Europe > 🇺🇦 Ukraine
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Ukraine can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Ukraine; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Ukraine?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Ukraine?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Ukraine
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Kyiv | KBP |
Ukraine remains a country of extraordinary culture, vast landscapes, and warm, resilient cities. However, Russia’s ongoing invasion means the first question is not “Should you rent a car in Ukraine?” but rather “Is it safe or appropriate to visit at all?” ⚠️🇺🇦
Although travel for essential reasons still takes place, leisure tourism across much of Ukraine is not recommended. Because of this, car-rental decisions depend heavily on where you are going, why you are travelling, and what restrictions are in force at the time.
Current Travel Reality 🚧
Airports remain closed. Borders operate under strict controls. Military checkpoints appear frequently on major roads. As a result, movement by any means—car, train, or bus—requires flexibility and awareness of local conditions. You must also check the latest advisories from the UK FCDO or your own government.
Getting Around Without a Car 🚆🚌
Despite everything, Ukraine’s rail network continues to function impressively. Trains now play a critical role in evacuation, humanitarian logistics, and essential domestic travel.
Why Trains Matter
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They run on reliable timetables even during the conflict.
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They connect major cities such as Lviv, Kyiv, Odesa (when safe), Kharkiv, and Dnipro.
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They remain safer than independent road travel because rail routes are monitored centrally.
Trains remain the preferred mode of long-distance travel for anyone who must be in Ukraine.
Buses
Intercity buses run between western cities, although schedules can change at short notice. They help reach towns not served by rail, but crossings of military zones can cause delays.
Driving in Ukraine 🚗⚠️
The Core Question: Should You Rent a Car in Ukraine?
For the moment, most travellers should not. Renting a car adds complexity because roads may close without warning, fuel supplies may fluctuate, and curfews apply across many regions.
If You Must Drive
Some people still need to drive for family, humanitarian, or essential business reasons. In that case:
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Stick to western regions, such as Lviv Oblast, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zakarpattia, or Ternopil, where conditions are comparatively more stable.
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Expect checkpoints on all major highways.
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Carry documents at all times: passport, insurance, rental contract, and any permissions.
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Avoid night driving, since curfews vary by region.
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Never attempt to drive toward active military zones, even if your GPS shows an open road.
Road quality varies dramatically. While many highways are modern and smooth, others show damage from military activity.
What About Car Rentals? 🚘
Car-rental services operate mainly in Lviv and a few western cities. They exist primarily for essential travel, NGO operations, and long-term expatriate use. Availability changes often, and cross-border return to Poland is sometimes restricted or more expensive.
Most travellers who enter Ukraine from Poland or Slovakia choose not to drive themselves, preferring trains for safety and predictability.
Regional Considerations 🌍
Western Ukraine (Lviv, Ternopil, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zakarpattia)
These regions function the most normally. Cities are lively, and hotels, shops, and cafés operate. Even so, you will see air-raid alerts, occasional disruptions, and enhanced security.
Trains remain the most reliable way to move between these cities, but a car can help reach rural villages or the Carpathian Mountains if conditions remain stable.
Central & Eastern Ukraine
Travel here is not advised. Large areas near Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro still face instability and risk.
Southern Ukraine
Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kherson remain heavily impacted. Travel is unsafe and should not be attempted.
Should You Rent a Car in Ukraine? 🇺🇦🚗❓
✔ Possibly — but only for essential travel, and only in western regions where conditions allow.
A car offers flexibility for humanitarian work, family visits, or rural transport. However, you must remain cautious and well-informed.
❌ For leisure travellers — no.
Until peace returns, travel to Ukraine for tourism remains inappropriate, and renting a car introduces unnecessary risk.
