How far is Krakow from Ukraine border? Distance

Krakow, one of Poland’s most beautiful and historic cities, is a popular destination for tourists exploring Central Europe. For those planning to visit Ukraine from Krakow, understanding the distance and travel options to the Ukrainian border is essential. Here’s everything you need to know about the journey from Krakow to the Ukraine border, including distances, travel times, and tips for crossing. How far is Krakow from Ukraine border? What is the distance to the border in miles and kilometers?

Distance from Krakow to the Ukraine border

The distance from Krakow to the nearest Ukraine border crossing is approximately 158 miles (255 kilometers). The closest major border crossing is Korczowa-Krakowiec, which is a key entry point for travelers heading to Lwów, one of most iconic cities. The straight line distance from the centre of Krakow’s Main Square to the Korczowa-Krakowiec crossing is 227 kilometres (141 miles)

From Krakow to the Ukraine border by car

Traveling by car from Krakow to the Ukraine border takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and whether you are driving the speed limit or not. The route is straightforward via the A4 highway towards Rzeszów and then continuing directly to the border crossing at Korczowa-Krakowiec.

However, it’s important to note that queues at the Korczowa-Krakowiec border crossing for cars can sometimes take up to even a dozen hours, especially during peak travel times or holidays when Ukrainian migrants return to their country.

Traveling by train: a convenient option

For those who prefer a more relaxed journey, the train is an excellent option. From Krakow, you can take a direct train to Przemyśl, a city located on the border. The journey from Krakow Glowny to Przemyśl Glowny takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. From Przemyśl Glowny there are direct direct broad-gauge train to Lwów and even Kiev. A train to Przemyśl from Krakow costs 62 PLN (14.7 EUR, 12.4 GBP, 15.4 USD).

A train from Przemyśl Główny to Lviv Główny costs UAH 547 (12.4 EUR, 10.4 GBP, 13 USD) or UAH 771. The cross-border 70 km train ride from Przemyśl to Lwów takes about 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the connection chosen.

Be sure to check the train schedules in advance, as they may vary depending on the season. Use official polish railway website to get tickets bilkom.pl and for Przemysl – Lwów use uz.gov.ua.

The fastest way to cross the border

The fastest way to cross the border is at the Medyka- Szeiginie border crossing near Prześl, where there is a pedestrian border crossing where there are practically no queues for holders of passports from European Economic Area countries. You can cross the border there in about 30 minutes and take a bus for a few euros to Lwów itself.

Read detailed article on how to get from Krakow to Lviv.

Lwów: a city near the Polish border

Just across the border from Poland lies Lwów, a stunning city with a rich history and vibrant culture. Known for its beautifully preserved Old Town, cobblestone streets, and charming coffeehouses, Lwów is a must-visit destination. Interestingly, Lwów was part of Poland until 1945 and still retains much of its Polish heritage.

Lwów is approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) from the Korczowa-Krakowiec border crossing, making it easily accessible for a short trip or a longer stay. Lwów remains safe during the hostilities, with clubs, restaurants and museums operating as normal. There is a curfew in the city at night.

Final Thoughts

Krakow is approximately 255 kilometres from the largest border crossing with Ukraine. The distance in a straight line is approximately 230 kilometres (143 miles).

Traveling from Krakow to the Ukraine border is relatively straightforward, but it’s important to plan ahead to avoid long waits at border crossings. Whether you choose to drive, take the train, or cross on foot, the journey is well worth it to explore. Remember to check border crossing times and requirements, especially if you’re traveling during busy periods.

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