In 2025, foreigners can freely enter Ukraine, but travel logistics remain affected by the closure of Ukrainian airspace. There are still no direct flights between France and Ukraine, so travelers must fly to one of Ukraine’s neighboring countries—Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, or Moldova—and continue their journey by train, bus, or car.
Below are the most practical routes and updated travel options for getting from France to Ukraine this year.
France – Poland
Poland remains the main transit hub for travelers from France heading to Ukraine, offering frequent flights and reliable train connections.
From Paris, there are several daily flights to Warsaw Chopin Airport. The journey takes about 2 hours 30 minutes, with ticket prices starting at around €70. Direct flights to Krakow are also available from Paris and Lyon, taking just over 2 hours.
From Warsaw, Krakow, or Przemysl, travelers can easily reach Ukraine by train or bus. The Przemysl–Lviv train takes about three hours and runs twice per day (check schedule). Another option is to cross the border on foot – it takes from 30 minutes to 3 hours, typically depending on the time of the day and luck, or take a bus, taxi, BlaBla car, or private transfer from Przemysl.
France – Hungary
For travelers heading toward central or eastern Ukraine, Budapest offers a convenient alternative route.
Direct flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Budapest take about 2 hours 10 minutes, with fares starting at €50. From Budapest, passengers can take an overnight train to Kyiv (about 22 hours) or a shorter regional train or bus to Mukachevo in western Ukraine.
France – Slovakia
Košice in eastern Slovakia is one of the closest airports to the Ukrainian border and is suitable for travelers heading to western Ukraine.
Flights from Paris or Lyon to Košice operate with one transfer, typically in Vienna or Prague, with a total travel time of 6–7 hours. From Košice, travelers can reach Chop or Mukachevo in Ukraine by bus or train in about two hours.
France – Romania
Romania is an excellent option for travelers planning to visit southern or central Ukraine.
There are daily direct flights from Paris to Bucharest, taking about 3 hours and starting at €60. From Bucharest, it’s easy to reach Suceava by train or bus, and from there, Chernivtsi in western Ukraine is only 2–3 hours away by bus.
France – Moldova
For those traveling to Odesa or the southern regions of Ukraine, flying to Chișinău in Moldova is the best route.
Flights from Paris to Chișinău operate with one transfer, usually in Vienna or Istanbul. The journey takes around 5 hours, with prices starting at €70. From Chișinău, travelers can take a direct train to Kyiv or a bus to Odesa, which is about 130 kilometers from the Moldovan capital.
By Bus from France to Ukraine
Here are some of the main bus companies that currently operate or connect routes from France to Ukraine, including FlixBus, which offers services such as Paris to Kyiv; Sindbad, running routes between Paris and Lviv or Kyiv; and Infobus, which also provides travel options from Paris to several Ukrainian cities through its international network.
By Train from France to Ukraine
There are no direct trains from France to Ukraine, but connecting through nearby countries is simple and efficient.
From Poland: Trains run from Warsaw, Kraków, and Przemysl to Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa.
From Hungary: Direct trains connect Budapest with Kyiv and Mukachevo.
From Austria: Vienna has direct trains to Kyiv and Chop.
From Slovakia: Košice connects to Mukachevo.
From Moldova: Chișinău connects directly to Kyiv.
Travelers can compare schedules and book tickets online through the Visit Ukraine platform.
By Car from France to Ukraine
Driving from Paris to Kyiv covers around 2,300 kilometers and takes approximately 25–27 hours without extended stops. The distance to Lviv is about 1,800 kilometers, which can be covered in around 20 hours.
The most direct route runs through Germany and Poland, entering Ukraine via the Medyka–Shehyni border crossing. Fuel and toll costs range from €350 to €500, depending on the route and vehicle.
Border wait times are shortest early in the week, particularly Monday to Wednesday, while weekend crossings are usually busier. All border points operate 24 hours a day, but Ukraine still maintains a nightly curfew under martial law.
Rules for Entering Ukraine by Car
Foreign drivers are allowed to bring their own cars into Ukraine for up to one year for personal use. If staying longer than two months, the car must be temporarily registered in Ukraine. After one year, the vehicle must exit the country.
A valid insurance policy is required for entry. For additional protection, drivers can purchase a Mini CASCO policy, which covers not only accidents but also potential damage caused by wartime risks.
