Did you know?

TRAVEL TO LVIV

Travelling to Lviv is now very easy with flight times only 3 hours from most major European cities. Those travelling from the UK don't have access to direct flights yet but there are a good range of airlines travelling to the city already from Heathrow and Gatwick airports such as:

Austrian Airlines

LOT Polish Airlines

Ukrainian International Airlines

Travelocity.co.uk

Expedia

Lastminute.com

A popular and cheap way to get to Lviv is to take a cheap flight to Poland (cities such as Warsaw) and then a connecting flight, bus or train on to Lviv city.

ICAO Code of Lviv Airport - UKLL
IATA Code of Lviv Airport - LWO
Telephone: (+380 322) 69-23-16

Airport Facilities: Lviv International Airport offers the following services as currency exchange, ATM, telephones, cafes, restaurants, parking, storage of luggage. Hotel 'Tustan' nearby airport offers comfortable rooms.

Business Facilities: VIP lounge of Lviv Airport will help you to carry out conferences and meetings. VIP lounge presents comfortable rooms for the easy process of registration, tax and border control, individual transfer of passengers to the plane. Tel. (+380 322) 69 23 90, 69 22 34. Business centre of hotel 'Tustan' has a conference hall concerned to 25 people, tel. (+380 322) 69-29-15.

Current Flights to and From Lviv Airport

Getting to Lviv by Car

A popular way to travel to Lviv is by car as the road connections to the city are very good from many towns throughout Ukraine.

The main international highways to Lviv are:

1. E-40 Shehini-Lviv
2. E-573 Chop-Lviv

The speed limit in populated areas is 60 km/hour. In other areas for buses the limit is 80 km/hour, 60 km/hour for lorries transporting people, 130 km/hour for all other vehicles on highways.

Getting to Lviv by Train

A brief history of the Lviv Railway station

On the 22 June 1941 the German bombs again fell on the Lviv railway station. The Germans were bombing Frasne, Stryy, and already at the beginning of July all Western Ukraine was occupied by the German army. The lines Kovel-Zdolbunov and Kovel-Sarny were strategic between the Reich and the Eastern front. Due to its position, Lviv was an important target.

In 1973, the Lviv railway was given the order of Red Flag. In 1978 the estimation center of railway was opened. In 1981 the complex system of effective utilization of vans was introduced, as well as basic standards of enterprises and stations.

The main railway terminal building in Lviv is an impressive piece of architecture built in 1903 by the famous Polish architect Wladyslaw Sadlowski. Designed in Art Nouveau/Gothic style, it is a superb building and a tourist attraction in its own right. Many regard it as one of the finest railway stations in Eastern Europe.

Modern Lviv takes the leading position in the Ukrainian railway system. During 140 years being in existence, the Lviv railway system became a highly established and respected that provides a guaranteed transfer of passengers and luggage. The overall structure consists of 354 stations. Regarding the geographical position Lviv railway lines provide the transfer of passengers and export-import luggages between West and East, North and South. That is why it is called the main gates of Ukraine to Europe. Railway connections to the countries of Western Europe provide 19 border transfers.

There are trains coming from whole of Ukraine every day with the destination in Lviv.

The easiest way to get to L'viv by train from Western Europe is through Krakow (Poland). From there, take a train to Przemysl. There is also a direct train from Krakow to L'viv once a day, but we do not recommend this route as it much more expensive and takes a longer time because they have to stop for pretty long term in order to change the wheels at the border.

Trains from Hungary and Slovakia usually on their way to Kyiv stop in L'viv.

How to Get to Lviv by Train

Geographically Lviv is located on the crossroad from West to the East and from North to South, and is connected with many other cities via a very comfortable railway system.

The simplest way to buy an international railway ticket is at one of the hotels in the city.

Alternatively Inter-city tickets can be bought at a booking-office on the ground floor of the Railway Station or ordered (see the info below).

Main railway station
Tel. 005 (24 hours), 226-20-68 (24 hours), 226-15 -95 (24 hours)
To order a ticket (with delivery service): 226-11-76, 226-11-77 (8.00 - 17.00, break 12.00 - 13.00)

Local railway station
226-10-06 (24 hours)

Transportation within Lviv

Buses

The bus public system is developing and the most common (and one of the cheapest) forms of transport are the 'marshrutkas', small private mini-buses. Marshrutkas do not usually have any fixed stops nor timetables, yet their services are relatively cheap, 1 hryvnia (20 US cents), fast, and efficient. The marshrutkas also go to a number of towns in the region right up to the Polish border.

Tramways

Tramways were first introduced to Lviv in 1880 and there are now around 220 cars on 75 kilometres of track throughout the city. It can be considered an authentic way to travel around Lviv city however; the tram lines are sometimes in quite bad condition although the coaches themselves are in good condition. During rush hours the trams are very busy.

You can purchase a day ticket which gives you unlimited access to Lviv's trams for the day for just 15 Euro Cents per person (50 Ukrainian Kopecks). These tickets can be purchased on the trams.

Trolleybuses

Trolleybuses became popular after World War 2 when there was a big influx of inhabitants back to the city and the USSR started to build up the industry in the region. To improve the transport system to cope with the growth of the city, trolley buses were introduced throughout the city and into the outskirts where apartment blocks were located.

There are around 200 trolleybuses still functioning, many of which are from the 1960s and quite old.

Now you're in Lviv, what is there to see?

There are so many Lviv properties and Lviv real estates worth seeing; it will be hard to keep this list short! Lviv city really is jam packed with historic sites, hidden down quaint cobbled side streets that images of old Italian towns spring to mind. Below are some of the must see destinations when doing a guided tour around Lviv.

Oleskiy Zamok is a unique historic and architecture memorial of XIII-XVII centuries. Over than 6 centuries it stands on the high hill, witness of many events that came into the history forever. The fate of the castle was very different during the time of its existence. It was a warrior that proved its independency, it was a hostage that wanted to be owned by different kings, it was a luxurious palace like a king residence with absolute glamour. And now when its native land became free it turned into a memorial that serves its nation as a treasure of history and culture.

Sviatogo Yura (St. George) Cathedral. Great sample of creative Western Europe conceptions is presented as a Cathedral of St. Yury (aka St. George). It was designed and built by Bernard Merderer as well known as Bernard Meretyn who had a much influence of late baroque. It resembles the Monastery Complexes by Jacob Prandtauer in Melk (Austria) or Superga Philippo Juvara in Turin. Cathedral is one of the mostly visited places in Lviv. People adore its unique style and very tender details in the architecture

Lviv Opera. Famous opera and ballet theatre was built in 1900 (during the Austrian authorities rule) by architect Z. Gorgolevsky. This theater became one of the most beautiful buildings in the Eastern Europe with its unique paintings and luxurious interior design. Many famous singers like Solomia Crushelnytska were the ones who gave a lot of performances in this building. Standing on the main city square Lviv Opera is a brilliant decoration that attracts thousands of tourists.

Ascention square. Bernardine Monastery on the Ascention square is decorates in a unique style and is one of the most interesting places in Lviv.

Church of St. John the Baptist. XIII century. It is one of the oldest Catholic churches in Lviv. It was established under the influence of Western Roman and Gothic architecture.

Armenian church is one of the most ancient churches in Lviv. In 2001 this place was returned to Armenian Apostle church. The church was built in 1363. It was built by the architect Doring. Many researchers assume that the Armenian masters took part in the building of the church, as the memorial has many similar features with the church of Anna (Armenia).

The monastery yard from the Northern part of the cathedral from the opposite site borders on the building of monastery of Armenian benedictions built in 1682.

The Drug store museum "Under the black eagle" was founded in 1735 by the military pharmacist Natovp. In 1966 on the basis of active drug store the museum of pharmacy history was founded. Today it is a unique museum complex where the exclusive exhibits are presented that are gathered by the pharmacists and scientists. There are more than 5000 exhibits in this drug-store for today.

In the eastern part of the city there is one of three functioning Roman-Catholic churches in Lviv. This is the St. Anthony's church.

Among Ukraine's museums, the Lviv History Museum is one of the oldest and richest in historical artefacts. Its helps the visitors to plunge into a deep and rich history of this city and to feel a real atmosphere of that Lemberg. The Museum's collections are housed in buildings Numbers 4, 6, 24 Rynok Square.

It is no wonder that many foreign visitors like this city very much. This undiscovered gem charms visitors with its beauty and mish-mash of architectural styles. To own a property in this magnificent city wont break the bank either as prices for Lviv property for sale very low compared to Eastern European counterparts like Prague and Krakow. Buying Lviv real estates is starting to become very popular so buy now prices in Lviv go higher and follow the footsteps of Kiev which is experiencing an incredible property boom.

For many Ukrainians and now foreigners who have discovered Lviv early, owning an apartment in one of Lviv many unique apartment buildings, with their intricate stone work is a great investment and holiday home. When the choice of flights to Lviv expand, Lviv will become a popular weekend holiday destination for Westerners.

What to bring when traveling Lviv?

Traveling within Ukraine, especially in Lviv, will no doubt be a positive and unique experience. To make your visit as comfortable as possible we can give you some suggestions. The style of life, hotels, restaurants, taxis can be different from those from other countries you got accustomed to. The main thing is that people here are very friendly and they will help you in the case you don't know something or even lost in the unfamiliar city.

LUGGAGE

Each traveller to Ukraine on International Airlines including LUFTHANSA, AIR CANADA, KLM, AIR FRANCE, AUSTRIAN, AIR UKRAINE, BRITISH, LOT, CZECH AIRLINES and others limit the weight of possible luggage to no more than 22 Kgs (that is equal to 50 pounds) per suitcase.

You have to be prepared to pay for extra or overweight suitcases. Inter-Ukraine permits to transfer only one suitcase with weight no more than 44 pounds.

The height, width and depth dimensions of the first suitcase checked in should not exceed 62 inches or 157 cm. Your carry on luggage cannot exceed 45 inches or 115 cm.

LOST LUGGAGE

If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines you have to fill a claim form for lost or damaged luggage prior to leaving the airport baggage area. We suggest that you should carry your personal items, medication and a change of clothing in your bag in case of lost or delayed luggage.

Important telephones

Management of defence of customers' rights: 74-33-65, 72-47-93
City inspection of state building control: 297-59-76
Drug store service: 067
8 city hospital: 270-62-94
Cardio centre: 238-30-92
Children hospital: 59-75-13
City police management: 74-23-48
Halytsky local department: 72-90-66
Lychakiv local department: 76-24-00
Railway local department: 35-43-05
Frankivsk local department: 78-28-50
Service of Ukraine's safety (SBU): 74-92-10
Tax inspection: 297-32-22
Committee of person rights defense: 72-09-14

TAXIS

Taxis are very plentiful in cities like Lviv and are not very expensive. Official taxi cars usually have special markings and we always recommend that you check a price before getting a ride. The official taxis in Lviv are always in yellow and will have standard prices.

Although we recommend that you use a yellow cab, Lviv citizens are usually very friendly and if you hail a cab, likely as not a civilian car will stop! For a small fee the majority of Ukrainian drivers will be happy to pick you up and take you to your destination if it is on their way.

CAR AND DRIVER

For those not wishing to work out Ukrainian road systems and Cyrillic signs, hiring a car and driver is a relatively cheap and effective option. The driver of the hired car will be responsible for fuel, maintenance, security and most importantly he knows where he's going and can also be interpreter or guide.

Such services in Lviv and many other Ukrainian cities are common.

BUSINESS HOURS

An 8 hour day is considered a normal work day. Most offices and institutions work according to this schedule from Monday till Friday. A lunch break is taken between 12AM to 1PM or from 1PM till 2 PM.