.
4. Visit the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Orthodox Church of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary was founded at the same time as the Trakai Castle. The church has an altar that is decorated with a baroque design and a huge collection of ecclesiastical art. It is said to have done many miraculous events, just like the Gates of Dawn in Vilnius.
5. Experience Outdoor Activities at TonyResort Entertainment and Leisure Park
The TonyResort Entertainment and Leisure Park is a park located in a pine forest in Trakai. Aside from the refreshing atmosphere that you can feel in the park, it will also let you see beautiful forest landscapes. Outdoor activities like rope climbing (spiderman rope) and hiking are some of the activities that you can do in the park.
Šiauliai
The city of Šiauliai is located in the northern part of Lithuania. Šiauliai is also the fourth largest city in the country. Its main attraction is a holy place called Hill of Crosses. Aside from that, there are also other historical monuments and folk art ensembles in the city.
Driving Directions
- From Šiauliai International Airport, head northwest toward Aerouosto g.
2. Continue onto Aerouosto g.
3. Continue straight onto Dubijos g.
4. Turn right onto Ežero g.
5. Turn left onto Trakų g.
6. Turn right onto Vasario 16-osios g.
7. Turn left onto Aušros al.
Things to Do
As Lithuania is a country that is rich when it comes to historical places, you can also find a lot of historical architecture in the city of Šiauliai. Museums of bicycles and photographs can also be found in the city. You can also enjoy your day at theme parks in Šiauliai.
1. Witness Thousands of Crosses at Hill of Crosses
The Hill of Crosses is a sacred site of over 300,000 crosses located in the city of Šiauliai in Lithuania. As Lithuania was ruled by the Russians in the early 19th century, many people died due to the uprisings against the Russian Tsar. The loved ones of the dead built crosses to commemorate them, but the authorities were against the idea. But that didn’t stop the people, as they found a place to put their crosses, thus the emergence of the Hill of Cross.
2. Examine Vintage Bicycles at Bicycle Museum
A museum dedicated to vintage bicycles of Lithuania and the country’s cycling history is found in the city of Šiauliai. You can find Lithuania’s first home-made iron and wooden bikes displayed in the museum. There are a total of 259 different kinds of bicycles that are exhibited in the museum.
3. Visit the Šiauliai Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul
St. Peter & St. Paul Cathedral is the second-highest cathedral in Lithuania. It was built in the late 15th century and was finished in the early 16th century. It is one of the most frequently visited pilgrimages in the country. The cathedral showcases the Renaissance Mannerism of Lithuanian architecture. It is also closely located to the Hill of Crosses.
4. Explore Photography at Photography Museum
The one and only Photography Museum in Lithuania houses an important collection of photographs and equipment of photography. It also showcases exhibits of photographs of contemporary and historical Lithuania. Educational and recreational activities can also be experienced in the museum.
5. Enjoy the Sunset at Rėkyva Lake
After roaming around the different historical places in Šiauliai, you can enjoy the refreshing atmosphere of the Rėkyva Lake while witnessing the sunset. The Rėkyva Lake is the 10th largest lake in Lithuania. Aside from enjoying the sunset, you can also go fishing in the lake.
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