Parking in Kaunas. Zones, Prices, and Apps for Tourists

Are you flying into Kaunas and picking up a car from the airport rental? Before heading to your hotel, downtown, or any city attraction, it's worth familiarizing yourself with the local parking rules. If your trip is still in the planning stage, check out our car rental offer at Kaunas Airport. Kaunas has various paid parking zones, and entering the Old Town comes with additional rules you should review before your trip.

The good news is that parking doesn’t have to be complicated. Just know how to identify the zone, where to check the price, and how to confirm your payment. This way, you can focus on sightseeing instead of worrying if your car is parked correctly.

Where to park in central Kaunas?

Kaunas operates several paid parking zones. They differ in rates and payment hours. That’s why before leaving your car, check the signage at the parking spot and make sure which zone you are in.

The most important rules are simple:

• Check the signs. Street signs indicate whether parking requires payment and what rules apply in the area.
• Note the hours. Not all zones charge fees at the same times.
• Select the correct zone in the app. Simply entering your registration number isn’t enough if you pick the wrong location.
• Confirm your payment. Ensure the app or parking meter registered the transaction.

The current map is available on the Parkavimas Kaune website and via the UNIPARK service. It’s useful to check these before leaving the airport, especially if you’re heading straight downtown.

How much does parking cost in Kaunas?

Parking prices in Kaunas depend on the zone and payment hours. According to the UNIPARK price list, the base rates for the main city zones are as follows:

• Old Town: €2.00 per hour. Charges apply daily, 24 hours a day.
• Yellow Zone: €2.50 per hour. Paid daily from 8:00 to 20:00.
• Red Zone: €2.00 per hour. Paid daily from 8:00 to 20:00.
• Blue Zone: €1.00 per hour. Paid daily from 8:00 to 20:00.
• Green Zone: €0.50 per hour. Charges apply weekdays from 8:00 to 18:00.
• Blue Zone S in Aleksotas: €0.60 per hour. Charges apply on weekends from 8:00 to 15:00.
• Beach Zone: €0.50 per hour. Paid daily from 8:00 to 24:00, from May 1 to September 15.

In the Orange Zone, paid parking applies on weekdays between 8:00 and 18:00. The price schedule includes various billing intervals, so check the exact rate on the official map or in the app before parking.

It’s also important that most city zones offer free parking on Lithuanian national holidays. The exception is the limited parking time zone, which has separate regulations. Always check signage and the operator’s current information before parking.

How to pay for parking in Kaunas?

If you are using a rental car, you can pay via a mobile app, parking meter, or SMS. For tourists without a Lithuanian SIM card, it’s easiest to check the app in advance or use a parking meter that accepts credit cards.

UNIPARK App

UNIPARK lets you start and stop parking sessions via your phone. Before your trip, you can install the app and see if you can set up your preferred payment method.

After parking, follow these steps:

1. Open the app and select your location in Kaunas.
2. Verify that the zone matches the signage at your parking spot.
3. Enter your vehicle’s registration number.
4. Choose your payment method and start parking.
5. Confirm the app has acknowledged the session start.
6. When returning to your car, end the parking session if your payment method requires it.

The app may charge a service fee; check this before confirming payment. Also, don’t assume the payment starts simply by opening the app—wait for confirmation.

Parking meter and card payment

If you prefer not to use the app, you can pay at the parking meter. Payment methods depend on the device; some accept coins, others also support contactless cards.

After payment, check that the meter confirms your transaction. If you get a ticket, follow its instructions.

This is a convenient option if you don’t want to set up another app while traveling. Just remember payment options vary by meter.

Can you pay via SMS?

Yes, but this method may be inconvenient for tourists with a Polish phone number. The official UNIPARK instructions specify SMS number 1332 for Lithuanian operators Telia, Tele2, and Bitė. Additional service fees may apply, and your network operator might charge their own fee.

If you use a Polish phone, don’t assume SMS payments will work. It’s safer to check app options first or use a parking meter that accepts your card.

Kaunas Old Town: What you need to know before entering

If you plan to visit the Old Town, note the low emission zone covering the area near the confluence of the Neris and Nemunas rivers. It’s delineated by streets including Šv. Gertrūda, Gimnazijos, Birštono, and Karaliaus Mindaugas Avenue. A. Mapu street is excluded from this zone.

The entry fee to this zone is €2, which covers the first hour of parking. If you park in the Old Town zone and pay parking fees correctly via app, SMS, or meter, the entry fee is included and should not be paid separately.

If you enter the zone but do not park in a metered spot, check your liability in the official system. The entry fee may be verified and paid up to 30 calendar days after leaving.

Before entering downtown, watch for signs and review current rules on the official low emission zone website. This will help you avoid confusing the entry fee with parking charges.

How to avoid parking problems with a rental car?

Common mistakes include choosing the wrong zone, entering registration numbers incorrectly, or not properly starting payment.

Before leaving your car, double-check:

• If the chosen zone matches the signage at your spot;
• If your vehicle registration number is correct;
• If the app or meter confirmed your payment;
• If the payment covers your intended parking time;
• If any additional restrictions apply in that location.

If using the app, keep your payment confirmation. With rental cars, correctly paying is vital because any violation notices may be sent to the vehicle owner.

What to do if you receive a fine notice?

Don’t ignore the notice or assume it’s a mistake. Verify the registration number, location, date, and time on the document and compare them with your payment confirmation.

Official Parkavimas Kaune guidelines state fines for unpaid parking must be paid within 30 days from the day after receiving the notice. Fees depend on the zone: for example, €25 for the yellow zone, €15 for red, and €10 for blue and green zones. These amounts are those shown on the notice, not standard parking rates.

If you believe the fine was issued incorrectly, contact the institution listed on the official document and keep your payment evidence. Information on appeals is available on the Parkavimas Kaune website.

Kaunas by car: Plan your sightseeing without unnecessary stress

A car gives you freedom to explore Kaunas at your own pace and even take trips outside the city. It’s wise to consider parking when planning your day.

If visiting the Old Town, review entry rules and choose a parking spot before setting off. You might park and continue sightseeing on foot. For longer stays, check parking rules near your hotel to avoid daily searches for a spot.

If you pick up your car at Yourrent Kaunas Airport, familiarize yourself with local parking rules and payment systems before you drive off. This helps plan your route and avoid unexpected stops.

Rent a car at Yourrent and explore Kaunas and the surroundings on your own terms. Plan your stops, pick the places you want to see, and discover Lithuania at your own pace.