The Kiev Funicular links the district of Podil to the Upper Town or city centre. It is one of only two funicular railways in Ukraine (the other is in Odessa).
The ride is short but fun and should be on every tourist’s itinerary. We suggest you take a walk down the beautiful Andrew’s Descent, have a look around Podil, and then ride the Funicular to visit the impressive St Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery.
There are ticket offices at both ends of the railway. You will need to purchase a small token to put into the turnstile. The fare is just 1.5 UAH.
Whichever direction you choose to travel, sit at the lower end of the train for great views of the Dnipro river.
Facts
- The Kiev Funicular opened in 1905 and was originally named the St Michael’s Mechanical.
- It was renamed in the 1930s after the Soviet authorities destroyed St Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery.
- There are two cars. The track splits into two half-way up the hill, allowing them to pass each other.
- The ascending car is pulled by the hill by a cable pulley system. It powered by an electric motor in the upper station, assisted by the weight of the descending car.
- The trip lasts around 2½ minutes.
- Over 10,000 passengers ride the railway each day.
- Poshtova Ploshcha Metro Station is right next to the lower station.
