Borispol to Kiev
April 6, 2007
Ok. You’re at Borispol which is miles from anywhere; about 40 kms out of town I was told. As soon as you emerge into the arrivals hall the customary Ukrainian greeting of “Foreigners, let’s rip them off” is cried out. So burrow your way through hordes where the only word you need is Nyet! (there are 2 ATMs immediately to the right as you come out to get your grvynias (UAH). Once outside you are faced with more taxi touts but at least you can discuss terms more easily here.
The average westerner price seems to be 120UAH, so aim for that if you want an easy life. Best I had from town to the airport was 105 when calling a taxi by phone. Most of these touts have a point man who speaks english to some degree with whom you agree the price, and then you are led to one of his drivers, who won’t speak english, so be clear on your destination. Maybe have it written down in cyrillic.
There is a taxi order desk between the terminals which is more official (see Borispol transport) which suggests 110 to the centre.
There’s also the big Atass (uh huh) airport bus which goes from outside the main terminal to the back of the train station downtown. Timetable. Have not tried that as it just sat there empty and I was tempted onto a mini-bus (маршрутка, ok marshrutka). This was pretty nippy, cost 22UAH and drops you off at the train station too. Note the train station is not the first stop; so get off when the driver gets out for a ciggie break!
This is the back of the new station. So to get somewhere better go through, or under, the station, and into the old station which is a lot prettier. The station is about 1.5km from the central area so either walk which is quite pleasant (Aim for the road that’s hidden behind the Golden Arches and 300 cars, walk down there about 700 metres and turn right up the road with the pavement in the middle – be sure to admire the wonderful botanic garden on the right), or try and find the metro entrance. Hint, it’s in the second of the older stations left from the first of the older stations. Look for the glass doors that slam in your face; that’ll be the metro. Only 50 kopecks a ride in Kiev; buy a token at the kasa.
Buses back to Borispol go from the same place at the back of the station every 20 minutes or so. Little signs in the window say Borispol.
March 19, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Very useful tips. Thanks a lot!
July 25, 2008 at 5:27 am
Dear Mark-Having returned 14 June from Donetsk via Kiev, I will add about the train station-Don’t go in from the new end as you will have to go down four flights of steep stairs with your bags. One woman in our party had her pack uinzipped and cell phone stolen on those stairs. A pro job, a woman and child distracted her during the theft. Thankfully all they got was the phone!