Getting Around Ukraine: Transport Guide

By Air
Domestic flights connect Kiev, Lviv, Odessa, Donetsk and a few other major cities. Be warned, though: flights in Ukraine are notoriously unreliable and erratic. Booking a ticket on one can be a harrowing experience, and planes are often uncomfortable. During the winter, flights may not take off due to bad weather.

By Train

Trains are definitely the most convenient  and reliable means for long-distance travel, although degrees of comfort and punctuality may vary from one train to the other. As in the case of air travel, on train journeys too getting a ticket may be difficult. Book your ticket as far in advance as possible.

By Road
If you like driving on your own, and are not deterred by the thought of bumpy roads, shortages of spare parts and the absence of petrol pumps fro miles around, hiring a car may be an option. Kiev has a few car rental agencies, and some hotels also give out cars for hire. Check beforehand if they’ll let you drive long-distance; some may not extend to beyond city limits. Hiring a chauffeur-driven car is a better option than a self-driven car; the latter, in fact, are less common.

For travel between cities and towns, buses are convenient, especially if you’re trying to stay within a tight budget. Buses, however, tend to be crowded and usually dirty, so be prepared for a not-too-comfortable ride.

Within cities, public transport systems generally operate from 6 in the morning to 12 at night, with subway trains running till 1 in the morning.

By Waterways

Regular cruises operate between Kiev, Odessa and Sevastopol, and they’re a good way of seeing the countryside. A number of tour operators and travel agents in the three cities can get you tickets for the cruises.