How to get to Ukraine from Austria: convenient routes by car or plane + train/bus
Due to the war, there are currently no flights to Ukraine, which reduces the number of options for getting into the country. However, the country's land borders are open and operating as usual. Find out more about how to get to Ukraine from Austria and convenient routes
Austria has hosted a large number of Ukrainian refugees, and many of them come home to see their families and places of origin. In addition, Ukraine remains an attractive destination for foreigners travelling from Austria.
The war has changed the way people travel, as flying is no longer an option. So now you need to plan your trips more carefully, research all travel options, monitor queues at checkpoints and find out about the necessary documents.
We invite those planning to travel from Austria to Ukraine to read more about possible routes, required documents and tips on buying tickets.
Read more about visa rules and obtaining a visa to Ukraine for Austrian citizens here.
It should be noted that in the first half of 2023, more than 3 thousand tourists from Austria visited Ukraine.
From Vienna to Kyiv without a stopover
This year, Austria attracts tourists with a non-stop connection. Passengers can buy tickets for rail and bus transport to reach Ukrainian cities with maximum comfort.
Train Vienna-Kyiv. This train departs from Vienna Central Station and goes to the Ukrainian capital. The journey time is over 23 hours.
Vienna-Chop train. The route was launched in 2023 as an additional way to connect Austria, Hungary and Ukraine. The train departs at 16:42 from Vienna, stops in Budapest at 19:19, and arrives in Chop at 2:28. The train runs daily.
Unfortunately, there are no direct trains from Vienna to other major Ukrainian cities.
Buses are another convenient way to get there. For example, FlixBus offers connections to major Ukrainian cities. From Vienna to Lviv, the journey will take an average of 20 hours, to Odesa - about 30 hours, and to Kyiv - 25 hours.
Buses depart not only from the Austrian capital. There are also regular services from Graz, Linz, and Salzburg.
Ukrainians and foreigners can become victims of unscrupulous carriers who sell tickets for inconvenient routes at a high price. To avoid negative experiences, choose only reliable companies. Consider the offers of Visit Ukraine partners that guarantee comfort and reliability during your trip.
An important aspect of planning a trip is to take care of your own health and safety. As Russia continues to attack Ukrainian cities with missiles, we recommend taking out an insurance policy that will cover military risks. Learn more about the policy from Visit Ukraine here.
Connecting routes
For those who are unable to buy a ticket for a direct train, there are connecting routes. From Vienna, you can quickly travel by train to Kosice in Slovakia or Warsaw in Poland and then change trains to Ukrainian cities.
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Travelling by car
Experienced and confident drivers can travel to Ukraine by car. However, it is worth remembering the insurance requirements - be sure to have a "green card" that will guarantee compensation in case of an accident. You can buy an insurance policy here.
If you rarely use your car abroad, read the current rules for using toll roads. This spring, the period of preferential road use for Ukrainians in Austria expired. Find out where to buy a vignette and how to pay for it here.
Accommodation in Ukraine
Ukrainian hotels are as good as European ones in terms of service. Therefore, tourists can safely choose a place to stay. Follow the link, enter your travel details and book a room in a few clicks.
Can refugees leave Austria?
Refugees from Ukraine who have received a Blue Card can travel within the Schengen area for 90 days within a 180-day period. The Blue Card entitles you to return to Austria without any problems.
Visit Ukraine team helped more than 1000 foreign tourists to organise their trip to Ukraine during the martial law. Find answers to the most popular questions to help you plan a comfortable, safe and interesting trip to Ukraine.
We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine:
Visit Ukraine Insurance - safe travel in Ukraine (insurance covering military risks);
Visit Ukraine Tickets - book bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Tours - the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;
Visit Ukraine Hotels - book hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Merch - choose patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.
Cooperation - cooperation and advertising integrations with Visit Ukraine and Visit World projects.
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The simultaneous stay of visitors in the hotel lobby not more than one person per 10 square meters of serviceable area is allowed.
Persons can visit hotels and stay there (outside hotel room) only if they wear respirator or face mask (including homemade mask), so that the nose and mouth are covered.
Hotel guests are obliged to keep the 1.5 meters distance.
Online check-in making in advance is recommended to avoid queues at check-in to hotel.
Meals in hotels are provided through meals delivery service to rooms upon prior order or at hotel restaurants situated inside or in open areas, provided the distance of at least 1.5 meters between seats at adjacent tables.
Not more than 4 clients are allowed to stay at the table (excluding children under 14 years old). Unless these tables are separated by a special partition;
Self-serve is not allowed.