Trotz des geschlossenen Luftraums bleibt die Ukraine ein offenes Ziel für Reisende. Sie können sicher und bequem hierher gelangen – Sie müssen nur Ihre Route richtig planen. Erfahren Sie mehr darüber, wie Sie ohne Flugreise in die Ukraine gelangen, welche Routen Sie wählen sollten und was Sie beim Reisen beachten müssen.
Despite the high interest in travelling to Ukraine, many foreign travellers still do not know how to get here. One of the most common questions is whether Ukrainian airports are operating. The situation with the closed sky raises logical concerns: how to plan a route if there are no direct flights?
In this article, we explain why air travel is currently unavailable, what alternatives exist, and how to cross the border safely.
If you are looking for a reliable guide for travelling to Ukraine without flying, read on.
Is it cheap to travel in Ukraine and what can you do with $100 in Ukraine — we found out in previous articles.
Detailed information that will be useful when planning a trip to Ukraine can be found here:
– Travel to Ukraine for tourism.
– Travelling to Ukraine by car.
– Popular destinations in Ukraine.
Are airports operating in Ukraine: can I fly to Ukraine now?
Since russia's full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022, Ukraine's airspace has been closed to civilian flights due to critical safety risks.
The national authorities have officially closed the airspace to prevent accidental or deliberate attacks on civil aviation.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian airspace is an active conflict zone and is not compatible with safe civil flights.
In addition, some of Ukraine's civil airports have been damaged or destroyed, making regular air service physically impossible.
What is the curfew in different regions of Ukraine in 2025? — Find out at the link.
Flights to Ukraine 2025: when can flights resume?
There is no official date. However, in November 2024, it was reported that the airport in Lviv could be the first to partially resume operations in 2025, provided that an acceptable level of security is ensured and a political decision is made.
Due to the constant threat of strikes over Kyiv and central Ukraine, the prospect of opening major airports in the capital remains uncertain.
Helpful tip! Even if you are travelling by land, medical insurance covering war risks is essential for your trip.
Ukraine travel by land: how to enter Ukraine without flying?
Most often, the journey to Ukraine today does not begin with a direct flight, but from neighbouring countries bordering Ukraine. Some fly to countries bordering Ukraine and continue their journey by train or bus. Others choose land routes directly from Europe — for example, they take a train in Warsaw or other European cities, or book an international bus that will take them directly to the Ukrainian border. Despite air restrictions, these routes are running smoothly and allow you to reach Lviv, Uzhhorod,
Chernivtsi and other cities without any difficulties.
All you need to do is plan your logistics a little in advance.
For more information about the border crossing points with Ukraine, please visit:
– Border crossing points between Ukraine and Hungary.
– Border crossing points between Ukraine and Slovakia.
– Border crossing points between Ukraine and Romania.
– Border crossing points between Ukraine and Moldova.
– Border crossing points between Ukraine and Poland.
Travelling in Ukraine: train, bus or private transfer — what to choose?
When comfort and speed are priorities over cost, the train is the most convenient option for medium and long distances (e.g. Warsaw — Kyiv).
The bus is an alternative option, often cheaper for short routes and small groups.
Private transfers are a great option for groups with luggage, offering door-to-door service, especially when planning to arrive in lesser-known regions of the country.
Which is faster — train, bus or private transfer — find out here.
On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can conveniently book tickets for trains or buses online, as well as organise transfers — quickly and without any hassle.
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Accommodation and travel in Ukraine
Where to stay in Ukraine?
Ukraine offers a wide range of accommodation options, from comfortable hotels and apartments to budget hostels. In large cities such as Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, and Kharkiv, you will find both luxurious five-star hotels with full service and cosy small hotels that attract guests with their unique design and atmosphere.
For those looking for a more homely atmosphere or travelling with family, apartments or guest houses are ideal, available both in the city centre and on the outskirts. In resort areas, you can rent private cottages, holiday camps or sanatoriums.
Hostels are also popular — a convenient option for young travellers or those travelling on a budget. They are often located near tourist attractions, have a friendly atmosphere and make it easy to meet other travellers.
Visit Ukraine offers a range of accommodation options in Ukraine with filters for price, location and reviews, making it easy to find the right option for you. In addition, platforms such as Booking.com, Airbnb and local aggregators are also actively used by tourists to find accommodation in Ukraine.
Local transport and car rental
Cities have well-developed public transport systems: metro, trolleybuses, buses, and electric trains (especially in Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa). If your trip includes visits to remote regions or Western Ukraine, renting a car gives you considerable freedom of movement.
Through Visit Ukraine, you can book a car online and make travelling around Ukraine as easy as possible.
Recommendations for safe travel to Ukraine
To ensure a safe trip to Ukraine in 2025, follow these recommendations:
– Check official information. Read the recommendations of your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding travel to Ukraine. Follow the announcements on the websites of the State Border Service of Ukraine and local authorities.
– Prepare your documents. Make sure your passport is valid and your visa (if required) is in order. Make copies of important documents (passport, insurance policy, visa) and save them in digital form.
– Take care of medical insurance. Your policy should cover treatment in Ukraine, including possible emergencies, and it is also advisable to have additional coverage for risks related to war.
– Monitor air raid alerts. Install the Air Raid mobile app (App Store | Google Play) and learn the rules of conduct during shelling. In case of an alarm, immediately proceed to the nearest shelter.
– Do not photograph military objects. It is prohibited to photograph checkpoints, military equipment, positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and other strategic objects.
– Be prepared for checks. During wartime, law enforcement officers may check your documents. Always have them with you.
– Follow the guide's instructions, especially in areas near destroyed objects.
– Respect the memory of the dead — this is not just a tour, but a place where history lives.
GPS guide for travelling to Ukraine: useful tips
– Check the current border crossing points — rules may change.
– Have all necessary documents with you, including your visa (if required), passport and insurance.
– Exchange currency (euros or dollars) in advance, which can be exchanged for hryvnia at banks or exchange offices.
– Be sure to take out medical insurance covering war risks.
– Follow official announcements from the Ukrainian border service or your country's embassy about changes to crossing conditions.
Planning a trip to Ukraine?
A well-planned route by land transport — whether by bus or transfer — combined with accommodation bookings and reliable insurance will allow you to organise your trip with maximum convenience and safety.
We wish you a pleasant journey!
Reminder! Travel to Ukraine in 2025–2026 requires a special approach: the country remains hospitable and surprises with its culture and atmosphere even in difficult conditions. Here, history, modern projects and the strength of people who continue to build their lives intertwine. How to prepare for a trip to Ukraine so that you feel confident and safe from day one — read here.
Photo: Boryspil International Airport
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.
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