Can Foreigners Enter Ukraine by Train?

Travelling to Ukraine by train from abroad has become more convenient thanks to international routes connecting the country with European cities. This mode of travel allows you not only to enjoy comfort but also to save time. Find out more about whether foreigners from abroad can travel to Ukraine by train and what alternatives are available for a comfortable journey to Ukraine

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Ukraine is open to foreign tourists and travellers, and although the situation is constantly changing, rail connections with other countries leave many options for those who want to reach Ukraine by train.

In this article, we will look at how foreigners can travel to Ukraine by train, which routes are currently available, how to buy tickets, and what alternatives exist for travellers.

How to plan a trip to Ukraine and whether tourists are welcome in Ukraine — we discussed this in previous articles.

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.

Are there international trains to Ukraine?

Train to Ukraine from abroad: from which countries can you travel to Ukraine by train?

International trains from many European countries to Ukraine are currently available. Trains to Ukraine run regularly from Poland, Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Moldova. You can also get there with transfers from Romania.

International trains run to Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Kharkiv, as well as other cities such as Chernivtsi, Zaporizhia, Mukachevo, Dnipro, and Chop. Transport links are developing, and new convenient routes are appearing every year.

When are Ukrzaliznytsia tickets cheapest and the main secrets of saving money for passengers — follow the link.

Current schedule of international trains to Ukraine and main routes

The main railway routes from abroad to Ukraine today are:

– Poland: Warsaw - Kyiv, Chełm - Kyiv, Chełm - Kharkiv, Chełm - Dnipro, Przemyśl - Kyiv, Przemyśl - Kharkiv, Przemyśl - Zaporizhia, Przemyśl - Odesa.

– Austria: Vienna - Kyiv, Vienna - Chop.

– Hungary: Budapest - Kyiv, Zahony - Chop, Debrecen - Mukachevo.

– Czech Republic: Prague - Kyiv, train of the Czech carrier Regiojet Prague - Chop.

– Slovakia: Košice - Mukachevo.

– Moldova: Chisinau - Kyiv.

You can find a detailed schedule of international trains from abroad to Ukraine at the link.

If you cannot find a direct route for your destination or do not have time to buy tickets, there is an alternative!

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can book bus tickets to Ukraine from abroad in just a few minutes.

How to travel to Ukraine by train: how to buy train tickets?

Foreigners can purchase tickets for Ukrzaliznytsia trains via the mobile app or the company's website. However, since August 2025, Ukrzaliznytsia has introduced new verification rules via ‘Dii.Pidpis’. This means that you must go through an identity verification procedure to purchase tickets.

For foreigners who do not have access to ‘Diy’, there are alternatives:

– Purchase a ticket through Ukrainian friends or relatives who can book a ticket on their profile.

– Use the special service from Ukrzaliznytsia for foreigners, which allows you to verify your identity using your passport and mobile phone number.

However, it is important to remember that tickets for certain routes, such as between Kyiv and Lviv or Odesa, can only be purchased online with identity verification.

Detailed information on how foreigners can purchase train tickets to Ukraine can be found here:

– How to purchase UZ tickets for foreigners and those who do not have Diia?

– Verification via Diia.Signature for purchasing Ukrzaliznytsia tickets: which trains are subject to the requirement from 1 August?

– How to purchase Ukrzaliznytsia tickets for international routes?

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What are the alternatives if there are no trains to Ukraine?

Buses from neighbouring countries — faster and more flexible

If there is no direct train to your destination, buses are a fast and flexible way to get to Ukraine. Bus routes from Visit Ukraine allow you to book tickets for buses from Europe to various Ukrainian cities, and this may even be a more comfortable option than a train.

Private transfers — a convenient option for a comfortable trip to Ukraine

Transfers from airports or countries bordering Ukraine can be the perfect choice for those who want to avoid the hassle of transfers and large suitcases. This service is available through Visit Ukraine, providing a convenient and reliable way to get to your city without any hassle.

What do you need to enter Ukraine by train or bus?

When travelling to Ukraine, it is important to consider the document requirements and the availability of medical insurance.

In addition to the standard entry documents, such as a foreign passport or visa (depending on your country of origin), foreigners must have insurance covering military risks.

You can purchase such a policy on the Visit Ukraine portal in just a few minutes.

Tips for a smooth border crossing with Ukraine

– The border crossing procedure can be complicated due to controls on both sides. It is important to have all your documents with you and not to violate customs regulations.

– To avoid queues, it is best to travel in the middle of the week or in the morning. Peak demand is observed on weekends and public holidays.

– It is recommended to follow the news and changes in transport schedules through the official websites of Ukrzaliznytsia, which provide up-to-date information on routes, delays and schedule changes.

Despite the difficulties, Ukraine offers many opportunities for foreigners who want to travel by train. Convenient routes, easy ticket purchasing through apps, and alternative transport options make travelling to Ukraine comfortable and affordable.

To make your trip as safe and convenient as possible, use the services of Visit Ukraine.

The Visit Ukraine portal allows you to organise your trip from start to finish: from purchasing bus tickets, renting a car and ordering a transfer to arranging medical insurance covering war risks.

We wish you a pleasant journey!

Reminder! To travel with your pet by train, both abroad and within Ukraine, you need to prepare a number of documents. Everything you need to know about the rules for transporting animals by rail can be found at the link.

Photo: generated using Gemini

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Visit Ukraine Mini Hull Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Osago – compulsory motor third party liability insurance for cars with Ukrainian registration;

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

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

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