How to get from Chisinau to Ukraine?

Traveling from Chisinau to Ukraine remains relevant for both foreign travelers and Ukrainians returning home. Regardless of the purpose of the trip — tourism, work, or family circumstances — it is important to choose the most convenient and safe way to travel. Find out more about all available routes, ways to get to Ukraine, and how to book tickets and transfers online

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Chisinau is a popular entry point into Ukraine for many foreigners and Ukrainians living abroad. The most popular routes are to Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, and the western regions. People look for the best combination of price and convenience: bus or train, transfer or car — each option has its advantages.

We will tell you how to get from Chisinau to Ukraine, what to consider, and how Visit Ukraine can be your partner on this journey.

Practical tips for foreign travellers for safe travel to Ukraine — collected at the link.

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.

The main options for getting from Chisinau to Ukraine

Bus Chisinau — Ukraine

Travelling by bus is one of the easiest ways to get there, used by both tourists and Ukrainians. For example, the Chisinau-Kyiv route is one of the most popular. These buses usually depart from Chisinau in the morning or evening, and the journey takes approximately 11-13 hours. Only occasionally are there faster options — up to 9-10 hours, if the route is particularly optimal and there are a minimum of transfers.

The ticket price depends on the carrier, time, bus comfort and route conditions — but often starts at 20-25 euros. If you are travelling to Odesa, it will be cheaper and faster; to Lviv or Kyiv — more expensive and longer. Buses can be of different standards — standard, air-conditioned, with a large luggage compartment.

Key point: tickets can be easily booked online through the Visit Ukraine system. This ensures that your seat is guaranteed and eliminates the need to look for a ticket office or ticket seller at the station the day before your trip.

Chisinau — Ukraine train

If you are looking for a more relaxed and comfortable way to travel, the train may be a good choice. Currently, there is a route from Chisinau to Kyiv (train 351/352). The train departs in the afternoon, at approximately 17:05 from the Moldovan capital, and arrives at Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi at around 12:18 the next day; the journey takes about 19 hours. It's not fast, but for those who are not in a hurry and appreciate the opportunity to relax on the road, it is a very suitable option.

The cost of a ticket for this route varies depending on the class of carriage — reserved seat, compartment or greater comfort — but often starts at around €50. Of course, the cost may be higher, depending on the type of carriage and travel dates. Trains are generally comfortable, especially at night — you can sleep during the journey.

Read also: Checklist for travelling in Ukraine in 2025: what to take on a trip?

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Individual and group transfers from Moldova to Ukraine

When comfort, safety and less stress are more important than a low price, a transfer is an excellent alternative. Imagine: a car or minibus waiting for you, helping with your luggage, no need to look for a bus station, no need to change transport or worry about transfers. For many groups, families, or if you have heavy luggage, this is a huge advantage.

Visit Ukraine offers the opportunity to book such a transfer: you choose the city in Ukraine from which and to which you need to travel, see the options in terms of price and comfort, agree on the departure time — and simply start your journey. This reduces uncertainty and makes the trip predictable.

Travelling by car from Chisinau to Ukraine

If you have your own car or want to rent one, your trip can be very flexible. You can plan your own route — stopping when it suits you and travelling at your own pace. This is especially useful for those who don't like standard routes or want to visit lesser-known places.

However, this option requires careful preparation. You will need all the necessary documents — your passport, visa (if required), vehicle registration certificate, insurance, and often a power of attorney if the car is not yours. It is also a good idea to check whether there are any restrictions or changes at border crossings, whether the road is safe, and whether there is fuel and convenient places to stop. You should also take into account possible queues at the border and customs checks.

For information about Ukraine-Moldova border crossing points, read here.

What should you consider before travelling from Chisinau to Ukraine?

Before leaving Chisinau for Ukraine, it is worth paying attention to several important points — they will help you avoid unpredictable situations and make your trip comfortable:

– Check the current status of the borders. Some checkpoints may be temporarily closed or have a changed schedule due to the security situation. It is best to check the latest information a day or two before departure.

– Buy tickets in advance. This applies to buses, trains and transfers. Popular routes sell out quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.

– Take out medical insurance covering war risks. This is not just a formality — in case of unforeseen circumstances, such insurance will cover treatment or evacuation. You can take it out in a few minutes through Visit Ukraine.

– Prepare your documents. To cross the border, you need a passport (foreign) and, depending on your citizenship, possibly a visa. If you are travelling by car, you will need insurance and car documents.

– Allow extra time at the border. Queues, inspections, delays due to route changes — all of this is possible, so it's better to have some extra time in your schedule.

– Think about the comfort of your trip. If the trip is long, bring water, a light snack, a power bank, a first aid kit, and everything you need for a comfortable journey.

So, there are various ways to get from Chisinau to Ukraine — by bus, train, transfer, or in your own or rented car. If you want to travel quickly and cheaply, take a bus or group transfer; if comfort and peace of mind are important to you, take a train or individual transfer; if you have your own transport and want to be independent, take a car.

If you are planning a trip, choose the most convenient option and book tickets and transfers on Visit Ukraine. This will save you time, minimise risks, and provide you with support and service when you need it.

Travel safely, comfortably, and with confidence!

Reminder! Travel insurance to Ukraine is an extremely important issue in the current circumstances. Foreign travellers should take care not only of medical insurance in Ukraine, but also of how to protect themselves from military risks that are not covered by a standard policy. Where to buy insurance for Ukraine — we explain at the link.

Photo: Alamy

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;

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