Trains and Buses

Trains

Travelling by train is convenient in Ukraine given the long distances between major cities and the bad road infrustructre. It is also cheap unlike air tickets. The trains are by far not as modern as for example in Germany or in Scandinavia but if you buy first or second class you will be comfortable.

Firstly, remember to bring your passport to buy train tickets and that they do not speak English at the ticket offices and at the train station.  On overnight routes there is usually a restaurant car open until 11 pm (which is a buffet more than a restaurant), you can get tea or coffee to your coupe and you will be offered a set of bedsheets and a towel for a low fee of about 30 Hryvnas. It is more comfy to bring a sleeping bag though.  It is also advisable to bring your own refreshments such as sandwiches and water and toilet paper.

You can buy tickets at the Railway Ticket Office or through an agency with delivery. There are often queues and unpleasant staff at the Railway Ticket Office so spending a couple more Hryvnas on the agency is worth it. During summer season, train tickets are sold out for long time ahead so plan and buy well in advance. Train schedule and prices in Russian and Ukrainian language can be found on www.uz.gov.ua . Tickets can also be ordered online on Aquavita travelagency, poezda.net or hafas.de .