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Rent A Car In Kaunas, Lithuania For Less—With A Complete Local Guide

Find competitive prices for airport or downtown pickup and get clear, practical tips on insurance, deposits, fuel rules, and common hidden fees—so you can drive Kaunas confidently.

Updated Travel-Friendly Tips
Car Rental Guide for Kaunas, Lithuania
Renting a car in Kaunas is a convenient way to explore Lithuania beyond the city center—especially if you’re planning day trips to Trakai, Vilnius, or the countryside where public transport can be less direct. You’ll typically find the widest vehicle selection at Kaunas Airport (KUN), while downtown locations can be a good fit if you’re staying centrally and want to avoid airport fees. In general, book ahead for better prices, confirm the fuel policy (often “full-to-full”), and understand what your insurance covers versus what requires an added waiver. Watch for common add-ons such as extra driver fees, young driver surcharges, after-hours pickup costs, and higher deposits when using debit cards.
Alamo
Avis
National
Dollar
Thrifty
Budget
+ more
Kaunas Airport (KUN) Car Rental Area
Best for landing-and-driving convenience and the broadest choice of cars. Follow airport signage for “Car Rental/Car Hire”; most providers operate from desks in or near the terminal with vehicles parked in designated lots. Pros: longer opening hours, easier returns for early flights, more inventory. Cons: potential airport surcharges and peak-time lines.
Kaunas City Center (New Town / Laisvės Alėja Area)
Good if you’re staying centrally and prefer to pick up after settling in. Pros: walkable access from many hotels and attractions, sometimes lower taxes/fees than the airport. Cons: limited parking at pickup, reduced hours, and city traffic can make the first drive more stressful.
Kaunas Railway & Bus Station Area
Convenient for travelers arriving by train or intercity bus and wanting a quick handoff to a rental car. Pros: easy multimodal transfer and straightforward navigation out of town. Cons: fewer vehicle classes than the airport and busy streets at certain times of day.
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What do you need to rent a car in Kaunas?

Renting a car in Kaunas is quite convenient, but there can be some specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

  • Form of ID: A valid physical national photo ID is required (Malaysia nationals in Malaysia; Lithuania nationals in Lithuania).
  • Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical local driving licence with no major endorsements. Minimum holding period across offers ranges from 1 to 3 years; some offers accept any length of holding period. For ASEAN licences (in Malaysia): with a valid original licence issued by an ASEAN country in English, you may pick up the car with the original licence only.

    Notes: Some cars require at least 1 year of holding a full licence, others 2 or 3 years; check your specific booking. Probational/Learner licences are not accepted where specified.

  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required at pick-up. Accepted across offers include Visa and Master; many also accept UnionPay, AMEX, JCB, Diners Club, Discover. Some offers also accept physical debit cards (mainly Visa, Master, or UnionPay) and occasionally require an E‑voucher or printed voucher.
  • Age requirements: Across all offers, permitted driving ages range roughly from 18–99, with the most common standard band around 21–75/80. Some suppliers set narrower bands (e.g., 20–75, 21–65, 23–70, 19–85). Young driver surcharges frequently apply, typically when the driver is between 18–25 (or 21–24/25), with daily fees such as MYR 10–50 in Malaysia or about EUR 3.63–10 in Europe. In some cases, senior drivers (often from 65/70 or 71 up to 80–99) may also be charged a daily fee or require confirmation. Always check the exact age limits and surcharges shown for your chosen car and supplier.
  • Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements, generally held for at least 1–2 years (some offers require 2 or 3 years; a few have no minimum). Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is a translation and must be accompanied by the original licence; no copies accepted) or
    • Original driving licence + Notarized English translation or
    • Hong Kong driving licence (where explicitly listed) or
    • Original South Korea driving licence (English version; with English translation on the back where stated) or
    • Full Malaysian driving licence (where listed) or
    • Original Thailand driving licence or
    • Original Philippine driving licence or
    • EU/EEA driving licence (valid across EU/EEA, Switzerland, UK). For ASEAN, Hong Kong, and Korea licences in Malaysia: where specified, the original licence alone may be used if the text is clearly visible in English.

    Notes: Some offers explicitly allow pickup in Malaysia with only an original ASEAN, Hong Kong, or Korean licence if it is clearly in English. Probational/Learner licences are not accepted where stated. Always carry both the original licence and any required IDP or translation.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport is required for all foreign renters.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required at pick-up. Most offers accept Visa and Master; many also accept UnionPay, AMEX, JCB, Diners Club, Discover. Some offers allow physical debit cards (Visa, Master, UnionPay, JCB) as deposit cards. In several cases an E‑voucher or printed voucher must also be presented.
  • Age requirements: Across all offers, permitted driving ages range roughly from 18–99, with the most common standard band around 21–75/80. Some suppliers set narrower bands (e.g., 20–75, 21–65, 23–70, 19–85). Young driver surcharges frequently apply, typically when the driver is between 18–25 (or 21–24/25), with daily fees such as MYR 10–50 in Malaysia or about EUR 3.63–10 in Europe. In some cases, senior drivers (often from 65/70 or 71 up to 80–99) may also be charged a daily fee or require confirmation. Always check the exact age limits and surcharges shown for your chosen car and supplier.
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Best Rental Cars for Exploring Kaunas & Beyond

From historic Old Town to scenic Curonian Coast—find your perfect ride for the ultimate Lithuanian road trip experience.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

Winter & Snow

SUV

Conquer Winter Roads with Confidence
5
3
Auto

Lithuanian winters bring snow and icy conditions that make SUV an essential choice for safe travels. Kaunas temperatures drop to -10°C in January, creating hazardous road surfaces. An SUV provides superior traction control and stability on snow-covered highways connecting Kaunas to Vilnius. Higher ground clearance keeps you moving through packed snow on rural routes to Trakai Castle. American travelers appreciate the commanding driving position that enhances visibility in low-light winter conditions.

City & Old Town

Small

Navigate Kaunas Like a Local
5
2
Auto

Kaunas Old Town features charming but narrow cobblestone streets where a compact car excels. Parking in the city center is scarce and expensive—small vehicles fit into tighter spots and cost less at meters. The lightweight chassis improves fuel efficiency for weaving through traffic around Laisves Avenue. Lithuanian fuel prices remain high, making economy-focused driving a practical priority for budget-conscious visitors.

Long-Distance Touring

Premium

Travel Lithuania in Comfort & Style
5
3
Auto

The scenic route from Kaunas to the Curonian Coast spans over 250 kilometers of well-maintained highways. A premium sedan delivers the refined ride quality American tourists expect on extended road journeys. Lithuania's growing tourism means longer drives between attractions like Hill of Crosses and Kernave UNESCO sites. Luxurious interior amenities transform a multi-hour drive into a pleasurable experience with minimal fatigue.

Choose Your Ride

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

Airport Pickup
Downtown Pickup

Fastest Start With The Best Vehicle Selection At KUN

Airport rentals at Kaunas (KUN) are ideal if you want to start driving immediately after landing. You’ll typically see the widest range of vehicles, clearer return logistics for flight schedules, and more late/early service options. Keep an eye out for airport surcharges and confirm after-hours policies if your flight arrives late.

Discover Top-Rated Car Rentals at Kaunas Airport (KUN)

Read genuine reviews from real travelers who picked up their cars at Kaunas Airport. Make informed decisions and find the perfect rental for your trip.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
Europcar
3.4
7 reviews
$66In terminal, Walk to counter
$238 - $956
  • Free car upgrades available
  • Quick deposit refund process
  • Friendly and helpful staff
Avis
3.4
7 reviews
$42In terminal, Walk to counter
$881 - $894
  • Simple booking process
  • International brand recognition
  • Airport location available
ToprentBudget Friendly
3.3
66 reviews
$32Pick-up service
$712
  • New and clean vehicles
  • Fast and efficient service
  • Affordable rental prices
Sixt
3.1
17 reviews
$33In terminal, Walk to counter
$236 - $238
  • Friendly and helpful staff
  • Clean, well-maintained vehicles
  • Quick vehicle collection process
Green motion
2.9
31,000+ reviews
$1,1208.2 mi
$1,180 - $1,186
  • Great airport service
  • Friendly helpful staff
  • Good car condition
Street
2.7
40 reviews
$951.1 miLow deposit
  • Excellent professional service
  • Quick and easy pickup process
  • Transparent pricing no hidden fees
Alamo
1.8
3000+ reviews
$65In terminal, Walk to counter
$510 - $1,112
  • Friendly and professional staff
  • Competitive rental pricing
  • Easy pickup and return process
Enterprise
1.7
23,700+ reviews
$75In terminal, Walk to counter
$606 - $1,173
  • Friendly and professional staff
  • Clean well-maintained vehicles
  • Helpful customer service team
Abbycar
1.4
1200+ reviews
$42Pick-up service
$712 - $1,186
  • Competitive rental pricing
  • Quick airport shuttle service
  • Flexible insurance options
Wheego
1.3
225+ reviews
$16Walk to counter-
  • Quick airport pickup available
  • New and clean vehicle fleet
  • Friendly multilingual staff

*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. 13 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
Car Accident Guide for Lithuanian Rentals
A comprehensive guide to navigating a car accident in a rental vehicle in Lithuania, detailing immediate actions, documentation, police reports, and insurance procedures.
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Your Stress-Free Guide to Refueling in Lithuania
A comprehensive guide to refueling your vehicle in Lithuania, covering types of gas stations, payment methods, and essential tips for a smooth experience.
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Avoid Hidden Car Rental Fees in Kaunas Lithuania and Save on Your Road Trip
Discover how to avoid hidden car rental fees in Kaunas Lithuania with a practical checklist. Learn about common extra charges like insurance upsells, high deposits, winter tire fees, airport surcharges, cross border fees, fuel policy traps and administration costs. Compare insurance options and follow step by step tips on reading terms, documenting the vehicle and confirming policies so you can rent confidently and enjoy your Lithuanian road trip on budget.
View details
Kaunas Car Rental Insurance Guide - Avoid a €3,000 Rental Nightmare
Definitive guide to renting a car in Kaunas that exposes high excess risks in standard CDW, explains rental company Super CDW zero excess and third-party reimbursement options, and compares pros and cons with real world case studies. Includes a practical pretrip checklist, tips on credit card holds and documentation, and local driving advice to avoid surprise charges.
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

"Kaunas Airport accounts for approximately 58% of car rentals, city center 27%, and railway station 15%. Airport pickup preferred for convenience and tourist arrival patterns."

Booking Patterns

"Economy cars hold 45% market share, SUVs 28%, compacts 18%, others 9%. Peak season (Jun-Aug) sees 65% higher bookings vs winter. Average rental duration is 4.2 days."

Customer Pain Points

"38% of renters report confusion over insurance coverage options (CDW vs full coverage). Hidden fuel charges and young driver surcharges are top complaint categories."

Data Sources

  • QEEQ internal booking databse
  • Lithuanian Tourism Board Statistics
  • Kaunas Airport Annual Report
  • Euromonitor International - Car Rental in Lithuania
  • Mordor Intelligence - Lithuania Car Rental Market
  • Consumer Travel Insights Report
  • Trustpilot Car Rental Reviews Analysis

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 Kaunas: Lithuania's Historic Heart

Discover the freedom of the open road in Kaunas, where Baltic charm meets European adventure at affordable prices

LANGUAGES

Lithuanian

CURRENCY

EUR

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+370

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$38 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

4-5 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

50 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

130 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.04% (Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$1.75/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.60/L - $1.85/L

Kaunas Car Rental Guide

Essential driving tips and rental FAQ for exploring Kaunas and Lithuania by car

Can I drive in Lithuania with my US/foreign driver's license, or do I need an International Driving Permit?
Non-EU citizens need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their valid home license. US citizens: your US license + IDP is required. EU citizens can use their home license directly. Rental agencies routinely check both documents—arriving without an IDP means the car stays in the lot. Get an IDP from AAA before departure ($20-25).
Is winter tire insurance mandatory in Lithuania, and what's the risk of driving without them?
Yes—Lithuania mandates winter tires from November 1 to March 31. Driving on summer tires in winter conditions can result in fines of €30-90 and potential liability if an accident occurs. Most rental companies offer winter-ready vehicles (often with studless winter tires) for €10-20/day extra. Budget for this: snow and ice are common on rural roads and highways from December through February.
How do highway tolls work in Lithuania—do I need an e-tag device?
Lithuania uses a vignette system (e-sticker) for highways—not toll booths. You'll prepay for 7, 30, or 365 days when booking or at border crossings (€7 for 7 days, €28 for a year). If you skip the vignette and get caught on a toll road, fines start at €150. Rental cars usually come with a pre-installed vignette—confirm with your provider to avoid double-charging.
I'm 22. Will I pay a young driver surcharge, and how much?
Most Lithuanian rental companies set the minimum age at 21, with an UNDER-25 surcharge of €10-25/day. At 22, you'll likely qualify but expect to pay roughly €15/day extra on top of the base rate. Some agencies (especially Europcar and Sixt) have higher minimums (23-25). Book early and compare—if one company charges €15/day extra, another might charge €20/day with a lower base rate.
What's the parking situation in Kaunas city center, and how do I pay?
Central Kaunas uses paid parking zones (€0.50-1.50/hour) via the Smart Parking app or paper discs. Blue zones are short-term (up to 2 hours), green zones longer. Unpaid parking in a zone risks €15-30 fines. Hotels and malls offer private lots (€2-5/hour). Avoid parking on residential streets without a permit—towing costs €100+.
Can I drive from Kaunas to other Baltic states, and what do I need?
Yes—Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are part of the EU, so you can cross borders freely with your rental car. However, confirm your rental agreement allows cross-border travel (some companies restrict it or charge €20-50 for permission). Bring your IDP and rental contract. No border checks, but vignette requirements differ: Latvia and Estonia have their own systems.

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