To enhance purchase security, Ukrzaliznytsia is implementing new rules regarding ticket purchases for several popular routes, including Odesa to Lviv and Kyiv. Starting August 1, mandatory verification through the "Diia.Signature" service will be tested.
Ticket purchases at ticket offices will not be possible
From August 1, 2025, to buy or return tickets for selected domestic trains, passengers will need to verify their identity through Diia.Signature, as reported by the Ukrzaliznytsia press service.
The company states that these new rules are being introduced to reduce the likelihood of abuse during ticket purchases.
In the initial phase, verification will apply to five popular routes:
- №105/106 Odesa – Kyiv;
- №12 Lviv – Odesa;
- №91/92 Lviv – Kyiv;
- №29/30 Kyiv – Uzhhorod;
- №27/28 Kyiv – Chop.
Purchasing tickets for these routes at ticket offices will not be available, emphasized Ukrzaliznytsia.
The new rules do not apply to tickets for military personnel – they remain accessible through specialized services and the "Army+" application.
Challenges in purchasing tickets - reasons
Every summer, Ukrainians face difficulties when buying tickets for popular routes. This year, demand for train travel in July and August has surged, and Ukrzaliznytsia explains why:
This summer, there has been an abnormal load on popular routes. For instance, the demand for trains heading to Yaremche and Bukovel has reached 460%.
In addition to tourists, many organized groups are traveling – from frontline areas, families of IDPs, children of military personnel, and heroes.
To accommodate everyone, the company is increasing the number of trains: 8 new routes have already been added to popular destinations, and "Intercity" trains will now operate at night. Moreover, an additional 100 carriages have been ordered.
However, the situation is complicated by scalpers. Already, 2800 accounts have been blocked for violating the rules. International routes are subject to verification through "Diia," and this may soon be extended to domestic routes during peak season.
Ukrainians urged to buy tickets online
"This accounts for 90% of sales," railway representatives explain.
The company also urged users to take advantage of the "Auto Purchase" service, which automatically buys tickets from returns. It is noted that out of 403,000 requests, 229,000 were successful.
