Changes in Ticket Purchase Rules by Ukrzaliznytsia
Ukrzaliznytsia is updating its ticket purchasing rules for several popular routes, including trains from Odesa to Lviv and Kyiv. From August 1, mandatory verification through the “Diia.Signature” service will be implemented on a trial basis.
Ticket purchase via counters will not be available
Starting August 1, 2025, to buy or return tickets for certain domestic trains, passengers must verify their identity using Diia.Signature, according to the press service of Ukrzaliznytsia.
The company states that the new rules are being introduced to reduce the potential for abuse during the purchase of railway tickets.
In the first phase, verification will apply to five popular routes:
- №105/106 Odesa – Kyiv;
- №12 Lviv – Odesa;
- №91/92 Lviv – Kyiv;
- №29/30 Kyiv – Uzhhorod;
- №27/28 Kyiv – Chop.
Purchasing tickets for these routes via counters will not be possible, emphasized Ukrzaliznytsia.
The new rules do not apply to tickets for military personnel – they remain available through specialized services and the “Army+” app.
Ukrainians complain about difficulties in purchasing tickets
Every summer, Ukrainians face challenges when buying tickets for popular routes. This year, demand for trains in July-August has surged, and Ukrzaliznytsia explained why:
This summer, there is an abnormal load on popular routes. For instance, the load on trains to Yaremche and Bukovel reached 460%.
In addition to tourists, there are many organized groups traveling – from frontline areas, families of internally displaced persons, children of military personnel, and heroes.
To accommodate all travelers, the company is increasing the number of trains: 8 new routes have already been added to popular destinations, and “Intercity” trains have started running at night. Moreover, an additional 100 carriages have been ordered.
However, the situation is complicated by resellers. A total of 2800 accounts have already been blocked for violating the rules. International routes require validation through “Diia”, and this may soon be implemented for domestic routes during peak season.
Ukrainians encouraged to buy tickets online
“This accounts for 90% of sales” – railway workers explain.
The company also urged users to take advantage of the “Auto Purchase” service, which automatically buys tickets from returns. It was noted that out of 403 thousand applications, 229 thousand were successful.
