Kiev to Nikolaev Transfer

[Icarus]

Hi guys, Im flying into Kiev July 19th, with Emirates airlines; I got a good deal on the flight but a lousy arrival time as I land at 10:15pm.

Does anybody know of a transfer service, or a safe reliable driver that can get me to Nikolaev please?

You can PM the contact details if you wish.

Thank you
Ick

[CDW]

Hi guys, Im flying into Kiev July 19th, with Emirates airlines; I got a good deal on the flight but a lousy arrival time as I land at 10:15pm.

Does anybody know of a transfer service, or a safe reliable driver that can get me to Nikolaev please?

You can PM the contact details if you wish.

Thank you
Ick

Yes, taxi.  The fare would be around $350 each way.

[Anotherkiwi]

Hi guys, Im flying into Kiev July 19th, with Emirates airlines; I got a good deal on the flight but a lousy arrival time as I land at 10:15pm.

Does anybody know of a transfer service, or a safe reliable driver that can get me to Nikolaev please?

You can PM the contact details if you wish.

Thank you
Ick

Hopefully you are not aiming to drive to Nikolaev in the middle of the night!  You do not want to arrive at 6 am and be unable to get into your apartment or hotel.

Have you been to Kyiv before?  If so, at least stay overnight before you set out.  If not, allow time to see at least the major sights before you head south (or on the way back, before you go home).

A taxi directly from Boryspol will take at least six or seven hours (most operators suggest you allow eight hours).  One can be had for $200 to $500 each way, depending on what standard of vehicle you're after.  There are plenty of operators with glowing testimonials on their websites!  My preference, though, would be to take the Autolux express coach to Odessa (motorway for the whole 400 km trip, plus you get served snacks and drinks on the coach - and there's a toilet on board), then get a taxi from Odessa to Nikolaev (total about $200 return).  It's about five hours on the coach, then two to three hours (depending on traffic) for the 150 km from Odessa.

The other option is the standard eastern European mode of transport - the train.  The express between the two cities only takes 6 hours and costs a measly $24, although it only runs once a day.  There are several other (slower) trains as well.

[calmissile]

Hopefully you are not aiming to drive to Nikolaev in the middle of the night!  You do not want to arrive at 6 am and be unable to get into your apartment or hotel.

Have you been to Kyiv before?  If so, at least stay overnight before you set out.  If not, allow time to see at least the major sights before you head south (or on the way back, before you go home).

A taxi directly from Boryspol will take at least six or seven hours (most operators suggest you allow eight hours).  One can be had for $200 to $500 each way, depending on what standard of vehicle you're after.  There are plenty of operators with glowing testimonials on their websites!  My preference, though, would be to take the Autolux express coach to Odessa (motorway for the whole 400 km trip, plus you get served snacks and drinks on the coach - and there's a toilet on board), then get a taxi from Odessa to Nikolaev (total about $200 return).  It's about five hours on the coach, then two to three hours (depending on traffic) for the 150 km from Odessa.

The other option is the standard eastern European mode of transport - the train.  The express between the two cities only takes 6 hours and costs a measly $24, although it only runs once a day.  There are several other (slower) trains as well.

Good advice....

I have used a guy in Kiev several times and was very happy with him.  His name is Val.  The web site address I have is now a broken link.  I am not sure what his site URL is now.   I did a search on the forum and came up with a post that has an email address.   You might want to give it a try.

---------------------------------------
"Quote from: viking on January 04, 2011, 08:00:08 PM
I have used this man several times and he is great. Not only will he help you with translations while you are there, but can also offer advice on the "underlying" conversations.He is also an excellent guide and a source of much information. His name is Val and his email is rutto2003@yahoo.com.

As Viking as mentioned above, I also would strongly recommend Val."

---------------------------------------------------

I would not discount the train.  I have taken the train several times on overnight trips and love the train.  It also gives you a chance to meet people if you are so inclined.

Val will provide almost any service you want, but remember he is in business and doesn't do it for free.  He speaks very good English and has a great sense of humor.  He could also fix you up with a room for one night in Kiev if you go that route.   If you do get ahold of him, you might post his new website URL here so we can update our records.

I think he is probably still in business.  A year ago my wife and I were at Maiden during the chaos and Val popped out between two parked cars and said hello.

[LAman]

Good advice....

I have used a guy in Kiev several times and was very happy with him.  His name is Val.  The web site address I have is now a broken link.  I am not sure what his site URL is now.   I did a search on the forum and came up with a post that has an email address.   You might want to give it a try.

---------------------------------------
"Quote from: viking on January 04, 2011, 08:00:08 PM
I have used this man several times and he is great. Not only will he help you with translations while you are there, but can also offer advice on the "underlying" conversations.He is also an excellent guide and a source of much information. His name is Val and his email is rutto2003@yahoo.com.

As Viking as mentioned above, I also would strongly recommend Val."

---------------------------------------------------

I would not discount the train.  I have taken the train several times on overnight trips and love the train.  It also gives you a chance to meet people if you are so inclined.

Val will provide almost any service you want, but remember he is in business and doesn't do it for free.  He speaks very good English and has a great sense of humor.  He could also fix you up with a room for one night in Kiev if you go that route.   If you do get ahold of him, you might post his new website URL here so we can update our records.

I think he is probably still in business.  A year ago my wife and I were at Maiden during the chaos and Val popped out between two parked cars and said hello.

Doug, if your going give a recommendation of Val, then I will have to tell my story again. From your recommendation of Val, you gave me his number, I called to have him help me to get a Bus ticket, I told him I got referred by "Doug', after several times telling me to call him right back or 1/2 hour, he blew me away and never called back. If he was too busy, he could have just told me and I wouldn't have kept trying to call him. I would NEVER use or recommend him...this happened last year.

[Icarus]

Thanks guys.
Ill contact Val, and see what he says.

I got a quote from one source, of $250 one-way.
I hadn't thought of the Odessa option though, so Ill check that out before I confirm anything.

Thanks for all your input.

Ick

[CDW]

Thanks guys.
Ill contact Val, and see what he says.

I got a quote from one source, of $250 one-way.
I hadn't thought of the Odessa option though, so Ill check that out before I confirm anything.

Thanks for all your input.

Ick

Like AnotherKiwi mentioned about Autolux Express bus, I have been on it.  5 hours trip from Kiev to Odessa, very comfortable.

The link is:  http://en.autolux.ua/

Kiev Borispol to Odessa on VIP is 380 UAH which is around $32 US
There is 23.00 bus to arrive Odessa at 05.45 am

[LAman]

Like AnotherKiwi mentioned about Autolux Express bus, I have been on it.  5 hours trip from Kiev to Odessa, very comfortable.

The link is:  http://en.autolux.ua/

Kiev Borispol to Odessa on VIP is 380 UAH which is around $32 US
There is 23.00 bus to arrive Odessa at 05.45 am

Out of curiosity, CDW, how did you arrive an hour before your bus could possibly have arrived in Odessa?

 I do agree, it is a comfortable ride, much nicer than a train....

Unfortunately, the OP would never make that 23:00 departure!!
If I was the OP, I would walk over to Airport hotel next to terminal D and sleep there and take whatever means decided in the morning, plane or bus or train...

[jone]

$250 one way to Niko is standard fare.   If you have it planned the night of your arrival, great.  But, the trip is six hours in a car.  If you're gonna sleep all night on the way south, fine.  But, getting in at 6AM leaves you with few options.  If you're gonna arrive at that time of the day, buy the extra night in the hotel room or apartment for the night before and make arrangements to get your key when you arrive.  That way you have gained a day.

By the way, every time I get into Borispol, it seems it is around 10 at night.  I, almost always, wait until the next day to head South.  Again, my favorite place to stay in Niko is the Reikartz River Hotel.  They are almost giving the rooms away and it comes with a (great) free breakfast.  You're right on the water and on Friday nights they have a classic rock band playing there for entertaining your sweetheart and great places to listen to the music and snuggle.

Good luck.

[noelscot]

Hi guys, Im flying into Kiev July 19th, with Emirates airlines; I got a good deal on the flight but a lousy arrival time as I land at 10:15pm.

Does anybody know of a transfer service, or a safe reliable driver that can get me to Nikolaev please?

You can PM the contact details if you wish.

Thank you
Ick

Icarus, I found Val's phone number and sent it to you via PM. He's trustworthy and I recommend him. Good luck.

[JayH]

$250 one way to Niko is standard fare.   If you have it planned the night of your arrival, great.  But, the trip is six hours in a car.  If you're gonna sleep all night on the way south, fine.  But, getting in at 6AM leaves you with few options.  If you're gonna arrive at that time of the day, buy the extra night in the hotel room or apartment for the night before and make arrangements to get your key when you arrive.  That way you have gained a day.

By the way, every time I get into Borispol, it seems it is around 10 at night.  I, almost always, wait until the next day to head South.  Again, my favorite place to stay in Niko is the Reikartz River Hotel.  They are almost giving the rooms away and it comes with a (great) free breakfast.  You're right on the water and on Friday nights they have a classic rock band playing there for entertaining your sweetheart and great places to listen to the music and snuggle.

Good luck.

And the pool area provides entertainment ALL day!!
33C yesterday and lots of "people" in pool area!!
It is truly an excellent breakfast   and less that half price previously paid.Food is not UKR price but is cheap and excellent chef here. BTW Jon--how do you know it is so cheap  at the moment!!  Lol

[CDW]

Out of curiosity, CDW, how did you arrive an hour before your bus could possibly have arrived in Odessa?

I wasn't on that 23.00 bus.  I was on a morning bus.  I had already booked for the bus few days in advance.  The VIP bus was full when I was on the bus and also on the way back.

[CDW]

If I was the OP, I would walk over to Airport hotel next to terminal D and sleep there and take whatever means decided in the morning, plane or bus or train...

I did exactly the same, but it depends on id he wants to be there in Nikloave the next day

[lmshima57]

Hello!  I have been to Ukraine about 5 times over the past few years and
I have done the trip from Boryspil to Nikolaev.  I agree that the Autolux
VIP bus is a very comfortable way to get to Odessa.  From the bus stop
in Odessa, one can catch a marshrutka to Nikolaev.  I have taken this
mode of transportation both ways and it was about 2.5 hours.  I was
warned about the road to Nikolaev from Odessa at the time, but the
road seemed very good to me.  I am not sure about the price, but I
think it was 100 hrv or about 12.50 at the time. 

Another time, one of the bus lines from the airport took me to the bus stop
in Kiev and I took a bus to Nikolaev which is about 7 hours.  I remember this
trip because on the way the bus lost a tire and we slid down the road for
what seemed like an eternity.  To the bus driver's credit, he regained
control of the bus and no one was injured.  This happened about one
hour out of Kiev at about 0100 and we waited for about one hour for
another bus which took us to Nikolaev.

 I stayed at the Hotel Palace Ukraine on Lenina Street, one of the main
streets in the city.  There was a restaurant a short walk down the street
that had excellent borsch and golubtsy.  I played poker on the 6th floor
of the hotel with some Ukrainians and I enjoyed the game even though
I spoke very little Russian at the time.  On my last hand, a female player
who took my last chips smiled and said "sorry" and the best I could come
up with was "konechno" and "nichevo".  My Russian friends tell me
that the reply was not quite correct, but I remember seeing an American
movie in Russian and Michael Caine said this and the subtitle said "it's
nothing."

I would like to thank all the contributors who have given me their insight
about Russia and Ukraine and the women.  I have met many Ukrainian
women over the years, but I have not met any who were seriously
interested.  One had agreed to pursue the fiancee visa, but when we met
with the purpose of filing out the paperwork, I told her that there was no
point since she did not seem interested.  She protested a bit, but I think
that she was disappointed that she had lost a benefactor.  I met Mila on
that trip and she confirmed my gut feeling that there was nothing there.
I have traveled a good bit of the world, but the beauty of Ukrainian women
will be a part of me until my last days.

[LAman]

I did exactly the same, but it depends on id he wants to be there in Nikloave the next day

Boy, I wish we had an icon scratching his head......I would use it here and answer this post with..


He is going to get to Nikolaev the next day...no matter what he decides to use as a transportation!!!

[Anotherkiwi]

Boy, I wish we had an icon scratching his head......I would use it here and answer this post with..


He is going to get to Nikolaev the next day...no matter what he decides to use as a transportation!!!

Not necessarily - see my first reply about whether or not he wants to spend some time in Kyiv.

[JayH]

You can get flights from Kiev to Odessa and taxi from there .
I do not know the OP's story-- so my question are--
- how did you find girl/s
- what age are you and she or them?
-who made arrangements in Nikolaev?

Whether you think you need advice or not--- you do!!Regardless of how certain you are--I am equally  and more certain you you will be wrong--the odds say so.
You are entering the tigers den!!!Open your story so far to forum and I will give you a guarantee it saves you money and anguish.

[CDW]

You can get flights from Kiev to Odessa and taxi from there .

I can see that he is from Australia, but whether of not to fly to Odessa from Australia, it must be very expensive considering that he is most likely using different airlines ????

[LAman]

Not necessarily - see my first reply about whether or not he wants to spend some time in Kyiv.

That is true Kiwi...... but if you read the OP's last post, he seems  focused on getting to his destination.

[LAman]

You can get flights from Kiev to Odessa and taxi from there .
I do not know the OP's story-- so my question are--
- how did you find girl/s
- what age are you and she or them?
-who made arrangements in Nikolaev?

Whether you think you need advice or not--- you do!!Regardless of how certain you are--I am equally  and more certain you you will be wrong--the odds say so.
You are entering the tigers den!!!Open your story so far to forum and I will give you a guarantee it saves you money and anguish.

   Giving advice when not asked for??? Why?

[ML]

  Giving advice when not asked for???

My mother does it all the time, even concerning things she has zero knowledge about. 

In fact, she has made an entire career out of it.

But really, she has only the best of intentions.

She is a mother.

Most of us love to give advice.

A couple of weeks ago, I got an unsolicited lecture from a neighbor man about how to be nicer to women.

A few days later, I saw his wife and asked about him.

She said, "we had a big fight and I am not speaking to or about that asshole."

[JayH]

  Giving advice when not asked for??? Why?

To answer your question-- why not--the forum is full of unrequested advice--in fact I have some for you now -  .. ...  ....  ......
The other comment I would make is because  in the previous few days  I had seen and heard about 6 very sorry tales .Some guys catch on in the first hours--others are being led around by the small heads ambitions for days.
So--in the interests of trying to help the guy-- I  SUGGESTED he tell his story so far to the forum.

[JayH]

I can see that he is from Australia, but whether of not to fly to Odessa from Australia, it must be very expensive considering that he is most likely using different airlines ????

He mentioned earlier he got a deal on Emirates  -- I presume it took him to Kiev and has been available from  time to time at a good price.
AsI have suggested in my thread on travel arrangements-- it is actually better to go to Istanbul ( which Emirates flight takes him to I think-without checking) and get flight to Odessa from there.At a guess-- it would still be cheaper to ditch the last portion of Emirates  flight and go Istanbul -Odessa.
It would certainly save a lot of time.

[Shadow]

To answer your question-- why not--the forum is full of unrequested advice--in fact I have some for you now -  .. ...  ....  ......
The other comment I would make is because  in the previous few days  I had seen and heard about 6 very sorry tales .Some guys catch on in the first hours--others are being led around by the small heads ambitions for days.
So--in the interests of trying to help the guy-- I  SUGGESTED he tell his story so far to the forum.

If you check his history, he is not here for the first time. So hopefully he has been reading since 2011 and has now got the experience needed to avoid mistakes of others.

[Icarus]

Thanks for all the feedback guys, really appreciate it.

Yes, Im Aussie. Not my first time to Ukraine, or Russia for that matter. Just need some advice on small details.

I didn't know there was a hotel that close to Boryspil, does anybody have its name, or website?

Also, how many bus stations are there in Kiev? I found a bus that goes to Kiev, but Ive no idea where it departs from.

This is the link; http://skybus.kiev.ua/en/kiev.html

I have some options for Niko, Odessa, and if it doenst work out then I will head up to Kharkov.
Plus, I have work to do in Ukraine so even if not on dates my time will be spent productively; not being led around by my small head

Thanks again for the good advice.

Ick