New trains Kyiv — Warsaw from December 2026: schedule, tickets and routes via Chelm

Tickets for the direct Kyiv — Warsaw train have long resembled not a transport service, but a rare trophy. The sale just opened — and there are no seats left. A person hasn't had time to book a vacation, check the flight time, or ask grandma if she's ready to go, and the app is already showing an empty calendar.

Therefore, the news about new trains between Kyiv and Warsaw is not just another schedule update. For thousands of families, it means an opportunity to see each other more often. For passengers with suitcases, this is a chance to avoid a tiring transfer. For those flying from Warsaw further to Europe, there is another land route to the airport. And for Ukraine and Poland, it is a sign that life between the two countries is becoming a permanent reality.

According to the official information of the Polish Railway Transport Authority, PKP Intercity submitted a notification about the launch of not one, but two pairs of international trains per day on the route Warsaw-Zachidna — Kyiv-Pasajyrskyi — Warsaw-Zachidna. The planned period of service is from December 13, 2026 to December 13, 2031. However, for now it is about the administrative procedure and the planned connection, and not about the open sale of tickets.

What is known about the new Kyiv — Warsaw train

The applicant is the state Polish carrier PKP Intercity.

Trains should run daily on the following route:

Kyiv-Pasajyrskyi — Dorogusk — Chelm — Lublin — Warsaw-East — Warsaw-Central — Warsaw-West.

According to the published schedule, one of the flights will depart from Warsaw-West at 18:46. It should arrive at the Dorogusk border station at 10:00 p.m. and continue moving at 11:10 p.m.

In the return direction, the train will pass through Dorogusk from approximately 04:40 to 06:00 and arrive at Warszawa Zachodnia at 09:14.

An important detail: on the territory of Poland, this train will be available only for international travel. Traveling to Ukraine, a passenger will be able to board in Warsaw, Lublin, Chelm or Dorogusk, but not use the train for a regular domestic trip, for example from Warsaw to Chelm. In the direction of Warsaw, only disembarkation will be allowed at Polish stations.

That is, the new flight will not replace Polish domestic trains and will not eliminate the need for transfers between Chelm, Warsaw and airports.

This is not yet a guaranteed launch

The phrase "PKP Intercity launches a new train" sounds convincing, but legally the situation is still more complicated.

The carrier submitted an official notification, which was published by the Polish Railway Transport Authority on July 3, 2026. Prior to this, PKP Intercity eliminated the formal and content deficiencies of the application. Now the legal procedure must be completed, in particular, a possible study of the impact of new commercial flights on the economic balance of existing transportation.

Therefore:

• the planned date is December 13, 2026;
• two pairs of trains are declared daily;
• the route is designed for five years;
• the actual schedule, train composition and ticketing date may still change.

But even the application itself shows that the Polish side expects that the demand between Ukraine and Poland will remain high not for a few months, but at least for years.

Why Kyiv — Warsaw became one of the main routes of Ukraine

Until 2022, a train to Warsaw was an international journey. Now for many it is a common road between two parts of one life.

The following can travel in one carriage:

• mother, who works in Warsaw, and her parents stayed in Ukraine;
• a child who already speaks Polish better than her grandmother;
• a programmer with clients in Poland and a team in Kyiv;
• a student returning home for the holidays;
• volunteer with documents and equipment;
• a family flying from Warsaw to Spain or Germany;
• an elderly man who is taken in by the children;
• a woman who goes to check the apartment and still does not know if she will return forever;
• a person who, after several years in Poland, decided to build a life in Ukraine.

For some, Warsaw is a new home. For others, it is just a big transfer point. For the third, Kyiv and Warsaw have already become two addresses of one life.

That is why direct tickets are in such demand.

What the new train says about the future of Ukrainians in Poland

Running two pairs of trains a day for five years only makes sense when the carrier expects stable passenger traffic.

This means that temporary migration gradually turns into long-term mobility.

Some Ukrainians will remain in Poland. Part will return. Many people will live between the two countries for a long time:

• will work in Poland and help the family in Ukraine;
• children will be educated in Polish schools;
• will maintain housing in both countries;
• will create joint companies;
• will travel to doctors, relatives, partners and clients;
• will use Polish airports to travel around the world.

Integration does not only happen through agreements or political statements. It happens when a person sits down in Warsaw in the evening, leaves in Kyiv in the morning, spends the day with his family, and returns to work a week later.

Why does the train arrive in Warsaw in the morning

The arrival at Warszawa Zachodnia at 09:14 doesn't look like a coincidence.

The night format allows:

• not to lose the whole day on the road;
• arrive before the beginning of the business part of the day;
• transfer to a day train to another Polish city;
• continue the trip to Germany, the Czech Republic or other countries;
• get to Chopin or Modlin airports;
• save money on a hotel stay.

In the evening, the passenger sits down in Kyiv, puts things away, answers the latest messages and tries to fall asleep. Poland is already outside the window in the morning.

For business it is almost a mobile hotel. For the family, it is a way to survive a long journey without sitting on the bus for a long time. For a child, it is possible to sleep at least part of the route.

But comfort ends the moment a person gets off at an unfamiliar train station with two suitcases, a child and a plane ticket.

How much more convenient is the Kyiv — Warsaw train than the bus

For most passengers, the bus remains the main alternative.

The train has obvious advantages:

• you can walk in the carriage;
• it is easier for the child to endure the night journey;
• there is a toilet;
• you can sleep lying down if it is a sleeping car;
• no sitting in one position for many hours;
• the passenger arrives directly at the Warsaw railway junction;
• railways are less affected by car queues at the border;
• you can usually take more luggage than on a plane.

For the elderly, families with children and passengers who find it difficult to sit for long periods, the train is often a much more humane option.

However, it does not solve the entire door-to-door journey.

Which can be inconvenient on a new train

Night border control

The most unpleasant moment of an international night train often comes when the passenger finally falls asleep.

You have to wake up, find your passport, answer questions, sometimes show your luggage and wait, not knowing how long the parking will last.

The declared time in Dorohusk is approximately 70 minutes in the direction of Kyiv and 80 minutes in the direction of Warsaw. However, this is not necessarily the full time of passing all Ukrainian and Polish procedures.

Different track widths

In Ukraine, a track with a width of 1520 mm is used, in Poland - 1435 mm. An ordinary car cannot simply pass from one system to another.

Officially, PKP Intercity has not yet explained which technical solution will be applied.

Different scenarios are possible:

• transfer of wagons to other carts;
• use of special wagons of international standard;
• wagons with variable width wheel pairs;
• combined composition;
• technical transfer of wagons between operators.

Therefore, the exact level of comfort, the type of compartment, the number of seats and the duration of technical procedures will become clear closer to the launch.

Tight compartments

Even a good night train is a shared space.

It may contain:

• other people's conversations;
• snore;
• children who cannot fall asleep;
• light during control;
• aisles clogged with luggage;
• different temperature in the car;
• a minimum of personal space.

For one passenger, these are trifles. For a mother with two children, a stroller and three suitcases, this is already a challenge.

Delays are possible

An international train depends on:

• border and customs control;
• technical operations;
• locomotive changes;
• track capacity;
• repairs;
• the situation on the Ukrainian railway;
• air alarms

If the end point is Warsaw, an hour of delay is unpleasant, but not critical. If a plane from Modlin is scheduled after the train, the same hour can ruin the whole trip.

How to get from Warszawa Zachodnia to Chopin Airport

Warsaw-Zachidna is a major transport hub, but it is not an airport.

You can get to Chopin Airport by public transport, city train, taxi or booked transfer.

Public transport is suitable for a passenger who:

• travels alone;
• has one small suitcase;
• is well oriented in Warsaw;
• has enough time;
• don't be afraid of additional transitions and platforms.

The transfer is more convenient when:

• the family is going;
• there are small children;
• a lot of luggage;
• the passenger does not know Polish;
• you need to catch a specific flight;
• after a night drive you don't want to understand the city system;
• you need to go directly to the desired terminal.

How to get from Warszawa Zachodnia to Modlin Airport

The situation with Modlin is more complicated.

The airport is located outside Warsaw. Warsaw city transport does not serve it directly. You usually need to take the train to Modlin station and then change to a bus to the terminal, or take a direct bus or car transfer.

For a passenger without luggage, this is a normal route.

Now let's imagine another situation.

The train from Kyiv was late. After almost fifteen hours of driving, the mother is standing at Warszawa Zachodnia with a child, a stroller and two suitcases. There are a few hours left before departure. You need to find the right exit, switch to another platform, buy tickets, get to Modlin, transfer again and not miss registration.

It is in such situations that a direct transfer from the station to the terminal ceases to be a luxury. It becomes a way not to lose air tickets, nerves and the entire trip.

What to do if there are no tickets Kyiv — Warsaw

This is one of the most frequent requests from passengers.

Even if the new flights are launched in full, the shortage may not disappear. The new places will quickly absorb the demand, which has remained unsatisfied for years.

The main alternative is the route via Chelm:

• Buy a ticket for the Kyiv — Chelm train.
• In Chelm, transfer to a Polish train or an ordered transfer.
• Get to Warsaw, Chopin Airport, Modlin or another city in Poland.

The Kyiv — Chelm — Warsaw route has long been used by passengers who failed to purchase a direct ticket. Ukrzaliznytsia also shows connections to Chelm with connections to Polish trains.

The main risk of transplantation in Helm

The Polish train is not obliged to wait for passengers if the Ukrainian train is delayed.

That is why a short transplant may look perfect on paper, but in reality it can be stressful.

The passenger thinks:

• will the train pass the border in time;
• will there be a delay;
• how far to go between platforms;
• is the old ticket valid for the next Polish flight;
• where to wait if the transfer is missed;
• what to do in Helm early in the morning;
• how to travel further with children and suitcases.

The experience of passengers shows that too short a reserve between an international and a Polish train is risky: in the event of a delay, the Polish train can go without them.

Therefore, it is better to plan the transfer with a reserve or to have a backup option in advance.

When the transfer Chelm — Warsaw solves the problem

Transfer is particularly useful in six typical situations.

1. There are no direct tickets Kyiv — Warsaw

The passenger takes the train to Chelm, where he is met by the driver, and continues the route without depending on the Polish transfer.

2. The Ukrainian train was late

The Polish flight has already left, the next one is not suitable, and the person has a plane or an important meeting.

3. You need to go directly to the airport

The transfer can take a passenger from Chelm directly to Chopin or Modlin Airport, without stopping at the Warsaw railway station.

4. A family or group is traveling

For a few people, the combined cost of tickets, additional taxis and transfers can approach the cost of a car. At the same time, the transfer picks up passengers with luggage and takes them to a specific address.

5. Elderly parents are going

Children can arrange a meeting in Chelm in advance. The driver will help you find a car, load your things and get there without Polish and complicated transfers.

6. A lot of luggage

Three suitcases, a baby carriage, bags, a carrier with an animal - all this can be taken by public transport. But few people after the night border will want to check it on themselves.

The train and My Transfer are not necessarily competing

A direct train solves the main part of the route well: it takes a person from Kyiv to Warsaw.

But a real journey almost never starts at a train station and never ends at a train station.

A person needs:

• get from the apartment to the train;
• upon arrival to get to the hotel;
• get to the airport;
• continue the route to another city;
• meet the parents;
• transport children and luggage;
• find an alternative if there are no tickets;
• save docking after delay.

Therefore, a train and a car transfer can be part of the same route.

My Transfer helps passengers in the following directions:

• Chelm — Warsaw;
• Warsaw — Chelm;
• Chelm — Chopin Airport;
• Helm - Maudlin Airport;
• Warszawa Zachodnia — airport;
• Warsaw — Chelm airports;
• individual itineraries for families and groups.

Where the railway timetable ends, the human journey usually continues.

Will Kyiv — Warsaw tickets become more affordable?

If both announced pairs of trains actually run every day, the number of seats on the route should increase significantly.

Three scenarios are possible.

Optimistic

The new trains will reduce the shortage, and passengers will no longer have to buy tickets in the first minutes after the opening of sales.

Realistic

There will be more places, but the demand will quickly absorb the new supply. Tickets will remain in short supply before holidays, vacations and during the summer.

Market

New trains may have a different fare or several classes of service. More expensive seats will remain on sale longer, while the cheapest tickets will disappear first.

Until PKP Intercity has announced fares, carriage types and sales rules, any specific prices remain speculation.

Where to buy tickets for the new train

Sales for new flights are not yet open.

When the launch is finally confirmed, the first places to look for tickets are:

• in the application and on the official website of Ukrzaliznytsia;
• on the official resources of PKP Intercity;
• in international railway ticket offices;
• in the carriers' notices about the opening of the sale.

You should not transfer money in advance to intermediaries who already promise to "reserve a seat" on a train whose sale has not yet begun.

How to prepare for a trip Kyiv — Warsaw

Before the trip, check:

• from which station and platform the train departs;
• arrival time according to Polish local time;
• reserve for the plane or the next train;
• baggage transportation rules;
• documents of children;
• the possibility of traveling abroad;
• current customs restrictions;
• address in Poland;
• mobile internet or roaming;
• reserve route through Chelm;
• the way to get from Warszawa Zachodnia;
• transfer contacts in case of delay.

For a flight after an international train, it is better to leave a significant reserve. The border does not know that you have a check-in at 12:30.

Warsaw becomes the air gate of Ukraine

While Ukrainian civilian airports are not operating, Warsaw actually serves as one of the main international aviation hubs for Ukrainians.

A typical route now looks like this:

Kyiv → Warsaw → Chopin or Modlin airport → another country.

Ukrainians fly through Warsaw:

• to Great Britain;
• Germany;
• Spain;
• Italy;
• Scandinavia;
• Canada;
• USA;
• resort destinations.

Therefore, the demand for the Kyiv — Warsaw train is determined not only by the relations between Ukraine and Poland. Some passengers do not plan to stay in Warsaw at all.

For them, the most important question is not "when the train will arrive at the station", but:

More than a new flight

People who have not yet decided where their home is will travel on the Kyiv — Warsaw train.

Some will return to Ukraine. Others - to Poland. Some will go for a few days, some will go forever. Someone will take Polish gifts to their parents, and return with cans of home preservation. Children will switch between Ukrainian and Polish faster than a train between tracks.

For these people, Kyiv and Warsaw are gradually ceasing to be two distant capitals. They become two points of one life.

The new trains will not remove the border, will not abolish night checks and will not solve all ticketing problems. But they show the direction in which the region is moving: Ukraine and Poland are increasingly connected by families, work, business, education and daily routes.

And while a direct railway does not always take a person exactly where he needs to go, the last part of the road remains - from Chelm or Warsaw railway station to the airport, hotel or specific door.

My Transfer takes care of this part of the route.

Frequently asked questions