Airport

Kiev’s international air hub is called Boryspil Airport – Boryspil is the name of the nearby Kiev satellite town. The airport itself is currently undergoing massive expansion which will see a major new terminal facility greatly expanding Kiev’s regional hub capacity and air travel appeal. For the time being all international flights depart from the main existing terminal building, Terminal B. Meanwhile, the nearby Terminal A building is the departure point for internal Ukrainian flights.

The main terminal building is fairly easy to navigate and offers few surprises. There is little in the way of duty free but ample bars and pubs offering last minute tipples and snack food.

Taxi is your best option

The airport is located around 30km from downtown Kiev and the easiest way to cover the distance is in a taxi. Cab drivers swarm all over the arrivals area and visitors without prearranged transport will be overrun by shifty middle-aged Ukrainians (probably sporting mustaches and unwashed knitwear) promoting their chauffeuring services. My tip would be to resist all initial offers and walk out of the terminal building before eventually striking a deal as you approach the car park area. Drivers will be following on your heels so this slight bluff should not lead to a humbling retreat back to the terminal. 30 US dollars is reasonable, while a good price is around 25 US dollars. Anything less deserves a celebratory drink. If you book a taxi online in advance you may be able to shave something off these rates, but it is unlikely and possibly unreliable.

No metro or train, but a bus

There is no metro or rail link connecting the city centre with the airport, but coaches and mini-busses depart from directly in front of the terminal building on a very regular basis, with most services simply waiting until they are full before departing. This less glamorous form of transport with cost less than USD 10 per person and will see you delivered to the city centre, where you will be able to get onto the Kiev metro system.

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