Starting July 2025, Ukraine will officially launch a new European-gauge railway section between Chop and Uzhhorod, enabling direct train connections from Uzhhorod to key European capitals — including Budapest, Košice, Vienna, and Bratislava.
The announcement was made by Oleksandr Kava, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Finance, in an interview with Ukrinform, highlighting a major milestone in Ukraine’s integration into the European transport system.
A Smoother Ride to Central Europe
Thanks to this new rail section, passengers will no longer need to change wheelsets at the border — a common and time-consuming process due to differing rail gauges between Ukraine and Europe.
This upgrade means:
Shorter travel times
More comfort for passengers
Seamless cross-border journeys
It’s a huge win for travelers heading to Central Europe and for Ukraine’s deeper connection with the EU.
What’s Next? Euro-Gauge to Lviv, Chernivtsi, and Eventually Lutsk
According to Kava, preparations are already underway to extend the European-gauge tracks from the border to Lviv and Chernivtsi. The next goal? Bringing this modern rail standard to Lutsk within 4–5 years.
However, a full conversion of Ukraine’s entire railway system from the Soviet-era 1,520 mm gauge to Europe’s 1,435 mm is not in the cards.
“It’s not economically viable,” Kava said, citing Finland, an EU member that retains its wide-gauge rail system similar to Ukraine’s.
Why Broad Gauge Still Matters for Freight
Interestingly, Ukraine’s broad-gauge system remains more efficient for cargo transportation. It allows for:
Larger freight wagons
Higher cargo capacity
This is why current efforts focus solely on passenger rail development for Euro-gauge integration, ensuring Ukraine’s economic and trade logistics stay competitive.
The Cost of Connection
According to previous estimates:
Border to Lviv: ~$200 million
Kyiv to Lviv: ~$500 million
These strategic investments reflect Ukraine’s long-term vision of a modern, accessible rail network connected to the heart of Europe.
A Major Step Toward European Integration
This new rail line is more than just a transport project — it’s a symbol of Ukraine’s European future. With the first European-gauge trains rolling out of Uzhhorod in July, travelers can soon experience faster, borderless train journeys through Central Europe.
