Kyiv train - connections, tickets and itinerary

• Best time to go: Your best bet is May, June, September or October - it's moderately warm during the day and the city has a full cultural offer.

• Local transport: You get around Kyiv on the metro, trams and trolleybuses - a single ticket costs a few zlotys in conversion.

• How much to go for: A weekend (3 days) is enough for the main attractions in the centre, while a week allows you to look at the districts outside the centre as well.

• Currency: The currency is the hryvnia (UAH) - payment cards work in most places, but cash is handy in markets and smaller establishments.

• Practical tip: Book accommodation in advance, especially in May, June and September, as popular locations fill up quickly.

May and June are the best time for a city break in Kyiv - daytime temperatures reach 18–25°C, the days are long and the city hosts film, music and fashion festivals.

September is a second good option - daytime temperatures are 16–20°C, post-holiday crowds are smaller and accommodation prices can be lower. Golden autumn on the Dnipro lends itself to longer stays and walks in the parks.

In winter, from December to February, you'll encounter frost and short days, but also quieter tourist traffic. If you're planning a trip at this time of year, pack warm clothes as temperatures drop below zero.

You travel from Poland to Kyiv by overnight train - you leave in the evening and get off in the morning.

From Przemyśl

• From Przemyśl Główny station, trains depart for Ukraine.

• You will travel approximately 12–14 hours to Kyiv Central station.

• At the border, passport and customs clearance takes place on both sides.

• At the border, the train switches to the wider Ukrainian track – passengers remain in the carriages.

From Warsaw

• You can travel by direct overnight train from Warsaw Central station to Kyiv Central station.

• The journey takes around 16–18 hours.

• Couchettes and sleeping cars are available on the route.

• At the border, passport and customs clearance takes place on both sides.

• At the border, the train switches to the wider Ukrainian track – passengers remain in the carriages.

From Kraków

• From Kraków Główny station you can travel to Kyiv with one change in Przemyśl.

• Total travel time is approximately 16–18 hours.

• You first take a domestic train to Przemyśl Główny station, then change to the train to Kyiv.

• You change trains only once, at the same station.

Seat reservation is compulsory on the international section. You can buy tickets on Europodróże without registration – you receive them by email and SMS. An SMS reminder with a link to your ticket arrives 30 minutes before departure. The earlier you buy, the better the price and the greater the choice of sleeping car and couchette seats.

See the refund and exchange policy page for details. For PKP Intercity tickets, refunds are possible up to 20 minutes before departure and exchanges up to 30 minutes before departure.

Check current connections on Europodróże – enter your route and departure date.

Take the metro to reach the main attractions in just a few minutes.

The Kyiv metro serves most of the city's tourist spots. A single ticket costs a few zlotys in conversion. Tickets are available at ticket offices and vending machines at stations.

Trams and trolleybuses complement the metro network and reach districts not served by the metro. They are useful when visiting Podil and the Pechersk Lavra area.

You can order a taxi via a local app. Before you go, check the current transport options in Kyiv.

There are several kilometres between Khreshchatyk, Maidan, Pechersk Lavra and Andriyivskyy Descent, so travelling between the main sights by metro is more efficient than on foot.

Accommodation is best chosen in the centre or near a metro station. In high season, especially in May, June and September, book in advance as popular locations fill up quickly.

Where to stay:

• Centre – most convenient location, close to Maidan and Khreshchatyk, higher accommodation prices

• Podil – historic district with atmospheric streets, good metro connections to the centre

• Pechersk – elegant part of the city with parks and views of the Dnipro, close to Pechersk Lavra

The Cathedral of the Holy Wisdom (Sophia)

An 11th century Orthodox church listed by UNESCO and counted among the Seven Wonders of Ukraine. Inside, the original mosaics and frescoes from the 11th century have been preserved. The tour takes 45-60 minutes. There is an entrance fee. It is best to come in the morning, before organised groups.

Pechersk Lavra

A vast complex of temples, monasteries and underground caves on a hill above the Dnieper River - one of the most important Orthodox monasteries in the world and Kyiv's second UNESCO site. The caves contain the relics of the monks. The tour takes 2-3 hours, as the area is large and the caves require a separate visit. There is a partial entrance fee. It is advisable to bring a torch to the caves.

Homeland Monument

A 62-metre high steel statue on a hill above the Dnieper, visible from many points in the city. At its base is the Museum of the Great Patriotic War with an exhibition on World War II. Admission is free, while the museum at the pedestal is chargeable. A visit to the museum takes 1-2 hours. From the observation deck at the monument, you will see a panorama of the Dnieper River and left bank Kyiv.

Maidan Nezalezhnosti

Kyiv's central square and the heart of the city. It's quieter here in the morning, and in the evening the square is lit up by fountains and illuminations. From here you'll start your walk around Khreshchatyk. The tour takes 20-30 minutes.

Khreshchatyk

Kyiv's main avenue - wide, planted with chestnut trees, with cafes and shops on either side. It connects Maidan with other points of the centre. At weekends, part of the street is closed to car traffic and turns into a pedestrian zone. It takes 20-30 minutes to walk the entire length.

Andriyevskyi Descent

A cobbled street descending a steep slope from St Andrew's Church towards Podil. On both sides you will find galleries, cafes and stalls selling souvenirs - ceramics, paintings and embroidery. The tour takes 30-60 minutes, depending on how much time you spend shopping and having a coffee.

Golden Gate

A reconstructed city gate from the 11th century - one of the oldest defensive structures in Eastern Europe. There is a small museum inside. The tour takes 20-30 minutes. There is an entrance fee.

Plan for day 1

Start in the morning at the Cathedral of Divine Wisdom and the Golden Gate, as the two monuments are close to each other. At noon, walk to Maidan Nezalezhnosti and stroll along Khreshchatyk. Devote the afternoon to Pechersk Lavra and plan at least 2 hours for it. In the evening, walk down the Andriyevsky Descent to Podil, where you'll find restaurants and cafes for dinner.

Plan for the weekend (2-3 days)

Day 1: Arrange the same as the 1-day plan - Cathedral of Divine Wisdom, Golden Gate, Maidan, Khreshchatyk, Pechersk Lavra, evening at Podil.

Day 2: Visit the Homeland Monument and the Great Patriotic War Museum, and spend the afternoon strolling along the Dnieper River.

Day 3: Take a look at the districts outside the city centre. Podol (Podil) is a historic shopping district with atmospheric streets and independent cafes, while Pechersk is an elegant part of the city with parks and views of the Dnieper.

What to eat

Borscht – beetroot soup with sour cream, a national dish you'll find in every traditional restaurant in Kyiv.

Varenyky – Ukrainian dumplings filled with potato, cottage cheese, cabbage or cherries.

Holubtsi – stuffed cabbage rolls, a classic Ukrainian dish served in traditional restaurants and canteen-style eateries.

Salo – often served with garlic and bread, it rounds off the classic menu. These dishes are served in traditional restaurants and canteen-style eateries, where a meal costs a few zlotys in conversion.

Where to eat:

• Podil and the centre – restaurants serving Ukrainian dishes at affordable prices; lunch in an average restaurant costs a dozen or so zlotys

• Andriyivskyy Descent and the Maidan area – local cafés with a thriving coffee scene, well worth a visit

• Cake shops in the centre – serving traditional cakes and pastries worth trying

Souvenirs

• Ceramics – available at the stalls along Andriyivskyy Descent, prices are negotiable

• Vyshyvanky – traditional Ukrainian embroidered garments, one of the most popular souvenirs

• Paintings and wooden products – wide selection at Andriyivskyy Descent, bargaining is the norm here

• Ukrainian chocolate – available in supermarkets in the centre, a great takeaway choice

• Tea and jams – local products available in supermarkets on the main streets

The cost of staying in Kyiv depends on your chosen standard of accommodation, restaurants and how you get around the city. Below are indicative ranges for three options.

In the budget option, you sleep in a hostel or a cheaper hotel outside the city centre, eat at canteen-style eateries and use public transport. This plan also leaves room for free attractions and parks.

In the mid-range option, you choose a three-star hotel in the centre or an apartment, eat in mid-range restaurants and use the metro with the occasional taxi. This also covers paid museums and entrance fees.

In the comfort option, you stay in a four- or five-star hotel, dine in full-service restaurants and use taxis more frequently. This budget also allows for a fuller museum and cultural programme.

The hryvnia exchange rate fluctuates, so treat the PLN amounts as approximate. Check the current exchange rate before departure.