Crossing the border to Ukraine: what’s faster — train, bus or private transfer?

Are you planning a trip to Ukraine but don't know the fastest and most convenient way to cross the border? In 2025, your choice of transport will affect not only your comfort but also your safety and the time you spend travelling. Find out more about the advantages and disadvantages of travelling by train, bus or private transfer

Insurance with war risk coverage for safe entry and stay in Ukraine

BUY

Travelling to Ukraine in 2025 has its own peculiarities. The war has changed not only the routes but also the process of crossing the border: delays, additional checks and new requirements for foreigners have become a common reality. Therefore, the choice of transport is not just a matter of convenience but an important component of safety and time planning.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at the three most popular ways to enter Ukraine — by train, bus and private transfer — and help you choose the best option for your needs.

By the way, the Visit Ukraine portal offers ticket and transfer booking services, which can significantly reduce the time spent on organising your trip and avoid unnecessary stress.

How many foreigners visited Ukraine in 2024 and what you need to know about military tourism in Ukraine — read more at the links.

Detailed information that will be useful when planning a trip to Ukraine can be found here:

– Travel to Ukraine for tourism.

– Employment in Ukraine.

– Immigration to Ukraine.

– Studying in Ukraine.

– Travelling to Ukraine by car.

– Popular destinations in Ukraine.

– Support Ukraine.

How to enter Ukraine: what to know before crossing the border to Ukraine in 2025?

Before setting off, make sure you have all the necessary documents:

– A foreign passport valid for the entire period of your stay in Ukraine. Citizens of Turkey and Georgia can enter with an ID card.

– A visa (for citizens of countries that do not have a visa-free regime).

– Documents confirming the purpose of your trip: hotel reservation, invitation, tickets to an event or tourist voucher.

– Proof of financial solvency (cash, cards, statements, return tickets).

– Medical insurance policy valid in Ukraine.

Due to the war, border controls remain strict. The busiest crossing points are Shehyni–Medyka, Yagodyn–Dorohusk and Krakivets–Korchova. On busy days, delays can be up to several hours.

It is worth taking out insurance with military coverage, as standard foreign policies are not valid in countries under martial law. You can take out such insurance on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Travel to Ukraine 2025: how convenient is it to get to Ukraine?

Travelling by train: reliable and predictable

Rail connections with Ukraine are considered one of the most stable ways to enter the country.

Some of the most popular and convenient train routes in 2025 remain:

– Warsaw - Kyiv;

– Chełm - Kyiv;

– Przemyśl - Kyiv;

– Vienna - Chop;

– Chisinau - Kyiv;

– Budapest - Mukachevo.

The main advantage is that most passport and customs checks are carried out directly in the carriage, which saves time and reduces stress. Trains offer greater comfort: space, the ability to move around the carriage, toilets and power sockets.

However, it should be noted that:

– in case of heavy passenger traffic, trains may be delayed at border stations;

– tickets must be purchased in advance, especially for destinations from Poland.

Are tourists welcome in Ukraine? We discussed this in our previous article.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Travelling by bus: more routes, but less predictability

Buses are one of the most popular modes of transport for crossing the Ukrainian border. Their advantage is the large number of routes and greater flexibility. Dozens of buses run daily from the EU to Ukraine, and prices are usually lower than for trains.

However, you should be prepared for:

– long queues at border crossings (sometimes 4–12 hours),

– lower comfort levels, especially on long routes,

– unpredictable delays.

If you decide to travel by bus, choose a reputable company with good reviews and buy tickets in advance. You can do this on the Visit Ukraine portal to avoid queues at the ticket office.

Private transfer: speed and comfort without queues

The most convenient and fastest way to cross the border is by private transfer.

Its main advantages are

– The driver picks you up at a convenient location and takes you directly to your destination.

– Minimal time spent crossing the border.

– Comfort, safety and the ability to travel at your own pace.

This option is especially relevant for:

– Families with children.

– Group travel.

– Those arriving in the evening or at night.

Yes, a transfer is more expensive than a bus or train, but the time and stress saved often justify the cost. You can book a convenient transfer from abroad to Ukraine on the Visit Ukraine portal in just a few minutes.

Transfer vs Train vs Bus: Ukraine border crossing 2025

If speed and comfort are important to you, choose a private transfer.

If you want to save money and are willing to spend more time on the road, the train is the right choice for you.

The bus remains the most affordable but also the most unpredictable way to cross the border.

Why is it not worth travelling to Ukraine without insurance?

In 2025, a standard tourist insurance policy may not be enough.

Insurance with war coverage:

– Valid in case of unforeseen situations related to war.

– Guarantees medical assistance even in difficult conditions.

You can purchase this insurance on the Visit Ukraine portal in just a few minutes online.

Travelling to Ukraine?

Plan your trip in advance! Take out medical insurance with war risk coverage, book bus tickets and order private transfers — this will allow you to avoid unpleasant surprises and get to Ukraine safely.

Reminder! Despite the state of war, road trips in Ukraine are attracting more and more foreigners in 2025. Travelling by car allows you to see the real country, but requires caution and a responsible approach. Is it safe to drive in Ukraine during the war? Read here.

Photo: generated using Gemini

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.