Transfer in Przemyśl: What Do Ukrainians Need to Know in 2026?

Przemyśl is the main transit hub for Ukrainians traveling to Europe, but transferring here comes with its share of pitfalls. Miscalculating travel times, unfamiliarity with the station’s layout, or being unprepared for border control can seriously ruin your trip. Learn more about how to plan your layover in Przemyśl and avoid common problems

Order a transfer from Visit Ukraine – it's easy, convenient and affordable!

ORDER

For several years now, Przemyśl has remained a key transit point for Ukrainians traveling to Europe or returning home. Although the city has gradually adapted to the flow of passengers, many travelers still encounter unpleasant situations during their layovers, ranging from missed trains to problems at the border. This was recently highlighted by UNIAN.

We’ll tell you how to plan your transfer time, what to expect from the station’s infrastructure, how to prepare for border control, and what to keep in mind when traveling with children or pets.

Planning a trip from Ukraine to Europe or in the opposite direction?

Visit Ukraine offers comfortable transfers from Ukraine to Europe and back. This is the best option for those who want to cross the border quickly, avoid unnecessary transfers, and arrive stress-free.

How much time is needed for the transfer in Przemyśl?

The main problem Ukrainians face in Przemyśl is a misconception about how quickly one can transfer from one train to another. The first train from Kyiv arrives in the city around 3:30 a.m., and the next train to Kraków departs at 5:15 a.m. A gap of less than two hours seems sufficient, but in reality, the chances of making this connection are about 50-50. The fact is that Ukrainian trains arrive at a separate platform, and you still have to walk to the main part of the station. Add to that border control, lines, and possible train delays due to shelling or power outages—and your buffer time disappears completely.

The best solution is to allow several hours between arrival and the departure of your next flight. Under ideal conditions, the entire process from exiting the train to completing document checks can take about 30 minutes, but during peak season or under unfavorable circumstances, this procedure can stretch to one and a half to two hours. It’s better to spend an extra hour at the station than to disrupt your onward travel plans—especially for those planning to catch a connecting flight in Kraków or Katowice.

Why Ukrainians should consider traveling from Poznań Airport—we explain here.

Should you buy tickets from Przemyśl in advance?

Many travelers decide not to buy a train ticket from Przemyśl in advance to maintain flexibility in case of delays. This strategy has its risks. On less popular routes—for example, to the Czech Republic or Germany—there may simply be no seats left on the day of departure. And the price of tickets for Polish trains right before departure is usually 3–4 times higher than for early booking (sales start 30 days in advance).

On the other hand, there’s also the opposite mistake—those traveling to Ukraine often assume that Polish trains will arrive on time and allow for minimal transfer time. Delays of an hour or two do happen on the Polish railways, and the result is a missed train home. Therefore, it’s wise to allow extra time in both directions. At the same time, you shouldn’t plan on spending too much time in Przemyśl either: the city is small and doesn’t offer entertainment comparable to Kraków, where there is a large shopping center near the station and the historic center is within walking distance.

Food, Shops, and Services at the Przemyśl Station

In the first months of the full-scale war, the Przemyśl train station operated largely thanks to volunteers—they offered free food, drinks, and assistance to everyone arriving from Ukraine. Back then, almost nothing was open around the station in the morning and evening hours, and the only available establishments were a kebab shop and a pizzeria a five-minute walk away. In recent years, the situation has changed: several simple cafes and bistros have opened near the station, some of which operate 24/7 or open as early as 4 a.m. Don’t expect gourmet cuisine, but you can warm up and grab a bite to eat.

A mini-market has opened right at the station, though with limited hours—from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and even shorter on Sundays. There are vending machines with drinks and snacks nearby. Small chain supermarkets are located a 5–10-minute walk away, but they also aren’t open 24/7 and have reduced hours on weekends. Those arriving at night or early in the morning should stock up on food and drinks before arrival—keeping in mind that Polish customs has restrictions on the import of certain food items.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Luggage Storage and Getting Around the Station

Following the start of the full-scale invasion, the luggage storage lockers at the Przemyśl station were closed for security reasons. At the end of 2022, a temporary storage room opened on the station premises. It is not open 24/7, and the rates are somewhat high, but it is sufficient for emergencies. Travelers with large or heavy luggage should keep in mind that there are no escalators at the station—only stairs.

To get from the border control point to the platforms with Polish trains, you must walk through a long underground passage with stairs going up and down. The restroom is located in this same passageway, and access to it is through a turnstile. This means that those traveling with large suitcases will have to either take their belongings with them or leave them under the supervision of someone they know. All of this is worth keeping in mind when planning a transfer, especially with small children or elderly relatives.

How to get through border control in Przemyśl without any issues?

In the first months of the war, Polish border guards treated Ukrainians with leniency and often turned a blind eye to minor violations. For many, this was their first trip abroad, and the impression from that experience created the false notion that the check in Przemyśl is merely a formality. Now the requirements are much stricter, and complaints about harsher treatment by border services regularly appear on social media.

Among the most common “triggers” for border guards are: attempts to cut in line after exiting the train (even if you’re late for the next train), and carrying prohibited items—from food and cigarettes to medications and undeclared large sums of cash. All luggage goes through security scanners, and violations can result not only in confiscation but also in deportation. We strongly recommend that you familiarize yourself in advance with the rules for importing goods into Poland and have all necessary documents with you—depending on whether you are crossing the border under the visa-free regime or have temporary protection status. Travelers with minor children or pets must prepare the relevant documents separately.

Why Ukrainians should fly from Wrocław — read more at the link.

Language barrier at the border: how to avoid conflicts?

A separate category of complaints concerns rudeness on the part of border guards. It is worth noting that a significant portion of misunderstandings arise due to the language barrier. Despite the similarity between the Polish and Ukrainian languages, there is often no full understanding between the parties. Border guards, trying to convey information to someone who doesn’t speak Polish or English, may raise their voices—mostly without any ill intent.

The best approach is to stay calm, avoid arguments, and follow instructions. Knowing basic phrases in Polish or English can significantly ease the process. Overall, despite all the nuances, Przemyśl remains the most accessible and convenient transit point for travel from Ukraine to Europe—in terms of transportation accessibility, speed of border crossing, and cost.

Planning a route through Przemyśl requires attention to many details, from train schedules to border crossing rules. The Visit Ukraine portal offers a comfortable transfer service from Ukraine to Europe and back, allowing you to avoid many of the hassles associated with transfers and waiting at the station.

Book a transfer from Visit Ukraine and travel worry-free!

Reminder! Low-cost carrier Ryanair continues to expand its presence in Poland and is opening up new opportunities for budget travel across Europe. During the 2026 summer season, the airline set a historic record for the number of destinations from one of the most popular Polish airports among Ukrainians. We cover Ryanair’s new routes from Katowice and Sicily here.

Photo: Wikipedia

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.