Ukraine Info
Joined: 20 Apr 2007
Posts: 17
Home Country: ukraine
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 Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 1:07 pm Post subject: GETTING AROUND IN UKRAINE / UKRAINE TRANSPORTATION GUIDE |
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GETTING AROUND IN UKRAINE
BY AIR
Domestic flights in Kyiv depart from both Borispol airport (KBP) and from Zhulany airport (IEV). Aerosvit (website: www.aerosvit.ua/eng) is one of the main domestic carriers.
Aerosvit offers some really cheap flights and proved as a good, and time-saving, alternative to the hellishly slow train service. For example the flight Odessa-Kiev (One-Way) was US$18 (including Tax & all fees) and took 1,5 hours. However, for the real cheapies you have to book early. Be prepared to find yourself seated in a rather historic airplane (AN-24 for example!).
BY RIVER
Cruises between Kyiv, Odessa and Sevastopol are very popular and can be booked through various tour operators.
BY RAIL
Trains are more reliable than air travel in winter, when aircraft are sometimes grounded. Timetables for trains in CIS states, including trains within Ukraine, are available in English from the website www.poezda.net. The Ukrainian Railways website ww.uz.gov.ua also publishes information, but is not available in English.
Train travel within Ukraine is a convenient and inexpensive way to get around the country. First class sleeping cars are recommended. Cars should be booked as double occupancy. If you are travelling alone it is recommended you purchase two tickets, this way you have the compartment to yourself. It is also recommend you bring your own soap, toilet paper and towels.
BY ROAD
Bus & coach
There are services to most cities and towns. One of the most modern and comfortable fleets of buses is operated by Autolux (website: www.autolux.com.ua). The company runs coaches to all the major cities and publishes its website in English.
Taxi
Hiring a driver for a long-distance destination is a realistic option.
Car rental
Self-drive hire cars are gradually becoming more available. Most international driving rules apply in Kyiv. However, beware that most locals fail to follow many driving laws. Officially, speed limits are 60 kph/37 mph in cities, 90 kph/56 mph in unpopulated areas, and 120 kph/72 mph on highways. You can turn right on red lights if there is a green arrow. Parking in Kyiv is as difficult as in any other major European city. Traffic drives on the right; righthand-drive cars are prohibited. Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited. The limit of alcohol allowed in drivers' blood is zero. Heavy fines are imposed if traffic police smell alcohol on a driver’s breath.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is necessary.
URBAN TRANSPORTATION
Kharkiv, Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk have clean, efficient and cheap metro systems, where tickets can be purchased at vending machines inside the stations. Kyiv has the 3rd oldest subway system (Metro) of all former Soviet countries and is the deepest in the world with the longest escalators. A visit to Kyiv is not complete without a tour of this beautiful and very impressive subway system. Travel on the subway is safe and convenient.
Buses and trolleybuses are extremely crowded and are best avoided. Taxis are easy to find in the cities. Official taxis have yellow and black signs on the roof and are metered. Fares should be negotiated in advance for private taxis. Some shared taxis and minibuses exist on fixed routes. Besides taxis, the quickest way to get around big cities is the so-called marshrutka - the minibuses which follow routes much like the regular buses do. You can generally flag them down or ask them to stop at places other than the specified bus-stops. The fare is paid as soon as you get in, and is fixed no matter how far you want to go.
Hitchhiking is very common, although not recommended. Travellers can indicate the need for a lift and the driver will take them to their destination cheaply by Western standards, but prices should be agreed in advance. There are no public transport services between 1 am to 5 am. |
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