Lviv Public Transportation: Comprehensive Guide

Public transportation in Lviv is an efficient and affordable way to explore the city.

Utilizing public transport provides insight into local culture and is an environmentally friendly way to explore the city.

Lviv’s transport system is well-connected, allowing both locals and tourists to easily navigate between key locations like the historic center, railway station, and the airport with various options, including trams, trolleybuses, buses, and marshrutky (minibuses). All run from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM​

• Public Buses in Lviv are the most commonly used form of the city's public transport, accounting for the highest ridership, the most routes, and the largest fleet.

• Trams and Trolleybuses: These are some of the most iconic and eco-friendly modes of transport in Lviv. The tram network is especially useful for exploring the city center, while trolleybuses connect more distant neighborhoods. 

• Marshrutky: These minibuses are another common form of transport in Lviv, especially in areas less covered by trams and trolleybuses. They follow a set route, but without a fixed timetable. Marshrutky are often faster but can get overcrowded during peak hours.  To indicate a desire to board, extend one arm as the minibus approaches; simply ask the driver to stop when you would like to get off. The driver will do it at the nearest stop.

Tickets and Fares:

Lviv has a unified fare payment system with the following options to pay for a single ride on trams, buses, and trolleybuses:

• Using the LeoCard offers the cheapest rates - 17 UAH;
• Payments via bank cards or NFC devices -  20 UAH;
• Buying a ticket from a driver paying in cash - 25 UAH​.

IMPORTANT:

• If you paid for the fare electronically with a bank card or NFC device, no paper ticket is required; your payment can be verified using the same card/device. 
• Public transport drivers sell paper tickets with a QR code for proof of payment. Please save these tickets until the end of the ride.
• If you are carrying a piece of luggage larger than a backpack (40x60x20), you will need to purchase a separate ticket for it.  
• An inspector may come around to check your ticket. Fine for unpaid or unvalidated travel on public transport is 400 UAH per traveler. 

Taxi and car service:

It is usually cheaper to order a taxi via a mobile app than to try to catch one on the street. Local car service companies like Express Taxi Lviv offer competitive services to global brands, including mobile app services, intercity, and long-distance services. Another option is the All-Ukrainian taxi ordering service OnTaxi.

And, of course, well-known international taxi services, such as Bolt and Uber, are available in Lviv. The majority of Bolt and Uber drivers have at least basic English, and you can use auto-translated messages in their respective apps. This tool automatically translates messages to and from your preferred language, making it easier to communicate with drivers.

Useful Web Resources and Mobile Apps:

• For public transport, we recommend using the EasyWay website or the EasyWay mobile app (App Store; Google Play) to find routes or check real-time information on individual trams, buses, or trolleybuses.
• For taxis and car service, the most popular app among locals is Uklon. Another convenient taxi service is Bolt, and Uber is also available. All applications offer the option to pay for a ride in cash or by bank card.