Getting Around Ukraine
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient metros and trolleys in Kyiv and Odesa. Rural: Rent a car for Carpathians exploration. Coast: Buses and marshrutkas along Black Sea. For convenience, book airport transfers from Kyiv to your destination.
Train Travel
Ukrzaliznytsia National Rail
Extensive and affordable train network connecting all major cities with frequent services.
Cost: Kyiv to Lviv 200-500 UAH (€5-12), journeys 5-10 hours between most cities.
Tickets: Buy via UZ app, website, or station machines. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid weekends and holidays for better prices and seats.
Rail Passes
Discounted multi-journey tickets or student passes available; e.g., 50% off for under 25 on select routes.
Best For: Multiple city visits over several days, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Train stations, UZ website, or official app with instant activation.
High-Speed Options
Intercity and night trains connect Ukraine to Poland, Romania, and Moldova; faster services on Kyiv-Odesa route.
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 50%.
Kyiv Stations: Main station is Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi Central, with connections to Kyiv-Darnitsa.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Carpathians and rural areas. Compare rental prices from €20-40/day at Kyiv Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (International recommended), credit card, minimum age 21.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 130 km/h highways.
Tolls: Some highways like Kyiv-Chop require electronic tolls (EasyPay system, ~€5-10/trip).
Priority: Give way to right unless signposted otherwise, trams always have priority.
Parking: Free in rural areas, metered €1-3/hour in cities; use apps for spots.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at €1.20-1.50/liter for petrol, €1.10-1.40 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Kyiv during rush hours and around Lviv.
Urban Transport
Kyiv Metro & Trams
Extensive network covering the city, single ticket 8 UAH (€0.20), day pass 50 UAH (€1.20), 10-journey card 70 UAH.
Validation: Validate tickets in machines before boarding, inspections are frequent.
Apps: Kyivpastrans app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile tickets.
Bike Rentals
Bike-sharing in Kyiv (VeloBike) and Lviv, €3-8/day with stations throughout.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths in cities and along Dnipro River.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in major cities, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Buses & Local Services
Communal buses, trolleys, and marshrutkas operate comprehensive networks in cities.
Tickets: 8-15 UAH (€0.20-0.35) per ride, buy from driver or use contactless payment.
Black Sea Route: Buses connecting Odesa to coastal towns, €2-5 depending on distance.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near train stations in cities for easy access, central Kyiv or Lviv Old Town for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major festivals like Atlas Weekend.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 4G/5G coverage in cities, 3G/4G in rural Ukraine including Carpathians.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Kyivstar, Vodafone Ukraine, and lifecell offer prepaid SIMs from €5-15 with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for €10, 10GB for €15, unlimited for €20/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major train stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-100 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2, daylight saving March-October (EEST, UTC+3).
- Airport Transfers: Boryspil Airport 30km from Kyiv center, SkyBus €3 (45 min), taxi €15, or book private transfer for €20-40.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations (50-100 UAH/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern trains and metro partially accessible, many historic sites have limited access due to Soviet-era architecture.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains (small free, large 50 UAH), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on trains off-peak for 50 UAH, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Ukraine
Boryspil Airport (KBP) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Boryspil Airport (KBP): Primary international gateway, 30km east of Kyiv with bus connections.
Lviv Airport (LWO): Western hub 6km from city, bus to center €1 (20 min).
Odesa Airport (ODS): Southern regional airport with European flights, convenient for Black Sea coast.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Warsaw or Istanbul and taking train to Ukraine for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Turkish Airlines serve Lviv and Odesa with European connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee 20-50 UAH (€0.50-1.20), use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep 500-1000 UAH (€12-25) in small denominations.
- Tipping: Service charge included in restaurants, round up or add 5-10% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.