Understanding the Name Before You Go
"Shevchenko" is a Ukrainian family name, derived from the word shvets ("cobbler" or "shoemaker") plus the suffix -enko, which denotes Ukrainian descent. It is roughly equivalent to occupational surnames such as Shoemaker in English, Schumacher in German, or Zapatero in Spanish. The name is shared by many notable people, including the poet and artist Taras Shevchenko, after whom streets and places are frequently named.
This matters for a visitor: because the name is so common, "Shevchenko" appears on streets, stops, and place names across Ukraine. If you are heading to a Shevchenko street or district, confirm exactly which one you mean before you set out, since the same name can recur in different cities and neighbourhoods.
How Tourists Get Around
Ukrainian cities are generally served by a mix of rail, metro, tram, bus, and trolleybus networks, supplemented by taxis and ride-hailing apps. The practical approach for a visitor is to pick the mode that matches the distance: walk for short hops in the centre, use metro or tram for longer cross-city trips, and fall back on buses or taxis where the rail network does not reach.
Rail, Metro and Trams
Rail, metro, and tram lines form the backbone of urban movement in the larger Ukrainian cities. Where a metro exists, it is usually the fastest way to cover long distances and to avoid surface traffic. Trams serve many of the same corridors at street level and are useful for shorter, more scenic journeys through central districts.
For a visitor, the key practical points are:
- Metro and tram stops are typically well marked and clustered near major streets and squares, so orienting yourself around them is straightforward.
- Services generally run from early morning until late evening, with reduced frequency overnight.
- Tickets are usually bought per journey at the station or from a conductor, and multi-ride passes are often available for longer stays.
Buses and Other Public Transport
Buses and trolleybuses fill in the gaps left by rail and tram lines, reaching residential districts and outlying villages. They are the most flexible form of public transport and often the only option for destinations beyond the rail network.
Practical guidance for using them:
- Routes are numbered, and the number is displayed on the front of the vehicle and at stops.
- You can pay the driver directly on boarding, or use a conductor where one is present; keep small change or a transit card handy.
- Some routes are operated by private carriers rather than the city, but ticketing works in much the same way.
- Stops are announced and shown, but it helps to track your location on a map app so you know when to get off.
As an example of how these routes are structured, a new bus route launched in Lviv in August 2026 (route №67, running between Bryukhovychi and Shpytalna Street) uses medium-class low-floor buses, with more vehicles on weekdays than at weekends. Its path runs along T. Shevchenko Street among other roads — a reminder that Shevchenko-named streets are common stop names on local bus routes.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely used and are the most convenient option for late nights, heavy luggage, or trips that public transport does not serve well. Ride-hailing apps are generally preferred over street hailing because the fare is agreed in advance and the route is tracked.
- Book through an app where possible; it avoids language barriers and haggling over the fare.
- Confirm the pickup point carefully, especially at stations and airports where there are multiple exits.
- Keep some cash as a backup, though card payment is increasingly common.
Walkability
Central districts in Ukrainian cities are generally walkable, with compact streets, squares, and pedestrian areas linking the main sights. Walking is often the best way to cover short distances and to get a feel for a neighbourhood.
- Pavements are common throughout the centre, but surfaces can be uneven, so comfortable shoes help.
- Crossings are marked, though drivers do not always yield, so take care at intersections.
- For anything beyond the central area, combine walking with a metro, tram, or bus leg rather than attempting the whole trip on foot.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Airports in Ukraine are typically connected to the city centre by a combination of public transport and taxis. The practical options are:
- Public transport: buses or trolleybuses usually link the airport to the nearest metro station or to the centre. This is the cheapest option, but it takes longer and requires you to manage your own luggage.
- Ride-hailing: book a car through an app for a fixed, pre-agreed fare. This is the simplest option if you are arriving with bags or at an awkward hour.
- Official taxis: use the designated taxi rank at the terminal rather than accepting offers from drivers inside the arrivals hall, and agree the fare before setting off.
Whichever option you choose, confirm the route and the fare in advance, and allow extra time during peak hours when road traffic is heaviest.