The Best Way To Get To Lviv
Lviv is well connected to the rest of Europe, with various ways to reach the city depending on your route and preferences. You can travel by international bus from multiple countries, take a sleeper train from major hubs like Warsaw or Budapest, or even cross the border on foot.
If you’re already on a bus or train that continues into Ukraine, your journey should be straightforward. However, if you’re arriving at the Polish border town of Przemyśl, you’ll have a few options how to get to Lviv, either by taking a direct train or by crossing the border on foot and continuing from there.
There is a direct train from Przemyśl to Lviv, run by Ukrainian Railways. It’s reliable, comfortable, and typically the easiest option, but it often sells out, so it’s wise to book at least 20 days in advance through their official website: www.uz.gov.ua/en.
For those who haven’t secured a ticket or prefer a flexible and budget-friendly route, this guide explains how to cross the border on foot and travel onward to Lviv with local transport. For me personally the best way to get to Lviv!
Getting to the Border
If you want to find out how to get to Lviv, you’ll have to reach the pedestrian border crossing at Medyka first. Look for the small shuttle bus that leaves from the opposite side of the Przemyśl Główny railway station building. The ride costs 6 Polish zlotys (cash only, paid to the driver). It’s pretty quick, about 15 to 20 minutes. There’s no real schedule, but buses come often enough that you probably won’t wait more than 30 minutes.
Crossing on Foot
Once you get to Medyka, just follow everyone else toward the border post. It’s a short walk and pretty obvious where to go. At the crossing, you’ll see two lines: one for EU/EEA/Swiss or international passports, and another for everyone else. Most people crossing are Ukrainian, so the international line usually moves faster.
You’ll go through a passport check with both Polish and Ukrainian border guards, then put your luggage through an X-ray machine (just like at airports). On a typical weekday evening, the whole thing takes about 20 minutes, though it can vary.
After the Border: Welcome to Ukraine.
How to Get To Lviv From There
You’ll come out in the Ukrainian border village of Shehyni, where there’s a small road with shops and stands selling snacks, drinks, and currency exchange (look for Обмін валют signs). Fair warning: exchange rates here usually suck, and most people don’t speak English. Only exchange a small amount unless you’re comfortable with Ukrainian.
Getting from Shehyni to Lviv
From Shehyni, you’ve got buses or taxis.
Taxis are everywhere, but prices are all over the place. Expect around 1500 to 2000 UAH to get to Lviv, depending on the driver, how many passengers, and how well you negotiate. If you’re traveling alone, this gets pricey, so teaming up with other travelers helps.
Buses are way cheaper and pretty reliable. They leave from the station near the border (here’s the bus stop location). It’s 150 UAH cash to the driver. The schedule is posted on paper at the station, so check it when you arrive. Just remember there’s a one-hour time difference between Poland and Ukraine. The last bus leaves at 19:30 Polish time.
Arriving in Lviv
The bus drops you at Avtostantsiya Zakhidna (Lviv’s Western Bus Station), which is outside the city center. From there, catch a local bus to downtown. Routes 92 and 138 work well. It’s 20 UAH cash to the driver and takes around 40 minutes.
Final Thoughts
If everything goes smoothly, the whole trip from Przemyśl station to downtown Lviv takes at least three hours. To be safe, budget four to five hours for waiting and transfers. Even though this route feels a bit cobbled together, it’s incredibly cheap, costing around 5-6 euros total if you stick to public transport.
The train is still convenient, especially if you’ve got heavy bags, but crossing on foot gives you flexibility and unbeatable prices, particularly for travelers with international passports.
If you’re into ridesharing, BlaBlaCar is worth checking out between cities too.
Safe travels and enjoy Ukraine!
