“Ukrzaliznytsia announces the launch of the Magical Express: where and when holiday trains will run
4 December 12:14
On St. Nicholas Day, from December 5 to 7, Ukrzaliznytsia’s Magic Express will run. This is the second time that the company has announced the launch of festive retro trains powered by steam locomotion. Read "Komersant Ukrainian" article to find out in which cities the Magical Express will run, the schedule and other details.
Where will the Magical Express from Ukrzaliznytsia run?
Holiday trains will run in Kyiv and Lviv. The vintage trains will start the journey from Lviv-Holovnyi and Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi railway stations, and the journey will take about two hours. Trains with real steam locomotives will run within Kyiv and Lviv and make one stop along the entire route. The holiday trains will be adapted to the needs of the youngest passengers, as they will include only children’s cars that are designed even for babies.
Who can buy tickets for the Magical Express?
In 2025, children from the frontline areas and children of railway workers, including the wounded, the dead and those who are currently serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, will be given preference.
How do I get tickets for the Holiday Express from Ukrzaliznytsia?
Families from Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, Donetsk, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia regions can take advantage of the 3000 km of Ukraine program to get free tickets to Kyiv and Lviv and free travel on the Magic Express. To do this, you need to:
- Download the Ukrzaliznytsia app in Google Play (for Android) or AppStore (for iOS);
- Register for the 3000 km Ukraine program in the application;
- Purchase tickets for yourself and your child/children to Kyiv or Lviv on December 4, 5, 6 or 7 using bonus kilometers;
- Register at the link; services.uz.gov.ua/magic-express
- Wait for the booking confirmation from UZ and tickets for the Magic Express.
Please note that the number of seats is limited, so booking confirmation is required.
Schedule of the Magical Express
Festive trains will depart from Lviv-Holovnyi and Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi railway stations twice a day, according to the following schedule:
december 5: at 14:00 and 17:00
december 6: at 10:00 and 13:00
december 7: at 10:00 and 13:00
UZ representatives advise to arrive at the station at least half an hour before the departure so that children can take part in entertainment activities and take photos.
In addition, the company emphasizes that even if an air alert is announced, trains will continue to run according to the approved schedule, but the entertainment program will be held in safe shelters.
Author: Olya Yushko
