Updated: November 2026
Contents
- Where Kharkiv Railway Station Is
- History and Architecture
- Facilities and Services
- Trains and Destinations
- Address and Contacts
- Getting Around from the Station
- Tips for Passengers
- FAQ
Where Kharkiv Railway Station Is
Kharkiv's main railway station is Kharkiv-Pasazhyrskyi, on Pryvokzalna Square in the Kholodnohirskyi district. Locals call it the South Station (Pivdennyi Vokzal). Maidan Konstytutsii in the city center is less than 2 km away, and Vokzalna metro station is right next to the railway station. Until 2024, the metro station was also called Pivdennyi Vokzal.
Kharkiv-Pasazhyrskyi handles long-distance and international trains, as well as most suburban trains. The city's other passenger station is Kharkiv-Levada, which serves some suburban trains.
History and Architecture
Kharkiv's first railway station opened in 1869. In 1896–1901, it was expanded and rebuilt, becoming one of the largest stations of its time. The building was destroyed during the Second World War.
The current station opened on November 2, 1952. Its main facade is framed by two 42-meter towers, the North and the South tower. The South tower holds a clock 4.25 m in diameter, the largest in Kharkiv. The main hall is 26 m high. In 1978–1982, a modern south wing was added. The building was restored for Kharkiv's 350th anniversary in 2003 and renovated again before Euro 2012, keeping its historic appearance.
Facilities and Services
Kharkiv-Pasazhyrskyi is a large station complex with 7 passenger platforms and 21 tracks. Platform 1 runs alongside the station building, and the other platforms are reached through two underground tunnels, the North and the South tunnel.
- Security check at the entrance. Since June 28, 2026, all passengers, on both long-distance and suburban trains, have had to pass through metal detector frames and a baggage check in the main hall. After the check, passengers for platforms 2–6 go down to the lower ground floor and take the North or South tunnel. The metro exits into the tunnels open only during an air raid alert.
- Platforms. According to Ukrzaliznytsia, about 90% of passenger trains depart from platforms 2–6 rather than platform 1. Check your platform number on the station's departure board or in the Ukrzaliznytsia app.
- Shelter. The shelter is on the lower ground floor of the main hall. It also has a room for passengers with children, with a changing table, a nursing chair and charging points for devices. During an alert, the tunnels are opened so passengers can reach the shelter areas.
- Accessible waiting room. The waiting room for passengers with disabilities is on the left side of the central hall, next to the station duty officer and the information desk. The station also has an accessible restroom that is free for all passengers.
- Ticket offices. Tickets are sold at the station's ticket offices, but it is more convenient to buy them in advance on the Ukrzaliznytsia website or app.
Trains and Destinations
The fastest trains from Kharkiv are the Intercity+ services to Kyiv, which take about 5 hours. Long-distance trains also run to Lviv, Odesa, Uzhhorod, Rakhiv, Kremenchuk and other cities. There are also direct international trains to Poland, to Przemyśl and Chełm.
Because of shelling, train schedules in Kharkiv Oblast change often: some services are temporarily restricted or replaced by buses and connecting trains, and trains can be delayed by several hours. Check the schedule on the Ukrzaliznytsia website or app before your trip, and avoid tight connections.
Address and Contacts
- Address: 1 Pryvokzalna Square (maidan Pryvokzalnyi), Vokzalna metro station.
- Ukrzaliznytsia hotline: 0 800 503 111 (free within Ukraine).
- Live departure board: on the website of the Southern Railway regional branch, pz.gov.ua.
- Online tickets: the booking.uz.gov.ua website and the Ukrzaliznytsia app. Sales open 20 days before departure.
- Delay and schedule change updates: the Ukrzaliznytsia Telegram channel.
- Official website: uz.gov.ua
We do not recommend staying near the station: railway facilities are periodically targeted in attacks. It is safer to choose accommodation in another part of the city. To find your way around Kharkiv, see our article “Map and Districts of Kharkiv”.
Getting Around from the Station
- To the center by metro. Vokzalna station on the Kholodnohirsko-Zavodska line is next to Pryvokzalna Square. Maidan Konstytutsii is 2 stops away. To get to Svobody (Freedom) Square, change at Maidan Konstytutsii to Istorychnyi Muzei station and ride one stop to Universytet. The metro runs from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Rides on the metro, as well as on Kharkiv's trams, trolleybuses and municipal buses, are free.
- By tram. Trams No. 1, 6, 7, 12 and 20 leave from the turning loop by the station. Tram No. 12 goes to Central Park, and No. 6 runs via Maidan Konstytutsii.
- To the Central Bus Station. The bus station is next to Levada metro station, 3 stops from Vokzalna. For more details, see our article “Kharkiv Bus Station”.
- By taxi. It is easy to order a car through the Uklon or Bolt apps.
To learn how to use the metro and surface transport, read our article “Public Transport in Kharkiv”.
Tips for Passengers
- Arrive early. Because of the security check at the entrance, queues can form at the frames, especially when several delayed trains depart at almost the same time. Allow at least an hour at the station before departure.
- Air raid alerts. Under the rules in force since September 2026, trains keep running and boarding continues at the "yellow" threat level, while at the "red" level boarding and departures are suspended and passengers are directed to shelters. If you miss your train because of an alert, you can take the next train in the same direction within 24 hours on the same ticket — just agree this with the station staff.
- Curfew. In Kharkiv, the curfew runs from midnight to 5 a.m. The metro does not run at that time, so if your train arrives late in the evening or at night, plan in advance how you will get to your accommodation.
- Named tickets. Long-distance train tickets are issued in the passenger's name, so keep your ID handy.
FAQ
Where is Kharkiv railway station and what is its address?
Kharkiv-Pasazhyrskyi station is located at 1 Pryvokzalna Square (maidan Pryvokzalnyi) in the Kholodnohirskyi district. Vokzalna metro station is nearby.
Are the South Station and Kharkiv-Pasazhyrskyi the same thing?
Yes, South Station (Pivdennyi Vokzal) is what people in Kharkiv call the main station, Kharkiv-Pasazhyrskyi. The nearby metro station was also called Pivdennyi Vokzal until 2024; it is now Vokzalna.
How can I check the train schedule?
The Southern Railway publishes the station's live departure board on pz.gov.ua. Schedules and train status are also available on booking.uz.gov.ua and in the Ukrzaliznytsia app.
What is the phone number of the Kharkiv railway station information desk?
The Ukrzaliznytsia information line is 0 800 503 111, and calls within Ukraine are free. Staff can help with schedules and tell you about train delays.
Can I buy a train ticket online?
Yes, tickets are sold on the Ukrzaliznytsia website and app 20 days before departure. For most trains, showing a QR code on your phone is enough.
How do I get to the platforms?
All passengers enter through the main entrance and go through the security check in the main hall. Passengers for platforms 2–6 then go down to the North or South tunnel on the lower ground floor.
