Icon
Come back

2 min

19 Feb. 2025

2262

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

Transport
Reisen
Touristen in der Ukraine
Ukraine
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

Apply for an insurance policy covering military risks for entry and stay in Ukraine
Apply for an insurance policy covering military risks for entry and stay in Ukraine
GET


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.




Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!




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.




© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.

Häufig
gestellte Fragen
Why should you contact Visit Ukraine to organise your trip?
1. Reliability and experience 2. Information support 3. Ready-made solutions for tourists.
How does Visit Ukraine help make travel to Ukraine safe?
What is the difference between standard health insurance and insurance covering war risks?
How to plan your trip to Ukraine?

Recommended articles

1 min

Regeln für die Einreise Rules for entering Ukraine by car with foreign license plates: everything you need to know

Rules for entering Ukraine by car with foreign license plates: everything you need to know

Citizens of other countries and Ukrainians have the right to enter Ukraine by car with foreign licence plates. However, the rules for crossing the border are different for them. Find out more about what you need to do to enter Ukraine with a car with foreign registration

19 Feb. 2025

More details

1 min

Visa Ukraine resumes issuing electronic visas for foreigners: how to apply?

Ukraine resumes issuing electronic visas for foreigners: how to apply?

An e-visa is a convenient and modern way to visit Ukraine without unnecessary bureaucratic procedures. Find out how to apply for an e-visa and what you need to do

18 Feb. 2025

More details

1 min

Beliebt A new ski resort is being built in the Carpathians: details

A new ski resort is being built in the Carpathians: details

Construction of a new ski resort has started in the Ukrainian Carpathians near Volosyanka. The project covers 127 hectares and includes 25 hotels, modern ski lifts and ski slopes. Learn more about the prospects of the new tourist center and the development of ecological routes in the area

19 Feb. 2025

More details

1 min

Finanzen Do Ukrainians need to declare property abroad: clarification from the NAPC

Do Ukrainians need to declare property abroad: clarification from the NAPC

The National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption emphasises that since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, when thousands of Ukrainians went abroad, the issue of determining tax liabilities and filing declarations in Ukraine has become extremely relevant. Find out what rules apply to citizens now

19 Feb. 2025

More details