Passing through Palanga International Airport? A layover in Palanga is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 40 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
Important Details Before You Go
Three things to verify before you walk out of PLQ:
- Can you legally enter Lithuania? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 40-minute journey each way by Bus Line 100, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the EUR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting from PLQ to Palanga
From PLQ, the Bus Line 100 gets you to Palanga in around 40 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 60 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Bus Line 100 offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Quick budget math for your Palanga layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$9 |
| Meal | ~$17 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$36 |
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Exploring Palanga on a Layover
If you head into Palanga, here are two things worth checking out:
Palanga Amber Museum & Botanical Park is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare.
Palanga Pier (JÅ«ros tiltas) is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside PLQ, you can spend time at PLQ Business Lounge or try Heinemann Duty Free Shop. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Eat
For food in Palanga, local travelers recommend Vila Komoda. If you have time for a second stop, Monika is another popular pick.
Back at PLQ, Coffee UP! is the go-to. Palanga Airport Cafe & Bar rounds out your in-terminal options.
What to Do With Your Bags
Luggage storage options at PLQ can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Palanga for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at PLQ, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Palanga itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Lithuania that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Rest Areas & Lounges
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at PLQ.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Palanga with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Palanga may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.