Ukrzaliznytsia's VIP carriages: what you can get for 34,000 UAH and how they look

The comfort level of Ukrzaliznytsia carriages can vary from regular reserved seats to VIP-class carriages. Recently, the company has added women's carriages and family carriages to this wide range. We will tell you what the highest-level carriages are, who can afford them, and for how much.

VIP carriages from Ukrzaliznytsia are apartments with several rooms. They include a full kitchen, bedroom, dining room, living room, and restroom. Additionally, premium carriage may have rooms for staff and security. In general, this type of carriage can accommodate up to 11 passengers.

The most luxurious among the 12 variants of VIP-class carriages is the "Golden Carriage." Its interiors include gilded stucco moldings, candelabra, exquisitely carved furniture, and even tableware to match the prevailing "golden atmosphere." The bedroom of this carriage is equipped with a double bed, a work area, and a wardrobe. The dining and living room has a large table and upholstered chairs, a wide plasma screen, and space for relaxation.

High-class carriages are available for the Kyiv – Lviv, Odesa – Lviv, Odesa – Kharkiv, and Kyiv – Dnipro routes. Who can use them?

Until mid-2023, such a carriage could be ordered by anyone who could pay UAH 16,000 to 34,000 for a ticket. To do this, you had to submit an application no later than 5 days before the trip and make a payment. However, in September, Ukrainian media reported that the booking of VIP carriages was closed to ordinary citizens.

"Currently, VIP carriages are used for the transportation of diplomatic delegations and are not available for booking," the press service of Ukrzaliznytsia said.

Today, citizens can only dream of VIP comfort from the Ukrainian railroad carrier. Among the lucky ones who have had the opportunity to travel in Ukraine with premium comfort are former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and not quite ordinary Ukrainian citizens whose names are not disclosed.

Today, the most comfortable and most expensive available carriage option on Ukrzaliznytsia trains is the Suite (SV). This type of carriage is designed for up to 18 passengers, and the price may vary depending on the direction and distance of travel. Coupe and 1st class carriages in Intercity and Intercity+ trains are also considered comfortable.

So far, there has been no announcement about the return of VIP-class carriages to public use. Most likely, the decision will remain unchanged until the end of the war.