New Kharkiv to Sumy Train Service
Ukraine's state railway operator, Ukrzaliznytsia, will introduce a new daily train, number 213/214, connecting Kharkiv and Sumy starting February 7. This service is part of ongoing efforts to enhance domestic connectivity. The train will depart Kharkiv at 09:00, arriving in Sumy at 12:17. The return journey from Sumy will leave at 12:56, arriving back in Kharkiv at 16:01. Stops along the route will include:
- Liubotyn
- Bohodukhiv
- Kyrykivka
- Trostianets-Smorodyne
The train will consist of compartment (coupe) and open-plan (platskart) sleeper cars, as well as seated carriages where odd-numbered seats are by the window and even-numbered seats are on the aisle side.
Updated Ticket Refund Regulations
Separately, Ukrzaliznytsia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Development, has prepared a draft amendment concerning the purchase and refund of railway tickets. These changes aim to modernize passenger services and provide greater flexibility. The new refund rules will apply exclusively to the premium segment of domestic travel, while fares for platskart, coupe, and second-class Intercity+ cars will remain unchanged. The updated refund conditions will affect all tickets, regardless of car type.
A new graduated refund scale has been introduced:
- A full refund is available if the ticket is returned 15-20 days before departure;
- 90% of the ticket price for returns 10-14 days in advance;
- 75% for returns 5-9 days in advance;
- 50% for returns 1-4 days in advance;
- An average of 30% of the fare is refunded less than 24 hours before departure.
In other news, Ukrainians have booked over 170,000 free tickets under the '3000 km Across Ukraine' program, with the total distance of journeys under this initiative reaching approximately 80 million kilometers.
The launch of the new Kharkiv-Sumy train is a significant step in improving transport infrastructure in Ukraine. — Ukrzaliznytsia
The revised refund policy is also intended to simplify the process of booking and canceling travel for passengers. This increased flexibility is particularly relevant given the current need for adaptable travel planning and may encourage more Ukrainians to choose rail transport.