Delays of up to 5 hours: trains are running massively behind schedule due to drone attacks on Ukraine

Widespread train delays in Ukraine have affected almost all routes. This is due to attacks on infrastructure and the need to reroute services. Southern and international services have been hit hardest. Find out which trains are delayed and what passengers should do

Order bus, train, plane tickets to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world

BUY

Significant disruptions to the train timetable have been reported across Ukraine. As a result of recent enemy attacks targeting the western regions of the country, the rail network has faced serious logistical challenges. Passengers are having to spend considerably more time than originally planned waiting at stations or on the move, as some trains are running up to five hours behind schedule.

Why are trains delayed in Ukraine

The main cause of the widespread disruption to the timetable has been the impact of hostilities. This is precisely the wording accompanying the vast majority of services on Ukrzaliznytsia’s official monitoring boards. The attack on infrastructure in the western regions triggered a chain reaction across the country. Trains were forced to change routes, reduce speed or wait for a safe window to pass through, leading to a critical build-up of delays on both domestic and international routes.

Which trains are delayed

The most difficult situation is with services heading to Odesa. Passengers travelling south have faced record-breaking delays. Trains heading to Odesa from Dnipro, Lviv and Przemyśl in Poland are running almost five hours behind schedule. The situation is slightly better for those travelling to Odesa from Rakhiv and Chernivtsi — their delay is around four and a half hours.

Delays to international services: trains to Poland and Moldova

International services have also been significantly affected by the attack. Key trains connecting the Ukrainian capital with Poland are running with substantial delays. Services from Kyiv to Chełm and Warsaw are delayed by exactly four hours, as general infrastructure problems are compounded by difficulties at the border. Passengers returning to Ukraine from abroad are also forced to adjust their plans: trains from Przemyśl in Poland to Kremenchuk and Kyiv, as well as the Chisinau–Kyiv service, are running behind schedule by between two and a half and almost four hours.

Transit routes connecting the eastern, central and western regions are no exception. The train from Kyiv to Kamianets-Podilskyi is running nearly four hours late. Popular services from Kharkiv to Lviv and Vorokhta are delayed by approximately three hours. A similar situation is observed on the Dnipro–Truskavets route. Shorter delays, ranging from one to two hours, are being recorded on services from Sumy to Kyiv, from Kharkiv to Uzhhorod, and from Yasynuvata and Lviv to Zaporizhzhia.

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

Ukrzaliznytsia’s new safety rules

Due to frequent attacks on railway infrastructure and the activity of enemy drones, the company has been forced to review its passenger safety measures. On some potentially dangerous sections, the mode of transport is temporarily being changed: passengers may be transported by bus via alternative routes. If the threat directly affects a specific service, an evacuation is announced to ensure the passenger carriage does not become a trap. Upon hearing a danger signal, conductors advise passengers to get dressed immediately, prepare their documents and mobile phone, and then remain in their seats until further instructions are given. Passengers with children are advised to remain calm, reassure their child, bring along their favourite toy or treat, and use the carriage blankets in cold weather. Those who require assistance when exiting should inform the train staff in advance.

Evacuation from the train: what passengers should do after leaving the carriage

Once the train has stopped and the conductor has given the command, you must leave the carriage without panicking via the nearest exit. Large suitcases and bulky items must be left inside so as not to hold up other people or cause a crush. Particular caution is required on the tracks: do not jump or linger, and it is important to keep a close watch for oncoming trains. Once outside, passengers must quickly proceed to a shelter or move to a safe distance. Gathering near the carriages is strictly prohibited. Keep an eye on the conductor in the high-visibility vest and follow all their instructions. In the event of explosions nearby, lie face down on the ground and cover your head with your hands. You may only return to your seats after the official signal indicating the end of the alert, which is given over the loudspeaker, via a megaphone or by whistle.

Reminder! Ukraine is preparing to launch another important rail route. The new route to Bulgaria promises to simplify travel, reduce the burden on buses and strengthen transport integration with the EU. Find out when the service will start, what the route will be and what is known about tickets.

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.