Boryspil International Airport

IMPORTANT: Boryspil International Airport has been closed to all commercial flights since 24 February 2022 due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian airspace remains closed indefinitely. The information below reflects pre-war operations and is provided for reference when commercial aviation resumes. Check official sources for current status before planning any travel.

Boryspil International Airport (KBP) is Ukraine's largest airport, located 29 km (18 miles) east of central Kyiv. Before its closure, it handled approximately 65% of Ukraine's passenger air traffic, including all intercontinental flights and the majority of international services. The airport served as the hub for Ukraine International Airlines (UIA).

The airport has two operational passenger terminals (D and F), plus a VIP terminal:

• Terminal D: The main international terminal, opened in 2012. Modern facilities, handles the majority of flights. Connected to the Kyiv Boryspil Express train station.
• Terminal F: Low-cost carrier terminal, located separately from Terminal D.

The airport features two runways (4 km and 3.5 km) capable of accommodating all aircraft types. Prior to closure, the airport had a capacity of approximately 18 million passengers per year.

Pre-war airline operations included:

• Ukraine International Airlines (hub carrier)
• Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France
• Qatar Airways, Emirates
• Ryanair, Wizz Air (low-cost carriers from Terminal F)
• SkyUp Airlines, Windrose

Historically, over 60 airlines operated flights to more than 120 destinations worldwide.

Kyiv Zhuliany Airport (IEV)

Kyiv has a second airport, Igor Sikorsky Kyiv International Airport (Zhuliany) (IEV), located just 7 km southwest of the city center.

Airlines at Zhuliany (pre-war):

• Low-cost carriers including Wizz Air
• Charter and domestic flights
• Business aviation

When to choose IEV over KBP:

• Flying with certain low-cost carriers
• Staying in western Kyiv (closer access)
• Shorter journey to city center (15-20 minutes vs 30-45 minutes)

Key differences:

	Boryspil (KBP)	Zhuliany (IEV)
Distance to center	29 km	7 km
Carriers	Full-service, major LCCs	Select LCCs, charters
Transit link	Train + SkyBus	Metro/trolleybus nearby
Facilities	Modern, extensive	Smaller, basic

Transferring between airports: A taxi between KBP and IEV takes 45-60 minutes (traffic dependent), costing approximately UAH 500-700 (~$13-18). Allow minimum 4 hours between flights at different airports.

Boryspil is located 29 km east of central Kyiv. Travel times vary based on traffic:

Destination	Off-Peak	Rush Hour
Khreshchatyk (city center)	30-40 min	60-90 min
Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi (main train station)	35 min by train	N/A
Podil district	35-50 min	70-100 min

Transport options include the Kyiv Boryspil Express train (fastest, avoids traffic), SkyBus, taxis, and rideshare apps (Uber, Bolt, Uklon).

Uber, Bolt, and Uklon operate at Boryspil Airport. Uber is recommended for foreign travelers as drivers on Uklon often call ahead and speak only Ukrainian or Russian.

Rideshare pickup:

• Designated pickup zones outside Terminal D arrivals (Level 1)
• Typical fare to central Kyiv: UAH 300-550 (~$8-15)
• Journey time: 30-60 minutes depending on traffic

Metered Taxis:

Official airport taxis are available at designated stands outside arrivals:

Destination	Estimated Fare
Khreshchatyk (city center)	UAH 400-500 (~$11-13)
Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi station	UAH 350-450 (~$9-12)
Podil district	UAH 400-500 (~$11-13)

Tips:

• Order via app for better rates than airport taxi stands
• Confirm the price before starting (or ensure meter is running)
• Keep small bills for tolls if applicable
• Download Uber before arrival; it works on airport WiFi without a local SIM

Kyiv Boryspil Express (Train)

The Kyiv Boryspil Express train is the fastest and most reliable connection to central Kyiv, avoiding traffic entirely.

Route: Boryspil Airport → Darnytsia → Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi (main railway station)

• Fare: UAH 80 adults, UAH 60 children (~$2-2.50)
• Travel time: 35-40 minutes to Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi
• Frequency: Once or twice per hour
• Hours: Approximately 5:00am to 10:30pm
• Payment: Card only (no cash) at ticket machines in Terminal D

Step-by-step from Terminal D:

1. Exit Terminal D and follow signs to "Railway Station" (100 meters north)
2. Purchase ticket from automated machines (card payment only)
3. Board train to Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi
4. Transfer to Kyiv Metro at Vokzalna station (adjacent to railway station)

From Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi, the Metro provides connections across the city:

• Khreshchatyk: 2 stops on Red Line, UAH 8 (~$0.20)
• Maidan Nezalezhnosti: 2 stops on Red Line

SkyBus (Bus Route 322)

SkyBus operates express buses between Boryspil Airport and central Kyiv.

Routes:

• Boryspil Airport ↔ Kharkivska Metro station: UAH 60 (~$1.60)
• Boryspil Airport ↔ Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi (South Terminal): UAH 100 (~$2.70)

Schedule:

• Frequency: Every 15 minutes (daytime), every 30-45 minutes (night)
• Hours: 24-hour service
• Journey time: 45-55 minutes (traffic dependent)

Payment: Cash on board or advance purchase via SkyBus website. On-board payment is cash only.

Pickup locations: Outside Terminals B, D, and F

Boryspil Airport has multiple parking areas with varying rates:

Parking Area	Hourly Rate	Daily Rate	Notes
P1, P2, P3 (near Terminal D)	UAH 20-30	UAH 300	Short-term, closest to terminal
P4	UAH 15	UAH 150	Short/medium-term, short walk
P5, P8	UAH 15	UAH 100	Long-term, economy option
P6, P7, P10, P11	UAH 15	UAH 100	Overflow parking

Notes:

• First 10-15 minutes free in all parking areas
• Free shuttle bus connects distant parking to Terminal D
• Pre-booking not typically required

At pre-war exchange rates (approximately UAH 37 = $1):

• Short-term: ~$8/day
• Long-term: ~$2.70/day

Terminal D offers a range of dining options across multiple levels:

Airside (After Security):

• Spirito di Italiano: Italian cuisine
• Gourmet Kitchen & Bar: International menu
• Multiple cafes and coffee shops

Landside (Arrivals, Level 1):

• Cafes and quick-service options
• Limited selection compared to airside

Landside (Departures, Level 3):

• Additional cafes before security

Best value: Prices are typical for international airports. For better value, eat in Kyiv or bring food through security. The business lounge offers complimentary food for eligible passengers.

Free WiFi is available throughout Terminal D:

• Network: "Free Boryspil WiFi"
• Registration: Required via web browser (enter phone number or email)
• Session limit: 15-30 minutes (reports vary), can reconnect
• Quality: Variable; adequate for email and browsing, inconsistent for streaming
• Speed: Approximately 2-3 Mbps reported

Power outlets are available throughout the terminal for charging devices.

SIM cards are available from kiosks in the arrivals hall immediately after customs:

Major carriers:

• Kyivstar: Best nationwide coverage, recommended for travelers
• Vodafone: Good coverage, competitive pricing
• Lifecell: Budget option, coverage weaker outside major cities

Typical tourist packages (pre-war pricing):

Carrier	Data	Validity	Price
Kyivstar Light	15 GB	28 days	UAH 175 (~$5)
Kyivstar Power	50 GB	28 days	UAH 330 (~$9)
Vodafone Start	15 GB + 800 min	28 days	UAH 180 (~$5)
Vodafone Pro	25 GB + 1200 min	28 days	UAH 230 (~$6)
Lifecell Basic	15 GB	30 days	UAH 150 (~$4)

Notes:

• Passport required for registration
• Airport prices slightly higher than city center
• Staff will install and activate the SIM for you
• Kyivstar recommended for best coverage across Ukraine

ATMs are available throughout Terminal D (arrivals and departures):

Major Ukrainian banks with ATMs:

• PrivatBank (green) - largest Ukrainian bank
• Raiffeisen Bank
• Alfa-Bank Ukraine
• OTP Bank

Important:

• Ukrainian ATMs typically dispense UAH only
• Foreign card fees vary by your home bank; check before travel
• Maximum withdrawal typically UAH 5,000-10,000 per transaction

Currency exchange:

• Multiple exchange booths in arrivals hall and departures
• Airport rates are 3-5% worse than city center rates
• For better rates, use ATMs or exchange in Kyiv (Khreshchatyk area)
• Consider Wise or Revolut cards for competitive exchange rates

Ukraine uses the Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH). Pre-war approximate rate: $1 = UAH 27-37 (fluctuated significantly).

Terminal D offers duty-free and retail options airside:

Duty-Free:

• Standard duty-free shops with liquor, tobacco, cosmetics, and luxury goods
• Ukrainian vodka (horilka) and chocolates make popular souvenirs

Ukrainian Products:

• Traditional handicrafts (vyshyvanky embroidered items)
• Ukrainian chocolates (Roshen, AVK brands)
• Artwork and souvenirs

Other Retail:

• Convenience stores
• Travel accessories
• Book and magazine shops

Best for last-minute gifts: Ukrainian chocolates, embroidered items, and local spirits.

Terminal D has several lounge options:

Priority Pass / Lounge Key

Business Lounge "Comfort" (Terminal D, 4th Floor, Airside)

• Access: Priority Pass, Lounge Key, Diners Club, Dragon Pass
• Credit cards: Mastercard World Elite, World Black Edition, Signature
• Hours: 24 hours (3-hour limit per visit)
• Amenities: Food, drinks, WiFi, showers, outdoor terrace with runway views
• Notes: Features a unique terrace for watching aircraft takeoffs and landings; has a piano

Day Pass Purchase

• Business Lounge: Day passes available at the door
• Price varies; expect approximately UAH 900-1,200 (~$25-35)

Airline Lounges

• Ukraine International Airlines Business Lounge: UIA Business Class passengers, Star Alliance Gold
• Access varies by airline status and ticket class

VIP Terminal

Boryspil has a separate Premier VIP Lounge and VIP terminal for premium services including expedited immigration and private facilities.

Inside Terminal D:

GettSleep Capsule Hotel (Domestic Departures area, Level 2, landside)

• Single capsule: UAH 150/hour to UAH 620/12 hours (~$4-17)
• Double capsule: UAH 250/hour to UAH 930/12 hours (~$7-25)
• Amenities: Showers, WiFi, luggage storage, coworking space

Near the Airport:

Boryspil Hotel - 600 meters from Terminal D (7-minute walk)

• Budget-friendly option with restaurant
• From approximately UAH 800/night (~$22)

Korona Hotel - 5-minute drive from terminals

• Modern facilities, free WiFi
• Free shuttle to airport available

Airport Hotel - Connected via free shuttle

• Convenient for early flights
• Shuttle runs every 30 minutes between Terminal D, Terminal B, and hotels

For early morning departures or late arrivals, the capsule hotel in Terminal D offers the most convenient option without leaving the airport.

Kyiv is a vibrant capital city with a rich history spanning over 1,500 years. Key highlights include:

From the Airport:

• Khreshchatyk Street: 35-50 minutes by train + metro
• Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra: 45-60 minutes by public transit
• Podil District: 40-55 minutes by public transit

Must-See Attractions:

• Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (Cave Monastery): UNESCO World Heritage site, Orthodox monastery complex with underground caves housing mummified monks. One of Ukraine's most important religious sites.
• Saint Sophia's Cathedral: 11th-century Byzantine cathedral, also UNESCO-listed. One of the oldest churches in Kyiv.
• St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery: Stunning blue-and-gold monastery, free entry.
• Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square): Central square, site of historic events including the 2004 Orange Revolution and 2014 Euromaidan.
• Khreshchatyk Street: Main boulevard, pedestrianized on weekends.
• The Golden Gate: Reconstructed medieval city gate, now a museum.
• The Motherland Monument: Massive Soviet-era statue overlooking the Dnieper River.

Best Neighborhoods:

• Podil: Historic lower town, colorful buildings, narrow streets, cafes
• Khreshchatyk/City Center: Main shopping and nightlife
• Pechersk: Lavra monastery, government district, parks

Day Trips:

• Chernobyl Exclusion Zone: Guided tours to the 1986 nuclear disaster site (full-day trip)
• Pyrohiv Open-Air Museum: Traditional Ukrainian village architecture
• Chernihiv: Ancient city with historic churches (2 hours north)

Practical Tips:

• Metro: Efficient and inexpensive (UAH 8 per ride). Buy tokens or use contactless payment.
• Language: Ukrainian is official; Russian widely spoken. English limited outside tourist areas.
• Currency: Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH). Cards widely accepted in Kyiv.
• Tipping: 10% appreciated in restaurants, not mandatory.
• Safety: Exercise increased caution and monitor official travel advisories.

Current Status: Due to the ongoing war, travel to Ukraine is strongly discouraged by most governments. Check official travel advisories and the status of commercial aviation before planning any trip.