Ukraine Travel Guide - Getting Around

Monument commemorating reunification of Ukraine and Russia
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By AirGetting Around by Air

Domestic flights in Kyiv depart from both Borispol airport (KBP) and from Zhulany airport (IEV). Aerosvit (tel: (44) 490 3490; website: www.aerosvit.ua/eng) and Ukraine International Airlines (tel: (44) 581 5050; website: www.ukraine-international.com/eng) are the two main domestic carriers. Low cost airline Wizzair (tel: 0904 475 9500, in the UK; website: www.wizzair.com) also has a useful network of internal flights.

By BoatGetting Around by Water

Cruises between Kyiv, Odessa and Sevastopol are very popular and can be booked through various tour operators.

By TrainGetting Around by Rail

Trains are more reliable than air travel in winter, when aircraft are sometimes grounded. Timetables for trains in CIS states, including trains within Ukraine, are available in English online (website: www.poezda.net). Ukrainian Railways (tel: (44) 465 2111; website: www.uz.gov.ua) also publishes information online, but not in English.

By CarGetting Around by Road

Traffic drives on the right. Right-hand drive cars are prohibited.

Bus: There are services to most cities and towns. One of the most modern and comfortable fleets of buses is operated by Autolux (tel: (44) 536 0055; website: www.autolux.com.ua). The company runs coaches to all the major cities and publishes its website in English.

Taxi: Hiring a driver for a long-distance journey is a realistic and affordable option.

Car hire: Self-drive hire cars are gradually becoming more available, with both local and international car hire operators renting cars in major towns.

Regulations: Speed limits are 60kph (37mph) in built-up areas, 90kph (55mph) in outside areas and 130kph (80mph) on the motorways. The DAI road police are very likely to stop foreign cars and ask for small bribes.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit is necessary.

UrbanGetting Around Towns and Cities

Kharkiv, Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk have clean, efficient and cheap metro systems where tickets can be purchased at vending machines inside the stations. Buses and trolleybuses are extremely crowded and rather slow, but good value. Taxis are easy to find in the cities. Official taxis have yellow and black signs on the roof and are metered. Fares should be negotiated in advance for private taxis. Some shared taxis and minibuses, known as marshrutky, exist on fixed routes.

Hitchhiking is very common, although not recommended. Travellers can indicate the need for a lift and the driver will take them to their destination cheaply by Western standards, but prices should be agreed in advance.

There are no public transport services from 0100-0500.




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