Ukraine Travel Guide - Getting Around

Domestic flights in Kyiv depart from both Borispol airport (KBP) and from Zhulany airport (IEV). Aerosvit (website: www.aerosvit.ua/eng) is one of the main domestic carriers.

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

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 (website www.uz.gov.ua) also publishes information online, but not in English.

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 (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 destination is a realistic option.

Car hire: Self-drive hire cars are gradually becoming more available.

Regulations: Speed limits are 60kph (37mph) in built-up areas, 90kph (55mph) in outside areas and 130kph (80mph) on the motorways.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit is necessary.

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 are best avoided. 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 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.