Russia-Ukraine-Romania-Bulgaria-Serbia-Hungary
Aug 25th, 2005, 04:57 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Russia-Ukraine-Romania-Bulgaria-Serbia-Hungary
Does anyone with experience have any suggestions or advice about my proposed trip to these countries? I would fly to St. Petersburg and then I plan on us taking the day trains (so we can see the countryside) from there to Moscow, Kiev, Bucharest, Sofia, Belgrade, Budapest, and then fly back from there.
Thanks,
Robert
Thanks,
Robert
Aug 26th, 2005, 03:38 AM
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Anyone? Anyone?
I'm particularly interested in how safe day trains are in these areas and if there are any logistical problems along the lines of "there is no daytrain from Kiev to Bucharest".
I'm particularly interested in how safe day trains are in these areas and if there are any logistical problems along the lines of "there is no daytrain from Kiev to Bucharest".
Aug 26th, 2005, 06:15 AM
#4
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 559
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What type of a time schedule would you be keeping? This seems quite ambitious, and I hope that you have planned a day or two at each stop, at least!
I have traveled by train between StPb-Moscow quite often- the day train takes about 4-5 hours if memory serves (it goes much faster than the night train).
I have also traveled Ukraine via train, but only between Kharkiv and Kiev. This was many years ago now, but I assume that traveling from Moscow to Kiev you would be routed through Kharkiv as well.
I have never been to the remaining places on your itinerary, but I'm sure it would be a fascinating trip! Please let me know if you have specific questions about the places I have visited- I will help if I can!
I have traveled by train between StPb-Moscow quite often- the day train takes about 4-5 hours if memory serves (it goes much faster than the night train).
I have also traveled Ukraine via train, but only between Kharkiv and Kiev. This was many years ago now, but I assume that traveling from Moscow to Kiev you would be routed through Kharkiv as well.
I have never been to the remaining places on your itinerary, but I'm sure it would be a fascinating trip! Please let me know if you have specific questions about the places I have visited- I will help if I can!
Aug 26th, 2005, 06:49 AM
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Use the Deutschebahn site to get an idea. http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en
Moscow-Kiev is around 13 hours. There is a no change train. Only 2nd class. Runs daily
Kiev-Bucuresti is 27 hours with one change. Compulsory reservation on the 2nd train, 2nd class only on the first. There is a no change train that takes 30 hours
Bucuresti-Sofia is 10-10 ½ hours with no change. Compulsory reservation.
Sofia-Belgrade is 8 hours no change. Reserve.
Belgrade- Budapest is 6 ½ - 7 hours
I have seen the last train twice. Once as a passenger and once putting someone on it. It is very worn and dirty with very questionable plumbing. At night your room door is chained to protect you. If you are still game, I’d do the Kiev-Bucharest leg by air, assuming you can find a decent carrier. Just checked – you’d have to change in Vienna and it is very expensive. On the other hand if you drop Bucharest there is an inexpensive non-stop from Kiev to Sofia.
Ben Haines and I would disagree about the relative safety of these trains, but it's not a trip I would do lightly with a woman or looking like a rich tourist.
Moscow-Kiev is around 13 hours. There is a no change train. Only 2nd class. Runs daily
Kiev-Bucuresti is 27 hours with one change. Compulsory reservation on the 2nd train, 2nd class only on the first. There is a no change train that takes 30 hours
Bucuresti-Sofia is 10-10 ½ hours with no change. Compulsory reservation.
Sofia-Belgrade is 8 hours no change. Reserve.
Belgrade- Budapest is 6 ½ - 7 hours
I have seen the last train twice. Once as a passenger and once putting someone on it. It is very worn and dirty with very questionable plumbing. At night your room door is chained to protect you. If you are still game, I’d do the Kiev-Bucharest leg by air, assuming you can find a decent carrier. Just checked – you’d have to change in Vienna and it is very expensive. On the other hand if you drop Bucharest there is an inexpensive non-stop from Kiev to Sofia.
Ben Haines and I would disagree about the relative safety of these trains, but it's not a trip I would do lightly with a woman or looking like a rich tourist.
Jan 28th, 2006, 01:43 AM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Robert, if you still plan to travel, please contact me at [email protected]. I can maybe help about trip through the Balkans!
