How to get from the UK to Ukraine

You can’t fly directly from the UK to Ukraine because Ukrainian airspace is closed to civilian flights. Instead, you can fly to another European country and continue to Kyiv by train or bus. You can also travel the entire way overland.

For anyone planning a journey from London to Ukraine, Poland, Moldova and Hungary are useful starting points. Each offers onward connections to Kyiv, but the best route depends on your departure city, travel dates and budget.

What’s the best way to get from the UK to Kyiv?

If you’re looking for how to get to Ukraine from UK airports, the journey usually involves two stages: flying to a European city, then taking a train or bus into Ukraine.

You don’t have to fly to a country that borders Ukraine. Vienna, Prague, and other European cities may also work, although the onward journey will usually be longer. Poland, Moldova and Hungary are particularly useful because they offer direct or connecting services to Kyiv.

Here’s how the main travel options compare.

For a broader comparison, see our guide to getting to Kyiv in 2026.

Travelling to Ukraine via Poland

Poland is one of the most practical places to start when comparing routes from the UK. Look at flights to Warsaw, Kraków and Rzeszów, then see which city offers the best onward connection to Kyiv.

Via Warsaw

LOT is one of the airlines to check for flights between London and Warsaw.

From Warsaw, you can take a direct train to Kyiv, travel via Chełm or catch an international bus.

Warsaw has two airports worth knowing about:

• Warsaw Chopin (WAW): The city’s main airport.
• Warsaw Modlin (WMI): A separate airport outside the city.

Check which airport you’re flying into and how long it will take to reach your departure station.

A direct train means one less change. If the timetable doesn’t suit your plans, compare the route via Chełm with available bus services.

Via Kraków

You can look for flights from London to Kraków (KRK), including services offered by Ryanair.

One rail route is:

Kraków → Przemyśl → Kyiv

Take a Polish train to Przemyśl, then change to a Ukrainian train to Kyiv.

This route works well when the connections line up. Leave enough time to collect your luggage, get from the airport to the station, and catch your next train without rushing.

Via Rzeszów

Another option is to fly from London to Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport (RZE). Check airlines such as Ryanair for available flights on your dates.

From Rzeszów, travel to Przemyśl and connect with a train to Kyiv.

Rzeszów is closer to the Ukrainian border than Kraków, but that doesn’t always mean you’ll arrive sooner. A long wait between trains can easily cancel out the time saved.

Buses are another option from all three cities. Our guide to getting from Poland to Kyiv covers routes, tickets and border crossings in more detail.

Travelling to Ukraine via Moldova

You can also fly to Chișinău (RMO). Depending on your departure airport in the UK and your travel dates, you may find a direct flight or one with a connection.

From Chișinău, you can continue to Kyiv by train or bus.

The direct train journey typically takes around 17–18 hours, although you should check the current timetable before booking. Once on board, you can stay on the same train to Kyiv.

Allow time to get from Chișinău Airport to the railway station. If your flight arrives too late for the train, compare bus departures or consider staying overnight.

For route details, see our guide to getting from Chișinău to Kyiv.

Travelling to Ukraine via Hungary

Budapest (BUD) is another option, with flights from London operated by several airlines, including Ryanair on selected routes.

You can travel from Budapest to Kyiv by direct train or international bus.

The direct overnight train generally takes around 20–21 hours. Bus services may offer different departure times, including options from Budapest Airport.

Check which railway station your train leaves from. Budapest has several major stations, and international services don’t all depart from the same one.

If you’re taking a bus, confirm whether it leaves from the airport or another part of the city.

Our guide to getting from Budapest to Kyiv explains the routes, tickets and border procedures.

How to get to Ukraine from the UK without flying

You can make the entire journey overland, either by car or by combining international trains and buses.

Driving via the Channel Tunnel or ferry

There are two main ways to take your car from the UK to France.

From France, continue through mainland Europe towards an open road border crossing into Ukraine.

Before leaving, check your driving licence, vehicle registration documents, insurance and the entry rules for every country on your route.

If you’re driving a UK-registered car, confirm that your insurance covers Ukraine and ask whether you need a Green Card or other proof of third-party liability cover.

Ukraine generally allows non-residents to bring a vehicle for personal use for up to one year, subject to customs rules. Check the conditions before travelling, particularly if someone else will drive the car or you intend to leave it in Ukraine.

Travelling by train and bus

You don’t need a car to travel overland. You can take Eurostar from London to mainland Europe, then continue by train or bus through countries such as Germany and Poland towards Kyiv.

This involves more connections, so plan the full route before buying tickets. Check luggage allowances, refund conditions, and whether you’ll need to change stations along the way.

If you’re travelling with heavy luggage or want fewer changes, compare long-distance bus services for the later stages of the journey.

How long does it take to get from London to Ukraine?

There’s no single journey time. The total travel time depends on where you fly, how long you have between connections, and whether you continue by train or bus.

Distance matters, but so do the connections. Flying to a city closer to Ukraine doesn’t necessarily get you to Kyiv faster if the next train leaves several hours later.

When comparing routes, account for every stage:

A cheaper flight isn’t always the better deal. If it lands late at night and the next train leaves the following morning, you may need to pay for a hotel and spend much longer travelling.

Planning your connections

Leave plenty of time between your flight and your onward train or bus.

If you’ve booked separate tickets, the next operator usually won’t be responsible if a delayed flight causes you to miss your connection. You may need to buy another ticket or stay overnight.

Check train services and book tickets through these official websites:

Compare the cost of the entire journey, including flights, luggage, airport transfers, trains or buses, and any overnight stays.

For your return trip, allow extra time before your flight to the UK. If the connection looks tight, consider staying overnight in your departure city.

Entry requirements for British citizens travelling to Ukraine

If you hold a full British citizen passport, you can visit Ukraine without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180 days.

This visa-free arrangement has been extended until 30 January 2027, under Ukrainian Presidential Decree No. 921/2025.

Your passport must be valid for your planned stay in Ukraine. You don’t need an additional six months of validity for visa-free entry, although countries you travel through may have different requirements.

Documents to have ready

At the Ukrainian border, you may be asked to complete an immigration card, provide biometric data, explain the purpose of your visit or show that you have enough money for your stay.

You don’t need to carry all your travel funds in cash. Bank statements, accommodation bookings, return tickets and other accepted documents can help demonstrate that you can support yourself during your visit.

If you’re travelling for work or study, or planning to stay beyond the visa-free period, check which visa or residence permit you need before leaving.

For more information, see our guide to entry rules for Ukraine.

Do you need a visa to travel through Poland, Hungary or Moldova?

Even if you’re only spending a few hours in a country before catching a train, you still need to meet its entry requirements.

For the Schengen Area, your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before entry and be valid for at least three months after your planned departure.

For Moldova, your passport must remain valid for at least three months after your planned departure and have at least one blank page. You may also be asked to show a return or onward ticket.

As of October 2026, ETIAS is not yet operational. Check the official EU ETIAS website for updates before travelling.

If you live in the UK but hold a passport from another country, check the requirements for your nationality rather than assuming the rules for British citizens apply to you.

Travel insurance for Ukraine: what to check

Standard travel insurance may not cover a trip to Ukraine during the war. Travelling against FCDO advice could invalidate your policy.

Before buying insurance, ask the provider to confirm in writing that your policy covers your trip to Ukraine.

Check the details carefully:

• Whether injuries caused by missile or drone attacks are covered.
• Any exclusions relating to war, specific regions or activities.
• Medical treatment and hospitalisation limits.
• Medical evacuation and repatriation cover.
• How to contact your insurer in an emergency.

Medical evacuation and leaving the country because of a worsening security situation aren’t necessarily covered in the same way. Ask about both.

For further guidance, read the UK government’s advice on travel insurance.

What to expect at the Ukrainian border

Border checks depend on how you’re travelling and which crossing you use. Officials will check your documents and may inspect your luggage.

You may be asked where you’re going, where you’ll be staying and why you’re visiting Ukraine.

Border waiting times are difficult to predict, particularly for buses and cars. Queues, extra document checks and traffic can all cause delays, so avoid making time-sensitive plans immediately after your expected arrival.

Save your tickets, bookings and copies of important documents offline. You’ll still need your original passport for border control.

If you’re bringing prescription medication, professional equipment or goods for an organisation, check the relevant customs rules in advance.

Before you arrive in Kyiv

After a long journey, it’s worth knowing how you’ll get to your accommodation, especially if you’re arriving late in the evening.

Check the current curfew rules in Kyiv and save your accommodation address in Ukrainian.

Find the nearest shelter to where you’re staying and read our guide to air raid alerts in Kyiv. Install an alert app and keep your phone and power bank charged.

If you’re arriving by train, our guide to Kyiv Central Railway Station will help you find your way around. If you’re coming by bus, check your arrival stop carefully, as different operators use different locations across the city.

For getting around once you’re here, see our guide to useful apps for tourists in Kyiv.

Keep emergency funds available and have a backup plan for leaving Ukraine. The British Embassy in Kyiv cannot provide in-person consular assistance, and the FCDO cannot arrange your evacuation.