Ukraine will soon launch direct train services from Uzhhorod to Europe: details

In July, a new European standard railway line will open in Uzhhorod, connecting the city with Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava and Košice without any changes. The project will be the first step towards integrating the Ukrainian network with the EU railways and will be extended to other cities. Find out which destinations are planned to be connected in the coming years

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July 2025 will mark an important stage in the integration of the Ukrainian railway network with the European Union infrastructure: a European standard gauge of 1,435 mm will be launched on the Chop–Uzhhorod section. This will allow passenger trains to travel directly from Uzhhorod to Budapest, Košice, Vienna and Bratislava.

What does this mean for Ukrainians?

1. Convenience for passengers: there will be no need to change trains at the border, and passport control will take place in Chop.

2. Expansion of connections: new routes will strengthen transport integration between Ukraine and EU countries.

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In which cities are preparations underway to launch European gauge tracks?

At the same time, work is continuing on the introduction of European gauge in Chernivtsi and Lviv. Once these projects are completed, the next point of expansion will be Lutsk. According to forecasts, within the next 4-5 years, this route will provide regular passenger service between Ukraine and the European Union.

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Deputy Minister of Finance Oleksandr Kava noted that the broad gauge system (1520 mm) has advantages for freight transport in Ukraine. It allows the use of heavier trains (up to 5000-6000 tonnes compared to 2000 tonnes on European gauge) and large wagons. Therefore, a complete replacement of tracks to the European standard is not economically feasible.

An example is Finland, which, despite its EU membership, has not abandoned its broad gauge — similar to that of Soviet Ukraine — due to the enormous costs involved.

This project is part of a transport integration strategy with the EU, which began in May 2022 and aims to gradually introduce European gauge tracks at key junctions in the country. Construction sites are currently located in Uzhhorod, Chernivtsi, Lviv and, in the future, Lutsk.

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