Is Ukraine Cheap to Visit?

Travelling around Ukraine in 2025 could be a pleasant discovery: the country offers affordable prices, rich culture and plenty of free or inexpensive entertainment. Planning ahead will help you combine comfort and affordability even in difficult times. Find out more about the cost of accommodation, food, transport and tours in Ukraine

Insurance with war risk coverage for safe entry and stay in Ukraine

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Ukraine is a real treasure trove of Eastern Europe, which often remains off the radar of most travellers. But is travelling around Ukraine in 2025 really cheap?

In this article, we will tell you how to plan your budget and how much accommodation, food, transport and entertainment will cost.

You will see that travelling to Ukraine can be inexpensive, safe and comfortable even during the war.

How to plan a trip to Ukraine — read here.

Detailed information that will be useful when planning a trip to Ukraine can be found here:

– Travel to Ukraine for tourism.

– Employment in Ukraine.

– Immigration to Ukraine.

– Studying in Ukraine.

– Travelling to Ukraine by car.

– Popular destinations in Ukraine.

– Support Ukraine.

What is the average Ukraine travel budget?

Flights are usually to neighbouring countries (e.g. Poland), as domestic flights are still restricted due to the closure of Ukraine's airspace. A flight to Europe can cost €50–100, followed by ground transport to cities in Ukraine — around $70–100.

Daily expenses for one tourist on a budget are approximately $30, and around $40 for mid-range travel.

About the top 10 most common mistakes foreigners make when travelling to Ukraine — follow the link.

Booking accommodation, tickets or tours in advance through Visit Ukraine will help you save money — the website allows you to compare prices, find discounts and get additional benefits.

Cost of accommodation in Ukraine

The cost of accommodation varies greatly depending on the city and type of accommodation.

In Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa, the average prices are as follows:

– Hostels — from $10/night.

– Budget hotels and apartments — from $20/night.

– 3★–4★ hotels — $38–45/night.

– Luxury — from $60 and above.

In smaller cities, especially those less popular with tourists, accommodation is significantly cheaper.

Keep in mind that during the high season (May to September, as well as major holidays), prices may increase by 10–15%.

To easily compare and book hotels in Ukraine, many travellers use Visit Ukraine — here you can conveniently find the best options in advance and get great deals.

Cost of food in Ukraine

Ukrainian cuisine is known for its heartiness and affordable prices. Even in large cities, you can eat well and inexpensively.

In cafes and small canteens:

– Lunch with borscht or a local dish — $5–6.

– A full dinner in a mid-range restaurant — $9–14.

For those who want to cook for themselves, supermarket prices are also pleasantly surprising:

– Bread — $0.40–0.75.

– Eggs — $1–2.

– Chicken (450 g) — $3–4.

If you like quick snacks, check out the street food:

– Coffee — $1–1.5.

– Beer — $0.8–1.5.

– Street varenyky or deruny — $3–4.

What can you get for $100 in Ukraine — read here.

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Getting around Ukraine: transport costs

– In Kyiv, the metro/bus/trolleybus costs 8 hryvnia.

– In smaller towns, bus tickets can cost up to 15 hryvnia.

Public transport remains the cheapest way to get around the city. In Kyiv, a ticket for the metro, bus or trolleybus costs 8 hryvnia, and in smaller towns, a bus ticket costs around 15 hryvnia.

To travel between cities, you can take trains, buses or rent a car. The rental cost is approximately $38–45/day, plus fuel costs of $60–75 for a medium-length trip. This option is especially convenient for those who want to explore remote corners of the country without depending on transport schedules.

If you want flexibility in your itinerary, renting a car is a convenient and often budget-friendly option. Offers are available through Visit Ukraine with the option of advance booking.

Things to do in Ukraine without breaking the bank

Even on a small budget, there is plenty to see in Ukraine. Many parks, embankments and architectural monuments are free. These include Mariinsky Park in Kyiv, Stryisky Park in Lviv, the Golden Gate and Andriyivsky Uzviz.

Entrance to museums usually costs a nominal fee of $1–3, and on certain days admission may be free. Prices for walking tours start at $9–14 per person, and this is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the city's culture.

Travellers often choose tours through Visit Ukraine — this makes it easy to find local programmes that are inexpensive and more convenient than organising everything yourself.

Is Ukraine safe to travel?

To ensure a safe trip to Ukraine in 2025, follow these recommendations:

– Check official information. Read your country's Foreign Ministry's recommendations for travel to Ukraine. Follow the announcements on the websites of the State Border Service of Ukraine and local authorities.

– Prepare your documents. Make sure your passport is valid and your visa (if required) is in order. Make copies of important documents (passport, insurance policy, visa) and save them in digital form.

– Take care of medical insurance. Your policy should cover treatment in Ukraine, including possible emergencies, and it is also advisable to have additional coverage for risks related to war.

– Stay tuned for air raid alerts. Install the Air Raid mobile app (App Store | Google Play) and learn the rules of conduct during shelling. In case of an alarm, immediately proceed to the nearest shelter.

– Do not photograph military objects. It is prohibited to photograph checkpoints, military equipment, positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and other strategic objects.

– Be prepared for checks. During wartime, law enforcement officers may check your documents. Always have them with you.

– Follow the guide's instructions, especially in areas near destroyed objects.

– Respect the memory of the dead — this is not just a tour, but a place where history lives.

Is it safe to travel in Ukraine during the war — find out at the link.

Ukraine travel tips: how to save money and stay safe

– Plan your trip in advance and book accommodation, transportation, and tours online.

– Choose local cafes, markets, and street food — not only will you save money, but you will also get a taste of the country's authentic atmosphere.

– Public transport is much cheaper than taxis.

– Avoid regions where fighting is ongoing. Check the recommendations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travelling.

– Take out medical insurance. In the current circumstances, this is not a luxury but a necessity.

Read also: Hotels in Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa and other cities in Ukraine: how to find and book accommodation?

In 2025, Ukraine remains one of the most accessible and interesting countries to travel to in Europe. Here you can combine rich experiences, comfort and reasonable prices if you plan your route in advance and prepare all the details.

To make your trip even easier and safer, use the Visit Ukraine service: on one website you can book accommodation, find affordable transfers, take out medical insurance and choose tours to suit your budget.

Plan your trip — we'll take care of the rest!

Reminder! If you are planning a trip to Ukraine in 2025 and want to bring cash with you, it is important to understand the rules and restrictions currently in force in Ukraine. How much cash can you bring into Ukraine without declaring it — read here.

Photo: Freepik

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

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