Train from Ghent to Slovyansk

Air

• Companies: Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, Ukraine International Airlines
• Duration: Approximately 10 hours (including layovers)
• Distance: 1,400 miles (approximately 2,250 kilometers)
• Costs: £350-£550 depending on booking class and time of purchase
• Roads/Routes: Not applicable

Pro Tip: Look for multi-city tickets which may provide a better deal if you want to explore nearby cities beforehand.

Train & Bus

• Companies: Eurostar, Thalys, FlixBus
• Duration: Approximately 21 hours (includes layovers and bus rides)
• Distance: 1,400 miles (approximately 2,250 kilometers)
• Costs: £150-£250 for trains and buses combined
• Roads/Routes: Train via Brussels to Kyiv with connections, final bus ride from Kyiv to Slovyansk on M03 highway.

Pro Tip: Use an overnight train from Brussels to Kyiv, which will help you save on accommodation costs and allow you to arrive well-rested.

Car

• Companies: Enterprise, Hertz, Sixt
• Duration: Approximately 22 hours driving time (without extended breaks)
• Distance: 1,400 miles (approximately 2,250 kilometers)
• Costs: £100-£150 for fuel, plus £50-£100 for rental (depending on car type), plus tolls and insurance
• Roads/Routes: Via E40 and E50 roads through Belgium, Germany, Poland into Ukraine via the E373.

Pro Tip: Check for toll costs and prepare your vehicle’s documentation, especially for crossing borders into Ukraine.

Recommendation

For the most efficient and practical mode of transport, I recommend taking a flight from Ghent (nearest international airport is Brussels) to Kyiv and then using a bus service to reach Slovyansk. While the journey is long in total, the flight significantly cuts down time and offers easier border crossings. Combining the flight with a local bus provides a cost-effective solution while ensuring a comfortable travel experience.