Planning a trip to explore the Baltic state of Lithuania? Once the largest country in Europe dating back to the 14th century, Lithuania stretches from the sandy beaches of the Baltic coast to the hills of its eastern uplands and western highlands.

Kaunas was once the capital of independent Lithuania and today it is the country’s second largest city behind the capital, Vilnius. A green city filled with parks and public gardens Kaunas has a historic centre and relaxed vibe with pedestrianised areas lined with cafes and restaurants.

If you are flying to Lithuania, you’ll want to check out flights to Kaunas Airport which welcomes passengers on Ryan Air and Wizz Air flights from 14 European countries. The airport is the second largest in Lithuania and fastest growing destination for airline traffic across the Baltic region with more flights being added every year and a new extension to the airport’s passenger terminal to meet growing demand.

If you are planning a trip to central southern Lithuania, our friendly Avis team at Kaunas Airport is on hand to offer advice and provide the perfect rental car for your trip.

From the Avis car park at Kaunas Airport, Kaunas city centre is a 22min, 13.1km drive. Kaunas Airport is in the Karmelava suburb of the city. As you leave the airport, turn left and head south via the A6 highway, following signs to ‘Centras’ merging onto the Savanorių pr and after 12km turning onto E. Ožeškienės g and into the centre of the city.

Kaunas is a beautiful city with tree-lined streets. With its historic architecture, museums and outdoor attractions, there is plenty to see and do in Kaunas whether you are visiting for the day or have a more relaxed schedule.

Don’t miss sites like Kaunas Castle, one of the city’s oldest buildings and Vytautas' Church and be sure to stop off at Pazaislis Monastery, a remarkable 17th Century structure set on the shores of the Kaunas ‘sea’. Head into the old town and explore the narrow cobbled streets before settling down at a café in Vilnius Street. If you’ve got time, enjoy a performance at one of the city's theatres or catch some basketball, Lithuania’s national sport, at the Žalgiris Basketball Club.

Kaunas Airport is close to the A6 highway with good access to the major routes between the country’s capital Vilnius and Klaipeda on the Baltic coast.

Vilnius

Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital is within easy reach of Kaunas Airport, it’s a drive of around 104km via the A1 and you can be there in just over 1.5hr. Vilnius old town is one of the largest surviving medieval old towns in Europe and has earned designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Trakai

Take a trip to Trakai, around 80km and 1hr by car from Kaunas Airport to soak up the town’s rich history and explore this magical location with its island castle in the middle of Lake Galvė. It’s even possible to hire a boat to venture out onto the lake.

Rumsiskes Open-Air Museum

Step back in time at one of the largest open air museums of rural life in Europe. Tour the medieval and peer into the lives of residents from centuries ago. Open in the spring and summer the Rumsiskes Open-Air Museum is a 30min drive of around 20km from Kaunas Airport.

Aukštaitija National Park

A 100km, 1.5hr drive northeast of Kaunas Airport, Aukštaitija National Park is the place to go for the adrenaline rush of outdoor sports with its lakes, forests and river valleys and great vantage points from its treetop walks.

Curonian Spit

Drive 207km northwest of Kaunas on the A1 and just over 3hrs later you’ll reach the remarkable 98km Curonian Spit, a natural wonder separating the Baltic Sea from the Curonian Lagoon. The Curonian Spit has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared between Lithuania and Russia. You can wander the pine groves and sand dunes of this unique ecosystem, the perfect place to be at one with nature.

While there is good public transport in Kaunas itself and you can catch the 29G bus from the airport to the centre of town, a journey of around 40min, you will need a hire car to travel further afield and explore the wider area.

When you meet the Avis team at Kaunas International Airport you’ll find they are experts on the region and ready to advise you on the best places to go and help make your trip a smooth one from the moment you touch down.

Hiring a car is a straightforward way to explore Lithuania. Be aware that as in the rest of mainland Europe, you’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road as you leave the airport.

If you have not driven in this part of the world before, we’d suggest checking the road rules for driving in Lithuania before you set off.