Flying to Poland or Moldova to visit Ukraine? Here's how to plan the rest of your route

Planning a trip to Ukraine via Poland or Moldova? Find out how to plan your route quickly and safely: transport options, popular border crossings, intercity trips, car rental, transfers and medical insurance with war risk coverage. All practical tips are collected in one material for a comfortable trip

Take care of reliable insurance for safe entry and stay in Ukraine

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Many international travelers to Ukraine choose to travel via Poland or Moldova, as flights to these bordering countries are often cheaper, and these countries also have close land transport connections with Ukraine.

After landing, you can easily continue your travel to Ukraine from Poland or travel to Ukraine from Moldova by bus, train, rental car or private transfer. This route is the most optimal in the conditions of closed airspace in Ukraine.

However, planning such a trip can often be quite difficult, as there are many nuances to consider. In this article, we will tell you how to plan a route from Poland or Moldova to Ukraine.

We also remind you that to make your trip easy, you can use the services of Visit Ukraine - from booking tickets to organizing transfer to Ukraine and medical insurance Ukraine for foreigners, the portal has everything you need to organize a comfortable trip to Ukraine.

Detailed information that will be useful when planning a trip to Ukraine can be found here:

– Travel to Ukraine for tourism purposes.

– Employment in Ukraine.

– Immigration to Ukraine.

– Studying in Ukraine.

– Travelling to Ukraine by car.

– Popular destinations in Ukraine.

– Support for Ukraine.

Why Poland and Moldova are the main gateways to Ukraine? 

Poland and Moldova are two of the most convenient entry points for travelers who want to discover Ukraine. Their geographical proximity, airports with a large number of flights and extensive ground transportation system make them the main gateways to Ukraine in conditions of closed airspace.

- Poland: With international airports in Warsaw, Krakow, Rzeszow and Lublin, travelers can easily find affordable flights. From there, numerous buses, trains and transfers provide quick access to Ukrainian cities such as Lviv and Kyiv.

- Moldova: Chisinau International Airport has good connections to Europe and is located only a few hours from Odessa and southern Ukraine. This makes Moldova to Ukraine travel especially popular among tourists heading to the Black Sea region.

For those wondering how to get to Ukraine, traveling through Poland or Moldova offers flexibility, comfort, and a variety of routes to Ukraine.

Crossing the border with Ukraine: which is faster – train, bus or private transfer – we explain here.

From Poland to Ukraine: best routes and tips

If you’re planning to travel to Ukraine from Poland, you can choose between several comfortable options:

By train

Ukraine and Poland have a close railway connection, you can get to Ukraine by one of the following flights:

➤ Train №67/68 Kyiv - Warsaw - Kyiv runs daily: departs from Kyiv at 19:57 and arrives in Warsaw at 10:17. The train departs from Warsaw at 17:51 and arrives in Kyiv at 11:40.

➤ Train №19/20 Kyiv - Chełm - Kyiv runs daily: departure from Kyiv at 19:57, arrival at 05:42. Departs from Chełm at 23:00 and arrives in Kyiv at 11:40.

➤ Train №23/24 Kyiv - Chełm - Kyiv runs daily: departure from Kyiv at 23:11, arrival at 11:15. Departs from Chełm at 15:55 and arrives in Kyiv at 05:13.

➤ Train №93/94 Kharkiv - Chełm - Kharkiv runs on even and odd numbers: departure from Kharkiv at 13:15, arrival at 11:15. Departure from Chełm is at 15:55, arrival in Kharkiv is at 13:28.

➤ Train 119/120 Dnipro - Chełm - Dnipro runs daily: departure from Dnipro at 21:48, arrival at 16:33. Departure from Chełm is at 10:37, arrival in Dnipro is at 07:28.

➤ Train №51/52 Kyiv - Przemyśl - Kyiv runs daily: departure from Kyiv at 19:11, arrival at 05:50. Departure from Przemyśl at 20:32, arrival in Kyiv at 07:34.

➤ Train №89/90 Kyiv - Przemyśl - Kyiv - runs on even and odd numbers: departure from Kyiv at 22:14, arrival at 11:13. Departure from Przemyśl is at 13:49, arrival in Kyiv is at 05:06.

➤ Train №715/716 Intercity Kyiv - Przemyśl - Kyiv runs daily: departure from Kyiv at 11:28, arrival at 20:20. Departure from Przemyśl is at 23:26, arrival in Kyiv is at 09:57.

➤ Train №705/706 Intercity Kyiv - Przemyśl - Kyiv runs daily: departure from Kyiv at 19:19, arrival at 04:25. Departure from Przemyśl is at 09:35, arrival in Kyiv is at 20:02.

➤ Train №73/74 Kharkiv - Przemyśl - Kharkiv - runs on even and odd numbers: departure from Kharkiv at 13:15, arrival at 11:13. Departure from Przemyśl is at 13:49, arrival in Kharkiv is at 13:28.

➤ Train №32/33 Zaporizhzhia - Przemyśl - Zaporizhzhia runs daily: departure from Zaporizhzhia at 20:47, arrival at 15:18. Departure from Przemyśl is at 18:11, arrival in Zaporizhzhia is at 15:05.

➤ Train №36/37 Odesa - Przemyśl - Odesa runs daily: departure from Odesa at 14:38, arrival at 05:50. Departure from Przemyśl is at 20:32, arrival in Odesa is at 13:13.

How to travel with pets by train in 2025 — find out by following the link.

Detailed route from Poland to Ukraine here.

By bus

The bus transportation market is represented by a large number of companies. Routes depart from many Polish cities and go to most Ukrainian regions.

Examples of direct bus routes from Poland to Ukraine:

- Warsaw – Kyiv, route: Warsaw – Lublin – Lutsk – Rivne – Zhytomyr – Kyiv.

- Warsaw – Lviv – Ternopil – Khmelnytskyi – Vinnytsia – Uman – Odessa.

- Warsaw – Lublin – Lviv.

- Katowice – Kyiv, route: Katowice – Krakow – Lviv – Ternopil – Khmelnytskyi – Vinnytsia – Uman – Kyiv.

- Szczecin – Kyiv, route: Szczecin – Poznan – Lodz – Warsaw – Lublin – Lutsk – Rivne – Zhytomyr – Kyiv.

- Szczecin – Kyiv, via Poznan – Lodz – Warsaw – Lublin – Lutsk – Rivne – Zhytomyr.

- Wroclaw – Opole – Katowice – Krakow – Lviv – Ternopil – Khmelnytskyi – Vinnytsia – Uman – Kyiv.

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By transfer or own car

There are 18 checkpoints and control points on the border between Ukraine and Poland, of which 9 are automobile. Below is a list of the main automobile checkpoints:

1. Rava-Ruska – Hrebenye.

- Type of connection: automobile.

- Operating hours: 24/7.

2. Shehyni – Medyka.

- Type of connection: automobile, pedestrian.

- Operating hours: 24/7.

3. Krakivets – Korchova.

- Type of connection: automobile.

- Operating hours: 24/7.

4. Smilnytsia – Kroscenko.

- Type of connection: automobile.

- Operating hours: 24/7.

5. Hrushiv – Bodomierzh.

- Type of connection: automobile.

- Operating hours: 24/7.

6. Ugriniv – Dolgobychiv.

- Type of connection: car.

- Operating hours: 24/7.

7. Nyzhankovychi – Malkhovychi.

- Type of connection: car.

- Operating hours: 24/7.

8. Yagodyn – Dorohusk.

- Type of connection: car.

- Operating hours: 24/7.

9. Ustyluh – Zosin.

- Type of connection: car.

- Operating hours: 24/7.

The most convenient border crossing point with Poland for you depends on your vehicle and your desire to avoid queues. For cars and buses, it is usually recommended to choose the least busy crossing points, such as “Hrushiv”, “Uhryniv” or “Nyzhankovychi”. Avoid the busiest “Krakivets” and “Shehyny”, although the latter are the only ones that allow pedestrians.

The average time to cross the border by car from Poland to Ukraine can vary from 1 to 5 hours, but during peak periods it can increase to 8-10 hours.

Check the latest information about queues before your trip, as the situation can change quickly.

You can arrive in Ukraine by your own car or use a car rental service.

Rules for entering Ukraine by car with foreign license plates in 2025 in this article.

Find tips for those planning to travel to Ukraine from abroad by car here.

We told you earlier whether it is possible to enter Ukraine by a foreign rented car.

With Visit Ukraine you can buy tickets, book transfers and rent a car in advance, which will make your routes to Ukraine faster, safer and stress-free.

From Moldova to Ukraine: routes and options

Transport between Moldova and Ukraine offers the following options for travel:

By train

Ukraine and Moldova have a railway connection. Currently, there is 1 flight between the states:

➤ Train №351/352 Kyiv - Chisinau - Kyiv runs on even and odd numbers: departure from Kyiv at 17:05, arrival at 11:30. Departure from Chisinau is at 17:34, arrival in Kyiv is at 12:05.

By bus

There are many bus routes from Moldova to Ukraine. They depart from the following cities: Chisinau, Orhei (Orhei), Edinet, Balti and arrive in Odessa, Kyiv, Lviv and Kharkiv.

You can get to Odessa in 3 hours and 30 minutes. The longest journey to Kharkiv is about 18 hours.

By car

The distance to the Ukrainian border from Chisinau airport is 130 km - the Palanka checkpoint (Odesa region).

There are a number of automobile checkpoints on the Ukrainian-Moldovan border, including:

- Mamalyga - Kryva,

- Mohyliv-Podilskyi - Otach,

- Palanka - Mayaki - Udobne,

- Reni - Giurgiuleşti,

- Vynohradivka - Vulcanesti,

- Tabaki - Mirne and others.

All checkpoints work around the clock. You can check the waiting time at the Moldovan-Ukrainian border at the link.

Find all possible routes to get from Moldova to Ukraine here.

To avoid unforeseen situations on the road, use Visit Ukraine: book tickets, transfers, and rent a car online, and your trip to Ukraine will be easy and confident.

Planning your trip inside Ukraine

Once you’ve crossed the border, traveling between Ukrainian cities is straightforward. Trains, buses, and domestic flights connect major destinations like Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, and Kharkiv, making it easy to plan your itinerary.

Main transport options for intercity travel in Ukraine

Trains

"Ukrzaliznytsia" offers an extensive network of high-speed and night trains connecting Kyiv, Lviv, Odessa, Kharkiv and other cities of Ukraine.

- Popular routes: Kyiv - Lviv (≈ 5–6 hours by high-speed train), Kyiv - Odesa (≈ 7–8 hours by night train), Kyiv - Kharkiv (≈ 4–5 hours by Intercity).

Bus

Buses are a good option for trips to cities that are more difficult to reach by direct train, or when night flights are needed. Travel time is usually longer than by train (Kyiv–Lviv ≈ 8–9 hours, Kyiv–Odesa ≈ 9–10 hours), but it can be a budget choice. Some carriers offer comfortable seats, Wi-Fi and coffee on the way.

We tell you here what documents foreigners can use to be on the territory of Ukraine during the war.

With Visit Ukraine you can buy train or bus tickets in advance, guaranteeing yourself a comfortable and safe journey between cities without queues and unexpected delays.

Private transfers and car rentals

Transfers with a driver are a great option for those who value comfort and safety, especially when traveling with a lot of luggage or children.

Renting a car gives you freedom of movement and the opportunity to visit smaller cities by road. On the Visit Ukraine portal you can order a transfer to any city or rent a car.

Travel safety and insurance tips

1. Update information daily

The situation can change quickly, so check news and official recommendations from reliable sources daily.

2. Choose safe routes

Prefer regions that are considered relatively safe:

- Western Ukraine (Lviv, Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk)

- Carpathians for nature tours

- Large cities like Kyiv or Lviv, observing basic safety measures

3. Avoid areas near the front line and front-line regions

4. Check transport and communications

Check the bus and train schedule before traveling. Make sure that the mobile operator provides stable communication and internet in the destination region.

5. Have documents and insurance with you

Always have your passport/ID, visa (if necessary), and car documents.

Buy medical insurance with military risk coverage to be protected in emergencies.

If you travel by car, mini-CASCO will provide additional protection for your transport.

6. Download the necessary applications

- "Air Alert" (App Store | Google Play) to receive notifications about danger.

- Google Maps with offline maps.

- Shelter map or the state application "Diya" (App Store | Google Play).

7. Follow safety rules

- During an alarm, look for the nearest shelter.

- Avoid taking photos of infrastructure and military facilities.

- Limit participation in mass events.

- Follow the instructions of security services and local authorities.

Safety while traveling is a key aspect. We recommend taking out medical insurance with military risk coverage to be protected in case of unforeseen situations. You can do this online on the Visit Ukraine portal by choosing the optimal package for traveling around Ukraine.

Final tips for smooth travel

To ensure a smooth trip to Ukraine, keep these simple steps in mind:

- Check your documents: Passport, visa (if required), and any travel-related documents.

- Plan your route: Decide on cities to visit, preferred transport, and estimated travel times.

- Buy tickets in advance: Whether by bus, train, or domestic flight, early booking helps avoid last-minute stress.

- Use reliable services: Choosing trusted platforms reduces the risk of issues during your journey.

Visit Ukraine — comprehensive preparation for your trip to Ukraine in one place!

The most convenient way to purchase medical insurance covering war risks, buy tickets, book a hotel or a transfer is through a single service. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can do everything in one session, saving time and effort, and set off on your journey with confidence that everything you need is already prepared.

Reminder! Travel insurance is an important part of travelling to Ukraine in 2025. Find out how to get medical insurance with war risk coverage for your trip to Ukraine in 2025. Why standard travel insurance may not be enough for travelling to Ukraine in 2025—we explain here.

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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