Kiev Boryspil Layover Guide (KBP)

What are you looking for in KBP?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Kiev Airport (KBP) is an international airport located in Boryspil, about 29 km (18 miles) from downtown Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital. The airport officially opened in 1959. Kyiv is the largest city in Ukraine and a major cultural, economic, and political center. It’s known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant arts scene. The city offers a mix of modern attractions and historic landmarks, making it a captivating destination to explore.

Can you leave Kiev Airport (KBP) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can stay in the international transit zone at Kyiv Boryspil Airport (KBP) without a visa during a layover, but you cannot exit into Ukraine without one. To leave the airport, you'll need a transit or visitor visa. (More info: more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Saint Sophia Cathedral Marvel at Kyiv’s UNESCO-listed masterpiece with golden domes, Byzantine mosaics, and frescoes dating to the 11th century. Wander the grounds, museum exhibits, and bell tower for panoramic city vistas await. (Time required: 1.5–2 hrs / Airport to here: Boryspil Express to Central Station + Metro and walk; ~60 min / Taxi: ~45 min)
• Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Explore Kyiv Pechersk Lavra’s sprawling monastic complex, cathedrals adorned with gilded icons, and centuries-old underground caves housing mummified saints. Marvel at baroque architecture and panoramic Dnipro River views sensational landmarks. (Time required: 2–2.5 hrs / Airport to here: Boryspil Express to Central Station + Metro and walk; ~60 min / Taxi: ~45 min)
• Maidan Nezalezhnosti Visit the heart of modern Kyiv at Independence Square, famed for political rallies, fountains, and striking monuments. Stroll beneath illuminated colonnades, discover underground shopping, and feel the city’s vibrant pulse. (Time required: 1 hr / Airport to here: Boryspil Express to Central Station + Metro and walk; ~60 min / Taxi: ~45 min)
• St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery Admire the shimmering gold domes of St. Michael’s Monastery, rebuilt after Soviet destruction. Explore vibrant frescoes, peaceful cloisters, and a hilltop viewpoint overlooking the city’s historic Podil district icon. (Time required: 1 hr / Airport to here: Boryspil Express to Central Station + Metro and walk; ~60 min / Taxi: ~45 min)
• Andriyivskyy Descent & Castle Wander the cobblestone Andriyivskyy Descent’s art-filled boutiques, street performers, and historic churches. Ascend to legendary St. Andrew’s Castle for sweeping views over the Golden Horn and vibrant Podil neighborhood experience. (Time required: 1.5 hrs / Airport to here: Boryspil Express to Central Station + Metro and walk; ~60 min / Taxi: ~45 min)
• Khreshchatyk Street Stroll down Khreshchatyk’s broad boulevard lined with neoclassical buildings, outdoor cafes, and lively markets. Experience Ukrainian street food stalls, watch locals meander, and soak up central Kyiv’s urban energy atmosphere. (Time required: 1 hr / Airport to here: Boryspil Express to Central Station + Metro and walk; ~60 min / Taxi: ~45 min)
• Golden Gate Discover Kyiv’s medieval Golden Gate, once part of ancient city fortifications. Inspect reconstructed ramparts, visit the museum nestled within, and climb for bird’s-eye views of bustling Volodymyrska Street landmark. (Time required: 1 hr / Airport to here: Boryspil Express to Central Station + Metro and walk; ~60 min / Taxi: ~45 min)
• Mariyinsky Park & Palace Relax in Mariyinsky Park’s manicured gardens with views of the Dnipro River. Admire baroque Mariyinsky Palace’s elegant facade, stroll portal-lined promenades, and discover local monuments nestled amidst greenery escape. (Time required: 1 hr / Airport to here: Boryspil Express to Central Station + Metro and walk; ~60 min / Taxi: ~45 min)

Things to Do in Kiev Airport (KBP)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Boryspil offers several pay-per-use and airline-operated business lounges in Terminals B and D. Facilities include comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, workstations, Wi-Fi, quiet zones and shower suites. Lounges can be accessed via membership programs, day passes or premium tickets, providing a calm retreat from busy terminals. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several airport hotels are within a 2 km radius of KBP, including ibis Kyiv Boryspil Airport and Premier Hotel, offering free shuttle service. Rooms feature soundproofing, 24-hour reception, breakfast buffets and business facilities. These properties suit both overnight transits and early-morning departures, with easy access to terminals. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Terminal B houses a designated rest area with recliner chairs, charging points and subdued lighting for quick naps. Terminal D offers “sleep pods” and quiet zones near the boarding gates. Both terminals maintain 24-hour operations, allowing passengers to rest between flights without leaving the secure area.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free airport Wi-Fi is available throughout all terminals. Simply select “Boryspil_Free_WiFi” and register via email or social media for up to 30 minutes per session. Unlimited access passes can be purchased at information desks or via airport kiosks, ensuring seamless connectivity for work or leisure.

SIM/eSIM Card: Prepaid SIM and eSIM cards from Kyivstar, Vodafone and Lifecell are sold at kiosks and convenience stores in Arrivals Halls. Packages include data, calls and SMS bundles starting at daily rates. eSIM activation is instant via QR code, making it convenient for short stays or connecting devices. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official airport taxis operate 24/7 from designated stands outside Arrivals. Fares to central Kyiv average UAH 350–450 (≈€9–11) for the 40 km journey. Taxis can be pre-booked at terminal counters or via mobile apps. Licensed drivers and fixed-rate pricing offer reliable service and transparent billing.

Train: The Kyiv Boryspil Express links KBP Terminal D with Kyiv-Pasažyrskyi station in 30–40 minutes. Trains depart every 30–60 minutes from the airport’s rail platform, located 100 m north of Terminal D. Tickets cost UAH 100–150 and are available at station kiosks or via contactless payment on board (more info).

Bus: The Sky Bus shuttle (route 322) runs between Terminal D and Kyiv’s main railway and metro stations. Buses depart every 40–60 minutes from the Terminal D forecourt, journey time ~50 minutes. Tickets are sold at terminal booths or on board. It’s a budget-friendly option linking to Kharkivska metro (more info).

Shuttle: A free inter-terminal shuttle bus circulates every 15 minutes between Terminals B and D. Operating 24 hours, it runs via the parking area and main forecourts, ensuring smooth transfers for connecting passengers. Stops are clearly marked and announcements are made in English and Ukrainian.

Car rentals: Major car rental firms (Avis, Hertz, Sixt, Budget) have desks in Arrivals B and D. Counters offer short- and long-term rentals, GPS and child seats. Rental cars are parked in a dedicated on-site lot with 24-hour access. Advance online bookings guarantee vehicle availability and preferred rates. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: KBP features short-term (P1–P3) and long-term (P4–P6) parking lots near all terminals. Short-term lots are within walking distance, ideal for pickups and drop-offs; long-term lots include free shuttle service. Rates start at UAH 20/hour (short-term) and UAH 150/day (long-term), with hourly and daily tariffs.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Left-luggage services are available 24/7 at Terminal B’s ground floor, offering luggage check-in and secure storage. Rates begin at UAH 50 per bag for the first three hours, with daily caps. Lockers of varying sizes are also located in Terminal D, providing self-service options for short-term storage. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Kiev Airport (KBP) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks