The Kyiv-to-Warsaw train is the most popular international rail route out of Ukraine. It runs daily, departs in the evening, and arrives the next morning — meaning you save a night of accommodation while crossing an international border in your sleep.
With Ukrainian airspace still closed, this overnight train is how thousands of people travel between Ukraine and the EU every week. Here’s everything you need to know to book it, ride it, and arrive in Warsaw ready to go.
Quick facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~820 km (510 miles) |
| Journey time | Approximately 14–15 hours |
| Frequency | Daily (train №67/68) |
| Departure | Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi at 19:57 |
| Arrival | Warsaw Wschodnia at 17:51, arrives in Kyiv 11:40 next day |
| Return | Warsaw Wschodnia at 17:51, arrives in Kyiv 11:40 the next day |
| Price range | 1,200–2,500 UAH ($29–60) depending on class |
| Border crossing | Yahodyn/Dorohusk (Ukraine-Poland border) — overnight |
The train: what to expect
Train №67/68 is a dedicated Kyiv–Warsaw service operated by Ukrzaliznytsia. It’s an overnight sleeper train with two classes:
Kupe (2nd class) — 4-berth compartment
The standard choice for most travellers. You share a closed compartment with three other passengers. Each berth has bedding provided (sheets, pillow, blanket). There’s a small table, reading lights, and the door locks from the inside.
Price: Around 1,200–1,800 UAH ($29–43)
SV (1st class) — 2-berth compartment
A private compartment shared with just one other person. More space, more privacy, and usually a small washbasin. Bedding provided.
Price: Around 1,800–2,500 UAH ($43–60)
There is no Platzkart (3rd class) on this train — only Kupe and SV.
How to buy tickets
This is where it gets slightly tricky. The Kyiv–Warsaw route is extremely popular and tickets sell out fast — often within hours of going on sale.
Option 1: Official Ukrzaliznytsia website or app
Tickets go on sale 20 days before departure at 9:00 AM Kyiv time on the official site (booking.uz.gov.ua). Note: this is 9:00 AM, not 8:00 AM like domestic routes.
Important: Since August 2025, buying tickets for this route requires Diia verification. If you’re a foreigner without Diia, you have two choices:
- Use the special foreigner verification process on the Ukrzaliznytsia website
- Buy tickets at a station ticket office in person (no Diia needed, bring your passport)
Tips for snagging tickets:
- Be online at exactly 9:00 AM, 20 days before your travel date
- Have your passport details ready to paste in quickly
- If tickets show as sold out, check back frequently — cancellations appear throughout the day
- Use the monitoring feature in the Ukrzaliznytsia app to get notified of cancellations
Option 2: Omio or other third-party platforms
Omio (omio.com) lists this route and can be an easier booking experience for foreigners. Prices are slightly higher due to platform fees, but you avoid the Diia verification hassle entirely.
Option 3: RegioJet alternative route
If the direct train is sold out, there’s an alternative: the RegioJet service via Przemysl.
- Take a Ukrzaliznytsia train from Kyiv to Przemysl (departing 12:06, arriving 20:20)
- Transfer to a RegioJet train from Przemysl at 22:10, arriving Krakow at 00:28
- Continue to Warsaw the next morning (trains run frequently, about 2.5 hours)
You can book the RegioJet leg at regiojet.com — it’s easy and fully in English.
For a full guide on buying tickets, see: How to Buy Ukrzaliznytsia Train Tickets Online.
The journey step by step
Evening: Boarding in Kyiv (19:30–19:57)
Arrive at Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi station at least 30 minutes before departure. This train is busy and the platform can be crowded. Find your carriage number (shown on your ticket) and show your ticket and passport to the conductor at the door.
Settle into your compartment, stow your luggage under the lower berths or on the shelf above the door, and make yourself comfortable. The train departs at 19:57 sharp.
Night: The border crossing (approximately 01:00–04:00)
This is the part people worry about most — but it’s straightforward.
The train stops at Yahodyn (Ukrainian side) and Dorohusk (Polish side). Border guards from both countries will come through the train to check passports. Here’s what happens:
- Ukrainian border control: Officers collect your passport, stamp it, and return it. You stay in your compartment.
- Gauge change: Ukraine uses a wider rail gauge (1,520mm) than Poland (1,435mm). The train carriages are physically lifted and the bogies (wheel assemblies) are swapped. You’ll feel the train being raised and lowered — it’s a unique experience. This takes about 30–60 minutes.
- Polish border control: Officers check your passport again. EU citizens pass through quickly. Non-EU citizens may be asked about their purpose of travel.
Tips for the border crossing:
- Keep your passport accessible, not buried in your luggage
- You can sleep through most of it, but the officers will wake you to check documents
- The whole process takes 2–3 hours — it’s the longest part of the delay
- Have any required EU entry documents ready (visa if applicable)
Morning: Arriving in Warsaw (10:17)
The train arrives at Warsaw Wschodnia (Warsaw East station), not the main central station (Warszawa Centralna). Warsaw East is well-connected:
- Take a commuter train to Warszawa Centralna in about 10 minutes
- Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Bolt, Uber) are available outside the station
- The Praga district around Warsaw East has its own charm and is worth exploring
What to bring on the train
This is a 14-hour journey, so pack smart:
- Food and drinks — there’s no dining car. Pack dinner and breakfast. Sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and water are essentials. Instant noodles work too — hot water is available from the samovar.
- Slippers — you’ll want to take your shoes off in the compartment
- Earplugs and an eye mask — the border crossing interrupts your sleep
- Passport — keep it within arm’s reach, not in your bag
- Phone charger/power bank — some compartments have outlets, but not all
- Zloty (Polish currency) — useful for when you arrive. You can also use a card almost everywhere in Warsaw.
- Entertainment — download shows, music, or a book for the evening and morning
Prices compared
| Class | Price (UAH) | Price (USD) | Price (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kupe (2nd class) | 1,200–1,800 | $29–43 | €27–40 |
| SV (1st class) | 1,800–2,500 | $43–60 | €40–56 |
Compared to a flight (if airspace were open) or a bus, the train is competitive — especially when you factor in the saved hotel night.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book? As far as possible. Tickets open 20 days before departure and often sell out the same day. Friday and Sunday departures are the hardest to get.
Can I buy a ticket at the station? Yes, at the Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi ticket offices. No Diia needed for in-person purchases. But popular dates sell out online long before you’d get to the station.
Is there WiFi on the train? Not reliably. Download everything you need before boarding.
Can I charge my phone? Some compartments have outlets, but it varies by carriage. Bring a power bank to be safe.
Is it safe? Yes. This is a well-established route used by thousands of travellers weekly. Keep normal travel precautions — lock your compartment, keep valuables secure.
What if I miss the train? Your ticket is for a specific train and date. If you miss it, you’ll need to buy a new ticket. There’s no refund for no-shows.
Do I need a visa for Poland? EU/EEA/UK/US/Canadian citizens don’t need a visa for short visits. Check your country’s requirements before travelling.
Alternative routes to Warsaw
If the direct train is sold out:
- Kyiv → Lviv → Przemysl → Warsaw — Take any train to Lviv, then a cross-border train to Przemysl, then a Polish train to Warsaw. More transfers but more schedule flexibility.
- Kyiv → Chelm → Warsaw — Train №19/20 runs daily from Kyiv to Chelm (a Polish border town). From Chelm, take a Polish train to Warsaw (about 3 hours).
- Bus — FlixBus and other operators run Kyiv–Warsaw routes, but the journey is 12–16 hours by road and less comfortable than the train.
Ready to book?
Check the current schedule and availability on the official Ukrzaliznytsia website at booking.uz.gov.ua, or book through Omio for an easier English-language experience.
Not sure which train class to choose? Read our guide: Ukraine Train Classes Explained: Platzkart vs Kupe vs SV.
Last updated: March 2026