FlixBus launches direct bus link from Brussels to Kiev

Budget transport service FlixBus is opening a direct bus service between the Ukrainian capital of Kiev and Brussels, according to an announcement from the German company.

“This is FlixBus’ first line connecting Ukraine with Brussels, the heart of Europe,” the transport company said.

“For FlixBus and for Ukraine, on the road to integration into the European community, this bus line is a symbol and confirmation that Ukrainians are moving closer to their ambition to become a full member of the European Union. Brussels is closer from now on, literally and figuratively.”

The new line opened on Wednesday and offers two rides per week, departing from Kiev on Wednesday and Friday mornings. In the opposite direction, departures from Brussels-North are scheduled on Monday and Saturday mornings.

A single ticket to Kiev costs just under €100 at its cheapest and the bus journey takes about 40 hours, with several stops including Liège, Cologne airport, Düsseldorf, Berlin and Lviv.

FlixBus already offers 28 direct bus connections to Ukraine from eight EU countries: for example, buses to and from Kiev from Warsaw, Budapest and Berlin.

Nevertheless, the addition of a new bus line while the war between Ukraine and Russia continues came as a surprise to some.