--- title: "Ukrzaliznytsia opened all paid waiting rooms for free: what is happening with trains due to air threats" description: "Ukrzaliznytsia has opened all paid waiting rooms at stations across the country for free until Friday morning due to mass train delays caused by air alerts and drone attacks." date: 2026-08-27T15:46:03.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/ukrzaliznytsia-free-waiting-rooms-en tags: [ucrailway, train-delays, air-alarms, waiting-halls, ukraine] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Ukrzaliznytsia opened all paid waiting rooms for free: what is happening with trains due to air threats ![Passengers wait in a Ukrainian railway station waiting hall that Ukrzaliznytsia opened for free due to train delays](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/28/ukrzaliznytsya-besplatnye-zaly-ozhidaniya/ukrzaliznytsya-besplatnye-zaly-ozhidaniya-1.webp) ## 🎯 Key Points - Ukrzaliznytsia made all paid waiting rooms at stations free until Friday morning. - The reason is train delays due to ballistic threats and "Shahed" drone attacks. - Water and tea are provided for free; "Points of Invincibility" with charging are operating. - In the morning, the largest delay (15 h 37 min) was recorded for train No. 775/776 Sumy — Kyiv-Pas. Ukrainian Railways has decided to temporarily waive the fee for waiting rooms at all stations in the country. As Ukrzaliznytsia reported, the corresponding changes to station infrastructure operations are in effect until Friday morning. The measure is linked to widespread disruptions in train schedules, which arose against the backdrop of air threats and forced stops of trains. The company emphasizes that stations remain open to passengers while railway workers operationally restore the schedule and ensure safe train movement. ### Cause: ballistic threats and "Shahed" drone attacks According to the publication, flight delays became a consequence of the threat of ballistic weapons use and attacks by "Shahed" jet drones. Under such conditions, train movement is forced to slow down: trains stop, change routes, or sit idle until the alert is lifted. In the morning, the largest delay was recorded for train No. 775/776 on the Sumy — Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi route, which was running 15 hours 37 minutes behind schedule. Dozens of other trains were also moving with delays. ### Who can use the free waiting rooms Free access to waiting rooms was granted to all passengers forced to wait for their flight. Ukrzaliznytsia separately highlighted vulnerable categories: families with children, elderly people, and all passengers of delayed trains. In addition to a place to wait, stations provide drinking water and tea for free. "Points of Invincibility" are operating continuously, where passengers can charge mobile devices and wait out both the alert and the train delay. ### The company's position In its statement, Ukrzaliznytsia emphasizes that in difficult moments passengers are "not left alone with the situation." The company states that it is doing everything possible to ensure passengers reach their destination safely. In fact, this is a temporary service solution that relieves the financial burden on people stranded at stations due to circumstances beyond their control. ### Context for passengers For those planning a trip in the coming hours, the key recommendation is to check the status of their flight in advance and allow extra time for delays. Free waiting rooms, water, tea, and charging devices are available at stations until Friday morning; after this period, per the logic of the statement, the operating mode may return to standard if the schedule situation stabilizes. Passengers with children and elderly people should treat these zones as the main waiting points. ## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification - [Free waiting rooms and tea: Ukrzaliznytsia changed station operations due to train delays](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/bezkoshtovni-zali-ta-chay-ukrzaliznitsya-1787845086.html) - Подтверждает отмену платы за залы ожидания, причину (воздушные угрозы) и предоставление воды/чая. - [Ukrzaliznytsia opened all paid waiting rooms for free: who can use them](https://delo.ua/ru/news/ukrzaliznycya-otkryla-vse-platnye-zaly-ozidaniya-besplatno-kto-mozet-vospolzovatsya-471492/) - Подтверждает бесплатный доступ и категории пассажиров (семьи, пожилые, задержанные рейсы). - [Ukrzaliznytsia temporarily made paid waiting rooms free — why](https://1kr.ua/news-113624.html) - Подтверждает временный характер меры и связь с задержками поездов. ## ❓ FAQ ### Q: Until what time are the waiting rooms free? **A:** Per Ukrzaliznytsia's statement, until Friday morning. After that, the station operating mode may return to standard if the schedules stabilize. ### Q: Why are trains delayed? **A:** Due to the threat of ballistic weapons use and "Shahed" jet drone attacks, which force trains to stop and slow down. ### Q: What else is provided for free at stations? **A:** Drinking water and tea, as well as the operation of "Points of Invincibility" with the ability to charge mobile devices and wait out the alert. ### Q: Which train had the largest delay in the morning? **A:** Train No. 775/776 Sumy — Kyiv-Pas, with a delay of 15 hours 37 minutes.