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Kiev transportation

Most Ukrainian cities have extensive public transport system which operates from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Buses, trams and trolleys are rather slow, but it is a cheap way to travel within cities. Prices range from 30 kopecks to 2 hryvnas.

Taxi is comparatively cheap for Ukrainian/Russian speaking passengers. Probably everywhere situation with taxi is like this – if one speaks a foreign language price for a taxi goes up. There are numerous taxi services, orders are taken via phone. A taxi or a gypsy cab can be hired right on the street simply by putting out your hand. Services of gypsy cabs are less expensive but are not recommended from the safety point of viever, if you wish to use a gypsy cab make sure there is nobody else inside but the driver and negotiate the price before you get in the car.

Public transportation is well developed in Kiev. Usually the fastest way to travel between different locations of Kiev (Kyiv) is the Kiev Subway. However, you should consider that the Subway stations may be at some distance off that point in Kyiv you need to get to. The cost of subway ticket is 0.6 UAH (about USD $0.10). The other widely used transport is trolley buses that cost nearly the same. On the trolley bus you can usually get closer to where you need in Kiev. The bus service is also well organized in Kiev, the cost may vary, usually it is as twice as higher than trolley or subway.
When in public transport, beware of pocket-pickers.

Undoubtedly, the most convenient way is a taxi. The taxi cost can vary depending on the taxi service used. You can also stop taxi right on the road or hitch a lift. Many local residents can give you a drive for a price less than taxi but it is not very safe though. You should be careful. Taxi-drivers usually charge foreigners as twice or more higher than they charge Kyiv residents

Kiev has two airports: International Airport of Borispol (the code is KBP), and national airport of Zhuliany (IEV). Most of international flights arrive at and depart from Kiev Borispol airport. Most of major European airlines have flights to/from Kiev, such as Lufthansa, Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM), Air France, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, LOT Polish Airlines etc. Most of Ukrainian airlines operate flights between Kiev and European cities as well (i.e. Ukraine International Airlines, Aerosvit airlines).

If you intend to travel to another city of Ukraine, traveling through Kiev might be a good option for you. Ukrainefare.com offers services for traveling between cities of Ukraine, and depending on connections available, we may offer flights, car transfers, or train fares. To travel to the most of cities in Ukraine you will need to take a ride from Kiev Borispol Airport (KBP) to Kiev Zhuliany National Airport (IEV).

Taxi
Although you can order a taxi by dialing 0-58, there is little need in doing so. Private cars and taxis swarm city's streets. To hail a car, you can simply put out your hand, and a car will stop. Private cars, the cars driven by locals who sometimes act as taxi drivers, cost significantly less than official taxis. Although it is the most common way of getting a ride besides public transport, you should be careful and use common sense. Most drivers do not speak English. Agree on a price beforehand.

Metro
Ukraine boasts a very convenient, safe, and inexpensive metro system in three cities: Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk. In Kyiv, you can buy tokens at any metro station. The price of one token is 50 kopiykas, and it allows you to transfer from line to line. If metro is going to be your most frequently used transportation type, it is reasonable to purchase a monthly metro pass at a price of 25 Hryvnias.

Trolleys/Buses/Trams
These tend to be crammed tight with people but provide a good and cheap way to travel around the city. You can purchase tickets at a price of 50 kopiykas at bus stops or from a controller on the trolley or bus. The monthly passes are also available at a price of 17 hryvnias per month. If you do not punch your ticket and are caught, you will be charged a 10 Hryvnia fine. In addition, there are private minibus companies that serve practically the same routes and will offer you a faster and a more comfortable ride. The price per ride varies from 60 kopiykas to 1 hryvnia.

Rail Information
Kyiv is connected to European and Asian cities via an extensive network of railways. The capital's train station (tel. 005) is located in the center of the city right next to the Vokzalna metro station. It was fully reconstructed in 2001 and is now up to European standards. The ticket office for rail travel, located at 38/40 Tarasa Shevchenka blvd., can be reached at 050.

Train travel is the least expensive and most convenient way to reach just about any location. Prices are higher for foreigners, and the rate usually includes a per-ticket commission.

There are three comfort classes for long distance train travel: luxury-soft with two pull-out beds for more space, coupe-soft with four beds, and platskart with six beds per compartment. However, electric commuter trains, called elektropotyahy or elektrychky are usually outfitted with only hard wooden benches and no amenities. They are generally very crowded, especially on weekends and in the summertime when people travel to their summer houses. For further comfort and privacy, it is recommended you buy all the tickets for a compartment. This is an especially good idea for women traveling alone. It is always wise to bring your own toilet paper, soap, and supply of food and drinks.

For more comfort and privacy, it is recommended to buy out all of the tickets for a compartment. This is a good idea for women and anyone traveling alone who does not feel safe sharing a compartment with other people.

It is always a good idea to bring a personal supply of toilet paper, soap, food and drink. Also, in order to secure baggage, a simple bike lock can insure against theft, and a bungee cord can be used to keep the door closed. It is suggested to bring a travel belt to keep valuables and money close to oneself.

Introduction to Kiev: What the city is like, brief history, photos.	Going Out in Kiev: Best clubs, ethnic music galleries, recommended cafes and restaurants in Kiev. Places to go out.
Accommodation in Kiev: A list of hotels in Kiev, plus info about the prices, visa registration, etc.	Transportation in Kiev: How to get to / from Kiev, getting around the city (buses, taxi, rent-a-car).

Useful Kievrelated links:

Kiev transportation