A new reality for Ukrainian cities is the curfew. It requires changes to service schedules and personal routines. Taxi services also operate under time restrictions and new regulations.
What is a curfew
A curfew is a time period during which movement around the city or being in public places is restricted or entirely prohibited. It is imposed by the military administration or local authorities. Typically, curfew lasts from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM, but this may vary depending on circumstances and region. Understanding these legal restrictions helps avoid violations.
Can taxis operate during curfew
Taxi operations during restricted hours follow strict rules:
- drivers must follow a route approved by the dispatcher or security services;
- they may not pick up passengers en route or change the route without permission;
- during checks, the driver must present a special permit and explain the purpose of the trip.
During wartime, the driver must not only follow the rules but also ensure passenger safety.
How to order a taxi during curfew
Ordering a taxi at night during wartime has some specifics:
- it’s best to use trusted services that are licensed to operate at night;
- when booking, specify the reason for travel, exact address, and valid contact details;
- in some cases, you may need to provide documentation — a work certificate, doctor’s note, etc.
Careful planning and accurate information will help successfully arrange a curfew-time taxi.
The importance of dispatch and online services
During curfew, dispatch centers play a key role in ensuring safe and controlled transportation. They:
- verify documents of drivers and passengers;
- approve the route, departure, and arrival times;
- track the vehicle’s movement in real time.
Thanks to dispatch coordination, taxis operate legally, safely, and efficiently.
Special responsibilities of taxis during wartime
In wartime, taxis may be required to carry out special duties:
- delivering medicine, humanitarian aid, food;
- evacuating people from dangerous zones;
- transporting volunteers, medical teams, the wounded, or the sick;
- assisting the military and government agencies.
In emergencies, taxis become vital to support and aid.
Curfew imposes specific rules on taxi operations. Drivers and passengers become part of a coordinated safety system. GrandTaxi features only verified companies, so customers can be confident in the legality and safety of every ride.
Curfew schedule in different cities of Ukraine
|
City
|
Curfew hours
|
|---|---|
|
Kyiv
|
00:00 – 05:00
|
|
Kharkiv
|
23:00 – 05:00
|
|
Dnipro
|
00:00 – 05:00
|
|
Odesa
|
00:00 – 05:00
|
|
Lviv
|
00:00 – 05:00
|
|
Zaporizhzhia
|
23:00 – 05:00
|
|
Mykolaiv
|
23:00 – 05:00
|
|
Chernihiv
|
00:00 – 05:00
|
|
Poltava
|
00:00 – 05:00
|
|
Sumy
|
23:00 – 05:00
|
|
Kherson
|
21:00 – 06:00
|
|
Kramatorsk
|
22:00 – 05:00
|
|
Uzhhorod
|
Canceled
|
⚠️ Information is up-to-date as of the end of July 2025. Please check with local authorities or taxi services before traveling.
When is travel allowed
Not all night trips are permitted, but there are exceptions. Most commonly, travel is allowed:
- if you work in critical infrastructure (hospitals, transport, energy, etc.);
- in cases of urgent medical need;
- if you are a volunteer or delivering humanitarian aid;
- for evacuation from dangerous areas;
- or if you have other official authorization.
Tips for traveling at night
- Plan everything in advance, especially if you need to travel after 10–11 PM.
- Prepare documents that confirm the purpose of your trip (work certificate, medical appointment, etc.).
- Order a vehicle only through verified services that are allowed to operate at night.
- Avoid random or “private” rides — it may be unsafe for both you and the driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a taxi after the curfew starts?
- You can, if you have a valid reason and documents. But it’s better to arrange it in advance through an official service.
What should I do if I get stopped?
- Stay calm, show your documents, explain the purpose of the trip. If everything is authorized, there will be no issues.
Do Uber, Bolt, or Uklon work at night?
- In some cities — yes. But only certain drivers are permitted to operate during curfew hours. Check in the app or order via dispatcher.
