Transportation in Kyiv and Ukraine:

Public transportation is well developed in Ukraine. Ukraine is connected to European and Asian cities via an extensive network of railways and roads. You can reach just about any desired destination by train, bus, or by air.      A passport is required to purchase your tickets.  The government is currently considering allowing passport "copies" to expedite ticket  purchases.

Getting to Ukraine:

By air:

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     There are two airports in Kyiv: Boryspil (KBP) (see how to get to Boryspil in our travel tips) and Zhulyany (IEV). (see how to get to Zhulyany here)

Most International flights operate to and from Boryspil International Airport in Kiev. It is located about 40km (25mi) South-East of the city centre.

Airport information system The Interactive Voice Response system (IVR) Phone:   (+380 44) 490 47 77 Lost&found office Phone:   (+380 44) 281 74 98 (+380 44) 281 75 39 Airport's hotel "Boryspil" Reservation, information Phone:   (+380 44) 281 71 05 (+380 44) 281 79 53 VIP-services Phone:   (+380 44) 281 71 54 (+380 44) 281 77 39 http://www.borispil.kiev.ua/eng/

     There are also airports in these cities:
Dnipropetrovs'k (phone: +38 0562 395209; ticket booking: +38 0562 34 11 34 / 39 55 07),
Donets'k (phone: +38 0622 51 53 22; ticket booking: +38 0622 57 44 22),
Odesa (phone: +38 0482 39 33 12; ticket booking: +38 0482 22 34 56),
Simferopol (phone: +38 0652 29 55 16),
L'viv (phone: +38 0322 69 21 12; ticket booking: +38 0322 69 23 99),
Kharkiv (phone: +38 0572 51 64 08; ticket booking: +38 0572 21 84 41), and
Zaporizhzhya (phone: +38 0612 64 42 27 / 64 25 65).

     Odesa's airport is about 12km (7mi) south-west of downtown.

     The airport in Lviv, about 8km (5mi) west of the city centre.

Ukraine Airports

Airport	City	IATA CODE	ICAO CODE
ARCYZ	ARCYZ		UKOA
BAGEROWO	BAGEROWO		UKFR
BELAJA CERKOV	BELAJA CERKOV		UKBC
Belbek	Belbek	BQB	UKFB
BERDJANSK	Berdyansk	ERD	UKDB
Borispol	Kiev	KBP	UKBB
Borispol	BORISPOL	KBP	UKBU
CHAJKA	CHAJKA		UKKJ
CHERKASSY	CHERKASSY	CKC	UKKE
Chernovtsy	Chernovtsy	CWC	UKLN
CHUGUEW	CHUGUEW		UKHW
Dnepropetrovsk	Dnepropetrovsk	DNK	UKDD
Donetsk	Donetsk	DOK	UKCC
EVPATORIJA	EVPATORIJA		UKFE
GENICHESK	GENICHESK	...	UKOG
Gostomil'	Kiev	GOS	UKKM
GWARDEJSKOE	GWARDEJSKOE		UKFG
Ivano-Frankivs'k	Ivano-Frankovsk	IFO	UKLI
IZMAIL	IZMAIL	IZL	UKOI
KANATOVO	KIROWOGRAD		UKBT
KERCH	KERCH	KHC	UKFK
KHARKOV	Kharkov	HRK	UKHH
KHERSON	Kherson	KHE	UKOH
KHMELNITSKY	Khmelnitskiy	HMJ	UKLH
Kirovograd	KIROVOGRAD	KGO	UKKG
KIROVSKOE/MIL	KIROVSKOE/MIL		UKFD
KONOTOP	KONOTOP		UKBF
KRAMATORSK	KRAMATORSK	KRQ	UKCK
KREMENCHUG	KREMENCHUG	KHU	UKHK
Kyiv	Kiev	IEV	UKKK
Lozovatka	Kryvyi Rig	KWG	UKDR
Luhans'k	Lugansk	VSG	UKCW
LUTSK	LUTSK	LUC	UKLC
Lvov	Lvov	LWO	UKLL
Mariupol	Mariupol	MPW	UKCM
MIRGOROD	MIRGOROD		UKBM
Mykolaiv	Nikolaev	NLV	UKON
NEZHYN	NEZHYN		UKRN
NIKOLAEV(KULXBAKINO)	MIL		UKOR
Odessa	Odessa	ODS	UKOO

 

Ukrainian Airlines
AeroSvit V.Vasyl'kivs'ka Str., 9/2, office 7A; phone: +38 044 490 3 490 www.aerosvit.com	Ukraine International Airlines B.Khmel'nyts'koho Str., 63A; phone: +38 044 461 5050 www.ukraine-international.com/eng/	Ukraine National Airlines Povitroflotsky Prosp., 90; phone: +38 044 245 98 72

Other Airlines
Austrian Airlines Chervonoarmiys'ka Str., 9/2; phone: +38 044 244 35 40	Air France Velyka Zhytomyrs'ka Str., 6/11; phone: +38 044 464 10 10
Finnair Chervonoarmiys'ka Str., 9/2; #6 phone: +38 044 247 57 77	Estonian Airlines Chervonoarmiys'ka Str., 9/2; #14 phone: +38 044 220 05 20
KLM Ivana Franka Str., 34/33; phone: +38 044 490 2 490 www.klm.ua	LOT Ivana Franka Str., 36; phone: +38 044 246 56 20
Lufthansa B.Khmel'nyts'koho Str., 52; phone: +38 044 490 38 00 www.lufthansa.com	British Airways Yaroslaviv Val Str., 5; phone: +38 044 490 60 60
Malev Pushkins'ka Str., 45/2; #22 phone: +38 044 490 73 42	Turkish Airlines Pushkins'ka Str., 19; phone: +38 044 490 59 33
Aeroflot Saksagans'kogo Str., 112a; phone: +38 044 245 43 59	Egypt Air Khreschatik Str., 14; phone: +38 044 228 23 43
Swiss Air Chervonoarmiys'ka Str., 9/2; #53 phone: +38 044 490 65 00 www.swiss.com	Delta Tarasa Shevchenka Blvd., 10; phone: +38 044 246 5656 phone: +38 044 246 3848
Air Baltic B.Khmel'nyts'koho Str., 52; phone: +38 044 238 26 49 www.airbaltic.com	Czech Airlines Ivana Franka Str., 36; phone: +38 044 246 56 27

Note: Chervonoarmiys'ka Street is also know as Velyka Vasyl'kivsk'a
 

Travel Agencies
Tickets World Artema Str., 42; phone: +38 044 490 28 88 www.bsv.com.ua	Kiy Avia Dmytrivs'ka Str., 1; Horodets'kogo Str., 4; phone: +38 044 490 49 06 http://www.kiyavia.com/eng/info/timetable/?
Utis Chervonoarmiys'ka Str., 9/2; #33 phone: +38 044 247 57 57 www.utis.biz	STI Ukraine Prorizna., 18/1; #11 phone: +38 044 490 59 60 www.sti.com.ua
Worldservice Group Honchara Olesya Str., 42; phone: +38 044 238 27 27	Universal Flights Sales Agency Pushkins'ka Str., 14; Honchara Olesya Str., 84; phone: +38 044 238 26 87

By train:

The 22,3 km's (14 miles) of railway track link most Ukrainian cities and towns. International links extend from Kyiv to other CIS and European countries as well. There are direct lines to Warsaw (Poland), Krakow (Poland), Wroclaw (Poland), Pshemysl (Poland), Moscow (Russia), St.Petersburg (Russia), Vladyvostok (Russia), Murmans'k (Russia), Minsk (Belarus), Brest (Belarus), Berlin (Germany), Bratislava (Slovakia), Prague (Czech), Budapest (Hungary), Sofia (Bulgaria), Varna (Bulgaria), Vienna (Austria), Riga (Latvia), Belgrade (Yugoslavia), Zagreb (Croatia), Cishinau (Moldova) and others.

Kiev Central Railway Station is located at Vokzal'na sq. Inquiry phone: 005 To purchase international tickets go to Pivdenny Terminal of the Central Rrailway Station, booth #42-43 www.uz.gov.ua (only in Russian and Ukrainian) Central Ticket Office in Kiev is located at T.Shevchenka Str., 38/40 Booking phone: 050 There's also a Ticket Office at Boryspil Airport.

     The Train from Warsaw to Kyïv leaves Warsaw Centralna at 9:40 p.m. and arrives the next day in Kyïv at 4:21 p.m. (It leaves Kiev at 12:34 p.m. and arrives the next day in Warsaw at 6:11 a.m.) This train has a Polish sleeping-car with 1st class 2-bed compartment with washbasin.  There are additionaly several Ukrainian 2nd class sleeping-cars (coupe') with 4-bed compartments at a reduced rate. There is a buffet or restaurant car serving drinks, snacks, or meals.

*All rail tracks in the former USSR were built wider than European tracks by about three and a half  inches.  During WWII this  stopped the German rail cars from crossing the border.  So today, when you cross the eastern borders of Ukraine, your carriage wheels will be adjusted at the border by hoisting each car about ten feet  into the air and performing the re-alignment with you and everyone else on board!  It's really quite interesting to experience.  The re-alignment usually takes two or three hours from our own experience.

     (European track: 4' 81/2", Soviet track; 5')  The brand new luxury train that runs from Krakow, Poland to Kiev is the first to have "self adjusting" wheels that we have seen.

     With your documents in order, border crossings are pretty easy.   The "cigarette contraband" check's by Polish authorities can be a little annoying and time consuming however.

By bus:

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     There are several private companies offering bus travel which in most cases is a cheaper alternative to train or plane travel.  For example there are regular bus schedules to the Polish cities of Warsaw, Krakow, Lublin, etc., with the ticket for the Warsaw route only 160 hryvna ($32) each way on a round trip purchase.  It is an overnight trip however and as you can imagine a bit of an uncomfortable sleeping experience.
Alternatively, the Warsaw train trip with a sleeper cabin will set you back 350 hryvna ($70) each way.  

     From Kiev the Polish bus departs from the Dachna Bus Terminal, Peremohy Prospect 142.

By ship:

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You can travel by ship between Odessa or Yalta as well as various cities on the Black Sea and Mediterranean. The most frequent and reliable is the Odessa to Istanbul route. It's also possible to sail down the Danube River between Odessa and a number of East European river ports. For more information check the web UkrFerry Odesa Marine Port: Prymors'ka Str., 6; +38 0482 22 32 11

Around the country:

By train:

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One of the most comfortable and very inexpensive ways to get around Ukraine is by train. Ukraine boasts a punctual and well operated railway system which is probably one of the best travel bargains in the world.      With your passport in hand you may purchase your ticket at the Railway Ticket Office or through different agencies throughout Ukraine. Agencies can offer ticket delivery as well. There are often huge lines at Kiev's Main Railway Ticket Office or Railway Office, so ordering your tickets through the agency will save you time and needless hassles.

Kiev Central Railway Station is located at Vokzal'na Sq. Inquiry phone: 005 www.uz.gov.ua (only in Russian and Ukrainian) South-Western Railroad of Ukraine Central Ticket Office in Kiev is located at T.Shevchenka Str., 38/40 Booking phone: 050

It can be very diffcult to obtain tickets in the summer, especially to the South of Ukraine. In this case you might consider booking your tickets in advance.      There are 3 different wagons type's;   1st class (2 bed sleeping compartment), 2nd class ("Coupe'"4 sleeping beds per compartment) and Economy or 3d class, (Platscart 6 sleeping beds per "open" compartment, meaning no doors.) You may specify an "upper" (verkhnya) or "lower" (nyzhnya) bed when purchasing your ticket.

     Upon departure the "Provodneek" (Steward/Stewardess) will stop by your cabin and offer you bed sheets for an additional 7 or 8 hryvna ($1.50) that you will use for the night.  The price can include a little hand towel and napkins or for a bit extra a bar of soup or an extra towel.   They can also bring you tea or coffee during "waking" hours for a small amount.

     Your tickets and your passport will be checked before you get on the train and again at the beginning of your journey.

     Normaly long distance trains have a restaurant wagon where you can purchase food and drinks.  They usually stay open untill 11:00pm

     There are also electric commuter trains in Ukraine. They are called electychka or electropotyah. They usually feature hard wooden benches without any amenities. Usually they are very crowded, especially in summer.

     Additionaly, the  new fashionable and comfortable Express Train has come into service not long ago. It's connections include  such cities as Kiev - Dnipropetrovs'k (6 hour ride), Kharkiv (6 hour ride), and Moscow (9,5 hour ride).  Plans to include Lviv, Odessa and Crimea are in the works as well.

     A word to the wise; Bring your own toilet paper and drinking water!

By bus:

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Ukrainian National Bus Lines serve almost every city and town in Ukraine. The older fleet of buses would suffice for short trips,  although sometimes are overcrowded and dirty. So, for the price, train travel is a more comfortable option. "Deluxe" Bus travel is, however, available also by private companies.

Kiev Central Bus Station (Vokzal) is located at Moscow Square (Moskovs'ka Ploscha). One Trolleybus or Minibus (Marshrutka) stop from the Lybids'ka Metro Station. Inquiry by phone: 265 04 30 (no english spoken) Tickets: 265 02 54 (no english spoken)

More comfortable bus trips are availabe from such companies as these;

By ship:

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Ukraine's most important internal waterway is the Dnipro (d-knee-pro) River, Europes third largest  which originates in Central Russia and empties into the Black Sea. In the summer short trips along the Dnipro are popular. In Kiev's "Podil"district are several Ship Terminals located near Poshtova Ploscha Metro Station.  Longer trips and cruises between Kyiv, Odessa and Sevastopol are also very popular and can be booked through various tour operators.  All trips are seasonal. Just come up out of the Metro Station, head for the "McDonalds", take the footbridge over the highway and you'll see the ships and boats lined up at the street side dock.

Renting a car:

If you have no problem driving in, say, Bangladesh, Mexico City, or Moscow, you "might" qualify to drive in Kiev.  All you'll need is your International Driving Permit, Proof of Insurance, and Nerves of Steel. :^ )  Otherwise, its better to use a local Ukrainian driver with his own car . Cars with Drivers are affordable.  If you must you can rent a car at major hotels in Kiev and through car rental agencies in all major cities of Ukraine.  Be sure and get aquainted with current rules of the "Road Police" and traffic signs written in Russian and Ukrainian "Crylic" lettering if you decide to drive.  If you prefer a car with driver we'll find you one.  Click here.	Hertz Rent a Car Kyiv: +38 044 494 49 35/38 Boryspil: +38 044 296 76 16/14 Dnipropetrovs'k: +38 0562 316 555 Kharkiv: +38 057 715 66 76 Odesa: +38 048 729 43 97 Simferopol': +38 0652 295 976 Donets'k: +38 062 345 30 14 www.hertz.ua
	Avis Rent a Car Kyiv: Tel.: +38 044 502 20 10 Fax: +38 044 502 20 14 E-mail: avis@avis.kiev.ua 72 b, Yamskaya, Kiev www.avis.com.ua
	Europcar Kyiv: +38 044 238 26 91 Gorkoho Str., 48a Boryspil International Airport: +38 044 296 77 37

By air:

Most of the Domestic Flights operate from; "Kyiv Zhulyany Airport" Povitroflotsky prosp., 92 (located only 8 km from the city center). Working hours: 7am - 10pm.

Airport Inquiry Phone:   (+380 44) 242 23 08 (+380-44) 242 23 09 VIP-services Phone:   (+380 44) 241 27 33 (+380 44) 241 27 03 http://www.airport.kiev.ua/

Around the city

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The Kiev (Kyiv) Metro system is without a doubt the fastest, most convenient, affordable way to network around nearly all of the city. (see Kiev Subway System map in travel tips) Kiev's Metro System is expanding to meet an ever increaseing user base, currently estimated at one and half million riders per day. Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovs'k have Subway Systems as well. Read more about Ukraine Metro (Subway System) here.

The next most popular form of transportation are the many MicroBuses (marshrutkas) located in all major metropolitan areas. of Ukraine. Their coverage includes smaller residential streets and as well as routes and  schedules that are convenient. "Marshrutkas" are definitely faster, cleaner and more available than the bulkier public transit buses. However, without a knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian you will definetly need help as nothing is written in English.

The backbone of Ukraine's  public transportation; buses, trams and trolleybuses (electrically driven). There's no better way to get to know this country and it's people than to take a ride like the locals do. :^ ) Best to purchase tickets at the bus stops at the little "kiosks", however you can also get your ticket from the conductor once you board. Be sure to "validate" or "punch" your ticket.   During Rush-Hour most public transportation can be very crowded.

     Taxi's are located throughout all cities and even small towns of Ukraine. Compared to other Europeon cities fares are dirt cheap and are negotiated in advance. The best taxi's are with their companies phone number on the rooftop or side of the car. Other's may be private taxi's which may be more expensive and less comfortable. Hitchhiking is common in Ukraine, but not recommended for tourists.  Hitchhikers extend their arm, so that approaching cars can clearly see, pointing their firt and second fingers together toward the street, motioning with their fingers up and down.  They then negotiate for a few hryvna for the ride.

Note:  The information contained herein is intended for informational purposes only.  BestOfUkraine (U.B.K.) seeks to collect the most acurate information possible but of course, can offer no guarantee as to accuracy or changes to any information whatsoever contained on this site.