By car

Šiauliai is at the junction of the main A11 (E272) and A12 (E77) highways, connecting the city directly with several cities including Vilnius, Klaipėda and Riga. Buy a map before you arrive, and think seriously about booking a hotel with guarded parking. Although Lithuanians no longer have to take their windscreen wipers off when they park their cars, petty theft involving the breaking of a window is fairly common. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll find little use for you car with the exception of a visit to the Hill of Crosses and perhaps the Fire Engine Museum.