Poltava sits on the main railway line between Kyiv and Kharkiv, making it straightforward to reach by train from either city. Direct trains run several times a day; the journey from Kyiv takes around three hours, and from Kharkiv around two. Slower regional trains also serve the city. The main railway station (Poltava-Pivdenna, meaning "South") is about 2 km from the city centre.
A second station, Poltava-Kyivska ("Kyiv-side"), serves trains coming from the Kyiv direction and is slightly closer to the historic centre.
Intercity buses connect Poltava to Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and other regional centres. The bus terminal is adjacent to the Poltava-Pivdenna railway station.
Note: the ongoing Russian invasion (since 2022) has significantly disrupted transport infrastructure across Ukraine. Train services may be subject to delays, route changes, and security protocols. Confirm current schedules and travel advisories before planning any trip.