Rail transport in Ukraine offers not only a convenient way to travel but also a range of extra services that make your journey more comfortable and tailored to you. In this article we look at the less obvious services available on Ukrainian railways and how to order them. Many of these services, which used to be available only at railway stations, have moved online. You simply fill in a special online form on the website.
Special carriage
On the Ukrzaliznytsia website you can book carriages specially equipped for people with Group I disabilities, wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility. It is recommended to submit a request no later than three days before the trip. To do this, fill in the online form with the passenger's contact details and trip information (route, departure date, train number), and specify:
- who you are: the person ordering (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 entrust 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 trip without worrying about heavy bags.
Group tickets
For organised groups, Ukrzaliznytsia offers special group tickets. They not only save money on fares but also let the group 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 order the service, fill in the online form, specifying:
- the station where the tickets will be issued (railway station);
- the carriage type: open-plan sleeper (platskart), compartment (kupe), sleeping car (SV), Intercity;
- information about the group: adults, children, passengers entitled to concessions.
Tickets for military personnel
Ukrzaliznytsia also offers special conditions for military personnel. Service members can get discounted tickets 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 specify:
- the station where the tickets will be issued;
- the train number and carriage type: any, open-plan sleeper, compartment, Intercity;
- whether you need a lower berth;
- the number of companions: none, one, two or three.
Lost property search
What should you do if you left something on the train? The railway offers a lost property search service. If you lost something valuable during your journey, simply fill in the online form with a description of the item and where you think you left it. If the item is found, you will get a call.
Car transport
For those who prefer to travel with their own car, there is a unique service: a car carrier. This is a special wagon designed to transport private cars. You must bring the vehicle registration document and proof of identity, and before the trip you need to deliver the car to the loading area of the station's baggage office. In the online form, in addition to the sender's details and the route, you need to state the make and weight of the vehicle.
Concessionary travel
For citizens entitled to concessions, the railway offers special reduced-fare schemes. These may include discounts for students, pensioners, people with disabilities and other categories of passengers. Concessionary travel is a chance to save on transport costs and make rail travel affordable for everyone.
The following are entitled to concessionary travel:
Children under 6 can travel free of charge in any carriage.
Parents travelling with children aged 6–14 are entitled to a 25% discount on the adult fare.
On all domestic trains, schoolchildren and students receive a 50% discount (except in premium-class carriages).
In addition, parents or spouses of service members who were wounded while performing military duties on the territory of the former USSR, or who died of an illness related to service at the front, are entitled to a 50% discount on a domestic return ticket once a year, as well as free international travel to CIS countries once every two years.
People with disabilities, children with disabilities and those accompanying people with Group I disabilities and children with disabilities are entitled to a 50% discount on tickets for domestic journeys 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 journeys 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 journey once every two years, or one journey a year at a 50% discount.
People with Group III war-related disabilities are entitled to free travel once every two years (return) or once a year at a 50% discount on domestic journeys. 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 at a 50% discount on domestic journeys.
In conclusion, rail transport in Ukraine offers a wide range of special services designed to meet passengers' different needs. Whether you are travelling in a large group, need help with luggage or simply want to save on fares, the railway can offer a solution that suits you. Explore the services, choose the right option and enjoy a comfortable journey on Ukraine's railways. And the specialised online service AnyTrain will help you buy train tickets for any route quickly and easily.
