Kiev to Lviv by Train Travel Vlog 🚆 Metro Tips, 1st Class Rail, Local Food & Arrival in Ukraine 🇺🇦
Join us for train ride in Ukraine as we travel in first class from Kiev to Lviv in this travel vlog. After leaving our apartment in Kiev we took the metro to the main train station and then had quite a bit of time to kill. When we boarded the train we were really happy we bought a first class ticket as it gave us lots of room to stretch out, sleep, get caught up on work and just overall feel comfortable as we enjoyed the complimentary tea service. Upon arriving in Lviv our AirBNB host picked us up and after dropping off our bags in the apartment we went out for a dinner that included Ukrainian dumplings.
🚆 Kiev to Lviv by Train | Metro Tips, First Class Rail, Local Food & Arrival in Ukraine 🇺🇦
🏠 Packing Up in Kiev: The End of a Stay
After more than a week in Kiev (Киев), it’s time for us to check out of our apartment. The time has absolutely flown by—nine nights gone in a flash! We reflect on how quickly the days passed, partly due to work, partly due to exploring, and mostly just because we loved our stay in this energetic city. Sam tries to catch up on YouTube comments, reading and replying to your messages, while the final bits of packing are hurriedly finished.
🚇 Journey to the Train Station: Metro Adventures
Sweaty and loaded with bags, we navigate Kyiv’s famous metro system. There are no escalators or elevators to get into most stations, but once inside, you’re rewarded with some of the world’s longest and steepest escalators. Heading for Tietrana station, it’s just two stops to the train station, with the anticipation of another epic metro ride.
Metro Highlights:
Incredibly affordable—just 5 UAH (under $0.20 USD) per ride.
Some of the deepest stations in the world, with dramatic escalators.
Always busy, with locals commuting at all hours.
Rustic, noisy trains with abrupt stops—hold on tight!
Efficient and the best way to get around Kiev.
🚉 At Kyiv Train Station: Lunch & Departure
Arriving at the train station, we deal with one of the world’s least helpful departure boards—bright red and neon green, almost blinding! Thankfully, a more old-fashioned board makes things clearer. With time to spare, we settle in at McDonald's for a quick lunch: large fries, orange juice, and a chocolate muffin (less than $3 total!). Sam, on a water fast, watches and learns to read Cyrillic by decoding the menu items. The value and predictability of McDonald's, plus clean restrooms, make it a surprisingly decent spot to wait.
🚄 Boarding the Train: Comfort in First Class
Our train to Lviv (Львів) is ready, and we’ve splurged on first-class seats. The difference is tangible: only four seats per compartment (instead of six in second class), which means ample room for bags and comfort. The total ticket price is just over 500 UAH (about $20 USD), a bargain for the fastest direct train—covering the journey in roughly 5 hours 40 minutes.
Train Experience:
Spacious first-class seats.
Opportunity to get work done or relax.
Complimentary (or at least, affordable) tea service in elegant glass cups.
The gentle rocking of the train makes for an unexpectedly sleepy trip.
🚗 Arrival in Lviv: Warm Welcome
As we arrive right on schedule in Lviv, our AirBNB host is waiting at the station—a rare and much-appreciated gesture. He even drives us to our new apartment, which is tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood. After the journey, hunger takes over, so the apartment tour will have to wait. Instead, it’s time to find dinner!
🍽️ Dinner in Lviv: Hearty Local Flavors
With few restaurants nearby, we opt for a hotel restaurant filled with quirky animal decor—cows, goats, sheep, and even a bird. As the only guests, we get the place to ourselves. The meal starts with classic Ukrainian varenyky (dumplings), this time with potato and cheese, always best enjoyed with plenty of sour cream. Next comes a massive stack of potato pancakes topped with chicken and mushroom cream sauce—creamy, hearty, and utterly satisfying.
Sam, still ravenous from fasting, can barely judge the food—it’s all wonderful! We also try the “lonely chicken” dish, cooked with barbecue sauce. Every dish is delivered quickly and generously portioned, leaving us happy and full.
💡 Travel Tips & Takeaways
Kyiv Metro: Deep, dramatic, and super cheap—an absolute must-ride!
Train Travel: First class is worth it for space and comfort, especially at these prices.
Value for Money: Both food and transportation in Ukraine are very affordable.
Make Reservations: Popular restaurants fill up quickly; book ahead if you can.
Embrace Local Flavors: Don’t miss out on Ukrainian classics like varenyky and potato pancakes.
Friendly Hospitality: Ukrainian hosts often go above and beyond—don’t hesitate to ask for tips!
Music in this video courtesy of BenSound:
https://www.bensound.com/