Airport Trasfer in Kyiv for her

[aikorob]

N. is coming to the US on May 1. She will be taking the train from Odessa to Kyiv, arriving around 8 AM.
She is very worried because of the unrest in Ukraine--and the fact she is travelling on May 1-that the Communists and pro-Russian demonstrators will be out on the streets in full force--and perhaps tie up traffic, preventing the train-airport shuttle buses from running. A private car would probably be better at avoiding any potential problems.
Could you guys give me any contacts of someone who could provide door to door service if need be? The names I have are all 2-3 years old.

[Wayne B]

aikorob, I think N will be ok at the train station because it is on the out-skirts of the city and most of the demonstations or within the heart of the city.....RWD, has some links to guide services also

[aikorob]

Probably right Wayne, but SHE'S worried, so I'm planning for all contigencies--I'll let her make the final call.
I didn't really see any guide services in the links section--maybe I didn't go deep enough, or they are some where else?

[Kuna]

Aikorob,

I can understand her nervousness and hope everything goes off smoothly.

There are several options to choose from but a few I can think of are listed below:

1. Jack from this board has a contact in Kiev who has a private car and will do an airport transfer for "N". I'm sure you can PM Jack and he will put you in touch with him.

2. Have a look at this website in the transportation section of this page:  http://www.translations.kiev.ua/index.php?mode=price&lang=en

They can organise a private car with driver for $35 but if you want her to feel a little special why not organise a Luxury Car for $50. You could arrange for the driver to leave a single red rose on the back seat as a surprise when he collects her from the train station. 

OK OK...  I'm just missing my girl so I'm getting a bit mushy.

This site looks like a good option though because they post all their prices right up there for us to see. 

3. No doubt El Rock will promote his girlfriend though I don't know if she has a car.  You might PM him to pre-empt his marketing pitch.   

4. Some in here will recommend Pavel.  If you choose to use Pavel be very clear that all you need is a private car with driver and you won't need his services at the same time.  If you use a guide + a car you'll effectively pay double the price.

5. There's aways plenty of taxi's outside of the train station in Kiev and I'm sure she'll still be able to get one even if there is "trouble".  It might be nice to get a private car though because the driver should meet her at the platform and help her carry her bags.

6. If you want something more personal my best friends in-laws are in Kiev and he has offered his FIL's car (or his Brother in law) when I am next in town.  They're nice people (I've met them a few times) and if they are available I'm sure they'll be happy to help. (They'd probably be excited to help because they're currently waiting for their immigration application to be approved before they move to Aus permanently.)

No matter which way you get her to the airport it should cost no more than the $35 on the website I posted above.  From memory my taxi from the centre of Kiev to the airport as 150 grivina and the train station to the centre is 25 grivina.

Hope this helps.

Kuna

[aikorob]

Bolshoi Spaceba Kuna,
If she goes this route, I am personally leaning toward a private car---to meet her at the platform, and to help get her bags inside the airport.

[viking]

I have used Jacks driver. Ultra reliable and a good guy. Plus he knows Kiev inside and out. If Jack does not pick up on this I can PM you with his email address.

[wxman]

A one way flight from Odessa to Kiev is going for $80 on the Aerosvit web site. She won't have to worry about busses, getting through Kiev, etc. She will land at the domestic terminal at Borispol airport, and she can walk next door to the International terminal for overseas flight. If she needs to stay overnight, she can stay at the Airport hotel which is only a 1/4 mile walk from terminal. 

[jj]

I used "Go to Russia".  Driver took me and fiancee to hotel and picked us up and very reliable.  It was $45 plus a little tip.  I was there during Easter week when demonstrations started in Independence Square.  I could see the marchers, and prime mininister supporters camped out in the square in tents.  I awoke every morning to the big screen pictures in the square and loudspeakers bellowing politics.  There was various music playing at times, drinking, lots of flags.  Most people just went around business as usual .   There was anti-Bush statements etc. as my fiancee was listening to the loudspeakers at times and interpreted for me.  There was no violence at the time , and it was more of a rally.  I took plenty of photos and some video, and except for Independence Square the traffic was normal to Airport. -jj

[aikorob]

Thanks everyone,
I PM'd Jack and got the info on his guy; and I have passed on all numbers to N---I will let her handle it from that end.
Wxman-she wanted to go by train so her sister could help schlep bags on board; if I were able to go there and escort her back we would have taken the flight from Odessa-it arrives at Boryspyl around 8:30 and you can easily catch the AeroSvit or Delta flight to JFK. She sent me a SMS this morning--Sis is now coming with her on the train all the way to Kyiv.

[Kuna]

That's very cool aikorob.  It's a very exciting time for you both and I wish you all the best!