Direct Rail Connection Links Austria and Ukraine
A direct train service has commenced between the Austrian capital, Vienna, and the Ukrainian city of Chop, with the journey also passing through the capital of Hungary, Budapest. The inaugural trip along the new route took place on December 11, with 120 passengers on board, as reported by the Ukrainian national railway operator, "Ukrzaliznytsia."
The train from Chop to Vienna departs at 07:23 Central European Time (UTC+1) and arrives in Vienna at 16:14. On the return journey, the train leaves Vienna at 09:42 and reaches Chop at 19:59. Seating is available in both first and second-class cabins, equipped with Wi-Fi. Tickets start from 69 euros. Passengers complete all necessary border and customs formalities at the Chop railway station upon departure and arrival, according to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.
Given Chop's western location in Ukraine and the need for many passengers to travel onward to other Ukrainian cities (and vice versa, reaching Chop from other cities), the schedule of this train has been adjusted to facilitate convenient transfers in Chop with minimal delay for connecting journeys. "Ukrzaliznytsia" reassures passengers that they need not worry about their connections in Chop due to possible delays, as the transfer is coordinated, and the train to Vienna will always wait for all passengers in case of connecting flight delays.
Earlier, The Gaze reported that Ukraine had started transporting trucks via rail across the blocked border with Poland. Rail transportation of trucks was organized in response to the blockade of the Polish-Ukrainian border by Polish carriers, which began on November 6.
It is noted that one of the first truck convoys traveling to Poland by rail successfully reached its destination. Both sides coordinated all aspects of transportation during this process and resolved all border formalities. After arrival, the trucks continued their journey to their destination via regular roads. Additionally, "Ukrzaliznytsia" plans to establish regular railway services for freight transport along the Sknyliv (Ukraine) - Slawkow (Poland) route in the future. Furthermore, the railway operator intends to utilize more modernized platforms for transportation.