Is it worth visiting Trakai?

Blog created at Last updated February 27, 2024

Short answer: YES, it is!

The fairy-tale like residence of the rulers of Lithuania, the lakes with picturesque shores, and the heritage of the Karaims make Trakai a unique destination not only in Lithuania but in the entire Europe! Trakai Castle, located in this attractive town, is a must-visit landmark loved by locals and foreign travelers alike. This enchanting spot is often included in day trips from Vilnius. However, it’s located 28 Km from the capital. So you might be wondering what is the best way to reach Trakai? Let us help you!

One of the must sees in Lithuania - red brick Trakai castle in the middle of the lake

Picture: © A. Bobbit

First of all,  plenty of buses and trains run between  and Trakai every day, both of them taking about 40 minutes to make the journey. 

By bus 

Find your way to Vilnius Bus Station (Sodų Str. 22 ). The best place to buy the ticket is in the ticket office, not the driver. It  usually costs around 2.60 - 3.00 Eur/per adult, but there are discounts for students and pensioners. 

There aren't many platforms at the bus station; they are all visible from one spot, so it should be easy to locate the one you'll need.

Buses to Trakai run approximately 20 times per day (more in summer), at intervals of about 30-40 minutes. More information and online tickets are available here: www.autobusubilietai.lt

By train 

Find your way to the Railway Station (Geležinkelio Str. 16). Tickets at the ticket office on online will cost 2.80 Eur/ per adult. If you decide to come back with a train too, it’s better to buy return ticket as well. Trakai train station doesn’t work long hours and buying return ticket ensures you 5 percent discount. If you forgot to buy it in the beginning of the trip or Trakai train station was closed - don’t worry. There is an option to buy the ticket from the conductor on the train without additional charge.

Trains to Trakai run 6 times per day. More information: bilietas.ltglink.lt/

How to get from train/bus station to the castle?

Regardless of whether you choose to arrive by bus or train, expect a longer walk. Train station is 3 km to the castle ( around 3.6 km if you go by a lake side). The bus station is a bit closer - 2.3 km to the castle. We highly recommend choosing the lakeshore route to Trakai Castle. The way is rather picturesque, with plenty of lovely places for a picnic or even a swim in the lake along the route. You can buy some refreshments before you go at the grocery store RIMI located in Trakai bus station. 

Map of Trakai

Map of Trakai with lakeshore route to Trakai Castle

However, if walking longer distances is harder for you, local municipality offers couple of options:

Trakai City bus 

City bus leaves from Trakai bus station Platform 1. Ticket will cost 2 Eur/ per adult, students can expect a discount. Payment in cash or by card on board.
Get out at the stop: ISLAND CASTLE & TOURISM  INFORMATION center. Please note that there are different schedules for weekends and working days!

Trakai Bus station

Trakai bus station © trakai-visit.lt

Does Trakai have a TAXI?

You can also use the same Bolt app as in Vilnius city. The ride from Trakai bus station to the castle will cost around 3 EUR per trip, making it more convenient if there are 2-3 people traveling. However, if you decide to travel from Vilnius to Trakai castle it will cost from 30  EUR per trip.

Additionally, there are electric Bolt scooters in Trakai that you can rent using the same app. Just remember that you are responsible for your own safety! 

Reaching Trakai by car

If you decide to rent a car, take the A1 (E85) highway west out of the city, followed by the A4 in the direction of Druskininkai, then the A16 (E28), which takes you the rest of the way. Driving time depends on traffic, but usually takes between 20 and 30 minutes.

Sightseeing Tours to Trakai

This text may contain affiliate links. If you decide to purchase tours mentioned in this article, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Now what if you want to have a bit more curated trip and see more than the castle?

Then we highly reccomend to book full-day self-guided bike tour to Trakai.It offers the best of both worlds: the flexibility of solo traveling without the headache of planning and researching the route or buying tickets. The package includes train tickets, one-day rent of the bike equipped with a helmet and locker, maps, additional information (audio guide) about the region, and details about the most interesting places in the area.

Trakai castle bike tour

Bike around Trakai  © Ieva B.

If traveling solo is not your cup of tea, don't worry! There are plenty of regular half-day tours to Trakai from Vilnius. Most of the trips offered include a live guide who will travel with you, providing explanations about the history of the town in the comfort of an air-conditioned minibus with panoramic windows on the way to the sight. Since it's a regular tour and not private, it's much more affordable, costing around 70 EUR per adult.

If you are interested to book 4-hour guided tour from Vilnius check out this LINK.

It's also possible to visit Paneriai Memorial Park as well as Trakai Castle in one trip. You should book From Vilnius: Trakai Castle and Paneriai Memorial Tour

 

That’s it! Hope this post helped you to plan your trip to Trakai. Just don’t forget to take your swimming suit and sunscreeen if it's summer! There is nothing more relaxing than a dive into the lake after a tour in the castle.