How to get to the Carpathians from abroad in 2025?

The Carpathians remain a popular destination for tourists in 2025 thanks to their unrivalled natural landscapes and clean air. Find out more about how to get to the Carpathians from abroad in 2025 and the main entry rules for foreigners

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Travel to the Carpathians in 2025 remains a popular choice among tourists from all over the world. Mountains, clean air and incredible natural landscapes attract travellers.

How to get to the Carpathians from abroad, as well as border crossing rules and convenient train and bus routes — read on to find out more.

Travel to the Carpathians in 2025: how to get there from abroad?

Flights to the Carpathians

During the war, there are no flights to Ukraine, and airports have been closed since February 2022. However, there is an alternative: you can fly to neighbouring countries and continue your journey by land. Flying is a quick way to reach the border, where trains or buses will take you to the Carpathians.

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Train to Ukraine

There is no direct train connection from abroad to the Carpathians, but there are several options for travelling to the western region of Ukraine:

➤ Train No. 143 ‘Vienna - Chop’ - runs daily: departure from Vienna at 10:42, arrival in Chop at 20:58.

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

➤ Train No. 149 ‘Budapest - Mukachevo’ - runs daily: departure from Budapest at 19:04, arrival in Mukachevo at 06:16.

➤ Train No. 143, connection ‘Budapest - Mukachevo’: departure at 13:04, arrival at 00:24;

➤ Train No. 143, connection ‘Debrecen-Mukachevo’: departure at 16:34, arrival at 00:24;

➤ Train No. 143, route ‘Zahony-Chop’: departure at 19:40, arrival at 00:24.

➤ Train No. 960 ‘Košice - Mukachevo’ - runs daily: departure from Košice at 05:46, arrival in Mukachevo at 11:05.

➤ Train No. 962 ‘Košice - Mukachevo’ - runs daily: departure from Košice at 10:46, arrival in Mukachevo at 16:53.

Upon arrival in the western region of Ukraine, you can conveniently continue your journey by bus or train on domestic Ukrainian routes.

Tickets for most Ukrzaliznytsia trains can be purchased online on the official UZ website, in the mobile app, and through official chatbots. Tickets go on sale at 8:00 a.m. 20 days before the train departs. Returned tickets appear on the website 1-2 days before departure.

Train schedule for travelling to Ukraine from abroad — follow the link.

Bus to the Carpathians

Every day, buses depart from dozens of European cities to Ukraine, often to Kyiv, Lviv or Uzhhorod. This option is suitable for those who want to save money or travel with little luggage.

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can easily compare prices for buses, trains and planes from different countries, choose the best route and book a ticket in a few minutes.

Transfers from Visit Ukraine

Another convenient option is a transfer from Poland, Moldova or Romania to any city in Ukraine. You can order an individual transfer that will ensure a comfortable trip with an experienced driver in a safe car.

This is especially convenient for families with children or those travelling with luggage.

You can book a transfer on the Visit Ukraine portal in just a few minutes.

How to get to the Carpathians from abroad on your own by car?

To enter Ukraine by car with foreign registration, you must have:

– Foreign passport.

– Ukrainian passport or residence permit (for residents).

– Driving licence.

– Vehicle registration certificate and valid insurance.

– International motor insurance card ‘Green Card’.

Follow the links for detailed information on crossing the Ukrainian border:

– Border crossing points between Slovakia and Ukraine.

– Border crossing points between Poland and Ukraine.

– Border crossing points between Romania and Ukraine.

– Border crossing points between Hungary and Ukraine.

– Border crossing points between Moldova and Ukraine.

Crossing the Ukrainian border: entry rules for foreigners in 2025

Foreigners with a visa-free regime can enter Ukraine for up to 90 days. To do this, you must have:

– A valid foreign passport.

– Confirmation of the purpose of the trip.

– Documents confirming the availability of funds for the period of stay.

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

If your country does not have a visa-free regime with Ukraine, you will need to apply for a visa.

Planning a trip to Ukraine?

When travelling, be sure to take out medical insurance that covers military risks. This is not only a requirement, but also a guarantee of your safety during your trip.

Don't put it off — get medical insurance on the Visit Ukraine portal in just a few minutes!

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: Serhii Fedoruk

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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;

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