Ukraine, being the biggest country in Europe (if you don’t count Russia), means you need TRAINS in Ukraine to take you between cities. Most trains travel at night, so you can catch some sleep and wake up in a new city! Now, perhaps you frown with the thought of taking trains from soviet time in this former soviet country somewhere in Eastern Europe….. well, let me say Ukrainian Railway wasn’t bad at all!  Especially if you’ve been to India, you’ll know what ‘bad’ means…

How To Buy Your Train Ticket in Ukraine?

It’s 21st century. Everything is available online, including Ukrainian railways tickets. Search your schedule, find the compartment you like, check the prices and availability on the official website here (it’s even in English) :https://booking.uz.gov.ua/en/

You can pay online too with your credit card! A typical ticket is from $10-$40. Very affordable!

A Small Traveling Tip:

The 2nd class means a compartment of 4 (two bunkbeds), and the 1st class means a compartment of 2 (no bunks). If you are traveling as 3 people, book 1 more bunkbed so you’ll enjoy a private  compartment! It’s legal! And it’s much more comfortable that way!

Should You Print Out Your Ticket?

One your payment is accepted, you’ll get your train ticket immediately. You could show the ticket to the conductor as you board your train, but it is BETTER that you print it out. The system in Ukraine is that the conductor needs to know where each passenger is getting off, and he/she does that manually…. so, to save time for the conductor to write your compartment number and destination, maybe it’s easier that you just print your ticket out.

Do You Need to Bring Your Passport?

Odd question, obviously if you are traveling in Ukraine, your passport is with you all the time. But just pointing out that you need to show your passport to your conductor as you board your train.

Traveling Ukraine by Train? Good Idea? Bad Idea?

1.The New Trains! (2nd class)  Kiev to Uzhgorod

Kiev is the captial of Ukrain (and the birthplace of Slavic people…!) So at least in 2018, all trains traveling from/to Kiev have upgraded to new trains. It looks intimidating and old from outside. But it’s more comfortable than you think once you get inside. Also, I’m only traveling 2nd class, and I already found it nice! (Please don’t mind the caption in every picture. Haha!)

Here’s the look from inside. Wait, there’s a carpet in the hallway?

This is our little 2nd class compartment. Try to get all berths, or at least the lower berths. 

Lots of storage space underneath the lower beds.

Oh, and plugs are ONLY available at the lower beds. Please don’t ask me why.

Don’t despair! The upper beds people can be in charge of hangers and handing out blankets! There’s a tiny storage space above the door. And winer is super cold in Ukraine, it’s very nice that your coats have a place to go. (Hangers are provided!!)

The beddings. Sheet cover, bedsheet, pillow case, oh and a towel! Sweet! It seems much cleaner than what it’s provided in AC2 in India! (If you’ve been to India, you’ll know what I’m saying..)

The toilet is a lowlight. It’s just okay….  I mean it’s clean, toilet papers are provided. But….  hmmm….  let’s just say I don’t have any comment. Oh by the way, the way you flush the toilet is by stepping down a pedal of the toilet. (circled in orange).

Here’s the comment. I’ve never seen this design before, other passengers probably didn’t know either. So the toilet became so smelly after a few hours….

2. The Old Train… (1st Class) Lviv-Odessa

If you see a cheaper option of the same route, it’s possible that the route uses older train. The train is older, and so it will take longer traveling time. But you pay the same price traveling 1st class in the old train, comparing to traveling 2nd class in the new train. So which choice is better? Read on and decide for yourself!

Here’s the hallway! Yes, there’s also a carpet! And you can see the interior is older in fashion.

The biggest benefit of traveling 1st class is not having upper beds above you, and so it’s much more comfortable! And the beds are made! The sheets come in Ukrainian style! But…. no plugs! That’s sad!

The 1st Class offers a sanitary bag with tissues, wipes etc.

And check this out! This was classic! Free toilet seat covers! Hahaha! You get 2 for free when traveling 1st class!

The old train means very old toulet. The way you use your tap is by pushing that small stick (circled in yellow).  Also again, the way you flush your toilet is by stepping on a pedal near the toilet.  Very old design.

Important Traveling Tip:

The heating system in the train is overheated. You should bring your shorts and t-shirt. Yes I know it’s snowing outside, but you CAN’T open the window. And it’s like 30 Celsius inside the train.  Take the advice! And bring slippers if you have any!

What’s Available On the Train?

As far as I know, bring your own breakfast and snacks. Only coffee or tea are sold on trains. Tell your conductor that you want “kava” (coffee). It’s 7-8UAH only. But it’s very bitter….. The solution is take a bite of chocolate in your mouth then have your coffee. It will be better.

The Luggage Storage Facility in Kiev

Yes, there’s luggage storage in Kiev. And there are TWO types- Manuel or electronic. Its 60-70UAH for a day or something.

Conclusion

My only difficulty is with the toilet, plus having no wi-fi. But the ticket is only $10-$40, and the ride was comfortable (as long as you bring your shorts). And plus there’s no better way to travel between cities in Ukraine! So, it’s really not as bad as you think!