Lithuania will cut domestic train ticket prices by 50% for two months in response to soaring fuel costs linked to tensions in the Middle East, Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė said Tuesday.
The discounts, introduced by passenger rail operator LTG Link, will apply from April 1 through May 31 on all local routes. The measure aims to ease financial pressure on households and encourage a shift to public transport.
“People will be able to choose a significantly cheaper alternative to rising fuel costs,” Ruginienė told reporters at the government. “The measure is intended to reduce the financial burden, expand mobility options and promote public transport use.”
Transport Minister Juras Taminskas said the initiative is designed to help those most affected by higher fuel prices, including families and seniors.
“The goal is for young families and elderly people to have a cheaper alternative for travel,” he said.
The program is expected to cost the government about €1.5 million, with passenger numbers projected to rise by around 200,000 to a total of roughly 1.2 million over the two-month period.
Officials said the impact should outweigh the cost, noting the measure could encourage more people to try rail travel for the first time and continue using it in the future.
Discounted fares will vary depending on the route. A standard ticket between Vilnius and Kaunas is expected to cost about €5, while students, schoolchildren and seniors under 80 could pay around €2.50, and those over 80 about €1.
Tickets between Vilnius and Klaipėda are expected to cost about €12.50 at the standard rate, with lower fares available for discounted groups. Prices may vary slightly depending on the number of stops.
The discount will be automatically applied across all ticket sales channels, with passengers receiving the lowest available fare if multiple discounts apply.
Kristina Meidė said the company may add extra train cars to meet demand but warned that tickets could sell out on busy routes, particularly on weekends and holidays.
“I cannot promise that tickets will always be available on popular routes during good weather weekends, but we will do everything we can,” she said, advising passengers to book in advance.
The government is also considering additional measures to address fuel prices, including a temporary reduction in diesel excise duty and changes to biofuel procurement rules, as well as the creation of a fuel price monitoring system.
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