Getting Around in Kiev: Public Transportation

The variety of public transport available makes it easier to get around Kiev. There are trains, trams, taxies and many more options available for getting from one place to another but the most favored mode of transport in Kiev is undoubtedly the Kiev metro.

At the fare of 50 kopiykas or 10 cents a ride, the government-owned and well-maintained Kiev metro is the most affordable, convenient and reliable form of public transport in Kiev. It operates from 6 a.m. to midnight, with the first trains leaving the terminus at 5:50 a.m. and the last ones leaving the city center at 00:20 a.m. Though the metro does not connect all places in Kiev, currently it has four lines and is constantly expanding to reach out to new areas. Visit http://www.urbanrail.net/eu/kie/kiev.htm for more information on the Kiev metro.

Other pocket-friendly modes of public transport in Kiev include the bus, trolley and tram systems but these are not well-maintained. Though still in use, most of them are not very convenient as they do not stick to their schedules, are slow and often breakdown in the middle of a trip.

The Kiev funicular is also another mode of transport you can use to get around Kiev. This early 20th-century variation of a tram car carries about 10,000-15,000 passengers daily up the steep hill of the Dnieper River into the city.

You can also hail down a taxi to move around Kiev or call for a pick-up. Most private cars also unofficially provide taxi services. Though a comfortable mode of transport, taxis are not adequately regulated in Kiev. The average fare is about USD 2 to USD 3 but the taxi fare per kilometer is not fixed. Therefore, it is essential that you fix the fare beforehand. Further, most taxi drivers do not speak English so it will help if you know a little of Russian or Ukrainian. And, if you are in Kiev for an extended stay, you could also consider car rentals.

But, if you are looking for traveling around in style, you could rent a limousine. For about USD 45 to USD 100 per hour, you can rent a limo and experience luxury in travel. The price of the limo rental depends on the model and size of the car, the date of the run, the length of the rental and a few other such factors.

All in all, there is a mode of transport available in Kiev to fit all purposes and wallets. But, the Kiev metro wins hands down if you are looking for an affordable but comfortable way of getting around Kiev. Further, it is an experience you would not want to miss in Kiev. In fact, it would not be incorrect to say that if you haven’t traveled in the Kiev metro, you haven’t been to Kiev at all.