Hostomel

Hostomel (Ukrainian: Гостомель) is a city in Kyivska oblast, located approximately 25 km northwest of central Kyiv. With a population of about 16,000, it is best known for Hostomel Airport (also called Antonov Airport), the home of the Antonov aircraft company where the legendary An-225 Mriya — the world's largest aircraft — was based. In February 2022, the airport was the site of a major battle when Russian airborne troops attempted to seize the airfield in an assault on Kyiv. The Mriya was destroyed during the fighting, and the airport remains heavily damaged. Hostomel is a modern town founded in the Soviet era, with a glassmaking plant and a planned residential layout.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Kyiv Zhuliany (IEV), 25 km southeast (30 minutes by taxi). Boryspil (KBP) is 50 km east (1 hour).

By Train

Hostomel does not have a direct railway connection. The nearest station is in Bucha, 5 km south.

By Car / Road

From Kyiv, take the Zhytomyr Highway (M06/E40) west, then the local road north to Hostomel. The journey is about 25 km (30–40 minutes). Buses and marshrutkas run from Kyiv's Sviatoshyn Metro station.

Hostomel is a compact planned town, walkable in the residential areas. The main road connecting the town to Bucha and Kyiv has regular marshrutka services. Taxis via ride-hailing apps are available, with fares of 50–100 UAH within the town. The distance between the residential quarter and the airport is about 3 km — a 30-minute walk or a short taxi ride.

• Hostomel Airport (Antonov Airport) — the site of the 2022 battle. The ruins of the terminal and the destroyed An-225 Mriya hangar are visible from outside the perimeter. Access is restricted.

• Monument to the An-225 Mriya — a memorial near the airport dedicated to the world's largest aircraft.

• St. Michael's Church — a modern Orthodox church built in traditional style.

• Hostomel Glass Factory — one of the town's traditional industries; the factory shop sells glassware.

• Visit the airport viewing area — the roadside near the airport offers a sobering view of the damage from the 2022 battle.

• Day trip to Kyiv — with good bus connections, Hostomel is close to the capital.

• Hostomel Café — Ukrainian cuisine. Mains 80–250 UAH.

A couple of small cafés near the bus stop serve coffee and soft drinks. The local bar scene is non-existent — most nightlife is in Kyiv or Irpin.

• Budget: Basic accommodation in Bucha or Irpin, from 400 UAH.

Hostomel's small market on the main street sells basic groceries and household items. For major shopping, residents go to Kyiv or the Retroville centre in Irpin. The glass factory shop sells locally produced glassware and souvenirs.

• Bucha (5 km south, 10 minutes) — site of the 2022 massacre memorials
• Irpin (8 km southeast, 15 minutes) — the 2022 battle sites
• Vyshhorod (10 km east, 15 minutes) — the Kyiv Sea and the Mezhyhirya Residence
• Kyiv (25 km southeast, 30 minutes) — the capital