Ukrainian Railways is entering a new stage of development in passenger transport. Since the end of June, Ukrzaliznytsya has radically updated its schedule, launching two fundamentally new daily Intercity trains and doubling the frequency of service on popular routes. These changes will affect the country's key tourist and business routes.
Historic event: the first Intercity between Dnipro and Odesa
The main event of the summer schedule will be the launch of a new daily service No. 753/754 on the Dnipro — Odesa route. Starting June 28, this train will begin operations, becoming the first regular high-speed connection in the history of independent Ukraine linking these two major cities. Until now, there was no direct high-speed service between Dnipro and the seaside resort, and passengers had to use transfers or slower modes of transport.
Another new daily route — train No. 765/766 Kyiv — Odesa — will start slightly earlier, on June 27. These innovations are designed to meet the growing demand for fast travel ahead of the summer season.
Double effect: new routes and increased frequency
In addition to launching new routes, the carrier is significantly expanding options for passengers on existing routes. The frequency of two popular services will be increased from three to six times a week. This decision will help significantly reduce the load on tickets during peak hours and give travelers more flexibility in choosing departure times.
According to the Ministry of Development, in the first quarter of 2026, the Kyiv — Odesa route entered the top five most popular destinations among passengers. The leaders of the rating also included Kyiv — Lviv, Kyiv — Dnipro, Kyiv — Kharkiv, and Kyiv — Vinnytsia. It is on these routes that the main passenger flow falls, and increasing the frequency of service will be a response to this demand.
Fleet optimization: how it works
The ability to assign new routes and increase the frequency of existing ones is the result of careful optimization of the turnaround of high-speed rolling stock. Ukrzaliznytsya has formed a new cycle of electric train operations along the Kyiv — Odesa — Dnipro triangle.
This scheme allows the same train to sequentially serve several routes with high demand. Instead of standing idle in the depot, trains are effectively used to transport passengers on different sections, which increases the overall capacity of the network without purchasing additional equipment.
What this means for passengers
As a result of these changes, passengers get more routes and more available seats on the most in-demand routes of the summer season. Ticket sales for new routes are already open, allowing for advance trip planning. Previously, Ukrzaliznytsya presented an updated schedule that will come into force on June 28, 2026: the company is adding 12 new routes, speeding up part of the routes, and increasing the frequency of popular trains.
New high-speed trains will not only reduce travel time but also ensure comfortable movement between regions, which is especially important during the active tourist season.