Public transport in Kyiv: routes, fares, and how to pay

If your destination is far from a metro station or you only need to travel a few stops, Kyiv’s surface public transport is often the easiest option. Buses, trolleybuses, and trams use the same payment system and have the same single-ride fare.

Minibuses, known locally as marshrutkas, operate separately: fares and payment methods depend on the route and operator. For an overview of all the ways to get around the city, start with our guide to transport in Kyiv.

How to find the right route and stop

The easiest way to plan a journey by bus, trolleybus, or tram is to use the public transport section in the Kyiv Digital app.

There you can:

• search for a bus, trolleybus, or tram by route number;
• view the route on a map;
• find the nearest stop;
• check the direction of travel;
• see vehicles currently on the route and their estimated arrival times;
• check possible transfers.

Before setting off, check both the route number and the direction of travel. The same bus or tram route may serve a stop in both directions.

Kyiv Digital also provides information on minibus routes, stops, transfers, and fares, although real-time vehicle locations may not always be available.

For other useful navigation tools, see our guide to useful apps for visitors to Kyiv. If taking the metro makes more sense for part of your journey, see our separate guide to the Kyiv Metro.

How much does public transport cost in Kyiv?

Since July 15, 2026, a single ride on a city bus, trolleybus, or tram costs UAH 30.

The easiest ways for visitors to pay are:

• a contactless bank card;
• a smartphone or smartwatch with Apple Pay or Google Pay;
• a QR ticket;
• a transport card;
• the Kyiv Digital app.

If you pay with a bank card, smartphone, or smartwatch, tap it on the validator after boarding and wait for confirmation that your payment was successful.

You must also validate QR tickets and transport cards when you travel. Buying a QR ticket is not enough — you still need to validate it.

If you need to make several transfers

Since August 2026, a 90-minute transfer QR ticket has been available in Kyiv Digital for UAH 60.

Once you validate it for the first time, you can transfer between buses, trolleybuses, trams, the metro, and the funicular for 90 minutes without paying an additional fare. Validate the same QR code again each time you transfer.

For example, if your journey involves a bus to the metro followed by a tram, the 90-minute ticket may be more convenient than paying separately for all three rides.

How to use buses, trolleybuses, and trams in Kyiv

If this is your first time using surface public transport in Kyiv:

1. Find the route and stop you need.
2. Check that you are travelling in the right direction.
3. Pay your fare or validate your ticket as soon as you board.
4. Follow your journey in the app or listen for stop announcements.
5. Keep your proof of payment until the end of the ride.

Stops are announced automatically on some vehicles. If you are unfamiliar with the city, it is a good idea to keep the route open on your phone as well.

What happens if a ticket inspector boards?

If you are travelling with a QR ticket, show the inspector the QR code you validated.

If you paid with a bank card, smartphone, or smartwatch, the inspector can check your payment in the system. Your bank notification may arrive later, so make sure the validator confirms your payment when you board.

How do minibuses work in Kyiv?

Minibuses are operated by individual carriers, so:

• fares vary by route;
• payment methods may differ;
• the standard city fare of UAH 30 does not automatically apply to all minibuses;
• the 90-minute transfer QR ticket is not valid on minibuses.

You can check the current fare for a specific minibus in Kyiv Digital.

Card payments are not always available on minibuses, so it is useful to carry some cash.

Does public transport run during air raid alerts?

Since September 10, 2026, buses, trolleybuses, and trams in Kyiv have continued to operate during both yellow and red threat levels.

Yellow level

Buses, trolleybuses, and trams continue to operate during a yellow-level threat.

Red level

Surface public transport also continues to operate during a red-level threat. Some restrictions apply primarily to open sections of the metro.

The fact that public transport is running does not mean you should ignore an air raid alert. When an alert is issued, you are advised to go to the nearest shelter and remain there until the all-clear. A shelter map is available in Kyiv Digital.

If you interrupt your journey and board another vehicle after the all-clear, the fare rules depend on the ticket you are using. If your 90-minute transfer QR ticket is still valid, validate it again. Otherwise, you will need to pay for a new ride.

For more information on threat levels, shelters, and what to do during an alert, see our guide to air raid alerts in Kyiv.

How late does public transport run in Kyiv?

There is no single end time for all routes. First and last departures vary by bus, trolleybus, and tram route.

If you are travelling early in the morning or late at night, check your route in Kyiv Digital shortly before you leave.

Since September 10, 2026, public transport in Kyiv has been running one hour longer following changes to the city’s curfew schedule. This does not mean that every route has the same last departure time.

If you are travelling late, also check the current rules in our guide to the curfew in Kyiv. If your route has stopped running for the day, see our guide to taxis in Kyiv for other options.

How accessible is public transport in Kyiv?

Kyiv has low-floor buses, trolleybuses, and trams, and the city continues to modernize its fleet. However, not every vehicle or stop is fully accessible.

If you need a low-floor vehicle, ramp, or accessible stop, check your route in advance. If necessary, you can also confirm accessibility information through Kyiv’s 1551 Contact Center.