Flights to Kiev

What is the best way to get around Kiev?

Transport from Boryspil International Airport (KBP)

Once your flights to Kiev arrive, one of the cheapest and quickest ways to get from Boryspil International Airport (KBP) to the city is with the Kiev Skybus. It's a 20 to 25-minute ride and costs around 200-250 UAH ($12.59 - 15.74 NZD). The service leaves the airport every 10 to 15 minutes. There are always metered taxis at the airport to meet all arriving flights to Kiev. A one-way trip should cost about 70 UAH ($4.41 NZD).

Getting around town

With plenty of restaurants, cafes, shops and attractions within walking distance of each other, you can easily explore the city centre on foot. However, if you want to get to your next destination faster or you're feeling tired, you can use a plethora of public transport options. The city has trolleybuses, trams, buses, metro and metered taxis. Most public transport options start running at 5.45am and last services happen around midnight. The metro is an easy option for travellers with flights to Kiev. You can buy tickets from automated kiosks, and there are English directions and notices at the stations and inside the carriages. Trolleybuses, trams and buses are a good idea if you aren't in a rush. Single-fare tickets cost around 1.50 UAH (which is less than $1NZD), and you purchase them from drivers or at street kiosks.

What are Kiev's most famous landmarks and monuments?

St. Sophia's Cathedral

St. Sophia's Cathedral is an incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site to add to your itinerary for your flights to Kiev. It's one of the top attractions in the city and one of Kiev's oldest churches. Built in 1037, the impressive religious site features ancient mosaics, frescoes and murals. For a beautiful view over the city, climb to the top of the bell tower. Guided tours are available If you'd like to learn about the church's history.

St.Andrew's Church

Located in the neighbourhood of Podil, St. Andrew's Church was designed by Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. The beautiful Baroque architecture is more than enough reason to snap up those cheap flights to Kiev and admire its beauty. It’s also worth paying the small entrance fee to go inside. The church houses an important collection of paintings and sculptures by Ukrainian artists.

Kiev Pechersk Lavra Monastery

The Kiev Pechersk Lavra Monastery dates back to the 11th century, and more than 40 million people have visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gold-domed monastery was constructed by two monks who were later buried in the underground caves. Today, you can go on a guided tour to see their burial site and learn about one of the holiest places in the Ukraine.

Mariyinsky Palace

Mariyinsky Palace is the ceremonial home for the Ukraine President. Reconstructed in 1870 after a fire destroyed the original building, it's an impressive site to explore. Inside, you'll find beautiful artworks by Ukrainian artists and many historical treasures. It's a wonderful place to spend a few hours for travellers with tickets to Kiev who are curious about Ukraine's history and culture. For those buying return flights to Kiev who are passionate about architecture, you should consider signing up for a guided tour. You’ll delve deep into Ukrainian architectural trends of the 17th and 18th centuries.

What should I know before visiting Kiev?

Buy a local sim card

Whether you've bought airfare to Kiev for one week or one month, a local sim card will make it much easier to get around and stay connected. There are three mobile operators to choose from (Kyivstar, Vodafone, and Lifecell), and you can get a plan with unlimited 3G internet for around $4-6 USD ($6.17 - 9.26 NZD) per month. You can buy a sim card at Boryspil International Airport (KBP) or in the city centre at kiosks and supermarkets.

Language barrier

The official language is Ukrainian and it uses the Cyrillic alphabet. While this can be confusing for travellers with tickets to Kiev who are used to a Latin alphabet, the city has English translations for almost everything. From signs to menus at restaurants, you shouldn't have too much of a problem getting around or ordering some delicious Ukrainian food.

Money in Kiev

Instead of exchanging money at the airport when your flights to Kiev arrive, you'll get a better rate of exchange at the ATMs all over the city. While most restaurants, cafes and supermarkets will let you pay with a card, you should keep some cash on you. You'll need coins to pay for metro tickets and access to the public toilets.

Best time to travel to Kiev

Spring, autumn and summer are all excellent periods to visit Kiev. Book your return flights to Kiev over those months, and you'll have good weather to explore the city's cafe culture, top attractions and beautiful parks. If you're looking at dates for winter (December to February), you should pack your thermals and warmest layers for your flights to Kiev. Snow and sub-zero temperatures are common.