There are two ways to visit the Pripyat:

1. With a tour operator – we recommend this option as it is more comfortable and safe. You will be accompanied by an experienced guide who knows the area very well, and you will have a car with a driver. The downside is that tours can be expensive (from $100 per person for a day trip).

2. On your own – if you want to save money, or if you have enough time and don’t mind being on your own, then this option might be for you. It’s also the only way to get into Pripyat without joining a tour group. However, do not attempt this unless you know what you are doing! There are many dangers in the Exclusion Zone, including radiation levels that can kill within hours of exposure. If something goes wrong out there, no one will come looking for you…

3. With a tour group – this is the most popular way to visit the Exclusion Zone. There are many companies that offer tours, and they can be booked online or in Kyiv. Prices vary depending on which company you choose, but expect to pay around $100 USD per person for a day trip from Kyiv (including transportation). I’ve heard good things about SoloEast Travel and chernobyltour.co.uk, both of which have English-speaking guides and reasonable prices.

If you decide to go with a tour group, make sure you know what your itinerary will be before booking! You don’t want to get stuck in Pripyat without an exit plan! Also keep in mind that some areas of the Exclusion Zone are off-limits even for licensed guides… so if you’re hoping to explore every inch of this place, it might not be possible with a guide.

4. On your own – if you’re willing to do some research ahead of time and take all necessary precautions (see below), then it is possible to visit Pripyat on your own without joining a tour group or hiring an official guide. This option is much more dangerous than joining a tour group because there will be no one there to help if something goes wrong… but if you know what you are doing, it can also save money! To learn more about visiting Pripyat independently, check out my post on how to do it safely here: How To Visit The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Safely (And Legally)

5. With a private guide – if you’re willing to pay for it, then there are some companies that will provide you with a private guide who will take you around the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone and help you get the most out of your visit. You can find more information about this option here: Private Chernobyl Tour Guide

How To Get To The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone?

There are several ways to get to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone: by car, by bus or by train. It is also possible to fly directly into Kiev and make your way from there (but I don’t recommend this because it is much more expensive). Here are all your options in detail:

1. By Car – if you have a valid International Driver’s License and want to drive yourself, then this is definitely an option! However, keep in mind that driving in Ukraine isn’t exactly easy… so be prepared for some interesting experiences on the road! Also note that taking your own car into the exclusion zone will cost around $100 USD per day (you must pay for parking at checkpoints), so unless you really want to do it yourself, I would recommend against it. For more information on how to get there by car check out my detailed post here: How To Drive Yourself To The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone And Pripyat City Center

2. By Bus – the easiest way to get from Kiev to Chernobyl is by bus, which takes about 2 hours and costs around $5 USD per person. There are a few different companies that offer this service, but my favorite is called “Chernobyl Express” (you can book online here). The buses are comfortable and have free Wi-Fi, so you can easily use Google Maps or GPS on your phone to navigate the route if you don’t want to pay for a tour guide. If you do decide to go with a tour company.

3. By Tour – if you don’t feel like dealing with figuring out how to get there yourself or just want someone else to take care of everything for you then I highly recommend booking a tour! There are many different options available depending on what kind of experience you want, but most tours will include transportation from Kiev (or another city in Ukraine), an English speaking guide during your time in Pripyat & Chernobyl City Center, lunch at one of the restaurants in Pripyat (which is included in the price), and also some other cool extras like visiting abandoned Soviet military bases or taking part in an overnight trip into the exclusion zone! For more information check out my post: How To Book A Chernobyl Tour And What To Expect On The Day Of Your Trip

4. By Plane – this option isn’t really recommended unless you plan on staying for more than 1 day because it will be much cheaper and easier for you just to rent a car once there instead of having to deal with airport transfers etc… However if money isn’t an issue then it might be worth considering since it will save time getting there! You can fly into either Kiev or Lviv airports (Lviv being closer) then take a bus/taxi/train into Kiev where all of your travel arrangements will be made by your tour company. For more information check out my post: How To Get From Airport To Chernobyl Exclusion Zone And What To Expect On The Day Of Your Trip