Car hire Vilnius International Airport

Vilnius International Airport is by far Lithuania's largest and busiest airport, with a 2010 passenger throughput of well over a million. Lithuania's national capital lies less than four miles south of the Baltic nation's main gateway, with car rental in Vilnius Airport offered by no fewer than a dozen companies. This is also the third-busiest airport in all three Baltic states.

Vilnius Airport facilities

In summer, direct charter flights serving destinations as far away as Bangkok, Tel Aviv and the United Arab Emirates join year-round flights to places throughout eastern Europe, Germany and Scandinavia on the airport's list of direct destinations. Eating options include a pizzeria, two snack bars, five cafés and two formal restaurants. Numerous shops are situated here along with VIP and business lounges.

Vilnius Airport excursions

Although the historic Vilnius city centre is easily walkable, visitors may want to arrange car hire in Vilnius Airport to access Purnušk?s, the spot the Guinness Book of World Records lists as Europe's geographical centre. Summer tourists may wish to join the locals on their frequent trips to the Baltic Sea beach resort of Palanga. Lithuania's medieval capital of Kernav?, the Hill of Crosses pilgrimage site and Trakai's two castles and five serene lakes are other popular daytrips.

Best time to visit

Most visitors are not surprised to learn that Vilnius gets very cold in winter, with January and February seeing average temperatures well below the freezing point. However, Vilnius summers can get shockingly hot and humid, with long sunny days thanks to the city's relatively northern altitude. Lithuania's bobu vasara, or Indian summer, keeps temperatures comfortably warm well into September, but May and June are also pleasant visiting months.

Car rental in Vilnius Airport

Vilnius motorists, like elsewhere in Lithuania, are notorious for their tailgating, lane cutting and other dangerous driving habits. Although Lithuania has the European Union's highest road fatality rate, drivers can easily avoid adding to this statistic by steering clear of Vilnius city centre during rush hour traffic and obeying speed limits, which decrease notably on motorways during winter. Compare car hire before arrival to snag the best deals.