How to get from Chișinău to Kyiv in 2026: train, bus and car
Compare the main routes from Chișinău to Kyiv and prepare for the border crossing.
Ukrainian airspace remains closed to civilian aviation, so you’ll need to travel from Moldova to Kyiv overland by train, bus or car.
Chișinău can be a convenient hub for travelling on to Ukraine, especially if you’re flying into Moldova from another country. From the Moldovan capital, you can reach Kyiv by direct train or bus.
If you’re still planning your route through Europe, see our guide to how to get to Kyiv in 2026.
Before travelling, check the entry requirements for Moldova and Ukraine separately. Being eligible to enter one country does not automatically mean you can enter the other.
What’s the best way to get from Chișinău to Kyiv?
The best option depends on what matters most to you: fewer transfers, more choice of departure times or the flexibility to plan your own route.
| Option | Best if... | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Direct train | You want to reach Kyiv without changing trains | The journey takes around 17 hours |
| Direct bus | You want more choice of departure times | Border crossing times can affect your arrival |
| Car | You want the most flexibility | Check your insurance, vehicle documents and border crossing before setting off |
If you want to avoid transfers and plan your own route across the border, the direct train is one of the simplest options. Buses offer more choice of departure times, while driving gives you the most flexibility.
Train from Chișinău to Kyiv
Direct international train No. 351/352, Bessarabia, runs between Chișinău and Kyiv. The service has operated daily since late June 2026.
According to the current timetable, the train leaves Chișinău at 7:52 pm and arrives at Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi, Kyiv’s main railway station, at 12:52 pm the following day. The journey takes around 17 hours.
There’s no need to change trains: once you board in Chișinău, you can stay on the same train all the way to Kyiv.
International timetables can change, so check the departure and arrival times for your travel date before setting off.
Where to buy tickets
Check the latest timetable and ticket availability with Ukrzaliznytsia.
For an international journey, double-check the departure date and station, as well as the passenger details on your ticket.
Use our free travel checklist to go through the essentials before you leave — entry requirements, budget, accommodation, transport, safety and more.
Bus from Chișinău to Kyiv
Direct buses run between Chișinău and Kyiv. Services vary in where they leave from, the route they take and where they arrive in Kyiv.
Before booking, check:
- the exact boarding point in Chișinău;
- the final stop in Kyiv;
- whether the journey involves any transfers;
- the luggage allowance and rules.
Journey times depend on the service, traffic and how long it takes to cross the border. Give yourself some flexibility around your expected arrival time, especially if you have an important appointment or onward connection in Kyiv.
If you’re flying into Chișinău
If Chișinău is simply a stop on your way to Ukraine, leave enough time between your flight and your onward train or bus.
Allow time for passport control, baggage collection and getting to your departure point. If your flight is delayed, you could miss a separately booked train or bus.
Driving from Chișinău to Kyiv
There are several road border crossings between Moldova and Ukraine. Don’t choose your route based on distance alone: waiting times and conditions can vary from one crossing to another.
Before setting off, check the current status of your chosen crossing and estimated waiting times with the Moldovan Border Police.
Vehicles registered outside Moldova generally require a road vignette when entering or travelling through the country. You can buy one online through the official e-Vinieta service.
Before driving to Ukraine, make sure:
- your car insurance is valid in Ukraine;
- you have the required vehicle documents;
- your chosen border crossing accepts your type of vehicle.
If you’re travelling in a rental car, ask the rental company in advance whether you’re allowed to take the vehicle into Ukraine and whether you need any additional documents or insurance.
What to expect at the border
When travelling from Moldova to Ukraine, you’ll go through border and customs checks. The procedure can vary depending on the crossing and how you’re travelling, so follow the instructions from border officials and transport staff.
Keep your passport and any other documents required to enter Ukraine somewhere easily accessible. If you’re travelling by bus, don’t put them in luggage stored in the hold.
There’s no fixed border crossing time. If you’re travelling by bus or car, allow extra time rather than relying on the scheduled arrival time alone.
How to check border waiting times
The Moldovan Border Police’s Web camere service shows estimated waiting times at road border crossings.
You can also contact the Moldovan Border Police’s 24/7 Green Line: +373 22 259 717. The service provides information about crossing the Moldovan state border.
Temporary changes from 12 September 2026
From 12 September 2026, border control arrangements at three Moldova–Ukraine crossings have been temporarily changed for 90 days:
| Border crossing | Status |
|---|---|
| Giurgiulesti – Reni | Open |
| Briceni – Rossoșanî | Open |
| Criva – Mămăliga | Open |
All three crossings remain open to people and vehicles. The temporary changes affect how border checks are organised: Moldovan border and customs officers who previously worked on the Ukrainian side as part of joint controls are temporarily working from Moldovan territory.
Check the latest status of your chosen crossing shortly before you travel.
Documents for travelling through Moldova to Ukraine
Entry requirements depend on your nationality and travel documents. Check the rules for Moldova and Ukraine separately.
Entering Moldova
Depending on your nationality, you may need a Moldovan visa or may be eligible for visa-free entry.
If your nationality requires a visa and you’re only passing through Moldova on your way to Ukraine, check whether you need a Type B transit visa.
Check the latest requirements for your nationality through official Moldovan government sources before travelling.
Entering Ukraine
Being eligible to enter Moldova does not automatically mean you can enter Ukraine.
Before travelling, check Ukraine’s entry requirements for your nationality, including passport requirements and whether you need a visa or any additional documents.
Before you leave
Before setting off:
- save your tickets and accommodation details offline;
- keep your passport somewhere easily accessible;
- charge your phone and power bank;
- if you’re travelling by bus or car, check the latest situation at the border;
- if you’re carrying prescription or controlled medication, check the rules and any documents you may need;
- check the latest travel advice from your government.
When you arrive in Kyiv
The direct train from Chișinău arrives at Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi, Kyiv’s main railway station. Vokzalna metro station is nearby. For practical information on arriving, changing transport and getting into the city, see our guide to Kyiv Central Railway Station.
If you’re arriving by bus, check the final stop on your ticket, as different operators may arrive in different parts of Kyiv.
Before you arrive, read our guide to air raid alerts in Kyiv and check the current curfew hours.
FAQ
No. Ukrainian airspace remains closed to civilian aviation, so there are no regular passenger flights between Chișinău and Kyiv.
Yes. Direct international train No. 351/352, Bessarabia, runs between Chișinău and Kyiv. Check the latest timetable and ticket availability for your travel date.
The direct journey takes around 17 hours. According to the current timetable, the train leaves Chișinău at 7:52 pm and arrives in Kyiv at 12:52 pm the following day.
Yes. Direct buses run between Chișinău and Kyiv. Services vary in their departure points, routes and final stops in Kyiv.
There’s no fixed crossing time. It depends on the border crossing, traffic, queues and any additional checks. If you’re travelling by bus or car, allow extra time.
The Moldovan Border Police’s Web camere service shows estimated waiting times at road border crossings. You can also contact the 24/7 Green Line on +373 22 259 717.
