tjernobyl tour

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How to Visit Chernobyl: The Ultimate Guide (Updated 2021)

A n abandoned kindergarten room strewn with toys. The hollows of an amusement park that was never even used. An eerily vacant high school with its desks still draped in school work. These are the remnants of Chernobyl – a town blasted with 400 times the radiation of the bomb of Hiroshima, over thirty years ago. Today, it lures curious tourists in the tens of thousands. But why ?

When my husband and I were planning out our itinerary for Eastern Europe a few years back, we decided to include Kiev, Ukraine, purely so that we could visit Chernobyl. Dark tourism intrigued us, and we were keen to learn more about this abandoned place and the disaster story behind it.

For those of you who aren’t very familiar with Chernobyl, here’s the basic story:

Chernobyl was a nuclear power plant located in the USSR (now Ukraine) which had a steam explosion in April of 1986. The nuclear radiation released in the days after the accident was truly catastrophic. The nearby town of Prypyat, which was home of many of the power plant workers, was evacuated the day after the explosion and the 50,000 residents were never to return to their homes.

Nuclear Reactor no. 4 (the site of the explosion) was covered with a temporary sarcophagus to confine the radiation in the weeks after the explosion, and a new sarcophagus, which has been designed to confine the radiation for another 100 years, was built by the EU and placed on site in October 2017.

We chose to see Chernobyl on a 1-day, small group tour which departed Kiev at 8:00 AM and returned around 6:00 PM. We had an English speaking guide, and a driver who transported us via minivan. On the way, a documentary was played to give us a deeper insight into the disaster and prepare us for what we were about to see. Even though I had expected to visit a mostly abandoned and derelict place, the reality was shocking. There were a handful of stops on the tour, including a small town with empty houses being swallowed back up by the forest, an abandoned kindergarten in the Chernobyl township with books and learning materials still scattered about on the desks, and an amusement park in Prypyat that was sadly never used as the town was evacuated before it could open. These confronting scenes are something that I will never forget.

• 1 Chernobyl: An Overview
• 2 Why do tourists visit Chernobyl?
• 3 Is it safe to visit Chernobyl?
• 4 Can you visit Chernobyl without a guide?
• 5 How much does a Chernobyl tour cost?
• 6 Getting there
• 7 Where to stay
• 8 1. Choose the best Chernobyl tour type
• 9 2. Choose a tour company
• 10 3. Be prepared for your Chernobyl visit
• 11 The Thrifty Gist

Chernobyl: An Overview

Chernobyl is located about 100 km (62 mi) north of the city of Kiev, Ukraine. It takes around 2 hours to drive to Chernobyl from Kiev.

The exclusion zone is an area of 2,600 km 2 (1,000 sq mi) around the nuclear power plant. This area is considered hazardous and is off-limits to the general public. There are multiple checkpoints that you have to pass through inside the exclusion zone. The area inside the checkpoint closest to the nuclear reactor has the most dangerous levels of radiation.

When tourists talk about visiting Chernobyl, we’re generally referring to the power plant itself, but the exclusion zone actually includes a few towns and a large forested area. Tours to Chernobyl will stop by many different places of interest within the exclusion zone.

Why do tourists visit Chernobyl?

Chernobyl has many appeals for tourists. For me, it was the decay. I was intrigued to explore a place that has been completely abandoned by humans for nearly 30 years. I wanted to find out what an apocalyptic world might look like.

My husband’s appeal was the modern history aspect – he wanted to see a place that is frozen in time from the soviet era. Walking through remnants from a culture that no longer exists is a fascinating thing to experience.

Others might be interested in the disaster itself, or maybe learn more about the dangers of nuclear power and the effect it can have on the environment if something goes wrong, like it did at Chernobyl. This is perhaps the only place in the world that you can see this first-hand.

Is it safe to visit Chernobyl?

I was asked this question by many people after my visit to Chernobyl. It’s a valid concern.

Radiation sticks around for a very long time, and the exclusion zone is not expected to be safe for humans to live in for the next 20,000 years. However, radioactivity can be considered mostly harmless in small doses (like when you get an x-ray, or even take a long-haul flight), and the day tours into the exclusion zone mean that you’re only exposed to low levels of radiation for just a few hours.

There are around 400 people that actually live inside the exclusion zone, and another several thousand that work in and around the power plant, decommissioning the retired reactors and constructing the new sarcophagus. They manage the radiation exposure by limiting their time in the most hazardous areas, and are also required to take longer breaks away from the site so that their bodies have time to recover.

On the way out of the exclusion zone, everyone is required to go through an old soviet radiation control checkpoint. The device required each person to place their hands on either side while it checks your radiation levels.

Regardless of the trip you take, it's always worth getting travel insurance in case of an emergency. We use World Nomads because you can sign up or extend your trip any time (even if you've already left your home country), over 150+ adventure activities are covered (i.e. less fine print and loopholes), and most of all, there are plenty of successful claim stories online – so it actually works! For more info, and our story of when insurance saved us $2,000 at a foreign hospital, check out our travel insurance guide here .

Can you visit Chernobyl without a guide?

Tourist entry into the exclusion zone is only permitted with a licenced guide. There are many areas inside the exclusion zone that are still considered very dangerous, and a guide will have the expertise to keep you safe at all times.

How much does a Chernobyl tour cost?

Tours from Kiev cost between $100-$500 USD per person, depending on the type of tour that you choose. The day tour that I booked starts at $105 USD each, and it's worth every cent. You can browse a variety of tours along with prices, reviews, and booking with immediate confirmation on GetYourGuide and Viator .

Getting there

Flying into Boryspil International Airport (KBP) is the easiest way to get to Kiev, with direct flights from many major cities in Europe including Amsterdam, Vienna, Paris, London, Prague, Frankfurt, Zurich, and Warsaw. If you are already in Ukraine, there are intercity trains that will take you from Lviv to Kiev. Budget airlines are plentiful in Eastern Europe. The easiest way to find cheap flights is to search Skyscanner and select “Entire Month” to visualize prices across a one month period.

It's also worth signing up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . You'll get a 60,000 point bonus just by spending $4,000 in the first 3 months on your everyday purchases in the first 3 months. That's worth $750  when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards, saving you a significant amount on your flight. Alternatively, you can transfer the points directly to a number of other frequent flyer programs if you are already collecting points. The card also has no international transaction fees (where most cards charge 2-3%), making this card cheaper to use overseas than any ATM or currency exchange booth.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• 60,000 reward points (worth $750 ) after meeting the minimum spend of $4,000 in the first 3 months
• $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x points for purchases on Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, and 2x points on all other travel purchases.
• Points are worth 25% more on airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises when booking through Chase Ultimate Rewards (e.g. 60,000 points worth $750 toward travel)
• Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, lost luggage insurance and more.
• Can transfer your reward points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• No foreign transaction fees
• Annual fee: $95

Where to stay

There are plenty of central accommodations to choose from in Kiev. Being in Eastern Europe, hotels and AirBNBs are surprisingly affordable. When you book your Chernobyl tour, check the confirmation to find your meeting point. My tour departed from Maidan Square, so I booked us a room in a hostel nearby. Many tours will depart from Kiev Central Railway Station, so a hotel closer to the station may be a better choice. Some tours (especially the private ones) offer hotel pickup.

1. Choose the best Chernobyl tour type

When booking a visit to Chernobyl, there are a few different tour types to choose from:

1-day Tours

The 1-day tours generally last from 10-12 hours, of which 4 are spent driving to and from the Chernobyl site from Kiev. The 1-day tour was packed with activities, however, I didn’t feel as though it was overly rushed or that anything was skipped over.

From Kiev: 1-Day Group Tour to Chernobyl ($100 USD)

Chernobyl Tour from Kiev ($105 USD)

Full-Day Tour of Chernobyl and Prypiat from Kiev ($114 USD)

2-day or 3-day tours.

For anyone wanting to experience the exclusion zone at a slower pace, there are 2-day, 3-day, or even longer tours available. I personally think that 2 days would be enough time to see the area.

From Kiev: 2-Day Group Tour to Chernobyl ($251 USD)

The Ultimate 2-Day Chernobyl Tour from Kiev ($321 USD)

3-Day Extended Tour to Chernobyl and Prypiat Town from Kyiv ($429 USD)

Private tours.

Many people are interested in visiting Chernobyl for the photography aspect, and in this case, I think a private tour would be the best option as you can explore the area at your own pace. This would allow you ample time to set up shots and get great photos.

From Kiev: Private Tour of Chernobyl ($78 USD)

From Kiev: Chernobyl & Pripyat Private Day Tour with Lunch ($130 USD)

Chernobyl Private Tour from Kiev ($105 USD)

2. Choose a tour company

When I was choosing a tour company, I used online reviews to make a decision. SoloEast Travel was one of the highest rated companies on TripAdvisor, and while they weren’t necessarily the cheapest, the price was reasonable. They were an excellent choice.

Things to look for when choosing a tour:

• Group size: Small group tours are definitely best for the Chernobyl experience. We had 10-12 people on our tour, which was perfect.
• Inclusions/Exclusions: Hotel pickup, meals, entrance fees, taxes, and geiger-counter rental may or may not be included in the price of some tours.
• Flexibility: 1-day tours are really great value, but if you want more time at each place or more options for photography, then consider booking a slower-paced tour for more flexibility.

3. Be prepared for your Chernobyl visit

Tours to Chernobyl can be booked year-round. We visited in late November, which was extra special as there was a thick layer of snow which gave the place an eerie vibe. It was also a quiet time to visit – we only ran into one other tour group on our day trip, but for the most part we were the only people in sight.

Many people will prefer to visit Chernobyl in the warmer months. The trees in the area are apparently beautiful in fall/autumn, so this might be a great time to go.

What to bring:

• Comfortable, closed walking shoes.
• A rain jacket in case of bad weather.
• Sunscreen and a hat.
• A camera. You can use a smartphone for photos, but if you have a mirrorless camera or DSLR, even better! The photos you get around Chernobyl will be mind-blowing.
• A geiger-counter to measure radiation levels. We rented one from our tour company, which cost an extra $10 but it was so worth it.

For winter tours:

• Quality winter jacket/parka. You’ll spend a lot of time outside in the cold.
• Scarf, beanie, and gloves to stay warm.
• Waterproof shoes suitable for walking through snow.

The Thrifty Gist

• Chernobyl is located about 2 hours drive north of Kiev, Ukraine.
• The exclusion zone has a range of radiation levels, but is safe to visit on a guided tour. It's always a good idea to have travel insurance regardless, and we use World Nomads .
• You must book a tour to visit Chernobyl. 1-day, 2-day, or longer tours are available from Kiev. We took this tour , but there are plenty more to choose from with reviews on GetYourGuide and Viator .
• You can find cheap flights by searching by “entire month” on Skyscanner . You can also get the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and hit the minimum spend to receive 60,000 points worth $750 , saving you a ton on your flight.

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Disclosures Many of the listings that appear on this website are from companies which we receive compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). The site does not review or include all companies or all available products. Thrifty Nomads has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Thrifty Nomads and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

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Private Ignalina Tour from Vilnius

Fukushima private tour, stalin’s private tour from tbilisi.

Radiation safety control 3x day, Free dosimeters, Respirators, Proven Routes

LIVING LEGENDS

Meet and talk to locals, living legends on every tour: Chernobyl babushkas and liquidators

TIME TRAVEL

Drive the Soviet car, the Volga, Dress up in uniforms and liquidator costumes, Virtual Reality, KGB archive – pictures and videos

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Underground iceland day tour.

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• Chernobyl series filming locations
• Extended programme with a look behind the scenes
• All inclusive: pick up at your address in Vilnius, lunch, transportation and guide

Fukushima 2 Day Tour with the Power Plant

• Visiting Dai-ichi Power Plant Premises
• Off the beaten path, photo spots and meeting locals
• All inclusive: hotel, traditional dining, transportation and English guide
• English guide and local insider
• All inclusive: hotel, traditional dining, transportation and guide

Baikonur 2-Day Tour

• English guide and space expert
• Space rocket launch witnessed from close distance
• All inclusive: hotel, tasty dining, transportation and guide

Baikonur 5-Day Tour

• Extended program with space rocket launch watching from the closest safe distance

"The tailored private tour is great for getting the most out of your Chernobyl experience as it adapts perfectly to your interests and wishes. Everything went according to the plan and fulfilled our expectations. I highly recommend ChernobylX for your radioactive dose of the year!"

"Private tour with ChernobylX and 6 friends was the best decision we made. We had our own guide, who kept us away from crowded places, a private bus and we could choose the sites we wanted to see. And it is not much more expensive than a tour with larger groups."

A terrific mix of places that gave a good understanding of the accident and its consequences. A knowledgeable and interesting guide also made the trip a success.

It was so fun to go around with our dosimeter alarms and even get to eat in the same cafeteria where Chernobyl workers eat. Our guide was very knowledgeable and shared so many personal stories about her grandfather who was actually alive and involved in the Chernobyl disaster!

We went to see places that we wanted to see. And unlike the group tours, we weren't rushed. We had time to take photos and explore the area. I would thoroughly recommend chernobylX for a relaxed informative Chernobyl tour, and especially Yulia, our guide, she was AMAZING!!!

This tour was easily the highlight of my holiday, well organised pick up and drop off from my hotel in Kiev. Hotel accomodation was so clean and comfortable with good Ukrainian food and very friendly staff. My tour guide Yuliia was extremely knowledgeable and passionate

Chernobyl diaries

Media about us, sustainable chernobyl tour, your chernobyl visit is making a difference, 1% for chernobyl babushkas living in chernobyl, plant a tree in the chernobyl zone, you help with the good angel charity, hello there, meet your guides, chernobyl instagram, follow or come, if you waited for a sign, this is it....

Valentyn is full of energy young guide who will show you zone and all interesting places there. Prepare your legs to walk a lot, eyes to see more than others and eyes to hear interesting stories about the zone.

This girl got inspired by the abandoned places of Pripyat and the nature in the Exclusion Zone. Having visited these places for the first time with CHERNOBYLX, she was looking for the opportunity to spend more time in the Chernobyl Zone to reveal all its secrets. The best way to do it was to become a Chernobyl tour guide.

At first sight, Olya looks like a smiling little girl with that kiddo expressions in her face. But don’t be fooled, she’s one of our most experienced guides with a lot of knowledge about the Zone. She’s super-fascinated by the radiation and sometimes declares herslef as a radiation hunter. Maybe that’s why she has time for guiding tours in English, Czech and German. She’s our little superhero!

Julia is the one who loves people and getting to know them. She loves exploring the zone and is also addicted to share it all with you. She loves to tell the stories about the zone and make you feel like you’re wandering with an old friend, as she’s very caring and friendly guide with who you’ll feel like you know each other for years.

This girl is obsessed with sharing her knowledge and emotions with people. She knows exactly how to make you feel the spirit of the Soviet Union and the horror of the Chernobyl disaster. First-time Yulia saw wildlife of the exclusion zone, it made an unforgettable impression on her vision of life. So be sure, with her help you’ll be stunned by the superiority of nature over man.

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Chernobyl tour

Visit some of the most exciting places in the world.

Chernobyl Reactor #4

You will make a stop at reactor cooling passages. If the weather is good, you may be lucky to see huge catfishes, witnesses of the Chernobyl tragedy. You may bring some bread to feed them.

Pripyat Ghost Town

You will be able to take pictures of the ghost town, abandoned hotels, school, Ferris wheel, swimming pool, playground, etc.

Radar system Duga-1

You will be able to see secret Military Facility. Radar system Duga-1 used as part of the Soviet ABM early-warning network.

Choose your tour date in the tours calendar .

Visit our chernobyl tour map to get more information about tour places., facts about tours to chernobyl.

It's been 20 years since the Chernobyl accident, and the radiation level is very low now. In fact, it is the same as in Kiev.

It's EXCITING

Our professional english speaking guides will tell all about places you'll visit and you'll be able to make unique shots of Chernobyl.

It's RELIABLE

All our tours are absolutely legal and we'll allways refund your money if you cancel your tour in more then 10 days. And after completion of tour we will give you AI tools like Crushon AI for everyone

Tour prices

1 Day Group Tour

Tour covers: approximately 60% of the atractions in Chernobyl and Pripyat

Amount of tour dates: lots of dates available

Possibility to choose tour date: only from the given in calendar tours

People on the tour: up to 10

Pick up from the hotel: for additional fee

Possibility to choose transport: no

Best for: Backpackers, people limited in time or money, checkboxers

2 Days Group Tour

Tour covers: approximately 75% of the atractions in Chernobyl and Pripyat

Amount of tour dates: few tour dates available

People on the tour: up to 6

Best for: People who don't afraid to spend a night in Chernobyl

1-5 Days Private Tour

Tour covers: approximately 95% of the atractions in Chernobyl and Pripyat

Amount of tour dates: whole month

Possibility to choose tour date: you can choose any

People on the tour: on your choice

Pick up from the hotel: included

Possibility to choose transport: yes

Best for: Photographers, group travelers, scientists, people crazy of chernobyl, journalists...

Book Tour to Chernobyl Now

One or several days tours.

• 300+ captivating photographs
• 200 abandoned buildings
• 150 traveled kilometers
• 40 breath-taking stops
• 7 dosimetric controls
• 1 professional guide

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• No booking fees or hiden charges. You only pay for the tour.
• We'll allways refund your money if you cancel your tour in more then 10 days.

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Touring Chernobyl: How to Visit Pripyat – Everything You Need to Know (2021)

In 1986, the world held its breath as a nuclear reactor melted down at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, in what’s now thought to be the worst nuclear disaster in history.

Today, 35 years later, Chernobyl and the nearby town of Pripyat, attract thousands of tourists from all over the world.

But what are they touring, exactly? What is there to see and do in Pripyat?

Touring Chernobyl: How to Visit Pripyat

To visit Chernobyl, you’ll need access to the Exclusion Zone.

The Exclusion Zone is an an area of about 2,600 square kilometers (1,000 sq mi) in Ukraine that surrounds the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.

Can you visit Chernobyl without a guide?

You can only enter the exclusion zone with a licensed guide, meaning you’ll need to take one of the Chernobyl tours available.

You can get tours that range from one day, two days or three days.

The one days tours last about 12 hours, with four hours in transit from nearby Kiev. If you’re in a rush, the one day tours are a great way to get in and out quickly and they’re also your most affordable tour option.

You can also get private Chernobyl tours, which are especially good for photography as they let you take your time to take photos.

While it is possible to visit the area, there are areas in the exclusion zone that are still highly dangerous. A guide can help keep you safe and away from dangerous areas and situations. English guides are plentiful, and while tours include transportation, it’s important to know that you’ll need to go through multiple checkpoints while visiting.

So, what is there to see on a tour of Chernobyl?

Chernobyl is located around 62 miles, or 100 km, from Kiev, Ukraine. It’s about a two hour shuttle ride.

Chernobyl itself is home to the power plant, but the exclusion zone includes a large forest and other towns.

There are plenty of places to visit in the Chernobyl township, from an eerie abandoned kindergarten to forests surrounding the power plant itself.

Pripyat tours

Pripyat (which is also known as Pryp’yat’ or Prypyat) is a ghost city near the Ukraine–Belarus border. The town of Pripyat is about two kilometers from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant (ChNPP).

When the Chernobyl disaster occurred, the town of Pripyat was home to around 49,000 people. It was evacuated after the explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in April, 1986 and many of its residents have never set foot in the town since.

While you can’t get too close to the plant or stay too long, there’s a lot to see in the town of Pripyat itself.

For instance, the Pripyat amusement park was set to have its grand opening on May 1st, 1986, less than a week before the explosion. However, it was never officially opened, and to this day it remains a symbol of the disaster in nearby Chernobyl.

There are three abandoned swimming pools in Pripyat, while the Swimming Pool Azure or Lazurny is the most well-known of these.

When’s the best time to visit Chernobyl?

You can visit Chernobyl any time of year.

The clearest weather is in the summer from June to August, but it can be hot, with temperatures often hovering near 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit). Summer’s also the busiest season with tons of visitors and more expensive accommodations.

Fall and Spring are good times to visit, but the weather can be more variable.

Chernobyl is quietest in the winter, and the snow and gloom make for eerie and atmospheric photos however it can get cool with daytime highs around 0 C° (40 F°) and nights around -7 C° (20 F°).

Can you visit the Chernobyl Elephant’s Foot?

The Elephant’s Foot is a nickname for a large column formed underneath the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Its made of corium and other materials, and looks like black glass and bark.

Its wrinkly surface looks a lot like an elephant’s foot, thus the name. The Elephant’s Foot is in a maintenance corridor near the remains of the Chernobyl Reactor No. 4.

Because it’s still highly radioactive, it’s unfortunately not possible to walk up and see the Elephant’s Foot up close.

How safe is a Chernobyl tour?

Licensed Chernobyl tour operators have to follow strict guidelines set out by the governing body. The level of radiation in most areas tour operators are allowed to take you are minimal (less than you get in an airplane and 300x less than a typical xray) and most tours give you a respirator (though they’re not really needed) as well as your own Geiger-Muller dosimeter (Geiger counter) to make sure you stay within safe limits.

Where to stay on a Chernobyl stay?

While there are plenty of places to stay near the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, the best hotels will be in Kiev proper. Most people who choose to stay for a one day tour will often stay in Kiev and have their tour operator pick them up directly from their hotel.

While it can make for a longer tour day, Kiev has a huge selection of great hotels to choose from.

If you’re planning a multiple day tour, oftentimes the tour operators will include accommodations or direct you to the hotels they often deal with. You’re best bet if you’re unsure is to talk to your tour operator before booking any tours to make sure your hotel will work for them and for you.

Are Chernobyl tours cancelled?

As of the time of writing this article, tours to Pripyat and Chernobyl are running, but check tour operators directly, as this can change.

In 2020, forest fires near Chernobyl damaged some of the tourist attractions however it didn’t damage the Main Reactor No. 4 so tours can still run.

Love all the areas which the author described in this post, getting more attraction on the writing things and moreover having going good contents.

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Home » Budget Travel » The ULTIMATE Guide To Visiting Chernobyl (UPDATE 2024)

The ULTIMATE Guide To Visiting Chernobyl (UPDATE 2024)

Few words evoke images of disaster as “Chernobyl” does. In fact, this former ‘model town’ of the Soviet Union has rightly become a byword for disaster if not nuclear armageddon. But did you even know that you can actually visit Chernobyl?

Whilst it is sometimes derided as a morbid example of “dark tourism”, a visit to Chernobyl is much more. This site of one of the world’s worse catastrophes serves as an open museum into life in the Soviet Union, a fascinating piece of history and an awesome opportunity for some urban exploration.

In this epic post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about visiting Chernobyl including can you visit Chernobyl right now, is Chernobyl safe, how to get to Chernobyl, when to go and how much it costs… Oh, and if you’ll be glowing afterwards too!

Update For 2024

Can You Visit Chernobyl in 2024? No

As of March 2023, you cannot visit the Chernobyl site. Unfortunately the area is at the forefront of the Russia/Ukraine war and is currently off limits. Furthermore, there is some speculation that when the site was occupied by the invading Russian forces, they may have caused some damage to the structures leading to radiation escaping – this may render the site dangerous to visitors.

Still, we live in hope that the war will soon end and that the site will once again be open to visitors.

What Is “Chernobyl”?

Why do people visit chernobyl, how to visit chernobyl, is chernrbyl safe, what should i wear to visit chenorbyl, what should i pack to visit chernobyl, how do i get to chenorbyl, faq about chernobyl tours, final thoughts on visiting chernobyl.

The ‘Chernobyl disaster’ is the worst nuclear accident in human history and the word has become something of a synonym for eco-disaster itself. However, Chernobyl is actually the name of a small Ukrainian city situated about 200km North-west of Kyiv which was founded at least 1000 years ago. In 1978, the Soviet Union began construction of a 4 reactor nuclear power plant in the wilderness about 30 km from Chernobyl and the town, being the nearest at the time, lent the plant its name.

Shortly after the construction of the plant, a small purpose-built town called Pripyat was constructed beside the reactor to accommodate the power plant workers and their families. Therefore whilst “Pripyat Nuclear Power Station” would perhaps have been more accurate, the ‘Chenorbyl’ name stuck.

Plans were constructed to build a further 8 reactors which would have made Chenorbyl the largest nuclear power station in the world by far. These plans were, however, never realised. Probably for the best on reflection!

The Chenorbyl Vladimir I. Lenin nuclear power plant shot to worldwide infamy when in the early hours of April 26th 1986, one of the nuclear reactors exploded. The towns of both Pripyat and Chenorbyl were eventually evacuated on 27th April 1986 (37 hours after the explosion) and then abandoned owing to severe radiation.

Because of the severity of the explosion and the subsequent mismanagement of the crisis by the authorities, the incident has gone down in history as the worst nuclear accident ever. Whilst the official death toll is 29, it is estimated that more than 30,000 lives have now been lost either directly or indirectly owing to the incident. To this day, the surrounding municipalities continue to report higher-than-average incidences of cancer and genetic defects among their populations.

According to both historians and some senior sources in the former Soviet Union, the Chernobyl incident was one of the leading causes of the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The economic cost of the clean-up had caused a massive financial crisis in the Union from which it never recovered. Moreover, the mismanagement had caused a major loss of face and trust in the regime in the eyes of both Soviet citizens and the international community.

Chenorbyl opened to tourists in 2002, 16 years after the evacuation. As the setting of a major world event, it has an obvious appeal and has proven to be very popular with both domestic and international visitors. It’s now firmly become a must-visit destination on most backpacking trips to Ukraine .

Many visitors to Chenorbyl are attracted by what some would call a morbid curiosity. Others are interested in the history of the incident and the history of the Soviet Union in general. For me, the major appeal of Chernobyl was the opportunity to experience a ghost town and get an idea of how a post-apocalyptic world might look.

A visit to Chernobyl also serves as a stark and sobering reminder of what can happen when humanity over-stretches itself, and how wielding such powerful forces as nuclear energy can sometimes backfire on us catastrophically… especially if you don’t know how to work the thing properly! So, if you’re interested in a bit of dark tourism , then let’s take a deep dive into visiting this wild place.

You can now visit Chenorbyl as part of an official, guided tour operated from Kyiv. There are 1-day, 2-day or multi-day Chernobyl tour packages available. The costs vary depending on how many days you wish to visit, group size and between agencies. The typical cost for a 1 day Chernobyl tour is between $80 – $100.

We will discuss various tour options and pricing in more detail further in this post.

Tours generally take around 12 hours departing Kyiv at 7.30 – 8.00 and returning at 18.30 – 19.30. You usually spend around 8 hours on site.

For your trip to Chernobyl, the best place to stay is in Kyiv itself.

Do I Need a Guide To Visit Chernobyl?

Officially speaking, yes you need a guide to visit Chenorbyl. Entrance to the exclusion zone is strictly regulated and you can only enter with a registered guide as part of an official Chenorbyl tour. There are several checkpoints around the exclusion zone and you will be asked to produce your passport and tour ticket a number of times during your visit.

This is mostly for health and safety reasons. The tour guide’s primary job is to ensure your health and safety by ensuring you stay in the Chernobyl “safe” areas and do not touch anything. They also make sure you don’t bring any contaminated material out of the exclusion zone with you which would risk endangering others. Note that if you do pick up any contamination, you risk having your possessions confiscated and destroyed.

Chenorbyl guides are required to take radiation safety exams every month. They are also very knowledgeable about the incident and about life in the USSR. Without a guide, it would be difficult to appreciate the context of the site especially if you cannot read Russian.

The tour cost also contributes to the maintenance of the area.

Rember, visiting Chernobyl is totally different vibes than visiting a place like Hiroshima which has been completely rebuilt since the disaster.

Can I Visit Chenorbyl Alone?

Notwithstanding the above, it is still technically possible to visit Chenorbyl alone. Unauthorised explorers known as “Stalkers” (from the Andrej Tarkovsky film of the same name) have been illegally entering the site for at least the last 20 years and continue to do so. Most of the artworks & graffiti on the site were created by Stalkers and they have also contributed to the exploration and documentation of the site over the years too.

Many former Stalkers now work as official tour guides owing to their considerable, first-hand experience of the area. Personally, I find that former Stalkers make the best guides although many guides may simply not wish to admit they ever entered illegally.

Entering Chenorbyl illegally is not advisable as there are penalties & health risks. For a Ukrainian citizen caught entering Chernobyl illegally, the penalty is a fine of 400 UAH ($20). Whilst this is a considerable sum for many Ukrainians, it is not high enough to serve as a major deterrent. In fact, a popular joke amongst Stalkers is that handing themselves in to the police in the exclusion zone is significantly cheaper than taking a taxi back to Kyiv!

For foreigners caught entering Chernobyl illegally, the fine is substantially higher and they also face a possible lifetime ban from entering Ukraine.

If anybody ( native or foreigner) is caught trying to take any material or artefact out of Chenorbyl, they face up to 5 years in jail.

Aside from the legal penalties, entering Chernobyl alone also carries health and safety risks including radiation exposure, dangerous buildings and wild animals.

I have no personal experience of entering Chenorbyl without an official guide. Furthermore, because of the very real legal and safety risks, I absolutely cannot recommend it.

So is it safe to visit Chernobyl? Well yes, it is now quite safe for tourists to visit Chenorbyl. Whilst there are some very real dangers, you are unlikely to encounter them on any organised tour as long as you adhere to the health and safety instructions and do exactly as your guide asks.

Dangers of Visiting Chernobyl

While an official Chenorbyl guided tour is perfectly safe, there are nevertheless a number of hazards and concerns to keep in mind and you will need to follow all rules and cooperate fully with your guide in order to stay safe.

Let’s take a quick look at what some of these dangers are.

Chenorbyl is still one of the most radioactive sites in the world today. Whilst this may sound scary it is all about context. The dose of radiation the average visitor to Chenorbyl collects in a one-day trip is similar to a short-haul flight or an x-ray. The average, healthy-adult human body can deal with it without too much trouble.

Some areas are far more contaminated than others and do pose serious risks. However, these areas are mostly sealed off or are off-limits to tourists. Whilst some are not sealed or clearly identified, your guide will point them out to you and advise you to stay away from them. Either way, on a single-day trip it is still very unlikely you could do yourself much harm even if you are a bit of an idiot.

The hospital, for example, is closed to visitors. This is because the uniforms of the first responders were left in the hospital basement and still carry a highly dangerous radiation risk. My guide estimated that even in 2019, just 30 minutes spent inside the hospital building could be fatal!

In order to reduce your radiation risk you need to dress appropriately and follow some basic rules.

The rules are;

• Do not touch anything.
• Do not enter buildings. If you do, do not touch anything and do not disturb the sedentary dust. (In reality, your guide will take you inside several buildings but they are pretty safe)
• Do not eat outside of the cafeteria area.
• Only drink from a bottle and seal the lid.
• Avoid high-density areas. Your guide will show you these or you can use a Geiger counter.

Radiation Checkpoints

There are a number of radiation checkpoints around Chenorbyl and you cannot leave the site without passing through them. If for some reason, your radiation level is over the acceptability threshold, you will be given a chance to clean the affected area and your possessions. If they cannot be sufficiently cleaned, then they will be seized and destroyed. It is not unprecedented for a visitor to have to leave Chenorbyl barefoot after their boots were confiscated. This is, however, exceptionally rare and should not happen if you do as you are instructed by your guide.

Dangerous Buildings

Note that it is no longer permitted to enter any of the buildings at Chenorbyl. This is because they are now becoming unsafe after 35 years of neglect and exposure to the elements. The dangers include falling debris, collapsing floors and collapsing roofs. It is not possible to preserve the buildings as the conservation works would release radiation into the atmosphere.

Whilst it is not permitted to enter buildings, they are not actually sealed off. Some visitors have reported that some guides may discreetly allow you to enter. If they do, please respect their instructions to the letter – if you disobey them, you risk costing them their job and ruining this extra-curricular bit of the tour for all future visitors. Don’t let your desire for the ultimate selfie ruin Chenorbyl for everybody.

As well as the structural issues, there is of course a radiation risk from left terms and dust. Once again, if you enter a building do not touch anything and do your absolute best not to disturb the dust too much.

Wild Animals

Mankind’s loss is nature’s boon it seems. Since the evacuation, wildlife has thrived* in the exclusion zone. There are now deer, rabbits and foxes in the area as well as packs of Wolves and Brown Bears. You are, however, very unlikely to encounter any of these on a guided tour.

*Whilst wildlife numbers have multiplied since the evacuation, they have not been spared the effects of radiation and incidences of cancer are very high amongst the animal population. That said, animal life is still brutish and short (much like human life in Ukraine :)) and most of them die long before cancer has the chance to get them.

As if radiation, wolves and bears were not enough to worry about, the area is also plagued by ticks. You will reduce your risk of being bitten by adhering to the strict dress code and sticking to the established paths and trails. Spraying your garments with tea-tree oil or bug spray may also help. 

Make sure to check yourself for them once you arrive home and if you have been bitten, carefully remove the little fucker by twisting and pulling counterclockwise with tweezers. Also, seek medical advice just to be on the safe side.

Note that Ukraine can get very cold in the winter and you will be spending quite a bit of time outside.  Do ensure you check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Bring hats and gloves and extra layers if you need to.

Summers can get hot so bring plenty of water.

For health and safety reasons, visitors to Chenorbyl are required to adhere to a dress code. Basically, it just means long pants and long sleeves with closed shoes. Vests, shorts, sandal shoes and beach/backpacker wear are not permitted. 

If you do not adhere to the dress rules then you will not be allowed to enter the exclusion zone and your tour agency will not be obligated to return your fee.

In winter this should not be a problem but the summer can get hot. Plan ahead and make sure you have some light-long pants (ie, Khaki or trekking pants), sneakers and a t-shirt with a long-sleeved light shirt over the top of it.

This is to protect your skin from radiation but will also help against biting ticks. If you are visiting in winter, you also need to remember that it can get cold and the north winds can be vicious.

You will be doing a bit of walking so pack comfortable shoes. It can also get muddy underfoot in winter so do bear this in mind. We visited Chenorbyl in Dr Martens boots which were fine. A decent pair of hiking boots are ideal.

Food in Chernobyl

There is a staff cafeteria in Chenorbyl which was once used by the power plant workers. You can have lunch here but it is not included in the price of the tour.

These days, the cafeteria is used by the scientists, conservation workers and security forces around the site. It is the only area in Chenorbyl where eating is permitted for health and safety reasons – do not eat outside!

You may wish to bring a packed lunch which will work out cheaper than paying for lunch through your tour guide. You can buy sandwiches at pretty much any Kiosk in the streets of Kyiv. Kava Aroma (Ukrainian Starbucks) has chains across Kyiv and unlike Starbucks, it does good quality sandwiches at decent prices. It also opens at 7 am so you pick up a sandwich here before meeting your tour group.

Packing for Chenorbyl is not quite as straightforward as you may think. Let’s look at what you need to bring.

Firstly, you cannot visit Chernobyl without your passport. You will be required to enter your passport details when booking your tour and will then need to show it to your guide before you leave Kyiv. You will then need to go through a Police passport checkpoint at the exclusion zone.

Please do not forget to bring your passport with you as you will not be allowed onto the tour without it. If you do forget your passport, you will also lose your tour fee as the tour provider is not obligated to return it as by this stage they will already have arranged the guide and the transport.

Remember to bring enough water in your travel water bottle to last you for the entire trip. You can buy bottled water at the entrance or the cafeteria, halfway point but it is expensive. I do not recommend drinking tap water in Chernobyl for obvious reasons!

You can hire a Geiger counter to measure radiation hot spots for 200UHA, These are good fun to play with and well worth taking (one per group is enough). Also, make sure you have enough to pick up any extra water you need and maybe a few hundred UHA to tip your guide. There are souvenirs for sale but I found them a bit tacky (except the condoms of course – 2 for 120UHA) .

As well as the above, also bring a hat and gloves in winter, a camera, sunscreen, bug spray, and some wet wipes in summer.

Most Chenorbyl tours start at various locations around Kyiv. You will be taken to the site in either a mini-bus, van or car. 

There is no public transport to the Chenorbyl as the site is not open to the public. You will most probably not be able to find a taxi driver willing to take you to the site and hitch-hiking will most probably not be possible.

The nearest “open” town sits right at the precipe of the containment zone and you can take the bus here from Kyiv. I have no idea how to get from here to Chernobyl other than on foot.

The only people headed to the exclusion zone are the guides, security forces and researchers none of whom will assist you in reaching the site unless you are booked on a tour. So yeah, just book a tour yo!

How Much is a Chenorbyl Tour?

When we visited Chernobyl in 2019, a spot on a one-day group tour cost around $70 per person. However, after a few days of inflationary chaos, most organisers are now asking for around $80. Private tours can cost $300 – $400 – you can of course split these costs with friends and with private tours you do get to some areas that the regular plebs don’t.

What Will I See on a Chernobyl Tour?

On a Chenorbyl tour you will visit the Pripyat “model Soviet town”, visit a military base and see the mighty “Russian Woodpecker” – a huge, expensive and ultimately futile Soviet missile detection system. Note that the exploded reactor itself is now covered up in a radiation-proof tomb. If you wish to visit the “control” room, then this is accessible on a private tour only. Prices vary depending on the agency and what kind of tour you book. If you join a group tour then expect to pay around $70 per person for the 12-hour return trip.

Do I need to book in advance?

You should book in advance. We booked about one week in advance during winter when demand is generally lower. If you are visiting Ukraine in the summer then I suggest booking your Chenorbyl trip as early as possible.

Can I stay in Chernobyl?

You cannot stay overnight in Chenorbyl although plenty of “Stalkers” and legitimate researchers have done and continue to do so.

How Long Should I Spend in Chenorbyl

Personally, I found the one-day tour to be enough. It offered about 8 hours on site. However, if you are especially fascinated then you can book multi-day tours.

Take it from me, a visit to Chenorbyl is a travel experience you will never forget when you’re backpacking around Eastern Europe . The zone is creepy but cool, educational while being fun and will offer up loads of opportunities for taking good travel snaps.

Furthermore, Kyiv is a really hip city and you will absolutely love your time there. With the growth in the tourism industry in Ukraine over the year, there are some pretty awesome hostels in Kyiv too.

So get your Geiger counter at the ready and book your Chernobyl trip now!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

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Home » Travel Guides » Ukraine » 15 Best Chernobyl Tours

15 Best Chernobyl Tours

In late April 1986, the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the Ukrainian town of Pripyat had a catastrophic accident that caused one of the reactors to leak radiation at an alarming rate.

The plant and town were evacuated, and other than a brave group of scientists and construction workers, the area has been abandoned ever since.

The site lies to the north of the country’s capital and is now open to tours, nearly all of which begin in Kiev.

Guided tours are the only way to see the site, and the running historical narration you’ll get will add a tremendous value to the amazing sights you’ll witness.

Below are 15 of the best tours of Chernobyl and Kiev.

1. Private tour in Chernobyl

This convenient one-day tour begins in Kiev and includes the services of a professional guide, transportation to and from the site, and all the fees and permits you’ll need to visit the different exclusion zones.

In addition to the eerie but intriguing grounds of the power plant, you’ll enjoy a traditional Ukrainian lunch and a tour of the abandoned town of Pripyat the Kopachi Village, where the streets are empty – making it seem like the set of a post-apocalyptic movie.

When the tour is over and you’ve passed through the mandatory radiation control, you’ll be taken back to your Kiev hotel.

2. 1-Day Group Tour to Chernobyl from Kiev

The disaster area of Chernobyl is one of Ukraine’s most mysterious sites. It’s been shrouded in myth and secrecy for more than 30 years.

Before venturing into the exclusion zones, guests will watch a brief introductory movie that’ll set the stage for all the amazing sights you’ll see while inside the Chernobyl exclusion zones and the town of Pripyat.

In addition to learning pretty much all there is to know about radiation safety, you’ll visit a museum, church, and post office in the town that, although once-abandoned, is now the home of construction workers and even a small police force.

All permits and transportation are included but lunch isn’t.

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3. 2-Day Tour to Chernobyl and Pripyat

This two-day tour is a great option for those who’ve got the free time and would like to get a thorough look into the area’s troubled past.

In addition to round trip transportation to and from your accommodations in Kiev, the tour includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay at a hotel in Slavutych.

You’ll visit the Chernobyl Power Plant for an exclusive behind the scenes look at the facilities, and hear a first-hand account that will describe how things went so tragically wrong so quickly in 1986.

The tour price includes all the fees and permits necessary to visit the sites as well.

4. Private Guided Tour of Kiev Pechersk Lavra

The Kiev Pechersk Lavra Monastery Complex is one of Ukraine’s most iconic and historically significant sites, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The grounds include a church and bell tower that offers visitors who are willing to climb a few stairs the most panoramic and unobstructed views of the surrounding town.

After you’ve had your fill of the world above ground, you’ll have the opportunity to descend into the site’s subterranean cave complex that has a fascinating history in addition to its geological beauty.

This tour is pleasant and a convenient change of pace from the somber atmosphere of Chernobyl.

5. Day Trip to Chernobyl Zone and Pripyat with Lunch

Considered by many to be one of the greatest ecological disasters in the history of the world, the Ukrainian city of Pripyat and the nearby Chernobyl Power Plant are still popular destinations for brave visitors interested in experiencing a fascinating voyage into the past.

At one time during the Soviet reign, the city and plant were considered models of order and efficiency, but that all ended in 1986 when things went terribly wrong.

The full-day trip includes all transportation, and stops at the area’s most significant sites. You’ll get in-depth historical background from your professional local guide all along the way.

6. Chernobyl Tour from Kiev

From your hotel in Kiev, you’ll be transported to the Dytyatky Checkpoint, where you’ll receive a brief safety orientation. From there, you’ll head to the site’s famous exclusion zones to tour the facilities which were the disaster’s epicenters back in 1986.

Visits to Pripyat and Kopachi Village are included; though they’re nearly abandoned now, you’ll see and explore a crumbling kindergarten, hospital, and Soviet-era movie theater that are now overrun with weeds and animals that have recolonized the area.

Before heading back to Kiev after lunch, you’ll see an old Soviet radar station and pass through the mandatory radiation control facility.

7. Private City Tour of Lviv

The quaint and historic town of Lviv is one of Ukraine’s gems, and is best visited with a local guide who knows the places you’ll want to see.

The town’s most prominent attractions are the Gothic Latin Cathedral, Golden Rosa Synagogue, and High Castle Hill, which sits on a bluff overlooking the town.

The town’s old-world charm and architecture are a pleasant contrast to the stark and macabre scene at Chernobyl. The tour includes stops at the Lviv Opera house, a military academy, and an army museum that’s full of interesting artifacts, exhibits, uniforms and weapons from decades past.

8. Two-Day Group Tour to Chernobyl

Group tours are great ways to meet interesting travelers from all over the world. This two-day group tour to Chernobyl from Kiev is all-inclusive, which means you won’t have to worry about all the annoying details like lodging and transportation.

Day one includes a guided tour of the power plant and surrounding towns, and after a pleasant night in a local hotel, the tour will have a variety of options to choose from, which will determine what’s included on day two.

Two-day tours offer a more relaxed and customizable itinerary than one-day tours, so take advantage of it.

9. Shooting Gun Range in Kiev

Shooting guns is a lot of fun, and when you’ve got access to high-powered military-grade weapons that are usually off limits to all but professionals, it’s an even more exhilarating experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned gun lover or not, before sending bullets down range, you’ll get a thorough safety briefing from a professional; you’ll even have a few packages to choose from.

You’ll get all the safety gear you’ll need, like ear and eye protection. Previous guests have commented that it was one of the most memorable and exciting things they did while in Kiev, so don’t miss out.

10. Chernobyl Power Plant and Pripyat 2-Day Tour

In 1986, a massive fire sparked a chain reaction that would lead to the world’s greatest nuclear disaster. Though some say that title now goes to the Fukushima facility in Japan, visiting the Chernobyl Power Plant is one of the most poignant things most previous guests have ever experienced.

You’ll go near the control room and reactor on this two-day tour and will spend the first evening in a comfortable hotel in the nearby town of Slavutych.

The tour includes round-trip transportation to and from Kiev, lodging and meals as itemized on the itinerary, making it a convenient package.

11. Kiev Nighttime Private Tour

Kiev is a beautiful capital city that’s full of history and distinct architecture, drawing visitors from all over the world.

For those hearty travelers who want to experience the city from a unique perspective, this private nighttime tour would be a great way to do just that.

The tour includes a private guide and is limited in size, so guests will get a more intimate and personalized experience than they would with a mega-tour.

Stops include the Lacra Monastery, Paton Bridge, and other significant sites that are breathtaking when illuminated at night. Tours are customizable so you can see and do the things that interest you.

12. Ultimate 2-Day Chernobyl Tour from Kiev

The Chernobyl disaster is one that’s been cloaked in myth, legend and misinformation since that fateful day in 1986.

Though accounts can vary widely, seeing the facility and nearby towns with an experienced local guide will shine new light on the whole thing. This two-day tour gives guests an opportunity to delve into the region’s perplexing past in a way that few others will.

You’ll visit the Chernobyl exclusion zone, the town of Pripyat, and the reactor that malfunctioned causing a fire that sparked the whole incident. Unlike many tours, you’ll meet locals who will give first-hand accounts on how things played out more than 30 years ago.

13. Kiev Key Attractions Private Sightseeing Tour

With so much focus on ecological disasters and human tragedy, taking a short break from the Chernobyl disaster might be a good idea while visiting the Kiev area.

Ukraine’s most scenic city is full of wonderful sites that are best seen with a guide, and it’s possible to see all the hotspots in one day.

This private tour is a great option for those with limited time who’d rather sit back, relax, and let someone else handle all the pesky details.

The capital city is full of museums, cathedrals, galleries, historic areas and great restaurants, so don’t hesitate to tell your guide the things that you’re most interested in seeing.

14. All-Inclusive 2-Day Group Tour to Chernobyl from Kiev

This all-inclusive two-day tour from Kiev is the perfect option for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the fascinating – if ecologically depressing – event that occurred in Chernobyl more than 30 years ago.

Upon arriving at the site, guests will watch a historical documentary and learn about safety regulations while visiting the exclusion zones.

The procedures at Dityatki checkpoint can seem a bit spooky, but it’s all just precautionary. After that, guests will be taken to the largely abandoned city and village located near the power plant.

It’s a fascinating snapshot of an era that came to an abrupt end, and includes museums, schools and other Soviet-era buildings that have fallen into disrepair over the last few decades.

15. Full-Day Tour to Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

The Ukrainians are fiercely independent people. This tour is run by pleasant but outspoken guides who want to get the true story out as it relates to the Chernobyl disaster and the conditions that existed under Soviet rule.

The tour begins and ends in Kiev and lasts a full day, giving guests a unique view into the country’s past.

Your local guide will speak English and will be able to give you and your fellow travelers unique, first-hand accounts that are both intriguing and surprising.

This tour is great value for those with two days to dedicate to exploring the area.

15 Best Chernobyl Tours:

• Private tour in Chernobyl
• 1-Day Group Tour to Chernobyl from Kiev
• 2-Day Tour to Chernobyl and Pripyat
• Private Guided Tour of Kiev Pechersk Lavra
• Day Trip to Chernobyl Zone and Pripyat with Lunch
• Chernobyl Tour from Kiev
• Private City Tour of Lviv
• Two-Day Group Tour to Chernobyl
• Shooting Gun Range in Kiev
• Chernobyl Power Plant and Pripyat 2-Day Tour
• Kiev Nighttime Private Tour
• Ultimate 2-Day Chernobyl Tour from Kiev
• Kiev Key Attractions Private Sightseeing Tour
• All-Inclusive 2-Day Group Tour to Chernobyl from Kiev
• Full-Day Tour to Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

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While on the tour, you are expected – well rather required – to obey a set of simple but important tour rules. They relate to smoking, alcohol consumption, possessing things, food and drinks, do's and don'ts, etc. It's not like we want to make you uncomfortable. Ironclad safety of the zone visitors is always our primary goal. Please remember the Chernobyl tour is nothing like your regular river boat excursion. It is a really unique experience. The more carefully you follow the rules above, the safer you will be at the end of the day. So, thank you for your understanding and here you go: Identification You have to bring your passport / travel document / photo ID with you to the tour and have it on you for the entire duration of the tour .Otherwise you will not be permitted to enter the Chernobyl Zone. Make sure it is the same ID you have used for your tour booking purposes. Dress code There is a dress code in effect designed with your safety in mind. The bottom line of it is that all the parts of your body have to be properly covered at all times. In other words, you have to wear pants (no shorts or skirts), a long-sleeve shirt/top (no short-sleeve shirt or tees), closed-type footwear (no sandals, flip-flops, etc), and a cap to cover your head. Failure to comply with this code will result in your non-admission to the tour. Please be smart with the selection of your clothing and footwear. You should keep in mind that this tour is an outdoor activity happening on a pretty ragged terrain - stones, building debris, broken glass, etc. Be especially thoughtful during the cold/wet part of the year (October through April). Snow (sometimes deep, sometimes slushy), cold and wind (sometimes bitter), and rain (sometimes freezing) will be your outdoor reality. Light running shoes will definitely not cut it. A pair of good WINTER BOOTS or at least heavy hiking footwear is rather a must! Dry spare footwear and pants might prove very useful too. Especially for those booked for 2- or more-day events. Alcohol / Intoxication zero-tolerance Those who have been drinking alcohol immediately before the tour or being under influence of other intoxication, will not be permitted on the tour. Consuming alcohol during the tour as well as bringing it into the Zone is prohibited. Weapon regulations Firearms, fireworks, explosives, or cold weapons are not permitted on the tour. Failure to comply may result in criminal prosecution according to the laws of Ukraine. Smoking Visitors are not allowed to smoke tobacco (or anything else) in the open air. Meals and water Visitors are not allowed to have meals in the open air. You are not allowed to use or drink water from open water sources (lakes, wells, rivers, etc.) Seeing is ok, touching is NOT ok Touching of objects, structures, vegetation, or the ground is not permitted. Sitting on the ground is also not permitted. Photography / Video Taking pictures and shooting video IS permitted. However, you have to be very careful and avoid placing your photo/video equipment on the ground. Take-away zero-tolerance Taking items away from within the Zone is considered a serious violation of the tour regulations. Your tour guide At all times while within the Zone, you will be accompanied and guided by a certified tour guide who works for the Zone administration. It is essential that you strictly follow all the verbal instructions, recommendations, and suggestions. Drinks and snacks Feel free to bring your favorite snacks and non-alcoholic drinks with you - this stuff is allowed. We actually think that this is a very good idea. Lunch - for those who have this option included in their deal - is served rather late in the day (at around 2 pm or even 3 pm). So your snacks and drinks will help you reach this point comfortably, without being disturbed by those constant nagging hunger and thirst signals sent to your brain. Also good to know: Make sure you have a travel medical (emergency) insurance covering you for the entire duration of your trip to Ukraine. First of all, it’s just smart to have one when traveling - regardless of the country you are going to. Secondly, you can be asked to show a proof of insurance by the border officer at your port of entry to Ukraine or by the security/police officer at the Chernobyl zone entry check-point. You can present it in one of these forms: a wallet size insurance card, printed or electronic (on your smart phone) copy of the insurance agreement, email confirmation from your insurance company, etc - just be prepared to show something relevant on a request. If you already have an insurance policy, make sure, it will cover you specifically in Ukraine, a non EU-country.

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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Chernobyl Tour with Gift

2. One-day Tour to Chernobyl Zone from Kyiv

3. Chernobyl and Pripyat ALL INCLUSIVE 2 Day Tour

4. Full-Day Private Tour to Chernobyl and Pripyat Town from Kyiv

5. Individual tour to the Chernobyl Zone from Kyiv

6. Private Tour inside Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant

7. 1 Day Chernobyl Tour including Body Contamination Scan

8. Two-day group Tour to the Chernobyl Zone from Kyiv

9. Full-Day Private Chernobyl and Pripyat Tour from Kiev

10. Group Tour to Chernobyl and Pripyat

11. Full-Day Guided Tour of Chernobyl from Kiev

12. Chernobyl HBO full-day tour − filming locations and real experience

13. Chernobyl Exclusion Zone 2-day tour

14. Private one day tour to Chernobyl Zone of Exclusion with Lunch

15. Private Tour to Chernobyl from Kiev with Lunch

16. Two-day exclusive tour to Chernobyl and Pripyat

17. Private Tour: 2-Day Tour to Chernobyl and Pripyat from Kiev

18. Private tour to Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

19. Chernobyl LIVE-stream

20. Chernobyl Exclusion Zone 1-day tour

21. 2-days Group Tour To The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

22. Shared Group Tour To Chernobyl From Kyiv

23. 3-Day Tour of Chernobyl from Kiev

24. Private 2-Day Abandoned Places Tour in the Chernobyl Zone

25. Safe Visit to Chernobyl | One-day Chernobyl Group Tour |

26. One day group tour to Chernobyl Zone of Exclusion

27. Private Day Tour To Infamous Exclusion Zone "Chernobyl"

28. Private Tour of Chernobyl from Kiev on Luxirious Minibus

29. Private Full-Day Chernobyl Zone Urbexing with Hotel Pick Up

Chernobyl virtual tour 3D online

Chernobyl Fallout Zone 3D Online Tour

There are many places of interest on our planet that are worth visiting but most of them are something that you may see somewhere else. The exception is the Seven Wonders of the world — these artifacts are the only of their kind. But there is a unique spot on Earth that can be truly considered as the world-beater still unrivaled despite the notoriety of its origin. Furthermore — it is popular precisely because its origin is a nuclear disaster that can only be compared with a nuclear strike on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Seven Wonders of the world are something that had been created on purpose, whereas in contrast the appearance of this Exclusion Zone was brought about by a tremendous accident when the 4th power generating unit of nuclear power plant exploded and contaminated environmental surroundings making them unfit for human habitation.

Time went by and almost the whole exclusion territory has become suitable for visiting again in fact you are equipped accordingly and have experienced guides with you since some patches are still hazardous to visit. Still, there are many reasons why some of us are reluctant to visit this Zone in reality and prefer to choose a virtual tour to Chernobyl instead of stalking along those paths that were blazed by local guides. Many of us are circumspect and wary to visit places with still remaining excessive background radiation, some of us just don’t have time or an opportunity to visit Chernobyl in person but still have the desire to do it. For these cases, we are glad to introduce our 3D tour within the Exclusion Zone. Mysteries of abandoned infrastructure can be discovered by you sitting in a comfortable armchair instead of bothering yourself with everything referred to the actual visiting. Of course, it cannot be compared with a real wandering but still you will get a general idea and overall perspective of everything located there but without our guides’ support and commentaries.

Chernobyl Virtual Tour — Main Landmarks

Our 3D tour includes almost every landmark that can be visited in reality. Let’s revisit the most popular of them:

Desolated town Pripyat without any resident living in it. Entrance to buildings is prohibited out of safety concerns.

The Red Forest overwhelmed with nuclear contamination afflicted by the explosion of the 4th electric generating set.

Deserted school and kindergarten.

Pripyat's observation wheel, that has never been used.

Swimming pool.

Sunken jetty.

Cinema “Prometheus”.

City council that took on the role of the first emergency reception center.

Hotel “Polissya” that was used as a vantage point for helicopter operations.

Chernobyl nuclear power plant with a monument near an administration building.

Arch-shaped confinement that covered the Shelter object.

The monument “To Those Who Saved the World”.

Where to Buy the Best Chernobyl Tour

Our company welcomes you to visit Chernobyl and Pripyat in reality without any danger for you. To make it all safe and sound there are some requirements for clothes, footgear, equipment and your behavior within the restricted area. Hard-and-fast adherence to the rules demanded by our stalkers will make your journey in the world of apocalypses smooth, easy, and never forgettable.

One of the opportunities that we may offer is the possibility to go to Chernobyl for free. All you need to do is very common — you need to muster a squad of teammates, no less than 4 persons who are ready to roam this Zone and take them with you. In this case, your travel is totally free of charge. Another feature that makes us a preferable option is that you will have a discount in the amount of 17% from the whole volume of payment. To achieve this option you should order a tour one month prior to the date of your trip with a complete prepayment that takes into account the discount of 17%. Besides, if you find an authorized tour to the Exclusion Zone that costs less than our offer then we will gladly refund you 110% of such a difference in payment.

Welcome to Chernobyl and Pripyat bravehearts!

• Free tickets TO THE NATIONAL CHERNOBYL MUSEUM
• Book your trip 30 days in advance and get 17% discount!

COMPLETE THE SIMPLE FORM

and get a chance to get a free ticket to «CHERNOBYL» national museum

Go2chernobyl.com team is 100% sure we provide you with high-quality service.

We are the only company guaranteeing a tour to Chernobyl and Pripyat to our clients.

Gather your own group and get a chance to visit Chernobyl and Pripyat  for free!

Special offer 4 + 1 = 4.(only for citizens of Ukraine)

How to get to the Zone for free?

You have to gather the company of 4 people.

The fifth person will get a free tour

Special offer! 

17% discount for a one-day group tour to Chernobyl and Pripyat  that is booked 30+ days in advance before the day of the tour.

Private Tour inside Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant

• All taxes, fees and handling charges
• Compulsory insurance
• Professional guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan
• Dosimeter rent (10USD paid locally if required)
• Airport transfer
• Not wheelchair accessible
• ATTENTION! To make your trip successful, while filling out booking application, kindly write your email address and phone number into the "Special requirements" field, so supplier can provide you with all necessary information and tour-details about the trip and to stay in touch in the case of any emergency.
• PLEASE NOTE: Tours booked within 14 days of departure are unlikely to be confirmed.
• Minimum age is 18 years
• It is obligatory to have your passport with you for each participant (and it should be the one that you specified in the application for the trip! Please check information you have sent to us thoroughly - it is required to send the full name, passport number, date of birth (dd\mm\yyyy) and citizenship per EACH PARTICIPANT. Any mistake in passport data may be a reason not to let you pass passport control at checkpoint successfully)
• Dress code is long sleeves (jacket, shirt), pants(no skirts!), closed comfortable shoes
• The Rules of stay in the Zone prohibit: - eating, drinking and smoking in open air; - touching buildings, trees, plants; - gathering and eating mushrooms, berries, fruit and nuts in forests and gardens of the abandoned settlements - sitting on the ground - putting photo and video cameras, bags, backpacks and other personal belongings on the ground. Persons under alcoholic/drug intoxication are not allowed to take a trip to the Zone.
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Most travelers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

Similar experiences

• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Dytyatky Stop: 30 minutes See details
• 2 Chernobyl Stop: 40 minutes See details
• 3 Pryp'yat' Stop: 2 hours See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• E8542JPjeremyk 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles disaster didn't have a hotel in Chornobyl, had to walk 8 miles to the bus because you couldn't rent a car it was a complete disaster.🧨 Read more Written February 7, 2024
• M121HErogerb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome Very well organised trip lasting 2 days a excellent guide and enjoyable experience ! Put it on your bucket list a must do while you still can 👍 Read more Written March 13, 2023
• Jrgb123 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Chernobyl Great experience, I couldn't recommend it more! Make sure you watch the HBO mini series before you go. Read more Written September 29, 2022
• tithodonadio 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Interesting Goods guides and sharp time. A little be expensive and the food for the lunch was regular. But we had a good time. Read more Written June 2, 2022
• dinoq731 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly professional! The whole trip was planned in a very professional way. Vicky was a great guide and her knowledge unlimited. Besides that we felt safe every minute. I will highly recommend your company back home. Thanks for an unforgettable trip! Read more Written February 18, 2022
• U3412JSmatthewv 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Unmissable experience Fascinating tour covering numerous sites around the exclusion zone. Oksana was a great guide, hugely knowledgeable and able to answer any questions. Sadly can't remember the other guides name who was a trainee but he was also very passionate about the subject and was good company on the tour. Top job from the driver getting us there and back in good time and had an eagle eye for the wildlife in the forests, stopping the minibus so we could see the foxes and wild horses just off the road. If you're visiting Kyiv this is a must see, the things you see and hear about will stay with you long after the tour Read more Written February 9, 2022
• PCO909 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best tour of my life This was without a doubt the best tour I have ever been on! Our main guide Vicki was incredible - the quantity and quality of the information she gave us was out of this world, and she anwered every single question effortlessly. our secondary guide (I think his name was Dan) was fantastic too. From start to finish the experience was top class. The bus was modern and comfortable, communication from the admin staff was great, and I felt that our guide and the zone officials took the safety of all visitors very seriously - both from the threat of radiation and the threat posed by abandoned buildings etc. 10/10, I would recommend this tour without hesitation. Read more Written February 8, 2022
• Marcwez 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Beyond expectations! I found this company online three years ago and decided then we wanted to do a two day trip, but due to illness and then covid restrictions we've only just made our visit. We arranged for a pickup from where we were staying (this cost 12us$) as it would save us an hour of messing around in the morning. There was only 6 people on our tour which filled up the minibus, (however I was surprised that given the current restrictions neither the driver, guide or 2 of the people on the tour didn't have or use a mask at anytime in the vehicle) The drive from Kiev to the first checkpoint was just over 1.5hours, a few minutes to sort out the paperwork whilst we got a hot drink and a quick look at the souvenirs and we were in! In the following 2 days we saw so much, villages, vehicles, buildings, towns, reactors, duga radar etc and walked a huge amount (be prepared for a lot of walking!) We couldn't leave the sight of our guide at any time or go into any of the buildings as they are far too dangerous to enter nowadays. Our guide had an excellent knowledge of Chernobyl, Pyripat and the surrounding areas and could answer any questions he was asked in perfect English. We stayed the night in a small hotel in Chernobyl, this was basic but adequate for the night, we also had the food option, this was all local, traditional dishes which were plentiful and very tasty! We didn't go hungry. Overall I was both shocked and surprised by the degradation of the buildings and the sheer amount of trees now growing. It was nice and cold with snow when we visited, this gave us an excellent view of everything. To be honest if you visited any time between when the leaves start to grow and until they have all fallen you wouldn't be able to see much at all ,it would almost be like walking in a forest! Overall this tour exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it, and for those who are worried about radiation, your flight to Kiev would expose you to more radiation than 2 days wandering around these areas. Read more Written February 6, 2022
• IrishMurph182 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Made so much better by Daria our guide. Amazing place, a time capsule of the ussr, the widlife along the way thr statues the hidden military base and both chernobyl and pripyat are a must see, Daria our tour guide made the trip fantastic. Read more Written February 3, 2022
• angele664 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Great experience from chernobyl-tour.com. The guide Vicky was excellent and was explaining perfectly, they were also fast to reply in emails and did all the organization greatly. Read more Written January 25, 2022
• heldohnegeld 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Nice tour to see all the highlights We had a very nice guide an felt very safe. It was a nice tour, we saw all the highlights. The winter is a good season to travel to Chernobyl, because then you can see more. Prypiat looks a bit like a forest after all these years. In winter you probably see more. Read more Written January 24, 2022
• shoryus 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles One day trip to Chernobyl. Our guide Tania and driver, Alexandria, were amazingly nice. I really enjoyed the trip and had a wonderful time in Chernobyl. I highly recommend Solo East to everyone who want to visit Chernobyl for a day trip. Read more Written January 24, 2022
• N4833GVtimb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour well organised and informative Excellent tour, well organised and the guide was very informative. The meeting place is marked on Google maps for anyone trying to work out where the bus is parked. Pripyat looked great in the snow but I wonder how different it would look in the summer - maybe another trip is on the cards. The tour didn’t feel rushed but we were told we would be back in Kyiv by 7 but actually we arrived two hours earlier. Hopefully didn’t miss out on anything but the tour wasn’t as long as advertised. Apart from that a great day out. Read more Written January 21, 2022
• Navigate48905324620 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience - thank you The tour was brilliant - we have seen everything that we wanted. I would like to thank to our great guide Daria. She has provide us with very interesting information and we were never bored. For me it was a lifetime experience and hopefully I will come back again, probably for more days, but definitely with this company! Thanks a lot Read more Written January 19, 2022
• ozdess9 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience and organized tour Spent a great day that was filled with learning, professionalism, safety and wonder. Our guide, Oksana, was wonderful and made the day interesting, fun and informative. Never had a concern for safety and the price easily was worth it. Highly recommend this if in the area. Read more Written January 15, 2022

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Private Tour inside Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant provided by CHERNOBYL TOUR