Book Flights to Kiev (Kyiv), Ukraine
Kyiv (Kiev) — Ukraine's capital city of approximately 3 million people on the Dnieper River, one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe and the founding city of medieval Kievan Rus' — is one of Europe's most historically and architecturally remarkable capitals. The city contains two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Kyiv Pechersk Lavra — the Monastery of the Caves, and Saint Sophia Cathedral), kilometres of chestnut-lined boulevards, extraordinary Soviet-era architecture, and the Maidan (Independence Square) — the symbol of Ukrainian democracy and the Euromaidan revolution of 2013–2014. Please note: Kyiv Boryspil Airport (KBP) has been closed since February 2022 due to the Russia-Ukraine war. This page is for future travel planning — check current status before booking.
When operational, Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP) was one of Eastern Europe's busiest airports, served by British Airways (London), Lufthansa (Frankfurt), KLM (Amsterdam), Air France (Paris), Turkish Airlines (Istanbul), Emirates (Dubai), LOT Polish (Warsaw), and Austrian (Vienna). FareOptic will display the latest fares when routes resume.
Flight Deals to Kiev (Kyiv)
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Why Visit Kiev (Kyiv), Ukraine?
Kyiv Pechersk Lavra UNESCO caves, Saint Sophia Cathedral, the Maidan, Khreshchatyk Boulevard, Andriyivskyy Descent, and 1,400 years of Eastern European history on the Dnieper.
Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Monastery of the Caves)
UNESCO World Heritage — 1,000 Years of Orthodox Christian HeritageThe Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Monastery of the Caves) — a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in 1051, perched dramatically on the high right bank of the Dnieper River — is one of the most important Orthodox Christian pilgrimage sites in the world and the spiritual heart of Kyiv and Ukrainian Orthodoxy. The complex comprises two enclosed areas of golden-domed churches, bell towers, and underground cave systems (the famous labyrinths where the mummified remains of 11th–13th century monks are venerated by pilgrims). The Great Lavra Bell Tower (96.5 metres, 18th century) dominates the Dnieper skyline.
The Underground Caves
The Monastery of the Caves takes its name from the system of underground passages and chambers excavated by monks beginning in the 1050s, where the mummified remains of monks (revered as saints by the Orthodox Church) are displayed in open coffins in niches along the cave walls. Hundreds of monks are entombed in the Near Caves (Blyzhni Pechery) and Far Caves (Daleki Pechery) — a profoundly atmospheric pilgrimage destination visited by millions annually
Saint Sophia Cathedral
UNESCO World Heritage — Kyiv's 11th-Century Byzantine MasterpieceSaint Sophia Cathedral (Sofiysky Sobor) — built by Yaroslav the Wise between 1011 and 1018, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the finest surviving example of Byzantine architecture in Ukraine — is Kyiv's oldest and most historically significant building. The cathedral's interior preserves one of the most extensive ensembles of 11th-century Byzantine mosaics and frescoes in the world, including the magnificent Christ Pantocrator mosaic in the main apse and the 6-metre Virgin Orant ('Praying Virgin') mosaic in the altar — the latter believed to be miraculous and called 'the Indestructible Wall' for its survival through centuries of conflict.
Yaroslav the Wise and the Rus' Golden Age
Yaroslav the Wise (r. 1019–1054) — Grand Prince of Kyiv at the height of Kievan Rus' power — built Saint Sophia as the symbolic statement of Kyiv's equivalence with Constantinople. He married his daughter Anna to Henry I of France, his daughter Anastasia to Andrew I of Hungary, and his sister to Casimir I of Poland — making the Kyivan court one of the most internationally connected royal families in 11th-century Europe. Yaroslav is buried in a marble sarcophagus inside the cathedral
Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti)
Kyiv's Symbolic Heart — Where Ukrainian Democracy Was DefendedIndependence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti) — the central square of Kyiv, redesigned in 2001 and site of the 2004 Orange Revolution and the 2013–2014 Euromaidan protests (Revolution of Dignity) that led to the departure of President Yanukovych and Ukraine's decisive European turn — is one of the most historically significant public spaces in post-Soviet history. The glass and stone Independence Monument (62 metres, completed 2001) stands at its centre; the surrounding underground shopping mall (the Globus centre), fountains, and terraced granite steps descend to the Khreshchatyk boulevard.
The 2013–2014 Euromaidan
The Euromaidan protests (November 2013 – February 2014) — triggered by President Yanukovych's refusal to sign the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement and sustained for 93 days on the Maidan through violent clashes — resulted in the deaths of over 100 protesters (the 'Heavenly Hundred') and Yanukovych's flight to Russia. The Maidan became the symbol of Ukrainian aspirations toward European integration and democratic governance that remain central to the ongoing conflict
Khreshchatyk Boulevard and the Historic Centre
Kyiv's Grand Chestnut-Lined Boulevard and Stalin-Era ArchitectureKhreshchatyk — Kyiv's main boulevard, 1.3 km long and lined with chestnut trees, post-war Stalinist neoclassical architecture, and luxury shops — is the city's social and commercial spine. Destroyed in the 1941 WWII German occupation (the buildings were blown up by retreating Soviet engineers), the boulevard was rebuilt in an extravagant Stalinist style in 1949–1954: ornate facades, colonnaded entrances, and decorative friezes. The entire street closes to traffic on weekends, becoming one of Eastern Europe's largest pedestrian promenades.
Kyiv's Chestnut Trees
The horse chestnut (kashtan) is Kyiv's defining botanical symbol — hundreds of thousands of chestnut trees line the city's boulevards, parks, and residential streets. The city celebrates Chestnut Day in May when the trees bloom simultaneously with white and pink flowers, turning the entire city fragrant. Kyiv is internationally associated with its chestnuts to the degree that the city's residents call themselves 'kashtan people'
Andriyivskyy Descent and Podil
Kyiv's Bohemian Cobblestone Hill — Artists, Galleries, and the Spirit of Old KyivAndriyivskyy Descent (Andriivsky Uzviz) — a steep, cobblestoned street descending from the Upper City (Verkhniy Misto) to the historic Podil district on the Dnieper floodplain — is Kyiv's most atmospheric street: lined with galleries, antique shops, street artists, and the ornate Baroque St. Andrew's Church (designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, 1754, the same architect who designed the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg). The street is associated with the writer Mikhail Bulgakov, who spent his childhood in a house at No. 13.
Mikhail Bulgakov and The Master and Margarita
Mikhail Bulgakov (1891–1940) — author of The Master and Margarita (published posthumously 1966–1967, now considered one of the 20th century's greatest novels) — was born and grew up in Kyiv, setting his novel The White Guard in the city during the chaotic 1918–1919 civil war. The Bulgakov Museum at No. 13 Andriyivskyy Descent is one of Kyiv's most-visited literary sites, preserving the apartment where the writer lived until 1919
How to Find Cheap Flights to Kiev
Kyiv Boryspil Airport (KBP) is Currently Closed — Check Status Before Booking
Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP) and Kyiv Sikorsky Airport (IEV) have been closed since February 2022 due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Do not book flights to Kyiv without first verifying the current operational status of the airports. Check UK/US government travel advisories before making any travel plans.
Monitor Route Resumption — Major Carriers Ready to Restart Kyiv Services
Lufthansa, British Airways, KLM, Air France, Turkish Airlines, LOT Polish, Ryanair, and Wizz Air have all indicated readiness to resume Kyiv routes when Ukrainian airspace reopens. Kyiv Boryspil (KBP) was one of Eastern Europe's most-served airports before 2022 and is expected to recover quickly. Sign up for flight alerts on FareOptic to be notified immediately when Kyiv routes become available.
Access Ukraine via Poland for Urgent or Humanitarian Travel
Ukraine remains accessible by road and rail from Poland. The Warsaw–Kyiv train (operated by PKP Intercity and Ukrzaliznytsia) provides a viable surface route for urgent travel. The Rzeszów and Przemyśl border crossings in Poland are the primary entry points. Many Western governments permit authorised journalists, diplomats, NGO workers, and aid organisations to travel to Ukraine under specific conditions.
Kyiv Boryspil Airport is 29 km from City Centre — Plan Transfer Time
When Kyiv Boryspil Airport (KBP) reopens, the airport is 29 km east of Kyiv city centre. The Boryspil Express train (formerly 35 minutes, KBP to Kyiv Central Station) and airport taxis are the primary transport options. Kyiv's Metro system (3 lines, 52 stations) does not extend to Boryspil — the train is the most time-efficient connection.
Airlines Flying to Kiev / Kyiv (KBP)
Ukraine International Airlines
Kyiv's Flag Carrier — Hub at Boryspil International AirportUkraine International Airlines (UIA, IATA: PS) operated Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP) as its main hub, with routes to London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Vienna, Warsaw, Istanbul, Dubai, New York, Toronto, and dozens of European destinations. UIA was Ukraine's largest airline and the primary carrier for the country's capital. All UIA flights were suspended following the closure of Ukrainian airspace in February 2022. UIA is expected to be the first carrier to resume Kyiv routes when airspace reopens.
Key Routes
London LHR, Paris CDG, Frankfurt FRA, Amsterdam AMS, Vienna VIE, Warsaw WAW, Istanbul IST, Dubai DXB — all suspended; verify current status
Lufthansa, British Airways & KLM/Air France
European Network Carriers — Kyiv's Most Connected European RoutesBefore February 2022, Kyiv Boryspil (KBP) was one of Eastern Europe's most connected airports: Lufthansa operated daily Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC) service; British Airways daily London Heathrow (LHR); KLM Amsterdam (AMS); Air France Paris CDG. All these carriers have suspended Ukraine routes and are expected to resume quickly when Ukrainian airspace reopens, given Kyiv's importance as one of Europe's major capitals.
Key Routes
London LHR via British Airways; Frankfurt FRA via Lufthansa; Amsterdam AMS via KLM; Paris CDG via Air France — all subject to airspace reopening
Turkish Airlines & LOT Polish
Alternative Route Access to Kyiv via Istanbul and WarsawTurkish Airlines operated Istanbul (IST) to Kyiv Boryspil (KBP) as one of its major Eastern European routes, and LOT Polish Airlines connected Warsaw (WAW) to Kyiv with multiple daily frequencies. LOT has been particularly important for Ukrainian travellers since the war, operating some of the most active charter and special government flights to and from Warsaw for Ukrainian citizens. Turkish Airlines' Istanbul hub provides the most practical one-stop connection for travellers from many parts of the world when Kyiv routes resume.
Key Routes
Istanbul IST via Turkish Airlines; Warsaw WAW via LOT Polish (multiple daily — check current humanitarian/special routes)
Things to Do in and around Kiev (Kyiv), Ukraine
Important Information Before You Fly to Kiev (Kyiv)
Currency
Ukrainian Hryvnia (₴) — 1 USD ≈ 41 ₴ approx.
Language
Ukrainian (official); Russian widely spoken
Time Zone
EET (UTC+2) / EEST (UTC+3) in summer
Country Code
+380 (Ukraine)
Airport Code
KBP — Kyiv Boryspil (29 km from city centre; currently closed)
US Entry
No visa required for US citizens (90 days); check advisories
Power Plugs
Type C/F — 220V / 50Hz (adaptor needed for US devices)
Emergency Number
112 (general) / 102 (Police) / 103 (Ambulance)
Most Popular Airlines
Best Airlines for Domestic & International Routes
Frequently Asked Questions on Travel to Kiev (Kyiv)
Everything you need to know about booking cheap flights to Kiev (Kyiv), Ukraine
Is Kyiv airport currently open?
Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP) and Kyiv Sikorsky Airport (IEV) have been closed since February 2022 due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Do not book flights to Kyiv without first checking the current operational status of Ukrainian airports and reviewing UK/US government travel advisories at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ukraine and travel.state.gov.
What is the difference between 'Kiev' and 'Kyiv'?
'Kyiv' is the Ukrainian-language name and the internationally preferred spelling since 2019, when many governments and media organisations adopted the Ukrainian transliteration. 'Kiev' is the Russian-language transliteration, widely used before 2019. Both names refer to the same city — the capital of Ukraine. The airport code KBP (Boryspil) and IEV (Sikorsky) remain unchanged regardless of spelling convention.
What airlines served Kyiv before 2022?
Kyiv Boryspil (KBP) was one of Eastern Europe's most connected airports: served by Ukraine International Airlines (hub), Ryanair, Wizz Air, British Airways (London LHR), Lufthansa (Frankfurt FRA, Munich MUC), KLM (Amsterdam AMS), Air France (Paris CDG), Turkish Airlines (Istanbul IST), Emirates (Dubai DXB), Qatar Airways (Doha DOH), LOT Polish (Warsaw WAW), Austrian (Vienna VIE), and dozens of other carriers. Over 120 airlines served KBP before the 2022 closure.
What is Kyiv famous for?
Kyiv (population approximately 3 million) is Ukraine's capital and one of Eastern Europe's oldest and most historically significant cities — the founding city of Kievan Rus' (the medieval state from which Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus all trace their origins). Kyiv is famous for the Monastery of the Caves (UNESCO), Saint Sophia Cathedral (UNESCO), the Maidan (Independence Square), Khreshchatyk Boulevard, the Dnieper River, and as the centre of Ukrainian cultural, political, and intellectual life.
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Ukraine?
US citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days in Ukraine. A valid US passport is sufficient. Note: the US State Department currently advises against all travel to Ukraine (Level 4: Do Not Travel). Check the current advisory at travel.state.gov before making any plans. Ukraine's Emergency Situations Ministry and the Ukrainian government's official portal provide updated safety guidance for those with urgent travel needs.
What is the best time to visit Kyiv (when conditions allow)?
May–June for chestnuts in bloom, warm temperatures (22–26°C), and the city's parks and outdoor café culture at their best. September–October for the golden leaf season and lower prices. December–January for Christmas markets and the city's distinctive winter atmosphere under snow. July–August can be hot (30°C+) and humid; spring and autumn are Kyiv's finest seasons.
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