Ukrzaliznytsia Launches Daily Service to Chisinau Airport: Schedule and Tickets

19 June 13:41

Ukrzaliznytsia is expanding international rail service between Ukraine and Moldova. Train No. 351/352 “Bessarabia,” running on the Kyiv–Chisinau–Kyiv route, will operate daily in both directions starting in late June. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian", citing a statement from the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development.

The route remains important for Ukrainians planning onward air travel via the international airport in Moldova’s capital.

How the Kyiv–Chisinau train will operate

According to the updated schedule, Train No. 351 will depart from Kyiv every other day, starting June 28.

The departure time from Kyiv is 4:40 p.m. The train will arrive in Chisinau the following day at 10:04 a.m.

In the opposite direction, Train No. 352 will begin running on June 29. Departure from Chisinau is scheduled for 7:52 p.m., with arrival in Kyiv at 12:52 p.m. the following day.

Thus, one train will depart daily: either from Kyiv or from Chisinau.

What Has Changed in the Schedule

The main change concerns the departure time from Chisinau.

Previously, the train departed at 5:42 p.m., but starting June 29, it will depart at 7:52 p.m.

The later departure time is intended to improve transfer options for passengers arriving at Chisinau International Airport or reaching the Moldovan capital via other modes of transportation.

Why the route is important for Ukrainians

After the closure of Ukrainian airspace, Chisinau Airport has become one of the key aviation hubs for Ukrainians.

Flights depart from there to many European countries and other destinations. A direct rail connection allows passengers to reach Moldova without transfers and continue their journey by plane.

The route is also convenient for tourist, business, and family trips between Ukraine and Moldova.

New Children’s Car

The train will include a new children’s car, specially equipped for families with children.

These cars feature amenities that make long journeys more comfortable for young passengers and their parents.

At the same time, the train will continue to include traditional open-seating and compartment cars.

How to Purchase Tickets

Tickets for the Kyiv–Chisinau train can be purchased:

via the “Ukrzaliznytsia” mobile app;
on the carrier’s official website;
at train ticket offices.

When searching for tickets, select the departure station (Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi or Chisinau) and specify the desired date.

Since this is an international route, passengers must correctly enter the details of the document they will use to cross the border.

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What documents are required for the trip

To travel to Moldova, Ukrainians must have a document that entitles them to cross the state border.

The passenger’s information on the ticket must match the information in the document. Before traveling, it’s also a good idea to check the current border crossing rules and requirements for children.

If a passenger plans to transfer to a flight, it is important to allow enough time between the train’s arrival and check-in for the flight.

How long will the trip take?

According to the new schedule, the train will depart from Kyiv at 4:40 p.m. and arrive in Chisinau at 10:04 a.m. the following day.

The return trip will depart from Chisinau at 7:52 p.m. and arrive in Kyiv at 12:52 p.m.

The travel time will be approximately 17 hours and may include border and customs checks.

Update to Ukrzaliznytsia’s Summer Schedule

The transition of the Kyiv–Chisinau train to the new schedule is part of a large-scale update to Ukrzaliznytsia’s summer schedule.

Starting June 28, the carrier is increasing the number of trips on popular routes, speeding up certain routes, and expanding service to the Carpathians, Transcarpathia, and international transportation hubs.

Tickets for the new trips are now on sale.