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I think the best way to get around Ukraine is by train. Each regional center of Ukraine has special modern trains to the capital. They all have sleeping cars and will take you there in 10 or 20 hours.Besides, there are fast trains to Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk that are our variant of the famous Inter City Express trains.
By train to Uzhorod?It's possible from Slovakia or Hungary.However a bit strange as the gauge has to be changed at the border and it will be long custom control (much longer as by feet).I stayed that time at Zemplinska Sirava (but it wasn't the right place).I think that Vinne or Morske Oko lake area or calm Snina (not necessary the city itself) area with wooden churches in neigbourhood would be my option for the next time.If you want to taste Ukraine (also medova pertzovka or horilka hahahaha)Lviv is on the top of the pop (border crossing by feet in Medyka/Szegini then marshrutka or by bus from Przemysl or almost any other (bigger) city in (southern)Poland.I like also my experience with the train from (possible from Sanok -but it takes too long from it- as this is a really slow and early train)Ustrzyki Dolne(or Kroscienko- this is a midlle of nowhere in Poland)-Hiriv (different...
Apart from the (reliable) airlines Ukraine International, AeroSvit and Dniproavia, Wizz Air (the Hungarian LCC) will open a base at Kiev Boryspil and launch service to seven destinations on July 11, 2008. A320 service will be to L'viv (four-times-weekly), Kharkov (four-times-weekly), Odessa (daily), Zaporyzhzhia (thrice-weekly) and Simferopol (10-times-weekly).It also will operate from Simferopol to Kharkov (thrice-weekly) and L'viv (four-times-weekly).
When you are in Ukraine there are 2 best ways to travel: Train and Airplane.We drove from Kiev to Dnepropetrovsk, the major roads in Ukraine are not as big and nice as they are in states and they wiggle around little villages. So it took us a LONG time to get to our destination. It would have been so much better if we just took the train and napped there for 6 hrs.If you travel by train, do travel 1st class. Ok, 1st class in Ukraine is not really first class, but believe me you don't want to travel 3rd. If you travel with large group of people then travel by 2nd class. 1st class comes with 2 beds, 2nd - 4 beds and 3rd - 6 and it's all open. And for budget travelers it's a great way to save money on hotels by just sleeping the night on the train.On the train they give you free tea, coffee, cookies.
When in Kyiv, there are a number of modes of transportation. I recommend that a native to the city do the driving, as it is quite chaotic. When waiting for the bus, stand in line and when the bus arrives, get ready to move and move quickly. Please will push past you as quick as they can. It is like being a sardine, people are pressed up against you in the line up or on the bus. In the Metro, be prepared to move quickly again. As soon as the metro starts to slow down, move to the entrance and move/push quickly on to the metro. Then HANG ON!!!! The doors will shut quickly and not give you a moments noticeThe taxis are great. We used them to go to the gravesite, to the airport and to the bus depot. Tipping is graciously accepted
No signs in English, no English speaking staff, people who don't understand about queing, and staff who do not want to help. Good luck. Took us 4 trips here, as well as 4 hours and 2 translators to buy a ticket. JOKE
Ukraine has a big railway system.There are frequent trains connecting the major cities.The train has three classes.Busines: Two beds Kupe: Four beds togehtherPlatskart: Open wagon with many peopleThe conductor has tea and mineral water but you should bring your cup withBuying tickets: It is not easy to buy tickets. Some ticket sellers are unfriendly to foreigners.Pretend to buy tickets and don't go away from the counter.Important: Write in kyrillic letters: Train number, departure time, and destination.Bring your passport with.There is one daily overnight train to Praha (Czech Republic) it takes 34 hours ans passes through Ukraine.There is also one daily overnight train to Poland.To Moscow there are frequent trains.
Three good options:1.) Train. Cheap, interesting and time consuming. Many connections to Ukraine from all neighbouring countries, mainly Poland, Slovakia and Hungary. All these trains go to L'viv from where most of them continue to Kyiv or Moscow. From Romania it is more complicated, better by bus (via Suceava - Chernivtsy, the only checkpoint for passengers). Because there is a different rail gauge in former Soviet Union and the rest of Europe at the western fontiers all coaches are lifted hydraulically about 1.5 meters and the wheels are changed. This procedure takes about an hour ore more but that is not the only reason that today the train between for example Vienna and L'viv is about 8 hours slower than in 1912 (at that time the fastest trains did the distance in one night!). Due to the wider tracks the Ukrainian coaches are noticeably more spacious.2.) Bus. Cheaper and faster than...
Ukraine main airport has one serious problem a nice long drive from it to down town kiev were the taxi often try and gouge you for 50 usd one way you can get it to about 1/2 price if you just threated to use the bus which is about 10 usdprices are from march 2003
Visas and CustomsIf you hold an EU passport you will not need a visa. President Yushchenko suspended EU citizen's visa requirements from 1 May 2005 - I think it will last for a trial period of 3 or 4 months but check your nearest Ukrainian Embassy's website.. When you enter, you will have to fill in a small form and make sure you keep your part otherwise leaving the country could be troublesome!WARNING: When travelling back from the Ukraine, expect a long and slow check on the Slovak side of the border - we had 5 passport checks and we asked several times if we were carrying cigarettes!If you are wanting to know about travelling from Slovakia, please see my transportation tip in my "Chop" page - Chop is the border crossing point. I have added info about this crossing and the various extra fees for the train
Premier Palace Hotel Kiev
6 Reviews and 132 Opinions The hotel room is ok, but the Concierge service is superb, very helpful. And I must say the pool,...
George Lviv
23 Reviews and 66 Opinions for some reason i just saw my tip has gone anyway, i went to this hotel because my parents stayed...
Gostinny Dvor Luhansk
1 Review and 1 Opinions My American friend Jack stayed at this new hotel for several days and he was kind enough to take me...
Reviews and photos of Ukraine attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Ukraine sightseeing.
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Q: I am looking for local Ukraine tour operators for west of the country + Moldova. Would anybody have any recommendations? I came...
A: I can't say that I have ever heard anyone mention that company . My nephew goes frequently to Ukraine and never uses a guide. We have several VT members living there and...
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