Trains are one of the most popular mode of transportation in Europe, so it’s no wonder that Ukrainians choose the rail road for their trips out of the country. ‘The Train of 4 Capitals’ takes travelers from Kyiv (Ukraine) to Minsk (Belarus) and further, to Vilnius (Lithuania) and Riga (Latvia).

The train of 4 capitals

Tickets to ‘The Train of 4 Capitals’ (Kyiv – Minsk – Vilnius – Riga) had been on sale since September 2018.

Prices range from 1,600 hryvnia (USD 61) to 2,200 hryvnia (USD 84).

Train tickets can be pre-booked 45 days in advance.

The train offers different types of carriages: 5 compartment cars, 2 couchette cars and 1 luxury car (so called “CB car”).

The route premiered on 28 September 2018.

The 2018 average fee for travelling from Kyiv (formerly spelled as ‘Kiev’) to Riga were about 2,200 hryvnia ($84) for compartment car tickets and 4,400 hryvnia ($168) for luxury car tickets.

Kyiv to Vilnius by a compartment car came to 1,640 hryvnia ($62), in the luxury car 3,300 hryvnia ($126).

Those who traveled from Kyiv to Minsk paid 1,900 UAH ($73) and 3,600 UAH  ($138) accordingly. These fees include charges for the sleeping gear and a commission.

The difference between a regular compartment and a luxury one is in the number of passengers: 4 vs. 2.

How long does it take for the trip?

The train departs Kyiv at 14:07 and arrives to Riga the next day at 09:05.

In the opposite direction, the train departs Riga at 11:10 and arrives to the Ukrainian capital at 6:42 am.

On its way to Riga, the train stops at Minsk at 23:35 and at Vilnius at 00:25. When it goes back from Riga, the scheduled times for stops are 15:48 (Vilnius) and 20:17 (Minsk).

Apart from that, the train stops at Slovechno, Kalinkovichi, Zhlobin, Molodechno, Smorgon, Gudogai, Kyana, Šiauliai and Jelgava.

From the end of January 2019 trains are operating every forth day. The Ukrainian operator recently proposed to schedule trips for every second day but the accepting countries declined, so the current frequency is to stay for a while.

Ukrainians are able to travel to the countries of the European Union without visas, so a lot of people can enjoy a weekend in Riga or Vilnius.

Lithuania and Latvia are two former Soviet Union republics, now independent countries. Belarus is not a member of the European Union.

Read also:

• Free Wi-Fi Internet on Ukrainian Trains
• 5 things Ukrainians hate about public transport
• How much money Ukrainian girls need to visit Europe?
• Is it still worth to try to find an Eastern European wife?