Kyiv Central Railway Station: a practical guide for travellers
How to find your train, get into the city and use the station’s facilities.
Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi is Kyiv’s main railway station, serving trains from across Ukraine and abroad. The station has two main terminals, Central and Southern, on opposite sides of the tracks, connected by a covered walkway. Here’s how to find your way around, get into the city and make the most of the facilities before your next journey.
Finding your way around Kyiv railway station
Central Station and Southern Station are two parts of the same railway complex, not separate stations.
Central Station faces Vokzalna Square, at 1 Vokzalna Square. Vokzalna metro station and several public transport stops are nearby.
Southern Station is on the other side of the tracks, with its own entrance and access to public transport and taxis.
A covered walkway, known as the station concourse, connects the two terminals and provides access to the platforms.
If you arrive at Southern Station and want to take the metro, follow the signs for Central Station.
How to find your train and platform
Before boarding, check your train number, departure time and platform. You’ll find this information on the station’s departure boards, in announcements and in the Ukrainian Railways app.
The app can also notify you of your departure platform. Platform numbers sometimes change, though, so it’s worth checking the boards again before boarding.
If you can’t find your platform, ask a member of station staff. You can also check timetables and delays on the official Ukrainian Railways website.
Getting from the station to central Kyiv
The station is served by the metro, buses, trolleybuses and taxis. The best option depends on your destination, how much luggage you have and when you arrive.
Vokzalna metro station
Vokzalna metro station is right next to Central Station, on the red line (M1).
From here, you can travel directly to Universytet and Teatralna stations in central Kyiv. Other destinations may require a change of line.
You can pay with a contactless bank card, an NFC-enabled phone, a QR ticket or a transport card.
For routes, connections and fares, see our guide to the Kyiv Metro.
Buses, trolleybuses and other public transport
You’ll find public transport stops on both sides of the station complex.
The Kyiv Digital app can help you plan your journey and find the right stop. Before leaving the station, check which direction your bus or trolleybus is heading and where to board.
For more information on routes, transfers and payment, read our guide to getting around Kyiv.
Taxis
If you’re travelling with heavy luggage or your destination is difficult to reach by public transport, you can book a taxi through Bolt, Uklon or Uber.
Enter your destination in the app and check the fare estimate and pickup point. Your driver may be waiting outside either Central or Southern Station.
Before getting in, check that the car’s number plate matches the details in your app. Our guide to taxis in Kyiv explains how booking and payment work.
Facilities at Kyiv railway station
Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi has the main facilities you might need before or after your journey:
- Departure boards and station announcements
- Toilets
- ATMs and currency exchange offices
- Shops, kiosks and places to grab a bite
- Waiting areas
- Phone charging points and Wi-Fi in some areas
Opening hours and availability may vary.
If you need to withdraw cash or exchange money, see our guide to money and currency exchange in Kyiv. For SIM cards, mobile data and staying connected, read our guide to internet and mobile service.
Waiting areas and luggage storage
Where to wait for your train
Central Station has both free and paid waiting areas.
You can sit in the main waiting hall free of charge. Some areas also have power sockets and Wi-Fi.
There’s also a space called Fortress of Invincibility (Fortetsia Nezlamnosti), set up to provide warmth, phone charging, and connectivity during power cuts. Ukrainian Railways confirmed that similar facilities were operating at stations in 2026, but ask station staff whether this particular space is currently open.
If you’d prefer somewhere quieter to work or relax, there are paid waiting areas, including UZ Lounge, which offers workspaces, internet access, charging points and other services.
Check the latest prices, opening hours and entry requirements at the station.
Where to leave your luggage
The station has self-service luggage lockers and staffed left-luggage facilities.
Ukrainian Railways has installed automated lockers in three areas:
- The ticket halls at Central Station
- The walkway between Central and Southern Stations
- Southern Station
To use a locker, choose one that fits your bags and pay for the storage period. You can pay by card or smartphone.
Before leaving your luggage, check the price, storage time and collection instructions. Keep your passport, money and other valuables with you.
If you have reduced mobility and need help with your luggage, Ukrainian Railways offers a passenger assistance service called Station Assistant (Vokzalnyi Pomichnyk). Details on how to request assistance are available through the operator’s official services.
Where to eat at the station
Both Central and Southern Stations have cafés, kiosks and places to pick up coffee, pastries or a quick snack.
If you have more time, you’ll also find fast-food outlets and restaurants near the station.
If you’re changing trains and don’t have much time, it’s usually easier to stay within the station complex. Opening hours can vary, especially late in the evening.
How to buy train tickets
You can buy tickets for domestic and international Ukrainian Railways services online or at the station’s ticket offices.
Online
Use the official Ukrainian Railways website or mobile app.
Before paying, double-check the date, departure station, train number and passenger details.
For most services, you can show your e-ticket on your phone when boarding. If you need a different type of ticket or document, follow the instructions provided during booking.
At the ticket office
If you can’t book online or need assistance, visit one of the station’s ticket offices.
Have your passport or other travel document ready, especially if you’re travelling internationally.
International tickets for foreign travellers
Some international routes require additional identity verification when booking online.
Ukrainian Railways has a dedicated verification form for foreign passengers.
If you’re asked to verify your identity during booking, follow the instructions provided. Requirements vary by route.
If you’re still planning your trip to Ukraine, our guide to getting to Kyiv in 2026 covers the main travel options.
What happens at the station during an air raid alert?
Train services, boarding and departures may be affected by air raid alerts.
Under procedures introduced in September 2026, Ukrainian Railways adjusts operations according to the threat level:
- Yellow threat level: Trains may continue running, with boarding and passengers getting off as normal.
- Red threat level: Boarding and departures are suspended, and passengers are directed to shelters.
If an air raid alert sounds while you’re at the station, listen for announcements and follow staff instructions. Head to the designated shelter when directed, rather than staying on an open platform.
Wait for staff to confirm that boarding has resumed before returning to your train. Check Ukrainian Railways updates for any delays.
What if you miss your train because of an air raid alert?
If a prolonged air raid alert prevents you from boarding, keep your ticket and speak to station staff or contact Ukrainian Railways support on 0 800 503 111.
The railway operator may be able to arrange alternative travel on another train heading in the same direction. Ask staff what options are available and whether any additional arrangements are needed.
Don’t board another train without checking with railway staff first.
For more information on shelters, alerts and staying safe, see our guide to air raid alerts in Kyiv.
Arriving in Kyiv late at night
If your train arrives late, check the metro’s operating hours and the last buses or trolleybuses before you travel.
If public transport has stopped running, a taxi may be an option, depending on the time and any restrictions in place.
Kyiv has a nightly curfew. Arriving by train doesn’t automatically mean you can travel around the city without restrictions. Special arrangements may apply if your train has been delayed.
If you arrive during curfew, ask station staff about your options for getting to your accommodation. Keep your ticket and ID handy.
If you’re changing trains and need to stay at the station overnight, check which waiting areas are open.
For the latest rules and practical advice, read our guide to curfew in Kyiv.
FAQ
They’re two parts of the same railway complex, on opposite sides of the tracks. A covered walkway connects them, and Vokzalna metro station is on the Central Station side.
You can take the metro from Vokzalna station on the red line (M1), use public transport or book a taxi. The best option depends on your destination, luggage and arrival time.
Check the station’s departure boards, listen for announcements or use the Ukrainian Railways app. Platform numbers can change, so check again before boarding.
Yes. The station has self-service lockers and staffed left-luggage facilities. Check the current prices and collection conditions before leaving your bags.
Follow station announcements and staff instructions. Depending on the threat level, boarding and departures may be suspended, and passengers may be directed to shelters.
Check whether the metro or other public transport is still running. Taxis may be available, but curfew restrictions apply. If your train has been delayed, ask station staff about your options.
