In 2025, there are no entry restrictions for foreigners traveling to Ukraine, but the country’s airspace remains closed. Direct flights between Spain and Ukraine are still unavailable, which means travelers must fly to one of Ukraine’s neighboring countries—Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, or Moldova—and continue the journey by train, bus, or car.
Here’s a detailed look at the most convenient routes and the current border rules for traveling from Spain to Ukraine.
Spain – Poland
Poland is the most popular gateway for travelers from Spain to Ukraine thanks to frequent flights and strong rail connections.
From Madrid, there are daily flights to Warsaw Chopin Airport with a flight time of about 3 hours 20 minutes and ticket prices starting at around €80. Barcelona also offers several weekly direct flights to Krakow, taking about 3 hours and starting from €60.
From Warsaw or Przemysl, travelers can continue by direct train or bus to Lviv, Kyiv, Odesa, or Kharkiv. 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.
Spain – Hungary
For central or eastern Ukraine, Budapest offers another efficient route.
Flights from Madrid and Barcelona to Budapest operate daily, taking around 2 hours 45 minutes with ticket prices ranging from €40 to €100. From Budapest, travelers can take a direct overnight train to Kyiv, which takes roughly 22 hours, or connect to Mukachevo by a shorter train or bus trip.
Spain – Slovakia
Flying to Košice in eastern Slovakia offers quick access to western Ukraine.
Flights from Madrid or Barcelona to Košice operate with one transfer, usually in Vienna or Prague, with a total travel time of 6–7 hours and prices from €130. From Košice, you can reach Mukachevo or Chop in Ukraine by train or bus in just a few hours.
Spain – Romania
Romania is an ideal option for travelers heading to southern or central Ukraine, especially Chernivtsi or Kyiv.
Direct flights from Madrid and Barcelona to Bucharest take about 3 hours 15 minutes, with prices starting from €60. From Bucharest, travelers can take a train or bus to Suceava, and from there continue by bus to Chernivtsi in about 2–3 hours.
Spain – Moldova
For those traveling to Odesa or southern Ukraine, Chișinău in Moldova is a good entry point.
Flights from Madrid and Barcelona to Chișinău operate with one transfer, typically in Istanbul or Vienna. The total travel time is about 5 hours. From Chișinău, there are direct trains to Kyiv and regular bus services to Odesa.
By Bus from Spain to Ukraine
Bus travel remains one of the few direct ways to reach Ukraine from Spain in 2025, with several international operators connecting major Spanish cities such as Madrid and Barcelona to Kyiv, Lviv and other Ukrainian destinations.
Companies including FlixBus, Sindbad, Infobus, and KLR Bus operate long-haul routes that typically take between 55 and 60 hours, depending on the connection and stopovers.
Ticket prices start from around €100, with regular departures throughout the week. While the journey is lengthy, these services provide a vital travel option amid Ukraine’s closed airspace, offering passengers modern coaches equipped with reclining seats, Wi-Fi, and onboard facilities.
Tickets can be easily booked online through international platforms such as Omio and Busbud, which allow travellers to compare fares and schedules across different carriers. Many small private companies also service routes to Ukraine from different cities of Spain.
By Train from Spain to Ukraine
There are no direct trains from Spain to Ukraine, but convenient connections are available via major European hubs.
From Poland: Warsaw and Przemysl to Kyiv, Lviv, or Odesa.
From Hungary: Budapest to Kyiv or Mukachevo.
From Austria: Vienna to Kyiv or Chop.
From Slovakia: Košice to Mukachevo.
From Moldova: Chișinău to Kyiv.
Train tickets can be compared and booked online through Visit Ukraine, which offers a simple interface for international routes.
By Car from Spain to Ukraine
Driving from Madrid to Kyiv covers around 3,100 km and takes about 32–36 hours without long stops. To Lviv, it’s roughly 2,600 km and about 28 hours on the road.
The route typically passes through France, Germany, Austria, and Poland, entering Ukraine via the Medyka–Shehyni checkpoint. The estimated travel cost, including fuel and tolls, ranges between €450 and €600.
Border wait times are usually shorter early in the week. It’s best to cross Monday through Wednesday to avoid weekend congestion. Ukrainian checkpoints operate 24 hours a day, but a nationwide curfew remains in effect under martial law.
Rules for Entering Ukraine by Car
Foreigners can enter Ukraine in their own vehicle for up to one year for personal use only. If staying longer than two months, the car must be temporarily registered in Ukraine. After one year, the vehicle must leave the country.
An insurance policy is mandatory. Many travelers also purchase Mini CASCO coverage, which protects against both traffic accidents and risks associated with wartime conditions.
