Sign In
24/7
App

Car Hire In Kaunas, Lithuania: Competitive Prices, Confident Driving

Compare great-value options for Kaunas Airport or city pickup and use our practical guide for UK travellers—insurance, deposits, fuel rules, and common fees included.

UK Traveller Essentials
Kaunas Car Hire Guide For UK Travellers
Hiring a car in Kaunas is a practical way to explore beyond the city—especially if you plan day trips to Trakai, Vilnius, the Nemunas River region, or rural areas where public transport can be infrequent. Roads are generally straightforward and signposted, and prices are often competitive compared with larger European hubs. For travellers from the United Kingdom, the main adjustments are driving on the right, understanding local insurance and deposit rules, and planning for winter conditions (snow, ice, shorter daylight) if travelling between late autumn and early spring. Airport pickup is usually the easiest for quick onward travel, while city locations can suit those staying centrally and wanting to avoid airport surcharges or parking fees at accommodation.
Alamo
Avis
National
Dollar
Thrifty
Budget
+ more
Kaunas Airport (KUN) Car Rental Area
Most visitors pick up at Kaunas Airport for immediate access to the A6/E262 towards Kaunas and onwards to Vilnius. You will typically find rental desks in or near the terminal with collection from a nearby car park. Advantages: widest choice of vehicles and longer opening hours. Disadvantages: potential airport location surcharge and queues at peak flight times; ensure you have a payment card for the deposit and allow time for the return inspection.
Kaunas City Centre (Laisvės Alėja / New Town Area)
Convenient if you are already staying centrally and want to collect the car shortly before leaving the city. Pros: easy access to hotels, cafés and main shopping streets; often calmer than the airport. Cons: limited vehicle selection, shorter opening hours, and parking/one-way streets can make collection and return slower during busy periods.
Kaunas Railway & Bus Station Area
A practical pickup point if you arrive by intercity coach or train from Vilnius or Riga and prefer not to detour to the airport. Pros: good public transport links for getting to the office without a car; straightforward onward routes to the A1. Cons: availability can be limited; traffic around the station can be congested at peak times and parking for check-in may be tighter.
Loading map...

Best Car Rental Choices for Exploring Kaunas

Hand-picked vehicles for Kaunas city streets, Baltic countryside, and seasonal driving. Browse more popular options available locally.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

Baltic Winter

SUV

Grippy, Heated & Winter-Ready
5
3
Auto

Kaunas winters are long, with regular sub-zero temperatures, snow on regional roads, and occasional black ice. A compact SUV with four-wheel drive, heated seats and winter tyres offers confident grip on icy stretches towards the coast or Žemaitija. Higher ground clearance handles uncleared country lanes, while a modest footprint still copes with central Kaunas parking.

City & Old Town

Small

Nimble, Cheap to Park
5
2
Auto

Kaunas Old Town, Laisvės alėja pedestrian zone and narrow Šančiai streets reward a small, agile hatchback. Petrol costs stay modest and tight bays beside Akropolis or the central market are easy to slot into. Light steering and good visibility help when navigating trams, cyclists and one-way lanes typical of the city centre.

Countryside Touring

Medium

Comfortable for Long Days Out
5
2
Auto

Day trips to Trakai Castle, the Curonian Spit, or rolling Dzūkija forests involve three to five-hour drives on smooth but occasionally potholed rural roads. A medium saloon or estate swallows luggage for hikes, delivers a settled ride on motorway stretches, and gives quiet cruising for sightseeing couples or small families exploring Lithuania beyond the city.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Airport Pickup
City Centre Pickup

Fastest Start From Kaunas Airport (KUN)

Ideal for landing and driving straight away, especially for road trips beyond Kaunas. Airport locations usually offer the broadest vehicle range (including automatics and larger boots) and longer opening hours, which helps with late arrivals. Check the fuel policy (full-to-full is often best value), confirm what insurance is included, and be ready for a security deposit hold on your card.

logo
City-friendly nippySmall
Volkswagen up!

Volkswagen up!

Green motion0.2 mi
4
1
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$1,187.38
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
City-friendly nippySmall
Volkswagen up!

Volkswagen up!

ToprentPick-up service
4
1
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$712.43
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
City-friendly nippySmall
Citroen C1

Citroen C1

Green motion0.2 mi
4
1
2
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$1,187.38
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
Balanced practicalityMedium
Skoda Octavia, Automatic Or Similar - Guaranteed 2025/24 Registered Car

Skoda Octavia, Automatic Or Similar - Guaranteed 2025/24 Registered Car

Green motion0.2 mi
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$1,187.38
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
Winter-ready gripSUV
Skoda Kamiq

Skoda Kamiq

Green motion0.2 mi
5
2
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$1,187.38
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
Winter-ready gripSUV
Skoda Kamiq

Skoda Kamiq

ToprentPick-up service
5
2
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$356.21 - $1,187.38
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
Winter-ready gripSUV
Skoda Kamiq

Skoda Kamiq

Green motion0.2 mi
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$1,187.38
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
City-friendly nippySmall
Kia Picanto

Kia Picanto

Green motion0.2 mi
4
1
2
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$1,187.38
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
City-friendly nippySmall
Citroen C1

Citroen C1

Green motion0.2 mi
4
1
2
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$1,187.38
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates

Car Hire at Kaunas Airport: Read Genuine Reviews

Browse honest ratings and experiences from travellers who collected their rental cars in Kaunas, helping you choose a trustworthy provider with confidence.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
Street
3.5
1 review
$103Pick-up serviceLow deposit
  • Easy to navigate website
  • Well-organized documentation platform
  • Simple search functionality
Avis
3.5
7 reviews
$44In terminal, Walk to counter
$885 - $898
  • Smooth pickup and return
  • Standard vehicle condition
ToprentBudget Friendly
3.4
67 reviews
$42Pick-up service
$354 - $1,178
  • Brand new vehicles fleet
  • Affordable pricing no hidden fees
  • Fast efficient service
Sixt
3.1
17 reviews
$52In terminal, Walk to counter
$234 - $236
  • Friendly and helpful staff
  • Quick vehicle collection process
  • Clean and well-maintained cars
Green motion
2.9
31,000+ reviews
$1,1378.2 mi from Kaunas Downtown
$1,170 - $1,178
  • Friendly and helpful staff
  • Clean vehicles and good condition
  • Efficient pick-up and drop-off
EuropcarBest Overall
2.9
8 reviews
$68In terminal, Walk to counter
$621 - $1,007
  • Free car upgrades available
  • Clean almost new vehicles
  • Smooth pickup and return
Keddy by europcar
2.8
3 reviews
$70In terminal, Walk to counter-
  • Straightforward pickup process
  • Reasonable pricing
  • Car as expected
Hertz
2.8
17066+ reviews
$75Shuttle bus-
  • Smooth Airport Pickup Process
  • Professional and Friendly Staff
  • Easy Online Booking System
National
2.7
25 reviews
$25In terminal, Walk to counter
$461 - $1,349
  • Friendly and helpful staff
  • Clean and quality vehicles
  • Quick pick-up and drop-off
U-save
2.7
1,400+ reviews
$888.2 mi from Kaunas Downtown
$1,170
  • Friendly staff, excellent service
  • Easy pickup and return process
  • Good value for money

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental
Last updated: Jun. 16 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
A Brit's Guide to Refuelling at Petrol Stations in Lithuania
This guide provides essential tips for British travellers on how to refuel at petrol stations in Lithuania, covering fuel types, payment methods, and a step-by-step process to ensure a smooth experience.
View details

Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Airport locations account for approximately 65% of rentals in Lithuania, with Kaunas Airport (KUN) handling the majority. City centre locations represent 20-25% of the market, while train stations capture around 5-10%."

Booking Patterns

"Economy cars dominate with 40% market share in Lithuania. SUV demand is growing at 15% annually. Summer months (May-September) account for 45-50% of annual rentals. Average rental duration is 3.5 days."

Customer Pain Points

"Approximately 35% of customer complaints involve insurance coverage misunderstandings, with CDW confusion cited as the most common issue causing negative reviews."

Data Sources

  • QEEQ internal booking databse
  • Kaunas Airport Official Statistics
  • Lithuania Travel Tourism Statistics
  • Lithuanian Tourism Statistics Annual Report
  • Eurostat Tourism Data
  • Consumer Complaints Analysis - Lithuanian Consumer Rights Protection
  • Online Review Analysis - Multiple Car Rental Platforms

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from Kaunas

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Kaunas

Drive Through Lithuania: Essential Kaunas Road Guide

Your comprehensive companion for navigating Kaunas and Lithuania by car, from local driving rules to fuel costs and car rental tips.

LANGUAGES

Lithuanian

CURRENCY

EUR

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+370

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

50 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

90-130 km/h (130 km/h motorway April-October, 110 km/h November-March)

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.04% (Standard drivers), 0.0% (Novice/Professional drivers - Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$2.05/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.06/L - $2.42/L

Kaunas Car Hire FAQs

Practical answers on driving rules, road tolls, winter tyres and parking in Kaunas, Lithuania

Can I drive in Lithuania with a UK driving licence, or do I need an International Driving Permit?
Yes, your full UK photocard licence is valid for up to 12 months in Lithuania, so no International Driving Permit is required. Carry the paper counterpart details and your passport, and check the licence expiry date, as rentals are usually refused if it expires within 12 months. Minimum age is typically 21, with drivers under 25 paying a young-driver surcharge of roughly €7–€12 per day.
What are the speed limits and are there speed cameras around Kaunas?
In built-up Kaunas the limit is 50 km/h (40 km/h in some residential zones), on open roads 90 km/h and on motorways 130 km/h in summer, dropping to 110 km/h in winter. Fixed and mobile cameras are common on the A1 Vilnius–Klaipėda motorway and around the island ring road. Fines start at €30 and can reach €450, and they are usually charged to your rental company's pre-authorisation card.
Are winter tyres compulsory, and what about snow chains in Kaunas?
Winter tyres are mandatory from 10 November to 31 March, with a minimum 3 mm tread. Studded tyres are allowed from 1 November to 1 April on vehicles up to 3.5 t. Snow chains are not legally required but worth carrying if you plan to drive to Kaunas regional parks or the Aukštaitija lakes in heavy snow. Hire cars supplied between November and March usually already have winter tyres fitted at no extra cost.
Which fuel should I use and are there enough petrol stations around Kaunas?
Most rentals run on 95 E10 petrol or diesel, and a small share are LPG. Top Lithuanian brands Circle K, Neste and Baltpetrol cluster around the A1 and the island city centre, with 24-hour stations near Akropolis and the bus station. Return the car with the same fuel level recorded at handover, otherwise the refuelling charge is around €25 plus fuel at €2.10–€2.30 per litre.
How much does parking cost in central Kaunas and how do I pay?
Yellow-line zones in the Old Town, Nemunas island and the main avenues cost €0.50–€1.00 per hour, Mon–Sat 08:00–20:00, free on Sundays. Buy a ticket at the m.Parking app, Pay parking text number +370 1391, or at roadside machines. Keep the printed ticket or app receipt on the dashboard; fines for non-payment are €40 and clamping is common on Laisvės alėja.
Can I take a hire car from Kaunas into Poland, Latvia or Belarus?
Cross-border driving into the EU Schengen states, including Poland and Latvia, is usually allowed free of charge, but you must tell the rental company in advance and expect a cross-border fee of €15–€30. Belarus and Russia are almost always excluded by the rental contract, and any unauthorised crossing voids all insurance, including the basic CDW. Ask for a "Cross-Border Letter" stamped in English before leaving Lithuania.

QEEQ Platform Awards

Recognized globally for excellence in car rental booking services and customer satisfaction.

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2023

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2023

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2022

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2022

Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

Business Excellence Awards 2024

Business Excellence Awards 2024

The Magellan Awards in Car hire Service Category

The Magellan Awards in Car hire Service Category

The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road

The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road

Recommended by our customers

Trusted by customers worldwide and we're always working to improve.

Trustpilot