Train to Vilnius - connections, tickets and itinerary

• Currency: euro (EUR) - Lithuania has been in the eurozone since 2015.

• How much to go for: a weekend (2-3 nights) is enough for the Old Town, Gediminas Hill and the Gates of Dawn. With 4-5 days you will also explore the surrounding area, including Trakai with its castle on the lake.

• Practical tip: you will get around the main attractions of the Old Town on foot in one day.

It is best to choose May, June or September, when it is 15-22°C during the day and the old town is not yet full of summer crowds.

||||| | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Month | Daytime temperature | Weather | Tourist traffic | | January | -2°C | Frosty, snow | Low | | February | 0°C | Frosty, possible snow | Low | | March | 5°C | Cool, variable | Low | | April | 12°C | Spring, getting warmer | Moderate | | May | 18°C | Warm, long days | Moderate | | June | 22°C | Warm, sunny | High | | July | 23°C | Hottest, possible thunderstorms | High | | August | 22°C | Warm, afternoon thunderstorms | High | | September | 16°C | Mild, less rain | Moderate | | October | 10°C | Cool, variable | Low | | November | 5°C | Overcast, rainy | Low | | December | 1°C | Cold, possible snow | Moderate |
### Spring (March–May) - March can still be chilly, up to 5°C — bring a jacket and layered clothing. - April sees the opening of parks and the Vilnius University Botanical Garden — one of the oldest in Eastern Europe. - May is a very good month for a city break: 18°C during the day, long evenings and smaller crowds than in summer.
### Summer (June–August) - This is the peak season — days last as long as 17 hours, so you can sightsee late into the evening. - July is the warmest, up to 23°C, but the Old Town also sees the heaviest tourist traffic. - Afternoon thunderstorms occur in July and August — it's worth carrying an umbrella.
### Autumn (September–November) - September is the second best month to visit: 16°C, smaller crowds, and accommodation prices lower than in summer. - October can be changeable, down to 10°C, but the golden autumn in Vilnius' parks more than compensates for the cold. - November turns cloudy and cold — a month for those who enjoy sightseeing without the crowds.
### Winter (December–February) - December has a festive atmosphere — the Christmas market at Cathedral Square draws both locals and tourists. - January and February are the quietest months: temperatures drop to -6°C at night, but museums and cafés are less crowded. - Vilnius can be snowy in winter — the snow-covered Old Town looks like a postcard, but you will need warm boots.

You can get to Vilnius from Poland by train from several cities - from Suwałki, Białystok, Warsaw and Krakow you buy a connection with one ticket, and from Gdańsk and Katowice you travel with one change in Warsaw.

At the Mockava border station, all passengers from Poland change to the Lithuanian LTG Link train. The reason is the different track gauge in Lithuania and the ongoing upgrade to European standards. The LTG Link train waits for passengers with tickets — there is no need to rush.

From Suwałki to Vilnius

• Less than 4 hours' journey.

• The train goes via Mockava, where you change to the Lithuanian LTG Link train.

• Seat reservations are compulsory on the international section.

From Białystok to Vilnius

• Approximately 6 hours' journey.

• The train also stops at Białystok Zielone Wzgórza before the main station.

• At Mockava you change to the Lithuanian LTG Link train, which waits for passengers with tickets.

• Seat reservations are compulsory on the international section.

From Warsaw to Vilnius

• About 9 hours from Warsaw Central station — you leave in the morning and arrive in Vilnius in the evening.

• The train stops at Warszawa Służewiec, Warszawa Zachodnia, Warszawa Centralna and Warszawa Wschodnia stations.

• On board you will find a dining car, spaces for passengers travelling with children under 6, and a carriage adapted for passengers with disabilities.

• At Mockava you change to the Lithuanian LTG Link train.

• Seat reservations are compulsory on the international section.

From Gdańsk to Vilnius

• You travel with one change in Warsaw — you have about 40 minutes to change trains at Warszawa Wschodnia station.

• First leg: Gdańsk Główny to Warszawa Wschodnia — about 3 hours.

• Second leg: Warszawa Wschodnia to Vilnius — about 8 hours, with a change at Mockava.

• Seat reservations are compulsory on the international section.

From Katowice to Vilnius

• You travel with one change in Warsaw — you have about 20 minutes to change trains at Warsaw Central station.

• First leg: Katowice to Warsaw Central station — about 3 hours.

• Second leg: Warsaw Central station to Vilnius — about 9 hours, with a change at Mockava.

• Seat reservations are compulsory on the international section.

From Kraków to Vilnius

• Approximately 14 hours from Kraków Główny station — the train departs at night, so you cover much of the route while you sleep.

• The route passes through Kielce, Radom, Warsaw, Białystok and Suwałki.

• The train has open-plan carriages with air conditioning and power sockets. You can take your bicycle with you.

• At Mockava you change to the Lithuanian LTG Link train.

• Seat reservations are compulsory on the international section.

Rail discounts are available on both the Polish and Lithuanian sides — for seniors, schoolchildren, students, people with disabilities and their carers.

On Europodróże you can buy a ticket without registering — just enter your email address and phone number, and the ticket is sent to your inbox and by SMS. 30 minutes before departure you receive an SMS reminder with a link to your ticket. The earlier you buy, the better the price and the wider the choice of seats. For PKP Intercity tickets, refunds are possible up to 20 minutes before departure and exchanges up to 30 minutes before departure. Full details are available on the refund and exchange policy page.

From Vilniaus stotis station you can walk to the Old Town in around ten to fifteen minutes. The route leads through the Gates of Dawn straight into the heart of the historic centre.

If you want to reach districts further afield, Vilnius has a network of buses and trolleybuses covering the whole city. A single ticket costs the equivalent of a few zlotys, and a day ticket a little more. Tickets can be bought at kiosks or via a local ticketing app.

The Old Town, Gediminas Hill, the Gates of Dawn and Užupis can all be explored on foot without needing public transport. Vilnius is very easy to get around without a car.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps work reliably in Vilnius. Fares in the city centre are lower than in Warsaw.

City bikes are available seasonally — a convenient option for exploring parks and neighbourhoods outside the immediate centre, such as Žvėrynas or Antakalnis.

Where to stay:

• Užupis — an artistic republic with its own constitution, cafés and galleries. A few minutes' walk from the Old Town.

• Antakalnis — a quiet neighbourhood home to the Church of Saints Peter and Paul. Reachable by bus or trolleybus in a few minutes.

• Žvėrynas — a leafy residential neighbourhood on the banks of the Neris River, ideal for an afternoon stroll.

The UNESCO-listed Old Town of Vilnius is one of the best-preserved Baroque urban complexes in Central Europe. The main attractions lie close together - you will see the most important places in one day.

The Old Town

A labyrinth of narrow streets, baroque churches and courtyards. The tour takes at least 2-3 hours. Admission is free - you only pay to enter individual churches and museums.

Gediminas Hill with Gediminas Tower

Tower on a hill with a panoramic view of the entire city. Entrance fee. You can climb the mountain on foot or take the train up. The tour takes about 1 hour.

Ostra Brama (Sharp Gate)

The Gothic city gate with the chapel of Our Lady of the Dawn Gate, one of the most important places of worship for Poles and Lithuanians. Admission is free. The tour takes 15-20 minutes.

Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Antokol

Interior with more than 2,000 stucco figures, one of the most beautiful Baroque interiors in Europe. Admission is free. The tour takes 30-45 minutes.

Užupis

An artistic district with its own "constitution" written on the wall in dozens of languages, including Polish, galleries and sculptures. A walk around the district takes 1-2 hours.

Museum of Victims of Genocide (former KGB prison)

One of the most important historical sites in the city. Exhibition in the basement of the former prison. Entrance fee. The tour takes 1.5-2 hours.

Plan for day 1

Start from the Old Town in the morning - walk along Pilies Street to Cathedral Square, take a look at the Cathedral and Vilnius University. Before noon, climb Gediminas Hill for a panoramic view of the city. In the afternoon, pass through the Gates of Dawn and head to Užupis for coffee and a walk along the Vilnelė River.

Plan for the weekend (2-3 nights)

You can arrange the first day in the same way as the 1-day plan. On the second day, visit the Museum of Genocide Victims in the morning, you'll need 1.5-2 hours for this, then head to Antokol to the Church of Saints Peter and Paul. Spend the afternoon walking in the Žvėrynas district along the Neris River. On the third day, head to Trakai, a town with a castle on a lake, 30 km from Vilnius.

What to eat

Lithuanian cuisine is hearty and based on potatoes, meat and dairy products. Here are some dishes worth trying:

Cepelinai — potato dumplings filled with meat or curd cheese, served with sour cream and crackling. Lithuania's national dish, available in every traditional restaurant.

Šaltibarščiai — cold beetroot soup made with kefir, served with hot boiled potatoes. Popular in summer and refreshing on hot days.

Kibinai — pastry parcels filled with meat or vegetables, a speciality of the Karaite community from Trakai. Served in Vilnius restaurants specialising in Karaite cuisine.

Lunch at a mid-range restaurant costs the equivalent of a moderate amount in PLN. Street food and canteen-style bars with home-cooked food are cheaper.

Where to eat:

• Halės turgus (Market Hall) — a historic hall selling local produce, cheeses, cured meats and fresh vegetables. A great spot for breakfast or a light lunch.

• Pilies Street and surroundings — cafés, restaurants serving Lithuanian food and bars with local beer. Prices lower than in central Warsaw.

• Užupis — artsy cafés and smaller restaurants with real character. Less touristy than Pilies Street.

Souvenirs

• Amber — Lithuania is one of the world's largest producers of amber. You will find amber jewellery shops throughout the Old Town.

• Linen products — tablecloths, napkins and linen clothing are traditional Lithuanian handicrafts.

• Ceramics with folk motifs — colourful pottery and decorative items available in souvenir shops across the Old Town.

Vilnius is cheaper than Warsaw — food and accommodation prices are on average 20–30% lower. Approximate costs per person for 2 days and 1 night:

In the budget option, you sleep in a hostel or cheap B&B, eat in market halls and bars, and visit free attractions — the Old Town, the Gates of Dawn and Užupis. The mid-range option means a three-star hotel, meals in restaurants and entrance fees to museums. The comfort option assumes a four- or five-star hotel in the Old Town, restaurants serving Lithuanian and European cuisine, and taxis.

The figures in the table are indicative ranges in PLN. Actual costs depend on the season, standard of travel and individual choices.