Slovak state operator Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko and Ukrainian Railways will from Friday, 12 September run the first direct passenger trains between Bratislava and Uzhhorod. (source: UZ)
Slovak state operator Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko (ZSSK) and Ukrainian Railways (UZ) will from Friday, 12 September run the first direct passenger trains between Bratislava and Uzhhorod, western Ukraine, eliminating the need to change trains at Chop.
The breakthrough follows the recent opening of a new 22-kilometre section of European-standard gauge track between Chop and Uzhhorod, built with EU support. Until now, Ukraine’s Soviet-era broad gauge has forced travellers to change trains or bogies at the border.
A ceremonial opening brought together representatives of ZSSK, Ukraine’s Ministry of Community and Regional Development, UZ, the European Commission, the European Investment Bank, and railway operators from Poland and Hungary. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky also attended, underlining the project’s symbolic and strategic importance.
“This connection is a historic opportunity to bring Slovakia and the EU closer to the people of Transcarpathia,” said Peter Helexa, ZSSK’s chief executive, adding that the operator aims to strengthen cross-border cooperation and sustainable mobility.
Timetable and fares
Bratislava – Uzhhorod (via Košice, Chop): departs 11:27, arrives 22:35 Kyiv time (10h 8m)
Uzhhorod – Bratislava: departs 08:09 Kyiv time, arrives 18:33 (11h 24m)
Tickets including reservation will cost €30.20 one-way. In the initial phase, tickets issued to/from Chop will also be valid to Uzhhorod until the station is fully integrated into sales systems.
Sales are available at ZSSK ticket offices, online via the ZSSK e-shop and app IDeme vlakom, and through Ukrainian Railways. All services require seat reservations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky underlined the project’s importance by attending the opening. (source: UZ)
ZSSK transported around 65,000 passengers between Slovakia and Ukraine from January to July 2025, with demand expected to rise sharply thanks to the new direct service.
The line builds on earlier connections: trains from Košice to Mukachevo have run since 2019, while the Bratislava–Kyiv route, launched in December 2024, continues to operate with a change at Chop.
For Uzhhorod, one of Ukraine’s fastest-growing cities, the new direct trains are both a practical improvement for travellers and a symbol of Ukraine’s gradual integration with the EU.
