Babtai is a small town 24 km (15 mi) north of Kaunas, in Kaunas County, in central Lithuania. It is situated on the left bank of the Nevėžis River. As of 2001 it had a population of 1,715. Situated on the historic road from Kaunas to Riga, it played a role in the trade between Lithuania and Livonia. In 1792, the town received Magdeburg rights and coat of arms. The town declined after construction of railways.