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Transportation
No matter how long you plan to be in Kyiv, you’ll have to get around
somehow. Kyiv offers a broad spectrum of transport options—each with advantages
and some troubling disadvantages.
Metro
Kyiv has a very reliable subway (metro) made of three lines. The main
“red line”, as well as the oldest line, links the city from its western
edge, across the river, and on to the Left Bank. The “blue line” goes
north to south through the center, and the newest and slowest “green line”
links
the southern Left Bank to central Kyiv. Click the map below to see a larger
version. The metro is very reliable and would, most often, take one over
long distances the most quickly. During rush hour, trains come every 45
seconds. However, the metro can be amazingly crowded during morning and
evening rush hours.
The metro costs 50 kopeks ($0.10) per ride (switching lines is free).
A monthly metro pass is available for about $6. It’s rumored that prices
will double soon. To navigate the system, it’s essential to learn the
Cyrillic alphabet in order to read directional signs. Read
more about Kyiv metro and each of its stations here.
Marshrutka
Semiprivate taxi vans marshrutka speed up getting around the city. They
follow the routes of trams, buses, and trolleybuses. It normally costs
1.5 hryvna ($0.30) per ride (shorter routes are cheaper), twice the amount
of state-run transportation. Prices may increase with notice. They don’t
stop unless someone flags them by putting their hand out parallel to the
road. Don’t wave. The van stops and most sit down before paying. Passengers
then pass their money up and change may be passed back. You may be asked
to pass money forward and be told how many people they are paying for.
You can just pay as you get on. Since these marshrutka don’t stop at all
stops, you have to tell the driver where you want to stop. It’s best to
learn the names of the places you want to stop and how to tell the driver
you want off.
Tram, Trolleybus, and Bus
These three forms of transport take you where the metro doesn’t. A trolleybus
runs on two electric cables attached to overhead cables along its route.
Fifty kopecks will purchase you a ticket from the person selling them
in the transport, sometimes from the driver, or at a kassa near the stop.
Occasionally, there are people who check whether or not you have a ticket.
Always buy a ticket and cancel it in one of the devices located throughout
the transport. It's quite common for people to pass their ticket to other
people to cancel it, so don't be surprised if someone hands you a ticket.
Taxi
Taxis are not nearly as expensive as they are in the West (about $5 from
one side of Kyiv to the other). A taxi can be ordered by calling any of
the many cab services (Call 059 or 252-9696 for a cheap service). Operators
do not speak English. They’ll want to know where you are going and where
you are. They often charge per kilometer plus a pick-up fee of less than
$1. However, taxi drivers are notorius for trying to raise fares. It’s
best to get the cost from the operator or agree with the driver before.
If you flag a taxi on the street, you may be surprised that regular drivers
stop as well. This kind of “hitchhiking” is very common in Ukraine. Always
agree with the person first about the price. Don’t get in a car if the
driver appears drunk.
Driving
Although U.S. driver’s licenses are valid here, don’t plan to drive in
Ukraine. It’s very expensive to rent a car, and Kyiv motorists are tough,
rugged city drivers who often ignore traffic laws and traffic lanes. Riding
in car in Kyiv can be a little unnerving at times. Most Kyiv drivers and
passengers don’t buckle up, either. Sometimes drivers are even offended
if you want to; they perceive it as a sign you don’t trust them.
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