Tag: Ukrzaliznytsia

  • Ukrzaliznytsia has introduced a new ticket refund system

    Ukrzaliznytsia has introduced a new ticket refund system

    Ukrainian Railways is introducing a progressive ticket refund system, changing the usual rules of the game for passengers.

    The new terms, approved by the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine following public consultations, will come into effect from 2 May. These changes apply only to domestic travel. This was announced by the ministry’s press service on Facebook.

    From now on, the amount passengers receive when refunding tickets will depend on the date they request to cancel their journey. The closer to the train’s departure time you decide to refund your ticket, the lower the compensation amount will be. However, there is an exception: there are no restrictions for members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. If a ticket was purchased via the “Army+” platform, the full cost will be refunded up to the time of the train’s departure. And all this can be done online via a special app.

    So, what new conditions await ordinary passengers? For tickets on journeys sold in advance (20 days or more), the following refund scale will apply:

    – 15–20 days before departure: 100% of the cost.
    – 10–14 days: 95–90%.
    – 9–5 days: 75%.
    – 4–1 day: 50%.
    – Less than 24 hours, but no later than one hour after the train’s departure: only the cost of the reserved seat is refunded.

    However, if ticket sales for a particular flight open with a shorter booking window—for example, due to urgency or the specific nature of the destination (particularly in the case of flights to frontline regions)—the refund terms will be adjusted to reflect the available booking period. In such cases, a full refund will only be possible during the first few days following the purchase of the ticket. Thereafter, restrictions will apply depending on the time remaining before departure.

    For example, for flights where sales open 10 days before departure, the following refund rules will apply:
    – 10 days’ notice: 95% of the ticket price.
    – 5–9 days’ notice: 75%.
    – 1–4 days’ notice: 50%.
    – Less than 24 hours’ notice: only the cost of the standard ticket.

    This model aims to improve the organisation of the ticket refund process. Passengers will be encouraged to return tickets immediately after changing their plans, which will help Ukrzaliznytsia better forecast passenger numbers and allocate rolling stock more efficiently. Vacated seats will quickly go on sale, giving other travellers the chance to purchase tickets.

    Furthermore, this innovation is designed to combat ticket touts. For them, returning tickets at the last minute will become financially unprofitable. In this way, the railway will not only optimise its operational processes but also support economic stability during difficult times, when significant resources are being spent on restoring infrastructure damaged by shelling.

    These changes represent a strategic step towards improving the efficiency of rail transport in Ukraine and enhancing the service for passengers.

    As a reminder, ticket prices for commuter trains have been increased in Kyiv and the surrounding region.

  • From 1 May, Ukrzaliznytsia will be sending freight wagons for repair in a new way

    From 1 May, Ukrzaliznytsia will be sending freight wagons for repair in a new way

    From 1 May, Ukrzaliznytsia is gradually rolling out a comprehensive digital service for organising the repair of freight wagons.

    The system is scheduled to be launched in 2026, with the aim of eliminating human error, improving the efficiency of the rolling stock and reducing waiting times. This was announced by the agency’s press office.

    The new service allows all stages — from planning to final settlements — to be transferred to a single online system, which significantly simplifies the process. To order repairs through Ukrzaliznytsia, wagon owners need to complete three main steps:

    • Planning and drawing up the contract (already available)
    • The system provides information on available capacity, tariffs and terms and conditions. The wagon owner creates an electronic application containing an annual repair plan, after which the contract is concluded online using a qualified electronic signature (QES).
    • Submitting an application and carrying out repairs (from 1 May 2026). The customer makes an advance payment and independently selects the production unit to carry out the work. Wagons are sent for repair in a queue that is automatically allocated within the system.
    • Completion of repairs and settlements. Upon completion of the work, the system generates all necessary documents, including repair completion certificates, which are uploaded to the customer’s personal online account. The final settlement is also carried out online. The entire process — from submitting the application to closing financial transactions — is fully digital. The service includes the automatic creation of a personal account and the option to renew contracts without the need for physical presence.

    To use the new service, applications are now being accepted via email at uzvs@uz.gov.ua and by telephone on 093-104-65-42.

    As a reminder, Ukrzaliznytsia is introducing an updated train timetable for 2026, which came into effect on 14 December 2025.

     

  • From 22 January, the updated train schedule in Ukraine will come into effect at night

    From 22 January, the updated train schedule in Ukraine will come into effect at night

    Tonight, Ukrzaliznytsia’s updated timetable will come into effect.

    A total of 118 long-distance trains and over a hundred regional and suburban trains will depart according to the revised schedule, including trains from Kyiv. The press service of the agency provided details.

    The schedule is aimed at solving the problem of massive delays caused by shelling, detours, and the use of reserve locomotives in regions without power.

    If you have purchased a ticket for one of the following two trains, please note the changed departure schedule:

    • No. 9 Kyiv – Budapest (09:43 instead of 11:05)
    • No. 749 Kyiv – Vienna (12:33 instead of 13:05)

    Tickets purchased after 8 January already reflect the new departure and arrival times. Passengers who purchased tickets on websites or at ticket offices of foreign carriers should be careful and check the times on the official channels of Ukrzaliznytsia.

    The updated schedule for your train can be found in the app and on the Ukrzaliznytsia website, as well as on information boards at stations.

    As a reminder, passengers have been announced a new schedule for the direct Kyiv – Warsaw train.

  • Ukraine launches new rail routes to Germany

    Ukraine launches new rail routes to Germany

    Ukrzaliznytsia is launching new routes to Germany with one transfer, making travel to Central Europe more convenient. This was reported by the press service of Ukrzaliznytsia.

    Thanks to closer cooperation with Polish and German railways, from December 2025, there will be 17 direct trains between Poland and Germany instead of 11, which will significantly expand travel options.

    There are several routes to choose from in different regions of Ukraine. For example, a train from Kyiv arrives in Przemyśl, where you can transfer to the EC Via Regia to Leipzig, and from there to anywhere in Germany. Another route from Kharkiv via Przemyśl leads to Prague and Munich. There is also a connection from Dnipro via Kholm, with a subsequent transfer to a night train to Berlin.

    Thanks to optimised transfers and new connections, travelling to Germany is becoming much easier and more accessible for Ukrainians looking for a reliable, safe and comfortable way to travel between countries.

    As a reminder, the updated train system will begin operating in 2026.

  • The updated train traffic system will start operating in 2026 – Ukrzaliznytsia

    The updated train traffic system will start operating in 2026 – Ukrzaliznytsia

    Ukrzaliznytsia is introducing an updated train schedule for 2026, which will come into effect on 14 December. This was reported by Ukrzaliznytsia.

    An interval schedule will be introduced on the key route between Kyiv and Lviv, with trains departing every hour. This format will ensure stable traffic and make travel more predictable. Most flights will run throughout the year, except for certain periods with lower passenger traffic.

    The interval principle means that trains depart at regular intervals, which simplifies travel planning and allows passengers to quickly navigate the schedule. This system is widely used in countries with developed railways, particularly in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, and has already been successfully implemented in Ukraine by Kyiv City Express.

    This model is effective for the railway because it optimises traffic throughout the day, reduces peak hours and allows for more efficient use of resources and infrastructure.

    As a reminder, Ukrzaliznytsia has presented an updated timetable, which includes an accelerated direct train No. 67/68 Kyiv – Warsaw.

  • Passengers were informed of the new timetable for the direct train between Kyiv and Warsaw

    Passengers were informed of the new timetable for the direct train between Kyiv and Warsaw

    Ukrzaliznytsia has presented an updated timetable, which includes a faster direct train No. 67/68 Kyiv – Warsaw. The route between the two capitals now takes more than two hours less. This was announced by Ukrzaliznytsia on Facebook.

    The train departs from Kyiv at 19:51 and arrives in Warsaw at 09:43. In the opposite direction, departure from the Polish capital is scheduled for 18:41, with arrival in Kyiv at 09:49.

    From 14 December, the train will run to the main station of the Polish capital, Warsaw Central, which provides convenient transfers to public transport and quick access to different areas of the city.

    The schedule also includes a completely updated route No. 23/34 Kyiv – Kholm, which has become the fastest option for travelling to Warsaw with a transfer.

    The train departs from Kyiv at 21:57 and arrives in Chełm at 08:08. At 08:38, train No. IC 2802 ‘Gurski’ departs from Chełm, travelling via Warsaw to Poznań and Szczecin. The arrival at Warsaw Central Station is scheduled for 11:19, allowing travellers to quickly continue their journey in any direction.

    As a reminder, over 40,000 people visited the art train in Kyiv.

  • Over 40,000 people visited the art train in Kyiv

    Over 40,000 people visited the art train in Kyiv

    The train gallery is operating in Kyiv. It has already been visited by 40,000 people in various cities across Ukraine. This was reported by Ukrzaliznytsia.

    The number of people wishing to see the exhibition remains stable and is not decreasing. For this reason, the exhibition will continue to operate.

    Art train in Kyiv and schedule:

    • When: 18 November – 7 December, 12:00–20:00 (except Mondays)
    • Where: Kyiv Suburban Station, track 22

    Admission to the exhibition is free. The project is supported by The Howard G. Buffett Foundation.

    As a reminder, a daily train service to Kyiv began operating in October.

  • Explosions on the railway in the Kyiv region: what is the situation with train traffic

    Explosions on the railway in the Kyiv region: what is the situation with train traffic

    Ukrzaliznytsia in the Kyiv region carried out significant work to eliminate the consequences of the emergency. The Vasylkiv-1 – Boyarka section was restored for train traffic in the shortest possible time. This was reported by the press service of the agency on Facebook.

    Specialists managed to quickly cope with the complications on the section. All passengers rushing to work, school, and meetings managed to reach their destinations on time.

    More than 25 electric trains from different directions arrived in the Ukrainian capital yesterday morning according to schedule. This includes 10 electric trains whose route passes through the damaged section.

    Railway workers managed to restore infrastructure on the Vasylkiv-1 – Boyarka section. Thanks to the coordinated work of railway workers and the State Emergency Service, all measures were implemented in a short time.

    Shelling of Ukraine – how Russia attacked the railway in the Kyiv region

    On the night of 14 September, powerful explosions were heard in the Kyiv region. According to Suspilne, citing the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, ammunition detonated on a train transporting military cargo in the Kyiv region during the night. No personnel were injured as a result of the incident.

    Due to the emergency situation, certain trains were unable to adhere to their usual schedule. Train No. 73 Kharkiv – Przemyśl ran on a modified route, already at the terminal station. The delay was reduced from almost 6 hours to 2 hours 26 minutes.

    A total of 28 trains ran on altered routes, with delays ranging from 1.5 to 3 hours. Thanks to the work of railway workers and dispatchers, these delays are gradually being reduced.

    Suburban train traffic on the Kyiv-Fastiv route was also restricted. People were provided with shuttle trains between Kyiv and Boyarka and additional bus services.

    Some trains that were significantly behind schedule eventually arrived at their final stations with much shorter delays.

    Emergency services and railway workers did everything possible to quickly eliminate the consequences of the emergency in the Kyiv region and return passenger trains to their regular routes.

    As a reminder, the comedy ‘Train to Christmas’ will be released in cinemas on 1 December. A teaser for the film has already been released.

  • Ukrzaliznytsia warned passengers about the peak period and lack of tickets

    Ukrzaliznytsia warned passengers about the peak period and lack of tickets

    August in Ukraine is the peak month for railroaders. In many directions, more than 4-5 requests for 1 available seat are registered. This was reported by the press service of Ukrzaliznytsia on Facebook.

    The agency named the main reasons for this situation. The key ones are as follows:

    • Cars are leaving the fleet faster than we can buy or modernize them, so there are fewer available seats on trains;
    • Last year, three cars were lost due to shelling, six more cars became completely unusable due to their age limit, and 95 cars reached the point beyond which they need expensive repairs.

    However, as the company emphasizes, due to the more efficient use of the fleet, it still manages to carry more passengers year after year. In particular, this year, as of August 3, 1488 cars were running on long-distance trains.

    Ukrzaliznytsia warned passengers

    We understand that you are disappointed if you are unable to buy the tickets you want even at the opening of sales, because a large number of other passengers are looking for tickets at the same time,” the post says.

    Ukrzaliznytsia warned passengers

    Train tickets in Ukraine and solutions from Ukrzaliznytsia

    The main task of the passenger business today is to expand the supply of seats. Sufficient funding from the state budget and other sources will make it possible:

    • Continue to rhythmically purchase new cars and, in the future, Intercity trains;
    • Fully repair and modernize passenger cars that are reaching their deadlines to continue their safe operation.

    The company also cited an interesting fact. The number of passengers in children’s groups on UZ trains last week was equivalent to almost the entire population of Zhmerynka.

    As a reminder, Ukrzaliznytsia has launched additional flights from Kyiv to Vinnytsia and Chernihiv. Tickets are already on sale in the app, on the website and at railway ticket offices.

  • Evacuation continues: 462 evacuation cars have been deployed to transport passengers from Ukrainian regions

    Evacuation continues: 462 evacuation cars have been deployed to transport passengers from Ukrainian regions

    Ukrzaliznytsia continues to evacuate people from regions where hostilities are taking place. In the first six months of 2025 alone, 462 evacuation cars were used in the rescue. This was reported by Ukrzaliznytsia on Facebook.

    Russian troops continue to shell civilian infrastructure and formerly peaceful cities. Additional railcars are being used for evacuation. Trains are running from Kharkiv, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro and Pavlohrad to safer Ukrainian regions. 3,286 passengers have been evacuated, including women, children, people with disabilities and, of course, pets

    Passengers in each region are met by local authorities, volunteers and concerned citizens who are arranging for their fellow countrymen.

    As a reminder, Ukrzaliznytsia has announced a list of additional trains for the summer.