How to Get to Kyiv in 2026
Ukraine’s airspace has been closed since the start of the full-scale invasion, so local airports are not operating and there are currently no direct flights to Kyiv. Since 2022, travelers have been reaching the capital by train, bus, or car from European countries through Ukraine’s western border. This guide covers what you need to know about each option.
By Train
Traveling by train is the fastest way to reach Kyiv from Europe. Ukrainian Railways operates several direct international routes, so you can board a train in a European city center and arrive at Kyiv’s Central Railway Station.
Direct trains to Kyiv
- Poland: Warsaw – Kyiv (16.5 hours), Chełm – Kyiv (12 hours), Przemyśl – Kyiv (10 hours on the high-speed Intercity or 12–14 hours on a regular train)
- Austria: Vienna – Kyiv (23 hours)
Hungary: Budapest – Kyiv (20 hours)
Moldova: Chișinău – Kyiv (17.5 hours)
The most popular routes run from Poland because they are the fastest and most frequent.
Ticket prices and how to buy
Ticket prices depend on the route and class of carriage:
- Warsaw – Kyiv: about $135
- Przemyśl – Kyiv: from $45 to $85
- Chełm – Kyiv: $71 (4-berth compartment) or $107 (2-berth deluxe)
- Vienna – Kyiv: about $110
- Budapest – Kyiv: about $95
Chișinău – Kyiv: from $60 to $83
You can buy tickets:
- On the Ukrainian Railways website (main option, available in English).
- In the UZ mobile app (Android and iOS).
Tickets for popular routes — especially Warsaw–Kyiv and Przemyśl–Kyiv — sell out quickly. They usually go on sale about 20 days before departure, typically around 8:00–9:00 am Kyiv time, depending on the country.
Tips for traveling to Kyiv by train
Border control: May take from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
What to bring: Food and water (only high-speed trains have a dining car) and some cash in hryvnias (to buy snacks and drinks from the attendant).
During an air raid alert: The train may stop for a while but will continue after the all-clear. Listen for announcements from the staff.
Comfort: Cars have power outlets, toilets, air conditioning, and heating; high-speed trains offer Wi-Fi.
By Bus
Buses offer more flexibility in schedule and price. Tickets are usually easier to get than train tickets, but the trip can take much longer, especially from more distant countries.
Direct buses to Kyiv
Buses run from most European countries:
- Poland: Warsaw – Kyiv (16 hours)
- Germany: Berlin – Kyiv (23 hours)
- Austria: Vienna – Kyiv (25 hours)
- Czech Republic: Prague – Kyiv (24 hours)
- Spain, Portugal, France: 2–3 days on the road
Ticket prices and how to buy
Prices depend on distance, carrier, and how early you book. Typical fares are around $50 from Warsaw or Prague and about $60 from Berlin or Vienna.
You can buy tickets:
- On carrier websites: flixbus.com, ecolines.net
- On aggregator sites: busfor.ua, infobus.eu
- At bus stations.
Tips for traveling to Kyiv by bus
Border delays: Usually longer than by train and can sometimes reach up to 12 hours.
Comfort: Stops every 2–3 hours, onboard toilet, Wi-Fi (not always stable), and charging outlets.
During an air raid alert: The driver may stop near a shelter or continue driving depending on the situation. Follow instructions.
By Car or Private Transfer
If you want maximum flexibility or are traveling with a lot of luggage, driving your own car is a good option. You can also book a private transfer from neighboring countries.
Open border crossing points
Only part of the western and southern border crossings are currently operating. Check your route in advance using the interactive map from the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.
Main operating checkpoints:
- Poland: Shehyni, Krakivets, Rava-Ruska, Yahodyn
- Hungary: Chop, Luzhanka
- Slovakia: Ubľa, Uzhhorod
- Romania: Porubne, Diakove, Solotvyno
Moldova: Palanca, Vynohradivka, Mamalyha
Driving costs in Ukraine
- Fuel: Depends on distance. For example, Warsaw – Kyiv (about 800 km) costs roughly $100 in gasoline.
- Insurance: A Green Card policy is required to enter Ukraine. Cost starts from about $55 per month.
- Roads: There are no toll roads in Ukraine.
Tips for traveling to Kyiv by car
Documents: Passport, driver’s license (international or national), vehicle registration, Green Card insurance.
Fuel in Ukraine: Some gas stations operate 24/7. Typical prices: gasoline A-95 — about $1.5/liter, diesel — about $1.4/liter.
During an air raid alert: If you are on a highway, continue to the nearest town or village with shelter. Do not stop on open roads.
Private transfers
If you prefer not to drive yourself, you can book a private transfer with a transport company. For example, a transfer from Warsaw with KyivShuttle costs about $1,070, and from Chișinău about $530 for up to three passengers. Prices vary by company — for instance, TheEuroRoadTrip offers transfers from Warsaw from about $900.
Combined routes
If you are traveling from distant countries (the U.S., Asia, the Middle East), the easiest option is to fly to a country neighboring Ukraine and then continue by train, bus, or transfer.
Popular combinations:
- Flight to Warsaw + train/bus to Kyiv (most popular because it’s the shortest land route)
- Flight to Vienna + train to Kyiv
- Flight to Budapest + bus to Kyiv
- Flight to Chișinău + train/bus to Kyiv
Another convenient combined option is to reach a Ukrainian border city first (by car or train) and then continue by direct train to Kyiv. For example:
- Hungary: Budapest – Mukachevo + Mukachevo – Kyiv
- Slovakia: Košice – Mukachevo + Mukachevo – Kyiv
- Austria: Vienna – Uzhhorod + Uzhhorod – Kyiv
Preparing for your trip
Before crossing the border, make sure you have all required documents ready. We also recommend installing useful local apps and reviewing current safety guidelines for Kyiv.
