How Public Transport in Ukraine Works in 2025: Fares, Payment, and Mobile Apps

Find out how public transport in Ukraine will work in 2025: modes of transport, fares, payment methods, and convenient mobile applications. Step-by-step instructions for foreigners on how to use the subway, buses, minibuses, and trains, as well as useful life hacks for traveling around Ukrainian cities

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When planning a trip to Ukraine, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the public transport system in advance. This will help save time and money while avoiding confusion when traveling. Public transport in Ukraine includes trains, suburban trains, buses, trolleybuses, trams, metro, minibuses, and taxis.

In 2025, most cities have modern payment and navigation systems, making travel easier for foreigners.

Main Types of Public Transport in Ukraine

Metro and Buses in Ukraine

The metro is the fastest form of transport in major Ukrainian cities:

• Kyiv – three lines, over 50 stations.

• Kharkiv – three lines, over 30 stations.

• Dnipro – one line, 6 stations, with planned expansions.

All stations are equipped with electronic payment systems, including bank cards and transport cards.

Trams and Trolleybuses

Trams and trolleybuses are widely used in:

• Lviv

• Odesa

• Kyiv

• Dnipro

• Zaporizhzhia

• Vinnytsia

These are eco-friendly alternatives to buses and often have dedicated lanes for faster travel.

Buses

In large cities, both municipal and private buses operate. They may vary in comfort levels and payment systems. In most cases, contactless payment and tickets purchased in terminals or at ticket offices are available.

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Minibuses (Marshrutkas)

Marshrutkas are a popular means of transport, especially for short distances within cities and to suburbs. Key features:

- Cash payment is still accepted, though electronic payment is being introduced.

- The driver can stop at a passenger’s request.

- In some cities, marshrutkas replace regular buses.

Suburban Trains

Suburban trains are convenient for traveling between cities, particularly for commuting or leisure trips. Main routes include:

• Kyiv – Irpin, Brovary, Vasylkiv.

• Lviv – Stryi, Drohobych.

• Kharkiv – Chuhuiv, Zmiiv.

Trains

Ukrainian Railways offers both domestic and international travel. High-speed Intercity+ and regular passenger trains are available. Tickets can be purchased online or at ticket offices.

To plan your journey in advance and avoid ticket shortages, use the booking system on Visit Ukraine. Here, you can find updated schedules and quickly purchase train, bus, and other transport tickets in Ukraine. Secure payment and instant e-ticket delivery make your trip as comfortable as possible.

Taxis

Taxis operate via mobile apps such as Uklon, Bolt, and Uber. In most cases, contactless payment is available.

How to Pay for Public Transport in Kyiv and Other Cities

How Much is Public Transport in Ukraine?

Approximate fares in 2025:

• Kyiv – Metro: 8 UAH (~0.18 EUR), Bus/Trolleybus: 15 UAH (~0.40 EUR)/8 UAH (~0.18 EUR).

• Lviv – Tram: 15 UAH (~0.40 EUR), Bus: 20 UAH (~0.50 EUR).

• Odesa – Tram: 12 UAH (~0.30 EUR), Minibus: 18 UAH (~0.45 EUR).

Payment Methods

Cash

Some marshrutkas and buses still accept cash, though this is gradually being phased out.

Tickets from Terminals and Ticket Offices

Ticket terminals are available at stops in many cities, including Kyiv, Lviv, and Kharkiv.

Contactless Payment

Metro and some buses allow payment via contactless bank card or smartphone through NFC.

City Transport Cards

• Kyiv Smart Card – for metro, buses, and trolleybuses in Kyiv.

• E-ticket Lviv – electronic ticket for all transport in Lviv.

• Odesa – QR code system for quick payments.

QR Codes

Some cities (such as Lviv and Odesa) have a QR code payment system that allows users to scan the code using a mobile app and pay online.

Ukraine Transport Apps for Easy Travel

Official transport apps help tourists navigate the Ukrainian transport system. Some of the most useful apps include:

• Visit Ukraine – a travel portal with ticket booking and useful local information.

• Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways) – for train schedules and ticket purchases.

• Kyiv Digital – for metro, bus, and trolleybus schedules in Kyiv.

• Lviv Transport – real-time updates on public transport in Lviv.

• Uber, Bolt, Uklon – popular taxi services with fixed fares and secure payments.

Best Way to Get Around Ukraine: Tips for Foreigners

How to Check Transport Schedules

Updated schedules are available in Google Maps, city transport apps, and municipal transport websites.

Does Public Transport Operate at Night?

In Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa, night bus routes operate, but in most cities, public transport stops running after 11:00 PM.

How to Travel Between Cities

It is recommended to use trains, buses, or car-sharing services like BlaBlaCar.

What to Avoid

- Overcrowded marshrutkas during peak hours.

- Taxi scams where drivers do not use meters.

- Unregistered transport services.

To ensure your safety while traveling in Ukraine, we recommend purchasing war risk insurance. This will provide compensation in case of emergencies and make your trip more secure and comfortable.

Photo: irina-bondarenko

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

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