RIDING BUSES IN KYIV: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR FOREIGNERS
Getting around Kyiv by public transport is cheap, frequent, and not as confusing as it looks — once you know a few basics. Here's everything you need to know. And if you want to feel truly at home in Ukraine, our Ukrainian language lessons will give you the confidence to navigate daily life far beyond the bus stop.
THE THREE TYPES OF CITY TRANSPORT
Kyiv public transport comes in three main forms:
- Автобус — a regular city bus. Follows a fixed route and stops at every designated stop automatically — no need to press anything.
- Тролейбус — a trolleybus (electric, powered by overhead wires). Works the same as the bus: stops at every stop on its own.
- Маршрутка — a minibus that follows a fixed route but won't stop unless you ask. If you need to get off, you must call out to the driver: "Зупиніть, будь ласка!" (Stop, please!) or simply shout "На зупинці!" (At the stop!). Don't be shy — everyone does it.
TRACKING ROUTES: APPS
Google Maps shows Kyiv bus routes, but the schedules are often unreliable — buses run late, skip stops, or change frequency without notice. For real-time tracking of buses, trolleybuses, and marshrutkas, use the Easyway app instead. It shows live vehicle positions on a map and is far more accurate for everyday use.
Useful vocabulary:
- Route — маршрут
- Schedule — розклад
- Application / app — додаток
HOW TO PAY FOR YOUR RIDE
On a bus or trolleybus — tap to pay
Modern Kyiv buses and trolleybuses have orange contactless terminals on board. You can pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or a contactless bank card — just tap the orange device as you board.
Paying for multiple people? Tap the terminal, then press the arrow on the screen and select how many people you're paying for. Simple.
When a conductor comes to check tickets, you'll need to show your recent payment in your wallet's transaction history — they'll visually verify it. No paper ticket needed.
On a маршрутка — cash only
Marshrutkas do not have card terminals. Prepare exact cash before boarding. The fare is handed to the driver directly or passed forward through other passengers — this is completely normal.
Useful vocabulary:
- To pay — платити
- Cash — готівка
- Change (money) — решта
- Payment / receipt — оплата
- How much? — Скільки коштує?
THE PRICE: 30 UAH PER RIDE (FROM JUNE)
The current fare across Kyiv's buses and trolleybuses is rising to 30 hryvnias (₴30) per ride starting in June. This applies regardless of distance — one ride, one price.
OTHER WAYS TO PAY: QR TICKETS AND TRANSPORT CARDS
If you prefer not to use contactless payment, there are a couple of other options:
Kyiv Digital app (Київ Цифровий): Download the app, go to the QR tickets section, and generate a QR code to scan on board. You can also purchase a virtual transport card through the same app.
Self-service terminals: Paper QR tickets can be purchased at EasyPay or Ibox terminals (found in shops and supermarkets across the city), as well as at metro stations.
Useful vocabulary:
- Ticket — квиток
- QR ticket — QR-квиток
- Transport card — транспортна картка
- To scan — сканувати
- Terminal — термінал
Knowing how to ride a bus in Kyiv is a great start, but knowing how to talk while riding it is even better. Our Ukrainian language lessons are built for practical, everyday situations — exactly like the ones you'll encounter on public transport. And for a quick boost before your next trip, check out 25 Essential Phrases to Survive in Ukraine — a perfect companion to this guide that'll have you sounding like a local from day one.