Lviv Rail Terminal in Ukraine, Transportation, Travel

Lviv Rail Terminal

The Lviv Rail Terminal is where you can make use of the trains that travel across borders, to destinations including Poland, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Byelorussia and Slovenia. Lviv used to be known as Lemberg and it was during this time that the need for a larger and more modern railway station became clear. The old railway station that had been used was constructed between the years 1861 to 1862 and by 1888, Wladyslaw Sadlowski, an architect from Polish descent, had already started designing the new and improved Lviv Rail Terminal.

Its is easy to understand why different versions of the Lviv Rail Terminal was recreated in Vienna and Prague, and why so many accomplished architects came to the city to marvel at the Lviv Main Train Station. Sadlowski put forward a design that was lavish, elegant and intimidating, complete with waiting rooms for each class, decorations and ornaments. Domes, cupolas, stained glass, sculptures, railings, furniture and pavilions completed this architectural masterpiece. Construction started in the year 1899 and it was only completed and opened to the public in 1903. After the Second World War, the Lviv Main Train Station became part of the Soviet Union. Constant renovations and upgrades, still being done today, have ensured that the Lviv Rail Terminal has remained modernized and cared for, and become part of the tradition that Ukraine upholds.

The Lviv Rail Terminal is also known to be a popular shelter for the homeless at night, when rail traffic has slowed down and the terminal becomes quiet. Travelers also overnight in the terminal quite frequently, before setting off on their next adventure. Although this is common practice, it is not the most comfortable or warm accommodation.

Safety and security on the trains is quite good, as long as you keep your compartment door locked and don’t leave valuable items lying around unnecessarily. Metal boxes underneath the bottom bunks are another safety measure for your baggage and handbags. To eliminate any confusion in regard to languages and to avoid standing in queues, it is advised that tickets are booked through a travel agency. The reconstruction of the Lviv Rail Terminal, a hotel and separate international terminal has been discussed for the future.