Istanbul to Vilnius (IST–VNO) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Turkish passport holders need a Schengen visa to enter Lithuania. Apply at the Lithuanian Embassy in Ankara or through the VFS Global center. The short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) costs EUR 80 for adults and allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the Schengen Area. Required documents include passport photos, travel insurance covering EUR 30,000, proof of accommodation, a return ticket, and bank statements. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure from the Schengen Area.

Processing takes 10 to 15 working days. Book your appointment early, as summer months see high demand. A multi-entry Schengen visa issued by any Schengen country is valid for entry into Lithuania. If you hold a valid Schengen visa from a previous trip, you can use it for Lithuania without a new application as long as the dates and remaining entry count cover your trip.

Turkish Airlines operates direct flights from Istanbul (IST) to Vilnius (VNO) in about 2 hours 45 minutes. Lithuania uses the euro (EUR), trading at roughly 38 TRY per EUR 1. Card payments work at all shops, restaurants, and public transport. Vilnius has a compact old town walkable on foot. City buses cost EUR 1 per ride with a Vilniečio Kortelė card. The Vilnius to Kaunas train runs about 1 hour 15 minutes and costs EUR 5 to EUR 8.

Istanbul Metro M11 Gayrettepe–İstanbul Havalimanı line connects the airport to the broader metro network; from Gayrettepe (Mecidiyeköy/Levent area) the journey is about 35 minutes (₺60–70 with Istanbulkart). The line runs roughly 5am to midnight.Havaist express buses serve Taksim, Kadıköy, and other major hubs (₺50–80, 45–90 minutes depending on traffic). Taxis use a meter; expect ₺400–600 from Taksim or Sultanahmet. The airport is 35km northwest of the city; traffic on the O-7 motorway can be severe during peak hours.