Transport industry in Lithuania - statistics & facts
After joining the European Union, Lithuania saw rapid economic development which has had a positive effect on ist transportation industry. Lithuania forms part of the transport corridors within Europe, linking Western European and Scandanavian markets with Russia and other CIS states. Schengen Area borders with Poland and Latvia allows goods and people to be traded with ease. Transportation is predominantly handled by rail and road, although the Port of Klaipėda is one of the few major ice-free ports in the region and has become a popular cruise port of call in the Baltic sea. There are also four international airports in Lithuania. The transportation industry is stable, growing, and accounts for a significant share of the country’s GDP.
Rail cargo accounts for a high proportion of Lithuania’s freight, particularly when compared to other European countries and has grew in volume by more than 20 percent between 2016 and 2018. Most of Lithuania’s railways are state-owned. Road transport, however, has grown rapidly, with freight volume having more than doubled over the past decade. Following the 2008-09 financial crisis, passenger transport had fallen dramatically in Lithuania, particularly private road transport. Rail passenger volume is expected to continue its upward trend with the completion of Rail Baltica, a high-speed railway line between Tallinn and Warsaw via three of Lithuania’s major cities.
Rail cargo accounts for a high proportion of Lithuania’s freight, particularly when compared to other European countries and has grew in volume by more than 20 percent between 2016 and 2018. Most of Lithuania’s railways are state-owned. Road transport, however, has grown rapidly, with freight volume having more than doubled over the past decade. Following the 2008-09 financial crisis, passenger transport had fallen dramatically in Lithuania, particularly private road transport. Rail passenger volume is expected to continue its upward trend with the completion of Rail Baltica, a high-speed railway line between Tallinn and Warsaw via three of Lithuania’s major cities.
