Historic 'Raketa' Hydrofoil Resumes Service in Lithuania with Significantly Higher Ticket Prices

The legendary 'Raketa' hydrofoil is set to relaunch passenger services on the Nemunas River, connecting Kaunas and Nida in Lithuania. This nostalgic journey, however, comes with a substantially higher price tag than in previous years. One-way tickets from Kaunas to Nida are now priced at 79 euros, with window seats costing an additional 10 euros, reaching 89 euros.

This marks a significant increase from 2020, when a one-way ticket was 49 euros, and even from the start of the 2022 season when prices were as low as 39 euros. The return trip from Nida to Kaunas is nearly half the price, at 49 euros, with no extra charge for window seats. Passengers should also note that luggage fees apply, with heavier bags costing an extra 12.10 euros and bicycle transport costing 22.10 euros.

In comparison, bus travel offers a more economical alternative. 'Kautra' buses run daily between Kaunas and Nida for approximately 28.40 euros. While buses also charge for bicycle reservations, they offer statutory transport discounts for students, seniors, and other eligible groups, which are not available on the 'Raketa'.

The 'Raketa' will operate four days a week, with departures from Kaunas on Thursdays and Fridays at 9 a.m., returning the same days at 3:30 p.m. On Saturdays, it travels only to Nida, staying overnight, and returns to Kaunas on Sundays at 3:30 p.m. The journey takes about 4 hours, depending on weather conditions. The hydrofoil, which can accommodate 58 passengers, was restored by 'Vandens kelias' and resumes services that were popular from the 1960s until regular routes ceased in 1995.