Getting around Kyiv: public transport, fares, and how to pay

Kyiv has a wide range of transport options, including the metro, buses, trolleybuses, trams, Kyiv City Express, minibuses, and taxis. Bicycles and electric scooters are also available for shorter trips.

This guide will help you choose the right option for your journey, understand public transport fares and payment, and know what to expect during air raid alerts or when travelling late at night.

Which transport should you choose?

Here’s a quick guide:

Kyiv Digital is useful for navigating the city, paying for public transport, and receiving city updates. You can find more useful services in our guide to helpful apps for visitors to Kyiv.

How do you pay for public transport?

Since July 15, 2026, a single ride on the metro, bus, trolleybus, tram, or funicular has cost UAH 30.

The main ways to pay are:

• a contactless bank card;
• a smartphone or smartwatch with NFC;
• a QR ticket;
• a travel card;
• the Kyiv Digital app.

For visitors spending a few days in Kyiv, a bank card or smartphone is usually the simplest option. On the metro, tap your card or device at the turnstile. On buses, trolleybuses, and trams, tap it on the validator.

If you need to make several transfers

Since August 1, 2026, a 90-minute transfer QR ticket has been available for UAH 60.

After the first validation, you can make unlimited transfers within 90 minutes between:

• the metro;
• buses;
• trolleybuses;
• trams;
• the funicular.

Validate the same QR code each time you transfer. You can buy the ticket in Kyiv Digital or at city ticket terminals.

Kyiv City Express is not included in the 90-minute transfer ticket.

For a journey without transfers, a regular single fare is enough. If your route involves several types of public transport within 90 minutes, the transfer ticket may be more convenient.

Metro

Kyiv has three metro lines:

• red — M1;
• blue — M2;
• green — M3.

A single ride costs UAH 30. You can pay with a bank card or smartphone at the turnstile, or use a QR ticket or travel card.

Operating hours vary by station and may change depending on current conditions. Before travelling, check:

• our complete guide to the Kyiv Metro;
• the Kyiv Metro map.

Buses, trolleybuses, and trams

Kyiv’s ground public transport network complements the metro and helps you reach areas and places that are not close to a metro station.

A single ride costs UAH 30. You can pay with a bank card or smartphone at the validator, or use a QR ticket or travel card.

If your journey involves several transfers between ground public transport and the metro, you can use the 90-minute transfer QR ticket.

For routes, stops, payment options, and other practical information, see our guide to buses, trolleybuses, and trams in Kyiv.

Minibuses

Minibuses, known locally as marshrutkas, operate separately from city buses. Fares and payment methods depend on the route and operator.

The city’s 90-minute transfer QR ticket is not valid on minibuses. In Kyiv Digital, you can check routes, nearby stops, fares, and possible transfers. Real-time vehicle locations are not currently available for minibuses.

Kyiv City Express and the funicular

Kyiv City Express

Kyiv City Express is an urban rail service that runs around the city, connecting different parts of Kyiv with links to the metro and other public transport.

It can be useful if both the start and end points of your journey are close to Kyiv City Express stations.

The fare depends on how you buy your ticket. A ticket purchased through the Ukrzaliznytsia or Kyiv Digital app costs UAH 30. Check the latest timetable and service updates before travelling.

Funicular

The Kyiv Funicular connects Podil with the Upper City, running between the Poshtova Square area and Volodymyrska Hill.

A single ride costs UAH 30. The funicular is also included in the 90-minute transfer QR ticket.

Taxis

Bolt, Uklon, and Uber operate in Kyiv.

In their apps, you can:

• set your pickup point and destination;
• see the estimated fare;
• choose an available vehicle type;
• book and pay for your ride.

A taxi can be useful if you have a lot of luggage, your destination is difficult to reach by public transport, or public transport has already stopped running for the day.

Prices depend on distance, time, and demand, so check the fare in the app before booking.

For more information about taxi services in the city, see our guide to taxis in Kyiv.

Bicycles and electric scooters

For shorter trips during the warmer months, you can rent a bicycle or electric scooter.

Services available in Kyiv include Bolt and BikeNow. Use the relevant app to find and unlock a bicycle or scooter and pay for your ride.

Prices may change, so check the current rate before starting your trip. Cycling infrastructure does not cover the entire city, so it is worth planning your route. Also check where riding is permitted and where you can end your rental.

What happens to public transport during an air raid alert?

Kyiv introduced a differentiated air raid alert system in September 2026, with yellow and red threat levels. The rules for public transport depend on the current threat level.

Ground public transport

Buses, trolleybuses, and trams continue to operate during air raid alerts.

Metro

During a yellow threat level, the Syretsko-Pecherska line continues to operate without restrictions, including on the above-ground section across Pivdennyi Bridge.

During a red threat level, train service on the above-ground section of the green line is suspended. On the red Sviatoshynsko-Brovarska line, trains continue to carry passengers on the underground section between Akademmistechko and Arsenalna during both threat levels.

Underground metro stations also serve as shelters. Rules and service patterns can change at short notice, so follow station announcements and updates in Kyiv Digital during an alert.

In Kyiv’s alert system, a yellow level means a drone threat, while a red level can indicate a mass drone threat, missile threat, or missile and drone threat.

For more information on the alert system, how to find a shelter, and what to do during an alert, see our separate guide to air raid alerts in Kyiv.

What should you know when travelling late at night?

If you plan to travel late in the evening, check:

• the last departure time for the bus, tram, or trolleybus you need;
• the operating hours of your metro station;
• whether you can complete your journey before curfew begins;
• whether taxis are available.

Since September 10, 2026, the metro has been operating one hour longer. Service on major ground public transport routes has also been extended, generally by around one hour. The exact last departure time depends on the route or station.

Curfew rules can change, so check the current times and restrictions in our separate guide to the curfew in Kyiv.