Entering and exiting Ukraine
You can enter and exit the country in several ways:
- By air
Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and several other cities have international airports with daily flights from all over the world.
- By land
Ukraine shares many land borders with multiple countries.
- By Sea
It’s possible to travel to Ukraine by ferry from Batumi in Georgia, Haydarpasa in Turkey, and Varna and Bulgaria.
Ukraine is filled with the most beautiful architecture, delicious food and the most stunning sights. While it might seem challenging at first, getting around Ukraine is easy, comfortable and affordable, as long as you know where to go!
Train travel in Ukraine
Traveling by train is one of the easiest, fastest, and most comfortable ways to get around Ukraine. Not only does Ukraine have an extensive train network, it is also extremely affordable.
There are a large variety of trains available in Ukraine, from sleepers to basic seater trains, to full on luxury trains with AC.
Sleeper trains: For almost every train ride you will have the option of picking between two classes.
Compartment (K) is what often is considered the second class sleeper in Ukraine. Here the carriage is divided into closed compartments, each having 4 beds (2 bunk beds) inside.
Lyux or De Luxe (Л) sometimes also called SV or SW, is what is considered a first class sleeper in Ukraine, which is a great option for those who are traveling with a friend or a partner, but also the most expensive option. Here the carriage is divided into compartments with each having two beds (one on each side).
No matter what class you pick you will be provided with a thin mattress, a pillow and a blanket. These are often stored below or above your bed.
Seater Trains: Besides the sleeper trains there is a variety of seater trains. Seater train or express trains are currently mainly running between cities from and to. When booking express train you can pick between first and second class seats, however, besides slightly bigger seats and slightly more leg space there is barely any differences.
Taking the bus in Ukraine
Another way of getting around Ukraine is by taking the bus, however, we would personally keep bus rides just for the shorter journeys as it isn’t the most comfortable way of getting around the country, but they are a great option for going places where the train doesn’t go..
Transport within cities
No matter what city you will find yourself in, you will find that there is always an extensive and accessible public transport network available. From metro’s to trams, busses to taxis, you will see it all. No matter what form of public transport you take, be sure to have some small cash handy, as credit and debit cards are not yet widely accepted everywhere.
Metro
Such cities as Kyiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv a metro system available, which is one of the quickest ways to get around the city. Tickets can be bought at the metro stations, and at some metro stations in Kyiv you can simply “tap and go” with your credit card. What might be interesting is that you can find the deepest metro station in the world in Kiev. of the country!
Trams & (trolley) buses
In many larger cities such as Kyiv, Lviv and Kharkiv you will also find trams and (trolley) buses available almost everywhere, another great and affordable way to get around the city. Tickets for trams and buses can be bought from the conductor/driver in the vehicle itself or often from a kiosk nearby as well.
Marshrutkas
Marshrutkas are one of the most adventurous ways to get around the city. Marshrutkas are like shared taxis that come in the form of mini buses that are almost always completely packed, and just like regular buses have a set route with stops.
Taxi
Uber, Bolt, Uklon are the most popular taxi services in all major cities. Be ready that that only a few drivers will speak English. Don’t be surprised to meet foreign students working as drivers in above mentioned taxi services.
Getting a cab online will the best way for getting a fair price, as the taxi drivers often try to charge foreigners a double price. The average cost of a short distance ride in any city will be 3-4 USD.
