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 Zirmunai area, and six piers will be installed.
The launch is scheduled for the summer of 2025.
The integration of this water transport link into the existing public transport system in Vilnius will create the possibility of getting off a boat and use the road transport system at one of the capital’s largest public transport interchanges near the Green Bridge where around 36,000 trips are recorded per working day.
According to the municipality, this link will also provide residents and visitors with more convenient and faster access to business centers, museums and other attractions in the central part of the city.
One such trip 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 Zirmunai-Zverynas route will be expanded with the addition of six more stops. The third stage will include the Zverynas-Vingis Park link, with two additional stops.
The implementation of the second and third stages will depend on the timing of the installation of the necessary infrastructure and the technical feasibility of the relevant part of the River Neris.
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. Residents or visitors 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 (without discounts). A family ticket for two adults and up to three children (up to the age of 18) will cost 7 euros when purchased online and 9 euros when purchased on board.
Passengers will also be offers return tickets they will need to buy in advance for 5 euros.
Source: BNS
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