TRANSPORT IN KHARKIV

Kharkiv is a very important transportation hub of Ukraine. Any part of the country is easily accessible from Kharkov, it is connected to most of the European cities. The primary mode of transportation in Kharkiv is subway, bus, minibus, trolleybus, tramway and taxi.

The Subway (Kharkiv Metro) is the city's rapid transit system, operating since 1975, it includes three different lines with 29 stations in total. It is unalienable part of the city and its citizens’ life. Every day Kharkiv Metro serves more than 1 million people. It is the fastest option of travelling through the city and a good Chance to get hidden from the summer heat or winter chill in a comfortable subway’s micro-climate. All journeys cost the same (2 UAH= 0.17 EUR), irrespective of distance. Distinctive architecture and decoration of the stations complement the ensemble of streets and squares of the city.

The bus service in Kharkiv is comparatively much frequent, but it’s pretty difficult to get on a bus within a rush hour because of the number of people. If you manage, don’t hope for a comfortable ride and watch your bag, overcrowded buses are good places for thieves. The bus routes link all the places of Kharkiv. This service, which includes private minibuses called marshrutka, carries about 12 million passengers annually. Ticket prices vary from 2 to 5 UAH (0,17- 0,49 EUR).

Another popular mode of surface transportation is Kharkiv trolleybuses. Their history dates back 1939. Nowadays there are 24 routes with total length of 478.2 km of routes which are operated by different models of trolleybuses. Most of them are quite obsolete (the oldest ones were made in the 70’s), but there are also about 50 modern trolleys running throughout the city. All journeys cost 1,5 UAH (0,13 EUR).

The oldest mean of public transport in Kharkiv is a tram. In 2006 Kharkiv tram celebrated its 100-anniversary. It used to be the most common mean of transport among Kharkiv citizens but since the 90’s Kharkiv tram service has been in a crisis. Today only 14 routes are in use, many tram rails have been dismantled. The time may come when Kharkiv tram is just a part of the city’s history.

Kharkiv has good railway connection with all regions of the country and busy international transportation . The first passenger railway station appeared in Kharkiv in 1869, was reconstructed and expanded in 1901, to be later destroyed in the World War II. A new railway station was built in 1952. Today Kharkiv Railway Station is one of the biggest railway stations in Ukraine. The main building of the station has been reconstructed recently and the square in front of it is considered to be one of Kharkiv’s the most famous landmarks.

Kharkov International airport (HRK Osnova) used to have about 20 flights a day, almost all of them being passenger flights. The airport is situated in the city border, to the south from the city centre.