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How to Get to Kryvyy Rih

How to Get to Kryvyy Rih

Kryvyy Rih Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine Travel Guide

Air Travel Not Operational

Pre-War Air Access

Pre-war, the closest major international airport was Dnipropetrovsk International Airport (DNK), approximately 150 kilometers east of Kryvyy Rih. Kryvyy Rih also had a small regional airport (KWH) that offered limited domestic and some international charter flights. Airlines like DniproAvia and Ukraine Global Airlines served DNK, connecting to Kyiv, Istanbul, and various European hubs.

Flight Details Historical

  • No direct flights from major global hubs to Kryvyy Rih (connections via Kyiv/Istanbul).
  • Flight prices higher during peak summer and holidays.
  • Transfers from DNK by bus, taxi, or pre-arranged transport.

Current Air Status: CLOSED

Ukrainian airspace has been closed to civilian flights since February 24, 2022. All flights are cancelled indefinitely. This situation remains in effect and has a crucial security consideration. No civilian air travel is possible to or from Ukraine.

Implications for Travel

  • All information regarding airports is for historical context only.
  • Civilian air travel not achievable for tourism or essential work.
  • Any air travel information is irrelated to current planning.

Dnipropetrovsk Airport

Closest major international airport, 150 km east (pre-war).

Kryvyy Rih Airport

Small regional airport with limited service (pre-war).

Airspace Restriction

Civilian airspace remains closed since Feb 2022.

Land Transportation Current Reality

Border Crossings

  • Land borders with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova are operational.
  • Expect extremely long delays (hours to a full day).
  • Passport, necessary visas/permits, and proof of travel purpose are necessary.
  • Be prepared for enhanced security checks.

Train Connections

  • Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways) services are operational within Ukraine.
  • Trains are subject to delays, cancellations, routing changes due to war.
  • Book tickets in advance online or in person at stations; expect security checks.
  • Train stations can also serve as temporary shelters during air raid alerts.

Bus Services & Self-Driving

Bus Routes

Bus services are generally operational but subject to disruptions and re-routings. Buses may be less reliable in contrast with trains.

International Buses

International bus routes to neighboring countries offer an alternative for crossing borders.

Self-Driving

Self-driving is extremely dangerous and strongly advised against for civilians. Road conditions are poor, and military checkpoints are frequent.

Road Conditions & Safety

Pre-War Road Overview

Pre-war, an International Driving Permit (IDP) was necessary alongside your national driving license. Road conditions varied, from good in major cities to poor in rural areas. Night driving could be hazardous due to poor lighting and unmarked obstacles.

Driving Rules

  • Traffic drives on the right side of the road.
  • Ukrainian driving laws were applicable.
  • Parking was available, sometimes paid in city centers.

Current Road Dangers

Road infrastructure damage is widespread across Ukraine. Active hostilities, missile strikes, and the presence of landmines or unexploded ordnance pose severe risks. Many areas near current or former front lines are unsafe for travel by road.

Wartime Road Travel

  • Self-driving for civilians is strongly advised against.
  • Military checkpoints are frequent; strict adherence to instructions.
  • Fuel availability can suffer issues.

Rental Options Pre-War Context

Pre-war, international companies (e.g., DiscoverCars.com, Avis, Budget) and local agencies operated in Ukraine. Requirements typically included a national driving license, an International Driving Permit (IDP), and a credit card for deposit. Motorcycle and scooter rentals were less common.

Rental Restrictions Current

  • Car rental for tourism is virtually non-existent and highly inadvisable.
  • Motorcycle/scooter rentals are not advisable due to extreme safety risks.
  • Bicycle sharing/rentals are not advisable for general transport.

Walking & Cycling Current Risks

Pre-war, city parks, central boulevards, along with certain districts offered pleasant walking experiences. Some local guides offered tours. Dedicated bicycle infrastructure was limited. However, in Kryvyy Rih, these modes of transport now carry severe risks.

Safety for Pedestrians & Cyclists

  • Walking carries significant risk of missile and drone strikes.
  • Pedestrians must remain alert to air raid alerts and find cover immediately.
  • Cycling is not advisable due to severe safety risks from military action and poor road conditions.

No-Go Areas Current

  • All areas are potentially dangerous.
  • Avoid military installations, checkpoints.
  • Avoid areas with recent strikes or reported unexploded ordnance.
  • Adhere strictly to curfew hours.
  • Follow all instructions from local authorities and military personnel.
  • Do not photograph military or strategic sites.

Specialized Transportation

Tour & Water Transport Pre-War

Pre-war, tour buses or hop-on-hop-off services were not common in Kryvyy Rih for general tourism, though specialized industrial tours might have used buses. Boat taxis are not common for city transport in Kryvyy Rih, even though the Inhulets and Saksahan rivers flow through it.

Pre-War Context

  • No general tourism bus tours.
  • No river transport for tourism.
  • Not applicable for current travel.

Unique Local & Accessibility

The Undergroundtram is an unique form of local transport in Kryvyy Rih, combining underground and go surfingace routes. Pre-war, accessibility for people with mobility challenges was limited, notably on older vehicles and at some stations that lacked ramps or lifts.

Current Accessibility

  • Metrotram still operates (often as a shelter).
  • Accessibility is severely impacted now.
  • Travel for individuals with mobility challenges is highly difficult and unsafe.

Metrotram System

A unique partially underground light rail system, connecting city districts.

Other Local Transport

No cable cars, funiculars, or other unique systems apply to Kryvyy Rih.

Tourism Services

Tour buses and specific tourism services are suspended.

Departure Information Current

Exit Procedures & Timing

Pre-war, there were no specific exit fees for land or air travel from Ukraine. No official exit fees exist now; however, be prepared for potential informal costs or delays. For land departures, arrive at border crossings with ample time—expect several hours to a full day—due to unpredictable queues and procedures.

Considerations

  • Check official border guard services for real-time updates and conditions.
  • Monitor the security situation on your planned route to the border.
  • Important Note for Ukrainian Men: Civilian Ukrainian men aged 18-60 are generally prohibited from leaving Ukraine under martial law, with certain exceptions.

Station Facilities Current

Pre-war, airports and stations offered basic facilities for departing travelers. Airport facilities are non-operational now. Train and bus stations offer rudimentary waiting spots, sometimes with enhanced security or limited services.

During Departures

  • These facilities may also serve as temporary shelters during air raid alerts.
  • Foreigners must ensure all documents are in order and be prepared for thorough checks.
  • Be flexible with your departure plans as conditions can change rapidly.

General Advice for Departure

Stay Informed

Monitor local news and official advisories for border conditions and security.

Communicate

Keep family and friends updated on your departure plans and progress.

Be Patient

Delays at border crossings and transport hubs are common; patience is necessary.

Plan Your Exit Carefully

Land travel is the sole option for entry and exit from Ukraine. Thorough planning, document preparation, and flexibility are crucial.