Some Thoughts On Travel In Ukraine - From The Kiev Train Station

As some of you may be aware, I am spending the majority of September in Ukraine. I am doing some reporting and conducting some interviews, but I am also exploring the country.

When it comes to travel in Europe, you are hard-pressed to get more bang for your buck in a place other than Ukraine. Due to the awful economic state of the country — at least by European standards — almost everything is cheap. Centrally located apartments can be found for less than $20 a night, a decent steak in a sit-down restaurant can be had for $5-6 and, despite the large size of the country — again, by European standards — a bus ride from city to city should go for less than $15.

Train travel can be significantly cheaper. Last weekend, I took a 3-hour train ride in the middle of night that cost a whopping 1 euro. I even got a bed for those three hours. Train travel in Ukraine tends to be very slow, but it can be efficient. Recently Ukraine added a network of relatively high-speed trains. They are called the intercity trains, and they get you to all of the major cities in the country. Also, night trains can serve as a cost-efficient and time-saving alternative to spending an extra night in a hotel or apartment.

As for Kiev's train station, it is basically the transport hub of the country. Kiev is located in central Ukraine, and Ukraine's other major cities form a semi-circle like shape extending to the west, south and east. Basically all roads in Ukraine lead to the Kiev train station. Kiev has a central bus station, but it is essentially a hole in the ground near a McDonald's in a different part of town. You might be best off avoiding it. There is one or arguably multiple bus stations, or at least bus stops, next to the train station in Kiev. The bus travel system seems very Soviet, but once you get the hang of it, it's not a big deal. In Odessa, too, for instance, there are arguably multiple bus stations next to the train station, none of which is the city's main bus station.

Inside the train station in Kiev, there is certainly a Soviet feel. Yet it simultaneously seems scenic, if not enchanting. When in the main hall — which gets very dark at night — and some sunlight comes in from the glass windows, the train station can suddenly morph into an art gallery.

Notice any of Kiev's famous churches in the paintings? Do you want me to go grab some photos of the actual churches? If so, comment below.

Lastly, that Kiev, or Київ, sign you see on the clock tower rests above the metro station beside the train station. That sign has always had some aesthetic appeal to me, although I'm not sure why. As far as practicality, the Kiev metro is also hard to beat. The metro stations tend be quite far underground, so escalator rides can be time consuming. But the metro trains move fast, and they costs less than a quarter per ride, which includes transfers.

When in other cities, you might be stuck with a marshutka. But you will manage, and the Soviet-style minibus certainly won't break your budget.