How to travel by train in Ukraine

In case you didn’t know that: Ukraine is large! People here are used to travel by train, because it’s an easy way to get from one city to another. The vast majority of Ukrainians do their long distance travel by trains. It’s not always very comfortable, but it’s relatable and very cheap. Also, there is a chance to watch some beautiful scenery in the window!

It’s easy to plan your trip — trains are almost always on time and run frequently. Also, you can book your tickets online on a government website in English.

There are different types of trains in Ukraine:

• Suburban train (electrychka). This train connects small suburban cities with larger central city. It’s a good way to travel if you don’t have a car. There are benches only on this kind of train, and no prescribed places. 
• Intercity train (sometimes called the Hyundai train). This is a new line of trains made before a EURO 2012 football championship. It connects major cities in Ukraine, like Kyiv, Lviv, Zaporizhya, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv etc. The train is more like ordinary Western European train, with comfy seats and food buffets. Tickets are more expensive, but still reasonable priced.
• Regular train. It’s the most common type of train here. They are mostly old and not so comfortable (depending on a train’s class, obviously). This article talks mostly about regular overnight travels.

Regular trains have 3 classes:

First class is called a “sleeping wagon” (SW). It’s the most comfortable class. Every compartment has two berths, table and a TV. Also, in the first class car you can expect a better service.

Second class is called a Kupe. It’s a separated compartment with four berths – bottom and top ones. It’s popular because it has some degree of privacy. The compartment has a lock on the door, so it’s safer.

Third class is called a Platskart. These carriages do not have separate compartments. There are more berths, too: the compartment includes six of them.

On a 2nd and 3rd class, you can get a bottom or top berth. Your luggage goes in a space under a lower berth. There are some travel etiquette rules, but most of the time, just use common sense! Be friendly with your fellow travelers and try not to disturb each other.

After boarding on a train, you get a set of clean sheets and a towel. The mattress, pillow and a warm blanket are in the compartment too. When you’re ready to sleep, take it out and make your bed.

What to take with you:

• Money and documents. Keep your valuables safe! Get your electronics and a wallet in a bag and keep it with you all the time, especially when you’re going to sleep. 
• Personal hygiene. It’s important to keep your hands clean on a train. Wet wipes, antibacterial spray, soap, toilet paper, tissues, toothbrush and toothpaste are a must. 
• Clothes. People usually change into comfy clothes and slippers on a train. You can take a warm hoodie or scarf with you, according to weather – it could be too cold or too hot inside.
• Food. There are no hot meals on a regular train. Take some snacks with you: candy, fruits, sandwiches, water in a bottle, etc. You can order only a hot tea and some candy from a train attendant. 

Useful Tips:

Traveling with a bicycle. If you’d like to travel with your bike or other equipment like skis, it’s easy too! If you disassemble and pack it (and if it’s weight is less than 36 kg), just take it with you for free. If you don’t want to disassemble it, the bike gets taken to special luggage compartment – costing you half a regular ticket price.

Waiting for a train. There are two types of waiting halls on train stations in Ukraine: free and paid. If you need to wait for a train for a relatively long time, better go to a paid waiting hall – it’s cheap and more comfortable.

More privacy for a better price. You can buy all four berths at a 2nd class compartment and it still will be cheaper than a 1st class ride.

Smoking is forbidden on all trains! You can only smoke in a separate platform known as “Tambour”, between the carriages.

Be safe and enjoy your ride!