Is there a real time machine that you can buy a ticket for right now? This is not fiction – it’s reality! We are talking about a restored retro tram that invites you to journey to Kyiv of the 19th-20th centuries. Simply step inside, and you will immerse yourself in a completely different world, where modern technologies, cars, and constant hustle and bustle do not exist.
Here, there are only old benches, a gentle swaying on the rails, and the shine of brass railings. The tram will transport you to distant stages of Kyiv's history, unveiling the mysteries of the past.
Source: UkraineThis
Which tram became the excited tour guide?
From the first glance at the excursion tram, it is clear that it is not yet ready for retirement. Although The M2-M Tram was produced back in 1892, thanks to the efforts of the masters from Darnytsia Depot of Kyivpastrans, it has been given new life.
Its wheels and chassis have been completely restored, and the interior and facade have been renovated while maintaining authenticity. Now, this famous tram looks as if it has stepped out of old postcards and happily welcomes those eager to travel through time.
The choice of this tram is not random, as on June 13, 1892, the first electric tram in the Russian Empire appeared in Kyiv. Initially, it only ran along the current Volodymyrska Street, but over time its route expanded to include Podil and Pechersk. And just 20 years later, tram tracks covered virtually all of Kyiv and even its suburbs.
This idea to conduct a tour on one of the first electric trams is a tribute to this significant event.
Where does the historical tram head: Kyiv you didn't know
The tour starts from Contract Square, by the “Samson” fountain, which is considered the heart of Podil. Next, the tram glides through historic streets to Taras Shevchenko Square, from where it will turn back. This route was once taken by the oldest tram.
During the journey you will be able to see:
- Podil, once the main trading center of Kyiv;
- Kurenivka, a district with an interesting Cossack past;
- Priorka, which is a blend of urban life and legends.
The trip lasts about 2 hours, and during this time you will learn many stories in motion, while the tram makes stops at the most interesting places so you can feel the spirit of the old city.
What is the cost of traveling by tram?
A ride on the retro tram will cost more than regular public transportation. This is not just transportation – it's a true journey into the past.
A ticket for an adult costs 750 UAH, while for children up to 13 years, it is 700 UAH. Little ones under 6 years travel free. You can choose any seat, as seating is unreserved. This guarantees that you can select the best angle for photographs. You can book the tour on the website https://captain.kiev.ua
What interesting things will the journey offer?
Besides feeling the emotions experienced by the passengers of the first trams, you will hear little-known and captivating facts about the city. Guides offer a not boring story but a real urban storytelling filled with intrigues, unexpected facts, and discoveries.
- How did the city try to launch the so-called “horse trams,” which quickly gave way to electric ones?
- Why did Kyiv earn the title of the first city to launch trams?
- Which buildings in Podil still bear traces of guilds and the magistrate?
- Which functioning depot is considered the oldest?
- What technological disaster changed the face of Kurenivka?
- What is the connection between artificial diamonds, the President of the United States, and ice cream?
This is not just a journey on an ancient mode of transport; it's an engaging tale of Kyiv’s past, the plot of which would make even Netflix envious.
