guided tours chernobyl

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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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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

Chernobyl tour reviews

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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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Private Ignalina Tour from Vilnius

Dark japan 10 day tour, namibia 7 days tour, stalin’s private tour from tbilisi, ultimate iceland 6 day tour.

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

ALL WITH A 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

Underground iceland day tour.

• Experienced English Guide
• Free rebooking or flexible cancelation
• Tailored Program, Your Pace, Your Guide, No go places

Namibia 4 days tour

Tito’s croatia private tour from zagreb, hidden albania private tour, the ghost of communism bulgaria private tour from sofia.

• 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

Fukushima Private Tour

• 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

Chernobyl 2 day tour

• 100% Money Back Guarantee, No Rebooking Fees and Cancelation anytime
• 3 Times More Sites Than on a One Day Chernobyl Tour
• Choose from 7 Languages

Chernobyl Tour

• 100% Money Back Guarantee, Free rebooking or Cancelation anytime
• Ride in historical Volga car, dress in Soviet uniforms, Liquidators costumes

Chernobyl Private tour

"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

MEDIA ABOUT US

Sustainable tour, your tour 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, xtours 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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Full-Day Chernobyl and Pripyat Tour with Real Chernobyl Heroes

• Visit a place that most foreign tourists miss
• Get an in-depth look at Communist Pripyat
• Travel comfortably in round-trip transportation
• Have a typical Ukrainian lunch at a local restaurant
• All taxes, fees and handling charges
• All activities
• Driver/guide
• Live commentary on board
• Professional guide
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan
• Entry/Admission - ChernobylX
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Sicheslavska St, 1, Kyiv, Ukraine, 02000 Departure Point: KFC Restaurant - Kyiv Central Railway station Address: 1 Polzunova str. Kyiv, Ukraine Directions: Red metro line to VOKZALNA and use the subway to South Kyiv Central Railway Station Return point: 1 Polzunova str. Kyiv, Ukraine
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Minimum age is 18 years
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
• Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• In the Chernobyl Zone it is forbidden to: • Carry any kind of weapons • Drink liquors or take drugs • Have meal and smoke in the open air • Touch any structures or vegetation • Sit or place photo and video equipment on the ground • Take any items outside the zone • Violate dress code (open-type shoes, shorts, trousers, skirts) • Gather, use and bring vegetable and cattle breeding products (vegetables, fruits, berries, mushrooms, plants, fish etc.), which were cultivated on the area of the exclusion zone • Bring in and bring out any animals (dogs, cats etc) • Drink water from wells, rivers and other open water sources. It is allowed to use water only from Chernobyl water supply system or water from stores
• Leaving the Chernobyl Zone it is necessary to: • Pass compulsory radiation control of clothes, foot wear, personal items • Pass compulsory radiation control of transport If contamination exceeds the established control levels, personal clothes, foot wear, and items are subject to decontamination
• Most travelers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• bitcoincolby 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles worth every penny Solo private tour with Constantine, highly recommend him. I've wanted to visit Chernobyl for most of my life. 10/10 Read more Written January 29, 2022
• Xavialf 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A very great experience ! We really enjoyed the two day tour of Chernobyl. We wanted to do a private tour because I was very interested in seeing and learning about things far from the tourist circuit ... and, the truth is, it was very worth it. Everything is very well organized and our guide (Lara) attended to all our requests about the places that we were most interested in seeing and was very patient with our level of English, which is not too academic ... Everything was very well organized from the beginning to the end ... The trip, the meals, the breakfast, the hotel ... And the guide knows very well all the intricacies of the area. We left feeling that it had been a great experience and a great investment. Thank you Lara and thank you ChernobylWel.com Read more Written December 1, 2021
• balladbd97 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Unforgettable day in Chernobyl We went on a one day tour of Chernobyl and Pripyat. The organizing was top notch, it was very punctual. Our guide was cute, friendly and informative. Our group was pretty small and I didn't feel we are rushed, we had time to take our pictures and also get information about the past. It was just sad we had to leave pretty early as it was getting dark at 4pm. However, I will definitely be back to Chernobyl with a 2 or maybe even more days tour and I will definitely choose Chernobyl X. They are passionate professionals. Thanks for making my dream come true by visiting Chernobyl.🤗 Read more Written November 30, 2021
• deather65 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Private 2 day Tour, duga radar, Pripyat and powerplant We had an amazing private 2 day Tour. Our guide, Maryna, was very helpful throughout the whole tour and had a lot of knowledge about the history and current situation about the whole area. She showed us all of our desired destination and the private tour was very flexible and accounted all our wishes. We stayed at the Desiatka hotel. All in all it was a great experience! We were really pleasantly surprised about the comfort and especially the quality of the food! There was even free wifi in the hotel. There were always enough safety measures in place. We all had dosimeter and Geiger counter. The many radiation level measurements throughout the day made the whole experience really comfortable. Our guide was always very helpful and even helped with photographs, which made for some very amazing pictures. The drive from our hotel to the zone and from destination to destination, was really comfortable thanks to our driver. There were zero waiting times thanks to our private tour. Also a big plus of the private tour was the ability to basically stop everywhere and whenever we wanted. Which was really handy because of the many wild animals. On the second day we booked the power plant tour! It was a very interesting tour, with lots of interesting photo spots. The food at the cafeteria was good and there were even vegetarian options. A little tip, if you like dogs, definitely take some kind of treats into the zone. There are lots of really friendly dogs. All in all it was a once in a lifetime opportunity! Again a big thanks to our guide Maryna and our driver Aleks for this wonderful experience! Read more Written November 22, 2021
• burncokemeltrocks 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Time and Money well spent Great company. I've been on 4 or 5 tours with Chernobyl wel.com (now Chernobyl X) over the past 4 years. The guides and transportation from them have always been on point. There haven't been any negatives associated with them. Communication was easy. Lara and Alexey were right on time in front of our apartment to pick us up for our 2 day private control room tour. Read more Written November 15, 2021
• sc11884 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Private day tour with ChNPP I did the 1 day tour form Kiev which included the ChNPP because, let's face it, there is no point only going around the empty city. As there weren't other people, I had to book tje private tour which is very expensive. I was picked up at the hotel right before 7am and didn't come back until 7:30pm, so it was a long day. The majority of the tour is the Power Plant, you spend 5-6 hours there, including lunch at the canteen where the employees also go. As I finished with the PP tour at 4pm, there wasn't a lot of time to go around Chernobyl or other places, so the second part had to be rushed. We managed to see a lot of other places before it became dark at least, but, unlike others, I didn't go inside any building because the guide said it is illegal to do so. Although everyone else does it. The ChNPP was fantastic and the guide (who is an employee fo the PP) was really, really good. You even get to change in special clothes and wear a mask to go into the most contaminated reas. I had 3 dosemeters the whole time and, it seems, the dose of radiation at the end of the whole tour was really low. We even got to see the reactor pumps up close and we got to walk on the reactor hall. I would say there is no point goign into te exclusion zone without going inside the power plant as well. Yes, you go into the control room 4 (with masks and gloves on) which is the room where the accident happened in 1986. There are a lot of radiation checks (3 after the PP, and 2 more before going home) and a LOT of paperwork for the power plant employee and also A LOT of checks, cinluding being processed in and out of the PP which, itself, is a long process. It was only 9 of us (you join a separate group) and still took a while to go through all those checks, so I can't imagine going there with more people. Overall an amazing experience at the ChNPP and highly recommended. Read more Written September 26, 2021
• tomaszsR4443KZ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Safe and breath taking Great experience with very professional guide - Julia. Totaly safe and lot of interesting informations. My group were a very nice people from all over the Europe. The best part for me was visiting Prypec town. It looked like after the end of cyvilization. Read more Written September 10, 2021
• AdrianoSobralMozardo 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience! I strongly recommend the ChernobylX tours. I booked two days because all the blogs I read, suggested the 2 days tour as the experience will be more complete and probably this is not a trip that you will do frequently, so 2 days is a better option. We were in 6 tourists, a driver and the tour guide, however I think this number can increase depends on the season. The tour started in Kiev, about 2 hour long to nuclear zone check point, where during this route we watch a documentary, similar to discovery channel documentaries. About ChernobylX, I had only good impressions. They were very kind and give attention to all the emails I sent asking about the tour. They pay attetion to all details that can improve your experience. The tour covered all the famoust spot. The car is safe and clean. The food is delicious (Ukrainian food, but you can inform any restriction you have. It includes the lunch, dinner, breakfast and 2nd day lunch). The hotel we stayed was also very good (I think there are not many hotels option to stay there). And finally, I would like to congrats our tour guide called Lara, she let us confortable to appreciate the points in our time, carried about our safety, showed knowledge about the history and was really very nice and kind to us all the time. To conclude, to visit Chernobyl/Pripyat is an amazing experience and definetly ChernobylX Tour contributed to it. Read more Written August 28, 2021
• TomFloodgate 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE Once in a lifetime experience! As part of a tour organised through UEA History Society, we went to one of the most historic places around today! The tour guides expertise was second-to-none and their safety measures reassured us the entire time. Amazing experience - I cannot wait to come back and do the experience again. Read more Written March 5, 2021
• 624romainh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A nice visit of a not-so-nice place A very enriching visit, I've learnt a lot about this historic disaster thanks to Julia M, our tour guide for this visit. I wish I could stay a bit longer to go more in-depth about what the people who lived here went through during this terrible event, although the one-day visit was enough to understand some of the basics of life in Pripyat before the tragedy. Read more Written August 7, 2020
• StefanieKK 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Chernobyl Online 2.0 Had a very interesting and informative lecture with the lovely #CW_online Helga today. She talked about the fires around Chernobyl, about the reasons, the changes those fires caused and the possible outcome for the future. If you have the chance to take such a lecture with her, please do. It's great. Read more Written May 1, 2020
• psmitty317 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Incredible bucket list experience w/ amazing guide I traveled to Chernobyl in Dec 2019. I was initially booked on a tour through a different provider but I was the only one booked with them so they outsourced me to chernobylwel.come. What a blessing it turned out to be. All logistics and communication was an absolute breeze, particularly since my tour operator switched last minute. Pickup and drop off back in Kyiv was central and seamless. Visiting Chernobyl and Pripyat has been a bucket list item for me since before it was opened up in 2011 to outside tourists, and NOTHING about it disappointed me or fell short of my hefty expectations. I was fortunate to have a relatively small group (6ppl) for the 2-day tour and out guide, Natasha, was absolutely fantastic. She was incredibly thoughtful and thorough on everything related to our experience. Her English was great and she went above & beyond for our group to get the most out of our experience. Very appreciative for chernobylwel.come and Natasha for everything they did to make my journey out there memorable. Till next time! Read more Written March 30, 2020
• ErinMTravel 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Once in a lifetime We did this tour in early March and it was fantastic! Our tour guide was Alex and I can’t say enough about how fantastic he was! He showed us all around the exclusion zone in detail. We spent multiple hours walking around Pripyat, during which he was very helpful in explaining to us what we were seeing and the history behind it. I’m not sure how he did it, but he managed to keep us away from other groups almost all the time so it was like we were the only ones there, which definitely added to the experience. The accommodations weren’t anything fancy but after a long day, the bed was a nice place to get some sleep before the power plant tour. The power plant tour was conducted by someone who works in the plant and was truly a once in a lifetime experience. He gave us lots of history and showed us so much. I didn’t think we’d be given as much access as we were. We got to flip AZ-5 in control room 3 and take pictures of so much. One of the last stops on our tour was the Duga Station. I knew nothing about this area going in, but it was one of the most fascinating parts of our experience. Alex was a great guide. He brought personal connections to the experience, gave us plenty of time to explore, and was very helpful with any questions we had. I highly encourage anyone who is looking at a tour to do one of the 2-day options. Two days really allowed us to explore the area in a way that would have felt rushed in just one day. Finally, a note on safety. We felt extremely safe throughout the duration of our tour. At the beginning we were given dosimeters that we wore at all times and collected the total amount of radiation we were exposed to. We were also given handheld Geiger counters which we used throughout the tour to see how radiation levels varies throughout the area (Alex was a great help in showing some of the more radioactive areas). When we went to the power plant we were given another dosimeter to wear in addition to the one given to us at the beginning of our trip. Anytime we went from a more radioactive area to a less radioactive area, we had to pass through checkpoints to make sure that neither we nor our vehicle were contaminated. At the very end, we were able to check our cumulative radiation exposure. We were far below the accepted limit, which was a great way to ease my mind as we finished our journey. If you’re thinking of visiting Chernobyl, do it with this company! Alex was fantastic, I’m sure the other guides are equally great. It’s a once in a lifetime experience. Read more Written March 18, 2020
• 611keithn 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great 2 day tour We did the 2day tour staying in the town of Chernobyl overnight The tour was very good with an informative guide The power plant tour was also very good a great in-site to the workings of the plant The only disappointing part was the tour advertised going to the control bunker in the plant but we didn’t also it would have been good to have seen one of three reactor rooms now the plant is being decommissioned Definitely a great trip Read more Written March 18, 2020
• richardpalmer22 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Chernobyl/Pripyat Tour. Me and a friend went on this 2 day tour at the start of March. We had Alex as a tour guide and he was absolutely brilliant, had really good English, was very knowledgeable about the disaster itself as well other Ukrainian/soviet history. He answered any questions we asked. The tour was brilliant, well organised with WiFi on the bus and pit stops available for food, we were in a group of 8 and we saw everything we wanted too and a lot more. They even provided gifts at the end. The hotel was good for what you can expect with food provided as well as a bar etc. 10/10 would recommend this tour to anyone who is thinking about going to Chernobyl and Pripyat. Read more Written March 15, 2020

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Full-Day Chernobyl and Pripyat Tour with Real Chernobyl Heroes provided by ChernobylX

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 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!

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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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