How to get from Budapest to Ukraine?

Looking for the most convenient way to get from Budapest to Ukraine? Find out how to travel from Budapest to Kyiv, Lviv or Odesa and choose the most affordable and safest option for your trip

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Budapest, the capital of Hungary, has long been an important transit hub for foreigners and Ukrainians travelling to Ukraine. Given the closed airspace over Ukraine, land routes are the only way to reach the country, and Budapest offers several convenient options.

Regardless of your preferences — whether it's a budget bus, a comfortable train, a private transfer or your own car — it's important to plan your trip from Hungary to Ukraine in advance. Fortunately, there are convenient online services that greatly simplify this process.

On Visit Ukraine, you can quickly find and book tickets online, as well as order a private transfer, making your trip planning as efficient and comfortable as possible.

Learn more about life in Ukraine:

▶ tourism opportunities;

▶ how to get to Ukraine by car;

▶ popular travel destinations;

▶ specifics of employment;

▶ features of education;

▶ immigration procedure to Ukraine;

▶ how you can support Ukraine.

Main options for travelling from Budapest to Ukraine

Bus ‘Budapest – Ukraine’

The bus is one of the most popular and affordable options. Bus tickets from Budapest to Ukraine can be purchased for various destinations, providing convenient connections to major cities.

From Budapest, you can reach Lviv, Kyiv, Odesa, Uzhhorod, and other Ukrainian cities.

The duration of the trip depends on the final destination and the time spent at the border. For example, the journey to Lviv can take from 9 to 12 hours, and to Kyiv – from 15 to 20 hours. Ticket prices start at around €30-40, depending on the carrier and class of comfort.

We discussed where to buy bus tickets to Ukraine in our previous article.

Tickets from Budapest to Ukraine can be easily booked online through the Visit Ukraine system, which allows you to compare offers from different carriers and choose the best option.

Budapest – Ukraine train

Travelling by train is a comfortable and safe option, especially for those who do not like long bus journeys.

The most popular route is the Budapest-Kyiv train (with a change in Zakhon/Chop), as well as to Lviv. International trains offer sleeping cars, which makes the journey more pleasant.

We discussed the most convenient way to cross the Ukrainian border — by bus, train or private transfer — in our previous article.

Rail connections allow you to avoid car queues at the border, which saves a lot of time. Transfers usually take place at border stations such as Zakhon or Chop, where you need to change to a Ukrainian train.

Another advantage of the train is that tickets can be returned/exchanged at the ticket office or online in just a few minutes.

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Individual and group transfers

For those looking for maximum comfort, privacy and safety, individual or group transfers are an excellent solution.

How to choose between a transfer and a taxi – the advantages and disadvantages of both options on the Visit Ukraine portal.

This is an ideal option for tourists with large luggage, family trips or those who want to avoid public transport. The driver will meet you at the specified location and take you directly to your destination in Ukraine.

➤ Transfer from Budapest to Kyiv – order via the link.

On Visit Ukraine, you can book a transfer from Budapest to any Ukrainian city by selecting the type of car and agreeing on all the details of the route.

Travelling by car

Travelling by your own or rented car gives you the greatest freedom and flexibility in planning your route.

When crossing the border by car, you should take into account possible queues, especially on holidays or weekends. It is important to have all the necessary documents for the car (technical passport, ‘Green Card’ – international insurance).

There are many car rental companies operating in Budapest. Make sure that the rental agreement allows you to leave Hungary and enter Ukraine.

What should you consider before travelling?

Before setting off, be sure to:

1. Check the latest information about the border: The situation may change, so it is worth checking official sources for information about queues and crossing rules.

2. Buy tickets in advance: Especially during the high season or before holidays, bus and train tickets sell out quickly.

Detailed instructions on how to purchase Ukrzaliznytsia tickets for international flights can be found here.

3. Travel safety: Remember that the airspace over Ukraine is closed, so ground transportation is the only option. We also recommend purchasing medical insurance with coverage for war risks, which can be purchased at Visit Ukraine.

Where to buy insurance in Ukraine and what risks the policy covers, read on the Visit Ukraine portal.

There are several convenient ways to get from Budapest to Ukraine: by bus, train, private transfer or your own car. Each option has its advantages, so the choice depends on your needs, budget and the level of comfort you expect.

Choose the most convenient option and book tickets and transfers on Visit Ukraine today to make your trip as comfortable and safe as possible.

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.

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