Exploring Trakai on a Half Day Sightseeing Trip from Vilnius

Are you planning to visit Vilnius and want to get out of the city? Or maybe you are visiting the Lithuanian capital and want to arrange a day trip to explore the charming area around? A great option to consider is visiting Trakai, a historic city situated on an island amidst two lakes, about a 30-minute drive from Vilnius. Trakai has centuries of history as one of the former capitals of Lithuania, as well as being home to a beautiful castle and great outdoor activities such as canoeing, walking and hiking. It is a perfect option for a half-day sightseeing trip from Vilnius.

In this guide, we will take a look at some of the best ways to visit Trakai from Vilnius, including public transport from Vilnius, private car hire options and guided tours. We will also look at some of the highlights of Trakai to consider seeing during your visit.

Getting to Trakai from Vilnius

One of the first things to consider when arranging your trip to Trakai is how you will get there. There are several different options available depending on your budget, preferences, and time available.

Public Transport

The most affordable option for getting to Trakai (Vilnius Airport: Voruty) is by taking public transport. There are regular bus services – the #014 route – between Vilnius and Trakai. The bus journey takes approximately 45 minutes and costs around €1.15 each way. You can buy tickets from the bus driver or at certain kiosks in Vilnius.

For more information about taking public transport to Trakai, please visit Vilnius Explorer.

Private Cars

Another option for getting to Trakai from Vilnius is to hire a car. This is a great option for those who want to travel at their own pace and explore outside of Trakai as well. There are several car hire companies in Vilnius offering car rentals for reasonable prices. You can also book in advance online with companies like Baltic Rent Car.

Guided Tours

The final way to travel to Trakai area is to book a guided tour. Guided tours combine transportation and an in-depth tour of the history and sights of the area. Several companies offer guided day tours from Vilnius to Trakai or nearby for reasonable prices. These can range from city tours as well as boat tours of the lake or horseback rides around the castle. For example, Get Your Guide offers a half-day sightseeing tour of Trakai from Vilnius which includes round-trip transportation and light refreshments, as well as an expert guide leading the way.

Top Highlights in Trakai

After you’ve arrived in Trakai, you will want to know what highlights you should consider seeing during your stay. Here are some of the top highlights in and around Trakai:

Trakai Castle

Built in the 15th century, Trakai Castle is one of the most iconic sights in Lithuania and certainly worth a visit during your stay in the area. It is elevated his on an island amidst two lakes, making it a beautiful backdrop for any photo session or walk around its walls. The castle is open everyday except Mondays and Tuesdays and tickets cost €3 per adult and €1 per child.

Ukininkai Open Air Museum

Also located on an island in Lake Galvė is the Ukininkai Open Air Museum which is open daily from 9am–7pm (in winter 9am-5pm). It is a unique attraction that shows local heritage through authentically built buildings and activities such as craft making and baking with village dwellers heavily involved in service roles such as explaining local traditions, providing tours, cooking local food and more. Tickets cost €2 per adult and €1 per child.

Canoeing on Lake Galvė

For those looking for something a bit more active during their visit to Trakai, canoeing or kayaking on Lake Galvė can be an excellent option. This can be easily arranged with rental companies such as Canoe & Kayak Spindulys. The cost starts at €6 per hour per person with discounts available for family packs and longer sessions.

Conclusion: The Perfect Half Day Trip from Vilnius

Trakai makes for a perfect half day trip from Vilnius and is definitely worth it if you are visiting Lithuania’s capital city and looking for something outside of the city centre. All highlights are easily accessible either on foot or by public transportation, making it an affordable day trip option as well. Make sure you book your tickets or activities in advance so that you can make the most of your visit while in Trakai! Book your half-day sightseeing tour of Trakai now for an unforgettable experience!