Rail fares in Belarus set to increase
In a report from BelTA, Belarus's state-run news agency, it has been announced that train ticket costs for passengers and luggage transport will be increasing from July 31. The exact percentage of the price hike for various train services, including city line trains, has not been detailed. However, some examples of ticket prices before any recent increase are available.
For instance, a reserved seat ticket from Brest to Vitebsk typically costs around 11-18 BYN for a 3–5-hour trip depending on stops. Meanwhile, a Minsk to Hrodna train ticket costs about 8 BYN for a 4-5.5-hour journey depending on stops.
While the Belarusian Railways have not announced the exact fare hike percentages or new prices, if the agency follows regional trends, fares might increase modestly, such as around 5%. To confirm the updated fares, it is recommended to check official Belarusian Railways announcements or websites.
The cost of business class regional trains from Minsk to Bobruisk will increase by 55 kopecks, while the cost of business class inter-regional trains from Minsk to Gomel will rise by Br1.20 (for 2nd class carriage) or Br1.65 (for 1st class). The fare for a journey within one tariff zone (e.g., Minsk - Gorodische) will increase by 20 kopecks, and for a journey within two tariff zones (e.g., Minsk - Krasnoe Znamya), the increase will be 25 kopecks. The cost of economy class regional trains from Minsk to Rudensk will increase by 25 kopecks, and the cost of economy class inter-regional trains from Minsk to Vitebsk will increase by 82 kopecks (for placard) or Br1.13 (for coupe).
It's worth noting that Belarusian Railways transported over 2 million passengers on Russia routes in 2025 and have increased train services by scheduling 156 extra trains so far this year, including 109 operated by Belarusian Railways. While Lithuania’s train operator increased some single ticket prices by an average of 5% starting August 2025, this does not directly apply to Belarusian Railways.
In summary, while the exact new ticket prices for Belarusian train routes after the price increase are not yet known, the last known ticket prices were 8 BYN (Minsk-Hrodna) and 11-18 BYN (Brest-Vitebsk) for reserved seats. If Belarusian Railways follow regional tendencies, fares might increase modestly, but it is essential to check official Belarusian Railways announcements or websites for confirmed updated fares. The price increase will take effect on July 31.
- The increase in train ticket costs for passengers and luggage transport in Belarus might not only affect local travel, but could also impact the transportation sector, possibly influencing the overall economy and finance industry.
- In the realm of finance, if the Belarusian Railways adheres to regional trends, the modest fare hike could affect both individual travel budgets and, potentially, the industry earnings of transportation companies in the country.
