Ukrzaliznytsia is introducing dynamic pricing for some tickets: details
18 April 15:12
Starting April 25, Ukrzaliznytsia will begin selling tickets for luxury cars based on new pricing factors: ticket prices will be adjusted according to several factors.
Ukrzaliznytsia announced this, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
“Dynamic pricing for tickets in the premium segment—the relevant order has passed public review and is taking effect,” the statement reads.
Ticket sales based on the new rates will begin on April 25. The indexation of fares in SV (luxury) cars on international trains has also been approved, according to Ukrzaliznytsia.
These changes will apply exclusively to travel in SV (luxury) and first-class cars on “Intercity” trains on domestic routes.
“It is of fundamental importance for the country to maintain the affordability of transportation for citizens, including access to communities near the front lines. That is why fares for second-class tickets and in compartment and open-sleeper cars remain socially oriented,” explains UZ.
The state has not revised these prices since 2021.
Meanwhile, to improve seat availability, especially during peak season, ticket prices in the premium segment will be flexibly adjusted based on four factors, the statement notes.
These factors include seasonality, day of the week, advance booking, and occupancy.
During periods when trains are only 70–80% full, tickets will be cheaper. And during peak months, such as August, when demand is highest, prices will be higher.
In total, there will be 16 seasonal zones reflecting the current calendar of holidays, vacations, etc. This will help passengers choose more cost-effective travel times, improve seat availability during peak periods, and increase train occupancy during off-peak periods.
The lowest prices will be on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and the highest when the travel date falls on Fridays and Sundays, when demand is highest. Passengers who can change their travel date will have an additional incentive to do so, and their seats will become available for others on the most popular days.
The number of days before the train’s departure for which a ticket is purchased. Today, nearly 30% of passengers buy tickets on the day of travel or two days before, explains UZ.
“The new approach will encourage people to plan their trips in advance and buy tickets at a better price. This will allow for the most efficient use of the rolling stock,” the statement says.
If the train is 90–100% full, the price may be higher. But if there are still seats available before departure, the price will decrease.
This will also allow passengers who would otherwise choose a different travel class to travel more affordably in 1st class or SV.
Implementing this mechanism requires further development of IT systems and will be implemented separately, according to Ukrzaliznytsia.
“Dynamic pricing is a global practice used not only by railways worldwide but also by taxi operators and airlines. The new rules will apply to less than 10% of passengers traveling in the premium segment; for others, the rules remain unchanged,” the statement says.
Fares for travel in SV (luxury) cars on international trains will also be indexed by approximately 20%. Under the new fares, tickets for these cars will be sold for departure dates starting April 18, 2026.
Seats in SV (luxury) cars on international trains are traditionally the first to sell out, indicating high and partially unmet demand in this segment.
For other seat types (1st and 2nd class “Intercity,” compartments), UZ, having analyzed current trends, has decided to keep prices unchanged on international trains this season.
