New public transport fares came into effect in Kyiv on 15 July 2026. The cost of a single journey has risen to 30 hryvnias, whilst a monthly unlimited travel pass now costs 3,656 hryvnias (71 euros). Analysts note that, for the people of Kyiv, this has been one of the hardest blows to their household budgets among all European cities.
A shocking price: a comparison with incomes
Although, in absolute terms, European cities such as London or Berlin have higher travel costs, the key indicator remains the ratio of prices to the population’s income level.
With the official minimum wage in Ukraine standing at 169 euros (8,647 UAH), the cost of a monthly travel pass at 71 euros amounts to more than 42% of the minimum wage. By way of comparison: in most EU countries, transport costs for residents of capital cities do not usually exceed 2–5% of average income. As a result, Kyiv has found itself on the list of European capitals with the highest financial burden on passengers.
Why has the price gone up?
At the Kyiv City State Administration tariff increases They explain this by the need to bring the price closer to an «economically justified level». According to transport companies’ calculations for 2026, the actual cost of a single journey is:
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64.60 UAH — on the underground;
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44.14 UAH — in land transport.
The authorities cite the sharp rise in the cost of electricity, fuel and spare parts, as well as the need to index wages for transport sector workers, as the main factors behind the price increases. Furthermore, the situation is being affected by a staff shortage following changes to the booking procedure, which has forced private transport operators to also increase fares on minibuses to 25 UAH.
How are they trying to soften the blow?
Following public consultations, the price of a monthly travel pass was reduced by 25% from the originally planned amount of 4,875 UAH. A discount scheme has also been introduced for regular passengers: when purchasing travel packages onto a travel card, the cost per journey gradually decreases to 25 UAH (provided 50 journeys are purchased).
Social protection:
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Students continue to benefit from the discount — they pay 50% of the cost of a monthly travel pass.
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Pupils remain a privileged group: they enjoy free travel during the school year and pay 25% during the holidays.
Experts warn that a sharp rise in fares could drive financially capable passengers away from public transport, which would only increase the burden on the budget due to the need to cover losses arising from subsidised travel.
Whether such a tariff is justified in the context of wartime and an economic crisis is a matter that remains a subject of debate amongst the capital’s residents.
