Ukraine launches railway to Europe: where you can travel without changing trains

From 12 September 2025, direct passenger trains will begin running from Uzhhorod on European gauge tracks. Ukrainians will now be able to travel to Europe faster and more conveniently, without transfers and with comfortable connections to domestic flights. Find out the schedule and destinations

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From 12 September 2025, Ukrainians will have the long-awaited opportunity to travel to the European Union without transfers thanks to the launch of passenger trains on European gauge tracks. This was reported by Ukrzaliznytsia. The first hub city will be Uzhhorod, from where direct trains will run to Bratislava, Vienna and Budapest. Ticket sales started on 5 September, and demand was high from the very first days.

The launch of the European gauge is part of the large-scale Eurogauge project, which aims to connect Ukraine to the European railway network. It will allow Ukrainians to travel more freely throughout Europe and create new opportunities for tourism, business and cultural exchange.

Schedule of the first routes

In September, several direct routes will start, designed for both tourists and those travelling to Europe on business.

🚆 Uzhhorod — Bratislava (No. 961/618)

▪️ Departure: 8:09 from Uzhhorod

▪️ Arrival: 18:33 to Bratislava

The return train (No. 617/964) will depart from Bratislava at 11:27 and arrive in Uzhhorod at 22:35.

🚆 Uzhhorod — Budapest — Vienna (No. 146)

▪️ Departure: 8:09 from Uzhhorod

▪️ Arrival in Budapest: 14:20

▪️ Arrival in Vienna: 17:20

The return trip (No. 143) will depart from Vienna at 10:42, stop in Budapest at 13:19, and arrive in Uzhhorod at 22:35.

Transfers will become more convenient

The December schedule update will be particularly important. It will ensure connections with Ukrainian domestic trains, including night trains. This means that passengers will be able to:

- depart from Kyiv in the evening;

- arrive in Uzhhorod in the morning;

- immediately continue their journey to Vienna, Bratislava or Budapest without transfers.

This will make European capitals more accessible and the journey itself more comfortable and faster.

The launch of the first routes is just the beginning. Ukrainian and European railways are planning to expand the network: in the future, the European gauge may reach Warsaw, Prague and other major cities in Central Europe.

This is an important step towards Ukraine's full integration into the European transport system, which will make travel more convenient and bring the country closer to the EU not only politically but also physically.

Reminder! From December 2025, cross-border connections between Germany and Poland will increase by 54% — instead of 11 direct trains, there will be 17. Find out more about the changes planned for rail connections between the two countries and how Ukrainians will benefit from them.