Coronavirus Train Disruptions - Eastern Europe
Both Ukraine and Russia have lost control of coronavirus. The train disruptions are sweeping.
While Russia seemed unfazed at first, it is now the worst-hit European country and myriad trains have been cancelled.
The lights are going out in Ukraine. Several towns are in quarantine.
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Russia - coronavirus train disruptions
Face masks seem to be urged, but not compulsory on Russian trains. Social distancing distance is not defined, but a maximum distance is encouraged.
Russia border status
Here you can see which borders you can cross by train. Restrictions may apply. Be sure to check these.
Open
Closed
International Services
All international services have been cancelled. Trains to Kaliningrad pass through Lithuania and Belarus without stopping. Trains that cross Kazakhstan via Petropavlovsk also pass through without stopping.
National Services
National services suffering badly. New social distancing measures are in place - essentially no train can be filled more than 50%.
- In platskart only three passengers are placed per section (not six)
- In kupé at most two passengers may be placed (not four)
- in seated cars only window seats are sold.
How seats are allocated on Russian trains under social distancing
Here is the link to RZD's covid page. The Russian version is more up to date than the English version. Many daily trains now run every other day. Some trains have been utterly cancelled. It seems Russia is trying to get the infections down before the New Year holidays.
Refund policies
Tickets for cancelled trains can be returned and fully reimbursed. On cancelled domestic passengers are offered an alternate train/date or full reimbursement.
Updated: 26th November. Outlook: getting worse
Ukraine - coronavirus train disruptions
Face masks are compulsory in Ukrainian public transport. Social distancing distance is 1.5 m.
Ukraine border status
Here you can see which borders you can cross by train. Restrictions may apply. Be sure to check these.
Open
Closed
International services
All international services are suspended until further notice.
National Services
It seems that most trains are running. Ukrainian Railways are laying on extra trains for the New Year holidays.
Refund policies
All tickets are reimbursed free of charge.
Updated: 26th November. Outlook: stable
Now what?
Well, I'm going to update this page every week. Truth be told, I'm up for some distraction now.
- Why not have a look at my other posts and plan for better times
- Or look at my coronavirus page, where I have all my coronavirus-writing in one place
- Or join my free Rail Guide Europe club and get the password to my insider guides
FREE Access
Join my Rail Guide Europe Club FREE
Sign up now and gain instant access to:
- The password to my Insider Rail Guides
- My FREE Telegram help group
- Ask me Anything status by email
