Getting Around Berdyansk: An Overview
Berdyansk is a port city on the northern coast of the Sea of Azov in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, south-eastern Ukraine. Its central streets were laid out in the 19th century to run straight down to the sea, and that grid pattern survives in the central part of the city today. For a visitor, that means the historic core is easy to navigate on foot, while the wider city and the surrounding area are best covered by road transport. Note that since 27 February 2022 Berdyansk has been under Russian occupation, which affects how — and whether — travel to and within the city is currently possible.
Rail
Berdyansk was linked to the railway network in 1899, and the city has long been served by rail as part of its role as a trading port. Rail is the traditional long-distance way of reaching the city from elsewhere in Ukraine. Because the city is a terminus-style destination on its line rather than a major interchange, services connect it to the wider national network rather than functioning as an urban metro or commuter rail system for getting around town.
Metro and Trams
Berdyansk has no metro and no tram network. Getting around the city relies on road-based transport and walking, so visitors should not expect a rail-based urban transit system.
Buses and Other Public Transport
Public transport in Berdyansk is road-based, with buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) forming the backbone of local movement. These services link the central grid, the seafront and resort areas, the outlying districts, and the approaches to the city. Fares are typically paid on board to the driver or conductor in cash, and tickets are bought per journey rather than through a unified city pass or travelcard. As with most Ukrainian cities of this size, there is no single integrated ticket covering all operators, so plan on paying for each ride separately.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxi is the easiest way of getting around the city, and it is a practical choice for trips that are awkward on foot or when you are carrying beach or resort gear. Several taxi companies operate locally; among the popular ones is Opti (Опті). Taxis can be flagged on the street or ordered by phone, and ride-hailing apps are also usable where coverage allows. Agree the fare or confirm the app price before setting off, and keep in mind that availability and pricing can be affected by the current occupation.
Walking
Walking is a genuinely good option in central Berdyansk. The 1862 city district plan laid out straight streets leading down to the sea, and this layout has remained in the central part of the city to the present day. The historic core is compact and oriented toward the waterfront, which makes it comfortable to walk between the centre, the seafront and nearby attractions. Many of the city's draws — the safari zoo, water park, museums, health resorts with mud baths and climatic treatments, and the water-sport activities along the coast — are clustered in and around this central, walkable zone. For anything beyond the centre, though, you will want a bus, minibus or taxi.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Berdiansk Airport is located nearby the city. The straightforward way into town from the airport is by taxi or by pre-arranged transfer, which will take you directly to your accommodation in the centre or along the coast. Local buses and minibuses serve the city and its approaches, but airport service is not guaranteed to align with your arrival time, so confirming a taxi or transfer in advance is the safer plan. As with all transport in Berdyansk at present, check the current situation before you travel, since the occupation since February 2022 has disrupted normal services.
Arriving by Car
If you are driving in, Berdyansk sits on the P-37 road, which runs from Vasylivka through Tokmak to Berdyansk. From the regional capital, Zaporizhzhia, you can approach via the N-08 road through Kamyshevate and Orekhov to Polohy, then follow the T-08-15 road. The international E58 (M-23) highway passes roughly 10 km from the city, so watch for the P-37 exit near Azov or the T-08-15 exit near Novovasylivka. Note that traffic along the E58 east of Mariupol is closed because of military operations in eastern Ukraine.