Book a Bus in Ukraine

Ukraine is the second-largest country in Eastern Europe. It is known for its rich plains, varied culture and traditions. You can take a bus in Ukraine to travel in and around different parts of the country.

About Ukraine

• Capital: Kyiv
• Population: 41,319,838
• Official Language: Ukrainian
• Other Languages: Belarusian, Bulgarian, Crimean Tatar, Gagauz, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Slovak and Yiddish.
• Currency: Hryvnia
• Area: 603,628 km2

History and Culture of Ukraine

Ukraine has a rich and interesting history and is steeped in culture. Excavations of historical sites in the Moldova region of the country have suggested Neanderthal settlements 43,000 BC to 45,000 BC. The modern settlement did not start in Ukraine before 32,000 BC. Historians have found evidence of Gravettian culture in the Crimean region.

Later, Ukraine saw the rise of ancient Greece, Rome and even the Byzantine Empire, all of which influenced the country's culture. The rise of the Kyiv princedom in the 10th and 11th centuries is often seen as the Golden Age of Kyiv. During this time, the region became the largest and the most powerful political state on the continent.

The culture and customs of Ukraine have been influenced by its many empires. The customs are influenced mainly by Orthodox Christianity. However, Ukraine has a rich culture of arts and crafts. The tradition of the Easter Egg is famous in the country. The Ukrainian people are also known for their traditional embroidery, weaving, and lace-making skills.

Weather and Geography

Ukraine lies mainly in the Eastern European Plain and has a coastline that spans over 2,782 kilometres. The country has numerous steppes that are fertile and ideal for agriculture. In the southwest region lies the Danube delta, which borders Romania. The only highlands in Ukraine are the Carpathian Mountains.

The climate of Ukraine is mostly temperate. However, on the Crimean coast, it is subtropical. Therefore, the temperature is moderately warm and humid. When the weather is pleasant, you can take a bus in Ukraine to explore the different cities.

Popular Cities to Visit in Ukraine

Ukraine receives tourists all year round. Here are some of the best cities to visit.

• Kyiv

Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine and the seventh most popular city in Europe. People visit the place to witness the Holy Dormition Kyiv Caves, the Saint Sophia Cathedral, and the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War.

• Lviv

Lviv is a city with both Polish and Austro-Hungarian influences that impact the city's architecture, culture, and history. It is famous among tourists due to the blend of central and eastern European styles it offers.

• Chernivtsi

Chernivtsi is a town built around the Chernivtsi National University built in 1875. The Chernivtsi University Botanical Garden and the neoclassical City Hall also attract many people to this town.

• Chernihiv

Chernihiv in northern Ukraine is known for its history. You can take a Ukrainian bus and explore the wonders like the Cathedral of Boris and Gleb and the Transfiguration Cathedral. You can also visit the Dytynets Park, Anthony Caves and the Pyatnytsya Church.

• Truskavets

You can book a bus in Ukraine from any major city and travel to Truskavets. The city has been given oblast significance. One of the greatest tourist attractions in Truskavets is the beautiful mineral springs.

• Odessa

Odessa is a seaport and a famous tourist destination in Ukraine. The city is a cultural hub and has many grand and classic buildings in the Mediterranean style of architecture. People usually take the Kyiv to Odessa bus for sightseeing.

• Kharkiv

Kharkiv is the second-largest city in Ukraine and is known for its imposing concrete buildings. You can explore the place and see the murals and art galleries before catching a bus from Kharkiv to Kyiv.

Transportation in Ukraine

• Buses

Travelling via buses in Ukraine is an easy and affordable way of sightseeing for tourists. Locals too prefer to use buses. Buses like the Odessa to Kyiv bus are popular as they are comfortable and available every day. Bus tickets in Ukraine are also cheap and ideal for travellers on a tight budget. The network of buses in Ukraine is extensive, and you can catch a bus to every city in the country. You can also opt for international travel as buses are available from popular places like Kyiv to Germany, Italy, Poland, etc.

• Trains

Trains are another popular form of travel in Ukraine. The cities are well connected via railway, and you can also travel to international destinations in Europe.

• Flights

If you are travelling from a country outside of Europe, or if trains and buses are not available, you can easily take a flight. They are the quickest form of travel if your budget permits.

Accommodation in Ukraine

Ukraine has all kinds of accommodations. You can opt for budget hotels, family-friendly mid-range hotels or luxurious 5-star accommodations.

If you have a tight budget and are staying in the capital, you can choose affordable guesthouses. You may need to share a room with other tourists, but these places offer clean and comfortable accommodations. You can also choose hotels near the bus stations to board your buses on time.

Holiday destinations in Ukraine like Odessa, Myrhorod, Kamianets-Podilskyi and Poltava have charming resorts and high-end hotels. These locations attract tourists, and the accommodations cater to every budget.

Food in Ukraine

Food is an integral part of every tour. Visiting a new country will remain incomplete if you do not try out the best cuisine they offer. Ukraine has an extremely versatile palette with equal emphasis on sweet and savoury, non-vegetarian and vegan meals.

Ukrainian dishes predominantly emphasize garlic, a habit formed due to multiple factors like neighbouring countries, climate, and soil conditions.

Breakfast is also very famous in Ukraine, and it usually consists of a set of items similar to any European continental breakfast. You can also take a bus from the Kyiv bus station and explore the surrounding areas for delicious street food. Famous dishes include:

• Borscht with garlic fritters
• Potato pancakes
• Chicken Kiev
• Vareniki
• Stuffed cabbage rolls
• Salo
• Syrniki
• Holodets
• Okroshka
• Banush
• Homemade sausages
• Nalisniki

Shopping in Ukraine

Whether you are travelling in Ukraine as a backpacker or with your loved ones, shopping for authentic items to bring home as memoirs and gifts is a must-do. Below is a list of a few things you can buy. Most of these items are available near the Kyiv bus station and the surrounding markets.

• Painted Wooden Eggs
• Ukrainian Matryoshka or Babushka
• Motanky
• Ceramics
• Handmade Lacquered Wood Boxes
• Ukrainian Folk Blouse
• Lviv Chocolat
• Ukrainian Folk Music CDs
• Ukrainian Jewelry
• Wood Inlay
• Matiola Textiles
• Traditional Kylym
• Horilka

Ukraine Visa and Passport Requirements

Ukraine e-Visa is easily available for citizens from various eligible countries. All you need to do is fill out the visa application form and check the basic requirements.

It is important that you first apply for your visa as it takes time. First, applicants need to fill in their basic details like name, address, contact number, date of birth, passport details, etc. You should also fill in the security questions required for a Ukrainian visa. The application form can be filled on the official site. The things that you need to apply for the visa are:

• A valid passport from an eligible country
• A credit or debit card for visa fee payment
• Document proof of your health insurance coverage
• Multiple passport-sized colour photographs
• Evidence of funds and bank balance
• Up to date e-mail address