Landing at Vilnius (VNO) is quick; getting on the road should be the same. This guide explains renting car in vilnius airport from start to finish—what documents you need, how deposits and insurance usually work, where pick-up/return happens, and how to keep your costs predictable. It reflects current, Lithuania-specific practices so you can choose confidently and drive away in minutes.
Why renting car in vilnius airport makes sense
Public transport is decent and taxis are easy to find, but a rental car gives you three advantages that are hard to beat:
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Speed: VNO sits by main routes (A3/A1), so you reach the centre in ~15–20 minutes and other cities without transfers.
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Flexibility: build your own itinerary—Trakai, Kaunas, the Baltic coast, Aukštaitija lakes—on your schedule.
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Value for explorers: with unlimited mileage inside Lithuania (common at VNO), you pay your daily rate plus fuel, no matter how many detours you take.
If you plan day trips, travel with family, or carry gear, renting car in vilnius airport usually beats rideshares and intercity buses on both time and comfort.
Documents and driver requirements – keep it simple
What you will typically be asked for:
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Driving licence: Latin alphabet licences are accepted; if not, bring an International Driving Permit alongside your original licence.
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Passport or national ID: photo identification for the contract.
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Driver experience: a minimum of 2 years is standard.
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Lead driver name = payment name: make sure your card or payer details match the contract holder.
Add-ons: a second driver is often included at no extra charge; a third driver can cost a small daily fee (for example, €5/day). Always list everyone who will drive—insurance applies to named drivers only.
Booking and payment: advances, deposits and methods
Aim for clarity before you fly:
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Reservation advance: expect a modest prepayment (around €50) to confirm your booking; it is applied to the rental price later. If you cancel late or do not show up, that advance is not refunded.
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Security deposit: taken at pickup and released at the end if there is no new damage:
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€400 for newer cars,
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€150 for older models. Choosing full insurance with €0 deductible often removes the deposit entirely.
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How to pay: card, bank transfer, or cash at pickup can be available—confirm your preferred method in advance.
Practical tip: if you prefer not to tie up funds, select full cover with zero excess and confirm that the no-deposit option applies to your vehicle class.
Insurance and liability for renting car in vilnius airport
Here is how coverage typically breaks down, in plain English:
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Mandatory third-party liability and comprehensive (CASCO) are included.
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Standard deductible: around €800—your maximum liability if the car is damaged while you are responsible.
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Full-cover upgrade: for a daily fee, you may reduce liability to €0 (and, as noted, often skip the deposit). -
Reporting rule: any accident, scrape or incident should be reported within 24 hours; late reporting can void coverage.
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Exclusions (know them): off-road use, racing, and driver training are generally not covered; lost keys/documents usually incur a fixed charge (e.g., €200).
Decision shortcut:
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Choose standard cover if you are comfortable with an excess and prefer a lower daily rate.