Vilnius plans to launch a water transport service on the River Neris next year.
According to the local municipality, there are plans to integrate electric water transport into the Lithuanian capital’s public transport system in three stages. During the first stage, electric boats will start taking passengers from central Vilnius to the Žirmūnai area, and six piers will be installed.
The launch is scheduled for the summer of 2025.
The integration of the water transport link into the public transport system will allow passengers to get off a boat and catch a bus or a trolleybus near the Green Bridge, a major transport hub that serves around 36,000 passengers a day.
According to the municipality, the river link will also offer more convenient and faster access to business centres, museums and other attractions in the central part of the city.
A full ride will last around 45 minutes. Up to four electric boats will initially be deployed to provide the service between May and October.
During the second stage, the Žirmūnai-Žvėrynas route will be expanded with the addition of six more stops. The third stage will include the Žvėrynas-Vingio Park link, with two additional stops.
The second and third stages will proceed depending on the timing of the installation of the necessary infrastructure.
According to the municipality, the integration of water transport is aimed at reducing car pollution in central Vilnius. The second and third stages would create a link to car parks planned by the municipality. Passengers who will park their cars there would be able to continue their journey to the central part of the city using sustainable and environmentally friendly water transport.
A single boat ticket will cost 3 euros when purchased via mobile apps or the website, and 4 euros when purchased on board and paid by contactless payment. A family ticket for two adults and up to three children (under 18) will cost 7 euros when purchased online and 9 euros when purchased on board.
Passengers will also be offered return tickets for 5 euros.
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