Taxi in Kyiv
There are many taxi services in Kyiv, but the most popular with locals and visitors are Bolt, Uklon, and Uber. Each has a user-friendly mobile app where you can book a ride, pay, and message the driver.
There are also taxi services you can order by phone using short numbers such as 838, 571, 212, and others. This option is less convenient if you don’t speak Ukrainian, but it can help if you don’t have mobile internet or no cars are available in the apps.
Prices and wait times
The cost of a ride depends on distance, time of day, and demand. Taxi fares usually increase:
- During rush hours (07:30–10:00 and 17:00–19:30);
- Closer to curfew (roughly from 22:30 to 00:00);
- During air raid alerts, when demand rises, especially for trips between the right and left banks of the city.
Average wait time is about 5–10 minutes, depending on the area and car class you choose. Bolt, Uklon, and Uber also offer scheduled rides.
Payment and tips
You can pay by card in the app or in cash to the driver. The payment method is usually selected in the app or given to the operator if you book by phone.
Tipping in Ukraine is not required but is common. If the driver was polite, helped with luggage, or waited for you a bit extra, a 10–15% tip is appropriate. You can tip in cash or through the app after the ride.
Taxi during curfew
Under martial law, Kyiv has a curfew from 12:00 am to 5:00 am. During these hours, only two taxi services — Bolt and Uklon — operate, and only for emergency trips, such as getting to a shelter during an air raid alert.
Wait times may be longer and prices higher than usual. If you need a ride at night, carry your passport and be ready to explain why you are outside if stopped by a police patrol.
