Polish rail operator PKP Intercity has submitted an application to launch a new daily international train linking Warsaw and Kyiv without the need for passengers to change trains. If approved by Poland’s rail regulator, the service is scheduled to begin operating on December 13, 2026.
The application is currently being reviewed by Poland’s Office of Rail Transport (UTK). The operator has requested permission to run the route for five years, through December 2031.
Direct Connection Between Warsaw and Kyiv
The proposed service will operate via Warsaw Central, Warsaw East, Lublin, Chełm and the border station of Dorohusk before continuing to Kyiv Passenger Station.
The planned timetable for the Warsaw–Kyiv service includes departure from Warsaw Zachodnia at 18:46, arrival at Dorohusk at 22:00 and departure from the border at 23:10 following border procedures. The train will terminate at Kyiv Passenger Station.
On the return journey, the train is scheduled to arrive at Dorohusk at 04:40 before departing at 06:00. It will then call at Chełm at 06:18, Lublin at 07:18, Warsaw East at 08:56, Warsaw Central at 09:05 and terminate at Warsaw Zachodnia at 09:14.
No Domestic Travel Within Poland
A distinctive feature of the proposed service is that it will not carry domestic passengers within Poland. On trains travelling towards Ukraine, passengers will only be permitted to board at Polish stations. On services arriving from Kyiv, passengers will only be allowed to disembark in Poland.
This operating model ensures the service functions exclusively as an international connection between Poland and Ukraine.
Regulatory Review Underway
Before approval can be granted, European railway regulations require a one-month consultation period during which other transport operators may request an economic equilibrium assessment if they believe the new service could significantly affect existing commercial routes.
Once that review period concludes, Poland’s Office of Rail Transport will issue its final decision on whether PKP Intercity can proceed with launching the daily Warsaw–Kyiv service.
If authorised, the new train will provide one of the few direct rail links between the Polish and Ukrainian capitals, further strengthening cross-border connectivity for business travellers, tourists and those visiting friends and family.
