In a strategic move to improve travel logistics for Ukrainian citizens, the national railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia, in close cooperation with Moldovan Railways, is launching a new pilot route connecting Kyiv directly to the Chisinau International Airport. This initiative aims to streamline international travel for Ukrainians who rely on neighboring countries’ aviation hubs due to the ongoing closure of Ukraine’s airspace.
According to an official statement released by Ukrzaliznytsia’s press service, the experimental journey is scheduled for April 13. The standard route of Train No. 351, which operates between Kyiv and Chisinau, will be specially extended for this test. Instead of terminating at the central railway station in the Moldovan capital, the train will continue its journey to the Revaca station, which is situated in the immediate vicinity of Moldova’s primary international airport.
To ensure a seamless travel experience, the operators have designed an integrated logistical solution. Upon arriving at the Revaca station, passengers will be met by a complimentary dedicated shuttle bus. This shuttle will provide a swift and comfortable transfer, taking travelers and their luggage directly to the airport terminals. This service significantly eliminates the need for passengers to navigate unfamiliar public transport systems or incur additional costs for taxi services within Chisinau.
Ukrzaliznytsia emphasizes that this project is currently in its testing phase. The primary objective of the upcoming pilot run is to carefully evaluate passenger demand for this extended route and assess the overall efficiency of the new logistical chain. The company noted that if there is a sustained, high level of interest from travelers and the feedback proves positive, the stop at Revaca station will become a permanent fixture on the regular schedule of Train No. 351.
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, which necessitated the complete closure of Ukrainian skies to civil aviation, international airports in allied neighboring countries—such as Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Moldova—have become essential transit gateways for Ukrainians. Developing and expanding direct railway connections to these hubs is a critical priority. Enhanced rail services not only offer passengers a reliable and predictable travel schedule but also play a vital role in alleviating severe congestion at international road border crossings, where long queues can often cause significant delays for buses and private cars.
The Kyiv-Chisinau route itself holds symbolic and practical importance, having been successfully revived in late 2022 after a 24-year hiatus. This latest enhancement—providing a direct link to the Chisinau airport—demonstrates effective cross-border cooperation in the transport sector, helping Ukrainians maintain essential mobility and connectivity with the rest of the world despite the immense logistical challenges posed by the war.