How to get from Poland to Ukraine in 2025: current routes, entry rules for Poles and queues at borders

The closed skies and lack of air traffic reduces the number of options for getting to Ukraine. However, the country's land borders are open, so we have prepared routes to enter Ukraine for Polish citizens

Buy insurance for safe entry and stay in Ukraine

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In 2024, foreigners actively visited Ukraine. According to official statistics from the State Border Service of Ukraine, 219,336 Polish citizens crossed the state border of Ukraine in 2024. The majority of passenger traffic usually occurs at the Ukrainian-Polish border, as the two countries have well-developed transport links. This trend is likely to continue this year.

How to get from Poland to Ukraine in 2025, as well as current routes, entry rules and other useful tips, can be found below.

How to get to Ukraine from Poland in 2025?

The closure of airspace has significantly affected transport in Ukraine. From now on, you can only enter the country by land transport – by train, bus or private car. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Travelling to Ukraine by train

Ukraine and Poland are constantly expanding their rail connections. Currently, the following trains run between the two countries:

➤ Train No. 68 ‘Warsaw - Kyiv’ - runs daily: departs from Warsaw at 17:49, arrives in Kyiv at 10:45.

➤ Train No. 20 ‘Chełm - Kyiv’ - runs daily: departs from Chełm at 23:03, arrives in Kyiv at 10:45.

➤ Train No. 24 ‘Chełm - Kyiv’ - runs daily: departs from Chełm at 16:07, arrives in Kyiv at 05:12.

➤ Train No. 52 ‘Przemyśl - Kyiv’ - runs daily: departure from Przemyśl at 20:32, arrival in Kyiv at 07:34.

➤ Train No. 90 ‘Przemyśl - Kyiv’ - runs on even and odd days: departure from Przemyśl at 13:49, arrival in Kyiv at 05:05.

➤ Train No. 716 Intercity ‘Przemyśl - Kyiv’ - runs daily: departure from Przemyśl at 23:55, arrival in Kyiv at 10:08.

➤ Train No. 706 Intercity ‘Przemyśl - Kyiv’ - runs daily: departure from Przemyśl at 09:49, arrival in Kyiv at 20:10.

➤ Train No. 94 ‘Chełm - Kharkiv’ - runs on even and odd days: departure from Chełm at 16:07, arrival at 13:42 in Kharkiv.

➤ Train No. 74 ‘Przemyśl - Kharkiv’ - runs on even and odd days: departure from Przemyśl at 13:49, arrival in Kharkiv at 13:42.

➤ Train No. 120 ‘Chełm - Dnipro’ - runs daily: departure from Chełm at 10:37, arrival in Dnipro at 07:28.

➤ Train No. 33 ‘Przemyśl - Zaporizhia’ - runs daily: departure from Przemyśl at 18:11, arrival in Zaporizhia at 15:12.

➤ Train No. 37 ‘Przemyśl - Odessa’ - runs daily: departure from Przemyśl at 20:32, arrival in Odessa at 12:51.

➤ Train No. 865 ‘Rava-Ruska - Chernivtsi’ - runs daily: departure from Rava-Ruska at 14:32, arrival in Chernivtsi at 22:46.

Advantages of travelling by train from Poland to Ukraine:

- The fastest way to cross the border – passing through Polish and Ukrainian customs takes about 2-2.5 hours.

- Comfort – thanks to the convenient location, passengers can rest during the journey.

Tickets for most Ukrzaliznytsia trains from Poland can be purchased online on the official website of Ukrzaliznytsia, in the mobile app and through official chatbots.

Tickets go on sale at 08:00, 20 days before departure. Return tickets appear on the website 1-2 days before departure.

Travel to Ukraine by bus

The bus transport market is represented by a large number of companies, from experienced carriers with a large fleet to newcomers to the industry.

Routes depart from many Polish cities and go to most Ukrainian regions.

When choosing a carrier, be sure to carefully study the conditions of luggage transportation and the services offered by the carrier (toilet, phone charging, WiFi, free drinks, etc.). Be sure to read passenger reviews, or even better, ask friends who have already used the carrier's services.

Due to the large number of bus routes, it is much easier to find a direct route, which will allow you not to worry about possible delays when travelling with a transfer. You will also not need to take out and carry heavy luggage around stations.

However, it is impossible to predict how long border checks will take. Therefore, you may arrive at your destination with a significant delay.

When looking for tickets to travel to Ukraine, it is important to use convenient services that allow you to quickly compare prices and choose the best offers. One such resource is the Visit Ukraine portal, where you can find and buy tickets online in just a few minutes.

The portal allows you to compare prices for trains departing from various European cities to Ukraine and quickly book tickets. The booking process on the website is extremely simple. You just select the route, carrier and date, and you can pay directly through the website.

From Poland to Ukraine by car

Many foreigners prefer to travel by car.

There are border crossing points on the Polish-Ukrainian border: Rava-Ruska – Khrebenne, Shehyni – Medyka, Krakivets – Korchova, Smilnytsia – Kroscienko, Hrushev – Bodomierz, Uhryniv – Dolgobychiv, Nyzhankovychi – Malhovychi, Yagodin – Dorohusk, Ustyluh – Zosin.

Important! As of April 2025, the Shehyni-Medyka checkpoint is operating in limited mode due to repair work, which is scheduled to be completed by May.

You can check the waiting time at checkpoints with Poland for entry into Ukraine by following the link.

To avoid long waits, it is recommended to travel at the beginning of the week. From Monday to Wednesday, passenger traffic is lower, and there are no long queues. From Thursday evening to Sunday, the number of people wishing to cross the border increases, which puts additional pressure on the checkpoints.

In addition, please note that although the checkpoints are open around the clock, a curfew is in effect in Ukraine due to the martial law.

Rules for entering Ukraine by car for foreigners

Foreigners are allowed to enter Ukraine in their own cars, but they can only use them for their own needs. Foreign citizens can drive cars with foreign number plates in Ukraine for up to one year. If you plan to stay in Ukraine for more than two months, you must contact the Ministry of Internal Affairs service centre to temporarily register your car. After the one-year period expires, the car with foreign number plates must leave Ukraine.

Please note that a Green Card insurance policy is required to enter Ukraine by car.

Travelling in your own car is usually convenient and comfortable, as you are not dependent on a schedule, you choose your own departure time and will not be late for your flight. The ability to stop anywhere and at any time also adds to the comfort of your trip.

Another advantage is luggage: when travelling by car, you can take as many things as your car can hold, but don't forget about customs restrictions.

The main disadvantage is that it is impossible to predict how long it will take to cross the border. This can take from 30 minutes to 5-8 hours, and sometimes even longer.

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Entry rules for Polish citizens to Ukraine in 2025

Visa requirements

No visa is required. According to the law ‘On establishing additional legal and social guarantees for citizens of the Republic of Poland residing in Ukraine,’ Polish citizens, as well as their spouses and children (regardless of citizenship), have the right to legally reside in Ukraine for 18 months. Poles can also enjoy all the rights and freedoms of Ukrainian citizens:

- find employment without any additional permits (including for scientific, educational and medical workers);

- conduct business activities in Ukraine on the same terms as Ukrainian citizens;

- receive social benefits, including in the event of incapacity for work, loss of a breadwinner, unemployment, disability, etc.;

- study free of charge and receive a scholarship;

- receive medical assistance on the same terms as Ukrainians;

- register as a taxpayer and obtain a taxpayer registration number.

List of documents required for travel to Ukraine from Poland

Entry into Ukraine is based on a valid foreign passport, which must have at least one blank page for an entry stamp and be valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry into Ukraine.

To cross the Ukrainian border, you must also provide:

1. Medical insurance policy.

2. Proof of purpose of travel: a notarised invitation from Ukrainian citizens (relatives, acquaintances, friends), tourist vouchers, confirmation of accommodation booking, invitations from companies or organisations, tickets for seminars, exhibitions, fairs, documents on treatment in medical institutions, etc.

3. Proof of financial means (cash, bank statement, ATM receipt, etc.) – proof that you have sufficient funds for the entire period of your planned stay in Ukraine or transit to a third country (45 USD per person per day of stay in Ukraine).

4. No ban on entry into Ukraine from an authorised body.

Who may be denied entry into Ukraine, read in our article.

If you plan to stay in Ukraine for a long time or are sorting out your documents, it is important to have someone who is familiar with Ukrainian legislation. The lawyers at Visit Ukraine work with foreigners, helping them to obtain residence permits, tax numbers, register businesses and with other issues related to their stay in Ukraine. Legal support means peace of mind and confidence in every step you take.

Is it safe to travel to Ukraine in 2025?

In 2025, Ukraine continues to live in a state of full-scale war. Despite this, life has not stopped — cafes, hotels and museums are open, and tours and cultural events are taking place. However, the issue of safety while travelling remains key.

The level of threat varies depending on the region. In the frontline areas in the east and south of the country, the situation is difficult, with periodic shelling and drone strikes. Meanwhile, in the central and western parts of the country, the situation is much more stable, although the threat of air strikes remains throughout Ukraine.

Recommendations for safe travel to Ukraine

To ensure a safe trip to Ukraine in 2025, follow these recommendations:

– Check official information. Read the travel advice for Ukraine issued by your country's foreign ministry. Follow the updates 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.

– Arrange for medical insurance. Your policy should cover treatment in Ukraine, including possible emergencies, and it is advisable to have additional coverage for risks related to war.

– Keep an eye on air raid alerts. Install the Air Raid Alert mobile app (App Store | Google Play) and learn the rules of conduct during shelling. In the event of an alarm, immediately proceed to the nearest shelter.

– Do not photograph military objects. It is prohibited to photograph checkpoints, military equipment, Ukrainian Armed Forces positions, 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.

How to get insurance covering military risks for travel to Ukraine?

War risk insurance is a medical insurance policy that provides foreign citizens with financial protection in the event of an accident resulting from military action. Given the current situation in the country, such insurance is a critical safety element for foreigners planning a trip or long-term stay in Ukraine.

The Visit Ukraine portal offers quick and convenient medical insurance with war risk coverage. You can purchase insurance online and receive an electronic policy by email immediately after payment.

To purchase a policy, follow these simple steps:

1. Follow this link.

2. Select the insurance package that suits your needs.

3. Select the insurance period (standard policies can be taken out for a period of 3 to 180 days, annual insurance Bronya+ Year of Protection – only for 365 days) and enter your date of birth. The service will automatically calculate the cost of insurance for one person for the selected period.

4. Fill in the form with the insured person's details (full name, email, contact phone number, passport details, citizenship and place of residence). At this stage, you can add details of other insured persons if you plan to travel with someone else.

5. Read the terms and conditions of the contract and confirm the policy (you will need to enter a special code that will be sent to the email address you provided).

6. Pay for the policy using your preferred payment method.

You will receive your medical insurance policy at the email address you provided. You do not need to print it out — simply save the electronic insurance policy on your smartphone or other device, as it has the same legal force as a paper copy.

Useful links for those planning a trip to Ukraine

● You can buy tickets to Ukraine by plane, train or bus on the Visit Ukraine portal. See the schedule and book using the link.

● If the purpose of the trip is tourism, be sure to search for a tour in advance. The largest database of routes from proven tourist operators is collected at the link. 

● Book hotels here. 

● To feel more mobile while traveling in Ukraine, we recommend renting a car. Detailed instructions at the link.

● Safety rules must be strictly followed when traveling through Ukraine under martial law. In addition, make sure you have military risk insurance. 

● In the conditions of martial law, certain rights of citizens may be limited, therefore, if you need the help of a lawyer while traveling in Ukraine, you can contact the specialists at the link.

● Stylish clothes and accessories in memory of Ukraine here.

● Contacts of the Polish Embassy in Ukraine:

addresses: vul. Yaroslaviv Val, 12, 01901 Kiev

phone: +380442300700

fax: +380442706336

e-mail: kijow.amb.sekretariat@msz.gov.pl

Are you planning a trip to Ukraine?

In today's realities, it is important to take care not only of comfort but also of safety. Medical insurance covering military risks is a necessary protection during your trip. The policy is valid even in case of emergencies related to military events, provides access to medical care and covers treatment costs.

Take out insurance and travel with confidence!

We wish you a good trip!

Just a reminder. To plan a trip to Ukraine, a foreigner needs to resolve a large number of issues related to entry and stay in the country. Read here about the rules of entry to Ukraine in 2025, as well as what is important to consider before planning a trip.

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 – health insurance with coverage of war risks;

Visit Ukraine Mini Hull Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Osago – compulsory motor third party liability insurance for cars with Ukrainian registration;

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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