Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, is a vibrant and historic city that offers a lot of attractions for visitors. Whether you want to admire the golden domes of its churches, explore its museums and art galleries, or enjoy its nightlife and cuisine, you will find something to suit your taste.
How to Explore Kiev by Subway: A Guide for Travelers
But how do you get around this sprawling metropolis? One of the best options is to use the Kiev subway, also known as the metro. The Kiev subway is a fast, cheap, and reliable way to travel between different parts of the city. It covers most of the major sights and neighborhoods, and it is easy to navigate even if you don’t speak Ukrainian or Russian.
In this article, we will give you some tips and tricks on how to use the Kiev subway, what to see along the way, and what to avoid. By the end of this guide, you will be ready to explore Kiev by subway like a pro.
How to Use the Kiev Subway
The Kiev subway consists of three lines: the red line (Sviatoshynsko-Brovarska), the blue line (Kurenivsko-Chervonoarmiyska), and the green line (Syretsko-Pecherska). They intersect at three stations: Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square), Zoloti Vorota (Golden Gate), and Palats Sportu (Sports Palace).
To use the subway, you need to buy a token (called a zheton) from a vending machine or a cashier at the station entrance. The token costs 8 UAH (about 0.3 USD) and is valid for one trip, regardless of the distance or the number of transfers. You insert the token into the turnstile and pass through. There is no time limit for your trip, but you cannot exit and re-enter the subway with the same token.
The subway operates from 6 a.m. to midnight every day. The trains run every 2-5 minutes during peak hours and every 5-10 minutes during off-peak hours. The stations are announced in Ukrainian and sometimes in English. The signs and maps are also in both languages, so you can easily find your way.
What to See Along the Kiev Subway
One of the advantages of using the Kiev subway is that you can see some of the city’s most interesting sights along the way. Here are some of the highlights that you can visit by subway:
- Khreshchatyk Street: This is the main street of Kiev and the heart of its commercial and cultural life. It is lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, and monuments. It is especially lively on weekends, when it is closed to traffic and becomes a pedestrian zone. You can access it from the Maidan Nezalezhnosti station on the blue line or the Khreshchatyk station on the red line.
- St. Sophia’s Cathedral: This is one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in Kiev, dating back to the 11th century. It is famous for its stunning mosaics and frescoes, as well as its bell tower and museum. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Ukrainian identity. You can reach it from the Zoloti Vorota station on the green line, which is also worth seeing for its ornate decoration.
- Pechersk Lavra: This is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important religious centers in Eastern Europe. It is a complex of caves, monasteries, churches, and museums that dates back to the 11th century. It is also known as the Monastery of the Caves, because of the underground tunnels where the monks lived and were buried. You can visit it from the Arsenalna station on the red line, which is the deepest station in the world at 105 meters below ground.
- Motherland Monument: This is a colossal statue of a woman holding a sword and a shield, representing the Soviet victory in World War II. It is part of the Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II, which displays various exhibits and memorials related to the war. The monument is 102 meters tall and can be seen from many parts of the city. You can get there from the Dnipro station on the blue line, which is located on an artificial island on the Dnieper River.
- Podil: This is one of the oldest and most charming neighborhoods in Kiev, where you can find many historical buildings, churches, and museums. It is also a popular area for nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants. You can explore it from the Kontraktova Ploshcha station on the blue line or the Tarasa Shevchenka station on the red line.
What to Avoid Along the Kiev Subway
While the Kiev subway is generally safe and convenient, there are some things that you should avoid or be careful of when using it. Here are some of the potential pitfalls that you should be aware of:
- Pickpockets: As in any crowded place, there is a risk of pickpockets on the subway, especially during rush hours or at busy stations. You should keep your valuables close to you and be alert of your surroundings. If you notice any suspicious behavior, move away or report it to the staff or the police.
- Scams: Some people may try to scam you on the subway, such as offering to sell you fake tokens, tickets, or souvenirs, or asking you for money or help with a sob story. You should ignore them and walk away, or politely decline and say that you are not interested. Do not engage with them or give them any personal information or money.
- Beggars: You may encounter some beggars on the subway, especially near the entrances or exits. They may be elderly, disabled, or children, and they may ask you for money or food. While some of them may be genuinely in need, others may be part of organized groups that exploit them. You should use your own judgment and discretion, but be careful not to encourage them or attract unwanted attention.
- Rules: There are some rules that you should follow when using the subway, such as not smoking, drinking, eating, or littering on the trains or the stations. You should also not take photos or videos without permission, as some stations may be considered sensitive or restricted areas. You should respect the signs and the announcements, and follow the instructions of the staff or the police. If you break any of the rules, you may face a fine or a penalty.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions that you may have about the Kiev subway:
- How do I get to the airport by subway?
There are two airports in Kiev: Boryspil International Airport and Kyiv International Airport (Zhuliany). To get to Boryspil, you can take the red line to the Vokzalna station, and then take the Sky Bus shuttle that runs every 15-20 minutes to the airport. The trip takes about an hour and costs 100 UAH (about 3.6 USD). To get to Zhuliany, you can take the blue line to the Shuliavska station, and then take a taxi, a bus, or a trolleybus to the airport. The trip takes about 20-30 minutes and costs 50-100 UAH (about 1.8-3.6 USD). - How do I get to the train station by subway?
There are two main train stations in Kiev: Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi and Kyiv-Volynskyi. To get to Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi, you can take the red line to the Vokzalna station, which is directly connected to the station. To get to Kyiv-Volynskyi, you can take the green line to the Lukianivska station, and then take a bus, a tram, or a trolleybus to the station. - How do I get to the bus station by subway?
There are several bus stations in Kiev, but the most central and convenient one is Kyiv Central Bus Station. To get there, you can take the red line to the Demiivska station, and then walk for about 10 minutes to the station. - How do I pay for the subway?
You can pay for the subway with tokens (zhetons) that you can buy from vending machines or cashiers at the station entrance. The token costs 8 UAH (about 0.3 USD) and is valid for one trip. You can also use a contactless card or a smartphone app, such as Kyiv Smart Card or Masterpass, to pay for the subway. You can buy or top up these cards at the stations or online. The fare is the same as the token, but you can also get discounts or bonuses for multiple trips or transfers. - How do I find the subway map?
You can find the subway map on the official website of the Kiev subway, or on various online platforms, such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Yandex Maps. You can also download or print the map from these sources. The map is also displayed at the stations and on the trains, in both Ukrainian and English.
Conclusion
The Kiev subway is a great way to explore the city and see its attractions. Itis a fast, cheap, and reliable way to travel between different parts of the city. It covers most of the major sights and neighborhoods, and it is easy to navigate even if you don’t speak Ukrainian or Russian.
We hope that this article has given you some useful information and tips on how to use the Kiev subway and what to see along the way. Whether you are visiting Kiev for a few days or a few weeks, you will find that the subway is a great option to get around and explore the city.
Have a wonderful time in Kiev and enjoy your subway adventure! 😊
