Rail transport in Ukraine offers not only a convenient way to get around but also a range of extra services that make your journey more comfortable and better suited to your needs. In this article we look at the less well-known services available on Ukraine's railways and how to book them. Many of these services, which used to be available only at stations, have moved online: you simply fill in a special online form on the railway's website.
Special carriage
On the Ukrzaliznytsia website you can book transport specially equipped for people with Group I disabilities, wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility. It is recommended to submit your request at least three days before the journey. To do this, fill in the online form with the passenger's contact details and information about the trip (route, departure date, train number), and state:
- who you are: the person booking (not travelling yourself), the companion or the passenger;
- information about the passenger: concession category, person with a disability, other;
- whether there will be a companion;
- any additional requests.
Porter
For those travelling with a lot of luggage, or who simply want to avoid the hassle, the railway offers a porter service. It lets you hand over your belongings to an experienced member of staff who will carry them to where you need to go. This is especially convenient for tourists who want to enjoy the journey without worrying about heavy bags.
Group tickets
Ukrzaliznytsia offers special group tickets for organised groups. They not only help you save on fares but also make sure the group can travel together in neighbouring seats in the same carriage. Group tickets are a great option for school trips, corporate travel or simply large groups of friends.
To book the service, fill in the online form, stating:
- the station where the tickets will be issued (railway station);
- the carriage type: open-plan (platzkart), compartment (kupe), sleeper or Intercity;
- information about the group: adults, children, passengers entitled to concessions.
Tickets for military personnel
Ukrzaliznytsia also offers special terms for military personnel. Service members can get ticket discounts and use priority booking and additional services. Tickets can only be collected at the ticket office on presentation of a military ID or service certificate.
In the online form you need to state:
- the station where the tickets will be issued;
- the train number and carriage type: any, open-plan, compartment or Intercity;
- whether you need a lower berth;
- the number of companions: none, one, two or three.
Lost property
What should you do if you leave something on a train? The railway offers a lost property service. If you have lost something valuable during your journey, simply fill in the online form with details of the item and where you think you left it. If the item is found, you will receive a phone call.
Car carrier
For those who prefer to travel with their own car, there is a unique service: the car carrier. This is a special wagon designed to transport private cars. You need to bring the vehicle registration certificate and identity documents, and deliver the car to the luggage department area at the station before departure. In the online form, besides the sender's details and the route, you need to state the make and weight of the vehicle.
Concession fares
For citizens entitled to concessions, the railway offers special reduced-fare programmes. These may include discounts for students, pensioners, people with disabilities and other groups. Concession fares are a chance to save on travel costs and make rail travel accessible to everyone.
Who is entitled to concession fares:
Children under 6 can travel free of charge in any carriage.
Parents travelling with children aged 6 to 14 are entitled to a 25% discount on the adult fare.
School pupils and students get a 50% discount on all domestic trains (except premium-class carriages).
In addition, parents or spouses of service members who were wounded while performing military service or other military duties on the territory of the former USSR, or who died of an illness related to their time at the front, are entitled to a 50% discount on a domestic return ticket once a year, as well as free international flights to CIS countries once every two years.
People with disabilities, children with disabilities and those accompanying people with Group I disabilities or children with disabilities are entitled to a 50% discount on domestic air tickets from 1 October to 15 May.
In addition, once a year people with Group I or II war-related disabilities are entitled to free domestic return travel and a 50% discount on domestic return flights from 1 October to 15 May.
People with Group II and III war-related disabilities aged 85 and over who took part in combat during the Second World War are entitled to one free domestic return flight every two years, or one flight a year at a 50% discount.
People with Group III war-related disabilities are entitled to free return travel once every two years, or once a year at a 50% discount, on domestic routes. Combat veterans and parents of those killed or missing in action during military service are also entitled to free travel once every two years (return), or once a year with a 50% discount, on domestic routes.
To sum up, rail transport in Ukraine offers a wide range of unique services designed to meet passengers' varied needs. Whether you are travelling in a large group, need help with your luggage or simply want to save on fares, the railway is ready to offer you a tailored solution. Explore the services, choose the one that suits you and enjoy a comfortable journey on Ukraine's railways. And the specialist online service AnyTrain will help you buy train tickets for a wide range of destinations quickly and easily.
