Kaunas Airport (KUN) – Complete Travel Guide 2026
IATA Code
KUN
ICAO Code
EYKA
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Kaunas Airport Quick Facts
| Airport Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Oro Uosto g. 4, Karmėlava, LT-54460 Kauno r., Lithuania |
| Website | www.kaunas-airport.lt |
| Airlines | Ryanair, Wizz Air, Air Baltic, LOT Polish Airlines, and various seasonal charter carriers |
| Terminals | Single passenger terminal with Schengen and non-Schengen zones |
| Annual Passengers | Approximately 1.4 million |
| Hub for | Ryanair operates a base at the airport; no dedicated full-service hub |
| Phone Number | +370 5 273 9314 |
Kaunas Airport (KUN) stands as Lithuania's second-busiest airport, a compact and efficient gateway located just 14 km northeast of Kaunas city center. The airport has recently undergone a massive expansion, doubling its capacity to comfortably handle 2 million passengers annually. A major base for low-cost carriers, it connects central Lithuania to dozens of European destinations. Here is what you need to know before you fly.
Kaunas Airport Terminal Map and Layout
The airport features a single, recently expanded passenger terminal built across three levels. The design prioritizes straightforward navigation; you won't get lost here. Following a €17.7 million expansion project, the total terminal area now spans roughly 4,400 square meters, making the flow from check-in to boarding much more spacious than in previous years.
The terminal is functionally divided into two main zones: a Schengen departures area for flights to most EU destinations, and a non-Schengen zone for destinations like the United Kingdom or upcoming long-haul charters. These zones are clearly separated by passport control within the secure airside area. The expansion added new boarding gates, bringing the total to six, and two baggage reclaim belts are now in operation, significantly speeding up arrivals processing. All gates are within a short walking distance once you clear security.
Navigating Kaunas Airport Terminals
Main Passenger Terminal
- Airlines: All airlines check in at the single main terminal. Counters for Ryanair, Wizz Air, and others are clearly signed.
- Key Features: The recent expansion has transformed the airside experience. New waiting areas are flooded with natural light, and the layout intuitively guides you through a refreshed retail space. Car rental desks have been moved inside the terminal building, located conveniently in the arrivals hall.
- Dining and Shopping: A significantly larger Heinemann Duty Free store dominates the Schengen departures area, alongside new cafes and fast-casual dining options.
Transportation to and from Kaunas Airport
Getting to the city or surrounding regions is simple, with the A6 highway providing a direct route. The drive to central Kaunas takes roughly 20 minutes depending on traffic.
Getting to and from Kaunas Airport by Car
- Traffic: The route via the A6 is generally smooth. Allow a few extra minutes during morning and evening rush hours on weekdays.
- Curbside Drop-off: A dedicated drop-off zone is directly in front of the terminal. Waiting is limited to immediate unloading only; vehicles cannot be left unattended.
- Cell Phone Waiting Lot: Those picking up arriving passengers can wait for free in the short-term parking lot for a brief grace period, or use the official parking areas. There is no specific, dedicated free cell phone lot.
Getting to and from Kaunas Airport by Rideshare or Taxi
Several ride-hailing apps operate in Lithuania. The two most commonly used services are Bolt and Uber. Both offer reliable service from the airport.
- Pickup Area: Exiting the arrivals hall, cross to the main parking area, where you will find designated spaces for app-based rides. Follow signage for the pickup zone, often located near the short-term parking.
- Fares to City Center: A trip to central Kaunas with Bolt or Uber typically costs between $8 and $14, subject to demand. Taxis are also available, with fares averaging around $18-$22 for the same journey.
Getting to and from Kaunas Airport by Public Transportation
Public bus route 29 connects Kaunas Airport directly with the city center.
- Step-by-Step: Board bus 29 at the stop directly outside the terminal. The bus runs along the A6 road, making several stops before terminating in central Kaunas. You can pay the driver in cash or use a contactless bank card on the bus. The journey to the final stop takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
| Route | First Bus/Train | Last Bus/Train | Frequency | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 29 (Airport - City Center) | ~04:30 AM | ~11:30 PM | Every 30-40 minutes | $1.10 (approx.) |
Key Amenities at Kaunas Airport
ATMs and Currency Exchange
ATMs are located in the landside arrivals and departures halls. The Euronet currency exchange desk is situated in the public area of the terminal and is open during flight hours, allowing travelers to obtain euros upon arrival or departure.
Lost and Found
The lost and found service is managed by the airport's security department. If you have lost an item within the terminal, you can contact them by phone at +370 5 273 9314 or submit an inquiry via the official airport website.
Luggage Services
Luggage wrapping service is available in the departures hall for a fee of around $10 per bag. Luggage trolleys are free to use throughout the terminal, with racks located at the curb, in the lot, and in baggage claim.
Pets
An outdoor pet relief area can be found on the green space just outside the terminal building. For indoor options, you'll need to use the restrooms. Pets traveling in the cabin or as checked baggage must remain in approved carriers, as is standard across EU airports.
Showers
Public showers are not available within the terminal. The existing VIP lounge does not currently list shower facilities among its amenities.
Smoking Area
Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the interior of the terminal. Designated outdoor smoking areas are located outside the main entrance, before you enter the building. Once through security, there are no smoking facilities.
WiFi and Charging
Free, unlimited WiFi is available throughout the terminal. Connect to the LT Free WiFi network. Charging stations with power outlets and USB ports are plentiful in the new waiting areas, particularly near the boarding gates.
Other Amenities
An information desk is situated in the arrivals hall to assist with questions. A quiet chapel/prayer room is located on the upper level, offering a peaceful space for reflection. Basic first-aid services are available through airport staff, though there is no dedicated pharmacy inside the terminal.
Airport Lounges at Kaunas Airport
Lounge options at Kaunas Airport are limited. As a hub primarily for low-cost carriers, the terminal has not traditionally offered a wide array of exclusive lounges. A single VIP lounge is available to all passengers, regardless of airline or ticket class.
| Lounge Name | Location | Access Method | Day Pass Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VIP Lounge | Airside, Schengen departures area | Day pass, select bank cards, or airline status | $28 (approx.) | Comfortable seating, snacks, drinks, TV, newspapers |
Other Airports in the Region
If your travels take you across Lithuania, you have two other excellent airport choices:
- Vilnius Airport (VNO): Located 100 km west of Kaunas (about a 1-hour drive), Vilnius is the largest airport in Lithuania. It is the best option for those ultimately heading to the capital or to destinations not served by Kaunas, offering a much wider range of full-service and long-haul connecting flights.
- Palanga Airport (PLQ): Situated on the Baltic coast, Palanga is your best choice for a beach holiday in summer. It’s a small, seasonal airport handling flights from major Scandinavian cities and some charters, but it is a 2.5-hour drive from Kaunas.
Kaunas Airport Overview
Kaunas Airport was historically known as a major cargo and maintenance base before passenger service boomed with the rise of budget airlines in the mid-2000s. Its official name is Kauno tarptautinis oro uostas. The massive terminal expansion completed at the end of 2025 doubled its capacity to 800 passengers per hour. It is the fourth busiest airport in the Baltic states and a crucial economic link for central Lithuania, located 14 km from Kaunas and 100 km from Vilnius.
Kaunas Airport Postal Code
- Full Postal Code: LT-54460
- City: Karmėlava
- Province/Municipality: Kaunas District
- Country: Lithuania
- Complete Mailing Address: Kaunas Airport, Oro Uosto g. 4, Karmėlava, LT-54460 Kauno r., Lithuania
Duty Free and Shopping at Kaunas Airport
Duty-free shopping is available for passengers departing to non-EU destinations. The newly opened Heinemann Duty Free store, covering 585 square meters in the Schengen departures hall, is a destination in itself. It places a huge emphasis on Lithuanian products, from food to designer goods. A smaller 107 square meter store is slated to open in the non-Schengen zone for last-minute purchases after passport control. Top-shelf international spirits, perfumes by Chanel and Dior, and electronics from JBL and Marshall are all readily available. For souvenirs, while the city center offers more variety, the airport’s range of local linen, amber jewelry, and authentic šakotis cake is exceptional and fairly priced.
| Product | Category | Approximate Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Amber Jewelry (pendant/bracelet) | Local Craft | $25 - $100+ |
| Šakotis Tree Cake (small) | Food/Souvenir | $10 |
| Lithuanian Linen (scarf/runner) | Textile | $15 - $40 |
| BC Žalgiris Basketball Merch | Sports Souvenir | $25 - $50 |
| 1 Liter Premium International Vodka | Duty Free Liquor | $14 |
| Chanel / Dior Fragrance (50ml) | Duty Free Cosmetics | $75 |
Security Wait Times at Kaunas Airport
Security is notoriously efficient. The terminal expansion has added extra lanes, contributing to some of the fastest average wait times in Europe. Peak travel occurs during summer months (June-August) and the holiday period in December. Weekdays, particularly Tuesday and Wednesday, see the lightest traffic, while Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings are busier. To ensure a relaxed journey, arrive at the airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your flight.
| Terminal | Typical Wait Time | Peak Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Main Terminal (Security) | 5-10 minutes | 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM & 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
| Immigration (non-Schengen) | 10-15 minutes | Coincides with flight departures to the UK |
Kaunas Airport Drop Off and Pick Up Information
- Departures Drop-off: Stop directly in front of the terminal. Stay with your vehicle and unload only. Security staff enforce a strict no-waiting policy.
- Arrivals Pick-up: The most convenient place to meet arriving passengers is the short-stay parking lot. The rate is around $2.50 for the first hour. This avoids stress and rushing at the curb. Follow signs for parking upon arrival.
- Kiss and Fly: There is no separate, free "Kiss and Fly" lot. The short-stay lot serves this purpose for a small fee.
Flight Routes and Airlines at Kaunas Airport
Low-cost carriers dominate the schedule. Ryanair maintains a base here and offers the widest network. Wizz Air and Air Baltic connect Kaunas to key hubs for onward travel. Popular destinations favor the UK, Germany, Ireland, and Scandinavia. Destinations like London, Oslo, Dublin, and Copenhagen see multiple weekly flights. A wide array of seasonal charters to Mediterranean holiday spots like Spain, Greece, and Turkey also operate during summer.
Car Rental at Kaunas Airport
Renting a car provides the ultimate flexibility for exploring Kaunas, Vilnius, and the picturesque Lithuanian countryside. Car rental desks for nine agencies are now conveniently located inside the terminal in the arrivals hall. Advance booking, especially during summer, is highly recommended to secure the best rate and vehicle class. Economy cars typically start from as low as $7 per day.
Car Rental Companies at the Airport
Counters are available for Budget, Alamo, Hertz, Sixt, Avis, Ace, and several local providers including ADMITA and Final Rentals. Enterprise has a desk in the Car Hire Centre, a short 200-meter walk left from the terminal exit.
Parking at Kaunas Airport
The airport offers an official, secure parking lot directly adjacent to the terminal, making it a very short walk to check-in. For even more affordable rates, a private long-term car park, iPark.lt, is located just 500 meters away at Šaltinių str. 2 and 3. This monitored lot offers online reservation and often provides the absolute lowest weekly rates.
- Official Airport Parking (P1): Short-term and long-term options. A full day typically costs around $8-$14. The lot is secured and has no height restrictions.
- iPark.lt (Off-site): A 7-minute walk or a quick lift to the terminal. Great for week-long trips with low daily rates booked in advance.
Places to Explore Near Kaunas Airport
- Kaunas City Center: 14 km (20-minute drive). A vibrant city of modernist architecture, the charming Old Town, and the imposing Kaunas Castle.
- Rumšiškės Open-Air Museum: 25 km (25-minute drive). One of Europe's largest open-air ethnographic museums, showcasing traditional Lithuanian rural life across vast, beautiful grounds.
- Pažaislis Monastery: 20 km (20-minute drive). A stunning masterpiece of Italian Baroque architecture in Lithuania, beautifully situated on a lake peninsula.
- Vilnius: 100 km (60-minute drive). The capital city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is easily reached via the A1 motorway for an incredible day trip.
Local Weather and Best Time to Visit Kaunas
Kaunas enjoys a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. The peak travel window runs from May to September.
- Summer (June-August): The best season for weather, with warm, long days. Average highs peak at 77°F (25°C). This is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.
- Autumn (September-October): A beautiful time for foliage, with crisp air and far fewer tourists. Temperatures range from 45°F to 60°F (7°C-15°C).
- Winter (November-March): Expect cold conditions, with temperatures often dropping to 14°F (-10°C) and snowfall common. A magical time for Christmas markets but requires thick winter clothing.
- Spring (April-May): The city blooms with parks and green spaces coming to life. Weather can be unpredictable, layering is key.
Essential Travel Tips
- 💶 Currency Matters: Lithuania uses the Euro (€). While cards are accepted almost everywhere, including buses, it's smart to have a small amount of cash for markets.
- 🛂 Documentation: For car rental, a valid driver’s license from your home country is generally accepted for short stays. An International Driving Permit is required if your license is not in Roman script.
- ⛽ Fuel Up Before Return: A Circle K petrol station is conveniently located just outside the airport entrance on the main road, perfect for refilling your rental car before drop-off.
- 🗣️ Language: Lithuanian is the official language. English is widely spoken by younger people and those working in the tourism sector.
- 📱 Stay Connected: Download the Bolt app before you arrive. It's the most popular and often cheapest way to get a taxi.
- ⌚ Arrive Early: Arriving 90 minutes before a Schengen flight and 2 hours before a non-Schengen flight is the sweet spot for a stress-free experience.
About the City of Kaunas
Kaunas, once Lithuania’s temporary capital, is a city brimming with spirit. It won the title of European Capital of Culture and boasts incredible interwar modernist architecture, a legacy that earns it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The city is a hub for students and creatives, reflected in its vibrant Laisvės alėja boulevard, street art, and cozy cafes. It is also the undeniable home of Lithuanian basketball, with the Žalgiris Kaunas team enjoying godlike status. For food lovers, the city offers incredible value, from traditional potato-based dishes like cepelinai in rustic cellars to modern Lithuanian cuisine in renowned Old Town restaurants.
Start Your Journey at Kaunas Airport
From its brand-new, streamlined terminal to its unbeatable connections for budget-conscious explorers, Kaunas Airport is an ideal starting point for a Baltic adventure. Skip the hassle of long lines and crowded hubs. Your smooth journey starts the moment you arrive. Book your rental car in advance right here through our comparison tool to lock in the lowest rate, pick up your keys right in the arrivals hall, and in 20 minutes you’ll be enjoying all that Lithuania has to offer.
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