The nearest airports to Ukraine: how is it more convenient to return home or go abroad (updated)
Accessing international airports via neighbouring countries remains a viable option for Ukrainians seeking to travel or fly abroad in the current situation. Find out which airports are convenient for Ukrainians in transit and how to get there
Due to the ongoing conflict and the closure of Ukraine's airspace, travelling abroad has become more difficult. However, those wishing to travel or fly outside the country can use the airports of neighbouring countries. Here are the most convenient and affordable ways to get to the nearest airports from Ukraine.
First of all, it is important to plan your trip carefully, taking into account the current situation at the borders, document requirements and possible restrictions on entry to neighbouring countries. It is recommended to check the latest information on the official websites of the border services and the consulates of the countries through which you are planning to transit.
It is worth noting that there are at least 8 international airports near the Ukrainian border, located in Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova. It is most convenient to travel to these countries by bus or train. You can find tickets at favourable prices in the booking system on our website here. The website also has a bonus points system that allows you to travel much cheaper.
For more information about international trains to and from Ukraine (schedule, prices and countries of connection), click here.
The most convenient routes to the airports
Poland (Rzeszów, Krakow and Lublin airports)
Rzeszów-Jasienko Airport, located 170 km from Lviv, is served by numerous daily bus services directly from Lviv. There are also bus routes to the airport from Lutsk, Kyiv, Khmelnytskyi, Ivano-Frankivsk, Vinnytsia and Dnipro.
The journey by bus from Lviv will take about 5 hours, while from Kyiv it will take about 15 hours.
If you are travelling to Rzeszow by train, you can take city and intercity buses to the airport upon arrival. You can also take a train from the city to the airport.
Krakow Balice Airport, located 330 km from Lviv, is served by regular buses from Ukraine. Routes are available from Lviv, Kyiv, Khmelnytskyi, Lutsk, Poltava and Mykolaiv. From the centre of Krakow, the airport can be reached by buses 209, 300, 902, which depart every 30-60 minutes.
Another option is trains from Krakow Railway Station, which provide a fast and convenient connection to the airport.
Ukrainians can also use Lublin Airport, which is located 200 km from Kovel. This city can be reached by bus from Kovel, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Odesa and Cherkasy.
Please note that buses run only to the city, so you will have to use local transport to get to the airport, for example, bus No. 5 from the centre of Lublin.
You can also take the Lublin Glowny regional train (railway station) - Lublin Airport.
Slovakia (Košice Airport)
Košice is another airport in Slovakia located near the Ukrainian border. It is a 100 km drive from Uzhhorod. Košice can be reached by direct buses from private carriers departing from cities such as Uzhhorod, Mukachevo, Svaliava, Stryi, Chernivtsi, and Kolomyia. Travelling from Uzhhorod and Mukachevo is the most convenient option, with 5-6 daily buses going directly to the main bus station in Kosice. The journey time is approximately 5 hours.
In addition, there are two direct trains from Mukachevo to Kosice daily, with a journey time of approximately 4 hours. From the local bus and railway stations (located near the Stanicne namestie stop), the city bus number 23 runs to the airport every 30-60 minutes.
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Romania (Suceava and Iasi airports)
Suceava Airport is located at a distance of 80 km from Chernivtsi. Direct trains connect Chernivtsi with Kyiv, Poltava, Odesa, and Lviv.
From Chernivtsi, Suceava can be conveniently reached by one of several daily buses, which take 2 to 3 hours. Most of these buses make their final stop at the Suceava railway station.
For those arriving at the station, there is a city bus number 8 that will take passengers directly to the airport. Tickets can be purchased either from a vending machine or directly from the driver.
Another nearest airport in Romania is located in Iasi, 330 km from Odesa. From Ukraine, Iasi Airport can be conveniently reached by rail and bus. The journey begins with a trip from Kyiv towards Chisinau, with a stop at the Moldovan station of Ungheni.
Train 351 from Kyiv to Chisinau departs on odd days. To continue your journey to Iasi Airport from Ungheni station, you should change to a Moldovan train going to Iasi via Sokola. You can also get there from Odesa by several daily buses.
Upon arrival at the Iaşi-Sokola station, passengers can use bus routes that go to both Iaşi Airport and Iaşi.
Moldova (Chisinau Airport)
Chisinau Airport, located 200 km from Odesa, is accessible by direct train #351 from Kyiv or by buses from private carriers from Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv and Chernivtsi. Buses from Odesa arrive directly at Chisinau Airport.
To get from the centre of Chisinau to the airport, you can take trolleybus No. 30 with a 25-50 minute interval. The fare is MDL 6. Detailed information on routes and timetables can be found at the relevant links.
Hungary (Debrecen Airport)
Access to Debrecen Airport from Ukraine is convenient both by rail and road. Direct rail connections include non-stop coaches from Kyiv or Chop to Vienna, as well as trains from Mukachevo to Budapest, with a further option to get to Debrecen.
The journey from Kyiv will take around 16 hours, while from Chop and Mukachevo it will take 5 hours. For those staying in Chop, there is a suburban train option to Záhony station, which offers a direct connection to Debrecen.
To get from Debrecen railway station to the airport, there are regular services of the Airport 1 city bus, which departs every 30-60 minutes. Both pre-purchased and driver-purchased tickets are available, with a slight difference in price.
Remember that any trip abroad requires a careful approach to your safety. Therefore, we recommend that you prepare for your trip in advance and take out an insurance policy, which will be a lifesaver in case of unforeseen situations or any health problems. You can find the insurance package you need HERE.
We remind you! There is a widespread stereotype among people that budget travelling abroad is boring and uncomfortable. However, this opinion is misleading and we will try to prove it. We'll tell you what myths about budget holidays have become real "horror stories" for tourists here.
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