How to get to Kharkiv from abroad in 2025?

Travelling to Kharkiv in 2025 requires careful planning due to restrictions related to the war. However, there are proven routes — by train, bus or transfer from neighbouring countries. Find out more about all the current ways to get to Kharkiv safely and conveniently from abroad

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Despite all the challenges of war, Kharkiv remains an important scientific, cultural and economic centre of Ukraine. In 2025, the city continues to live, rebuild and welcome guests — relatives, volunteers, businesspeople and travellers. However, due to the destroyed infrastructure and closed airspace, it has become more difficult to get to Kharkiv from abroad.

What options are still available, how long does the journey take, and how can you organise everything conveniently and safely? We will tell you more in this article.

Travelling to Kharkiv in 2025: how to get there from abroad?

Flights to Kharkiv

Due to the martial law, all civilian airports in Ukraine remain closed. There are no direct flights to Kharkiv. The most convenient option is to fly to neighbouring countries such as Poland, Slovakia, Romania or Moldova. Once you arrive in the EU, you can continue your journey by ground transport: train, bus or transfer to Kharkiv.

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Train to Kharkiv

The most convenient and relatively safe way to get to Kharkiv from Europe is by train. Ukrainian Railways offers regular services from Poland:

➤ Train No. 94 ‘Chełm — Kharkiv’. Runs on even and odd days. Departure from Chełm — at 16:07, arrival in Kharkiv — at 13:42 the next day.

➤ Train No. 74 ‘Przemyśl — Kharkiv’. Also runs daily. Departure from Przemyśl — at 13:49, arrival in Kharkiv — at 13:42 the next day.

These trains allow you to travel without transfers, conveniently and safely.

Bus to Kharkiv

Every day, buses depart from dozens of European cities to Ukraine. Most often they arrive in Kyiv, Lviv, Uzhhorod or Odesa. This option is suitable for those who travel with little luggage, want to save money or wish to combine their trip with visits to other European countries.

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can easily compare prices for buses, trains and planes from different countries. You choose the route, date and carrier, and book your ticket in a few minutes. It's convenient, simple and affordable.

Transfers from Visit Ukraine

Another comfortable option is to use a transfer service, which can be booked directly from Poland, Moldova or Romania to any city in Ukraine, including Kharkiv. The service from Visit Ukraine is an individual trip with an experienced driver in a safe car.

You can be picked up directly from the airport or train station and taken to your hotel or apartment. Booking a transfer takes only a few minutes on the Visit Ukraine website — it's convenient, reliable and ideal for families or those travelling with luggage.

Entry to Ukraine for foreigners: current border crossing rules in 2025

Foreign citizens with a visa-free regime can enter Ukraine for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. To do so, you must have:

– A valid foreign passport;

– Confirmation of the purpose of your trip (tourism, business trip, visit to relatives, etc.);

– Documents confirming the availability of funds for the entire period of stay;

– Medical insurance policy covering risks related to COVID-19 and military actions.

If your country of origin does not have a visa-free regime with Ukraine, you will need to obtain a visa (short-term or long-term).

When planning your trip, be sure to take out insurance covering military risks. This is not only a mandatory requirement, but also a guarantee of your safety in a state of martial law.

You can take out a policy in just a few minutes online on the Visit Ukraine portal.

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 about the rules of entry to Ukraine for foreigners in 2025 here.

Photo: Wikipedia

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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