Help for a trip to Dnepropetrrovsk Ukraine

[Jack]

Bloke, I can help you with a good flat on or near Khershaytk. Will cost $70-$75. If you need help having your lady met at train station, taken to your flat, then have her picked up and greet you at the airport, no problem.

[Kuna]

Hi guys,

I am looking into booking flights now, and it seems that the Aerosvit flights are only once a day at a certain time, and my London - Kiev flight does not get there in time to make the Aerosvit flight the same day.  Therefore, I would have to stay in Kiev overnight to get the next flight to Dnep.  However, the hotel costs in Kiev are outrageous, the only hotels available cost like £200 a night!  I thought Ukraine was cheap!

It looks like I'll have to pay more to get the Austrian flights into Dnep, as the Kiev flights are £200 less.  However, I could buy my girl a flight or train from Dnep to Kiev, and just meet her in Kiev.  If I can find reasonably priced accommodation in Kiev, that is an option.  I will need two rooms, since this is the first time I'm meeting and we're not a couple ... yet.

Anyone here have any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks!

FiB,

A few things...

Jacks suggestion on an apartment near Kreshatik is a good one.  If you want separate bedrooms you'll need a "3 room" apartment because they count bedrooms AND living areas as a room. 

You might be able to get a 2 room apartment though with a foldout bed in the living room as an option if things don't "click".  This is what I did when my girl came from Dnepr but we clicked so there was no need to toss for who got the foldout bed. (You need to be able to share a bed and remain chivalrous though because click doesn't mean more!   

If this is a consideration you'll obviously have to discuss it with your girl because her level of comfort will define your need for a 2 room or 3 room apartment.

The apartment options are great though!

Aeorsvit has two flights a day to Dnepr though... From memory the early one is at 9:10am and the later one was 4:10pm...  I think. Have a look again.  If you book early enough you'll get your flights for USD$68 each way... if you're unlucky like me it's $100 each way... and if you need business class it was something like $800 SO BOOK EARLY! Check your travel dates and consider leaving a day either side because I just had a look at the aerosvit site and there are 3 flights on some days... 9:10am; 3:40pm and 6pm.

I know you're on a tight schedule for your trips so PLEASE keep in mind that fog in Dnepr can delay you for HOURS.  Personally my flight was 5 hours late departing and it was a bit of a waste of time to spend that long sitting in the airport.  Nothing much to do there!

The Express train to/from Dnepr is a good option.  We caught the train back after my visit to her on the last weekend and it was a really good trip.  It might be a bit confusing if you do your first trip alone but if you're an experienced traveller you might like the adventure.  Keep all valuable on your person and try to minimise your luggage.  Bring a good book or and iPod... and sit back and enjoy rural Ukraine!

I know people warn first time travellers of the trains in Ukraine but this particular service looked safe to me.  If you take it, keep to yourself (unless you're sitting next to a pretty girl) and try to melt in as much as possible. (No point standing out as a novice traveller if you don't have to!)  Trains leave Kiev at 5:45pm from Central station and arrive around midnight in Dnepr.  They depart Dnepr at 6:40am and arrive in Kiev at 12:30pm. The fare is about 74UAH each way if my memory serves me correctly.

If you've got more questions on travel to and from Dnepr feel free to ask questions while the info is fresh in my mind. Try to include your Intl Arrival and departure times and I'm sure we'd find some good options for you.

In closing having your girl meet you in Kiev for your first trip might be OK but you'll need to work out the connections sooner or later because meeting her on her home turf is REALLY important.

Cheers!

Kuna

[Mir]

If booked around a month in advance and done online then the return flight will cost $117.

[Mir]

FIB

Certainly Kiev can be a better place to meet and spend time.However reading Kuna recent visit Den looks to be worth a visit.I am sure you can find hotels for less then $200 per night in Kiev but then I don't know your dates so can't comment.Hotel Borispol is walking distance from airport so it is convenient to stay there overnight and walk back next day for your flight (if you have no interest in vising Kiev that is).A room can cost as low as $50 but availability can be a problem and they are known to increase prices when caller speaks English,so maybe you can ask your friend to phone and find out for you.
Certainly you can get a reasonable apartment in Kiev for $70 per night but make sure you understand that the taxi will cost $25 each way.If you stay in Kiev for a few days then you will pay more for restaurants etc.

[Donhollio]

I don't suppose anyone here has information on Zaporozhye?

  I do have some info, I spent a 3-4 weeks there in 2005,once in summer and in late fall. Zapcity has a few things to offer,but it's not a tourist city. Heavy industry rules the day there,and the air is terrible. Lenin prospect is the longest in the FSU (14km) It's a good walk as the city has gentle rolling hills,just watch ot for the cyclists ripping down the sidewalks !
 
 In the summer you can go on a cruise along the river,it's a short ride,but it would be a nice way to spend some time with a girl. The park is quite big,and can be found along side of Lenin prospect.
 Some decent resturants,but you will find the city gets very quiet after 10pm. Most places are closed,. I found this was the case in late October. Having someone who knows the city will be best if your looking for something to do besides going to the dance clubs.
 One agency I used was jasmine 4u.com ,Karina was very helpful ,one thing to note that her website has not many woman on it,however once I was in her office she showed me dozens of more women I was interested in meeting. All the women I met were not in her website on the I-net.
 
 Enjoy your stay, the place has some bittersweet memories for me.

[FunIndieBloke]

Hi guys!

Thanks for all of the good tips.  My flight gets into Borispol at 5:20PM, so I think I'll miss the train.  My gal lives in Zap, so I found direct flights there on the web.  Anyone have experience with Aerosvit airways?  Apparently there's not a lot to do in that city, but it's primarily to see her.  I will need to get a hotel in Kiev one night, as my flight back to London leaves Borispol at 9AM.  But it still works out, since I can see another girl I've been writing to the night before.  What's the name of the hotel near Borispol and how much does it cost?

Thanks!
FIB

[Kuna]

Here's a link...

http://www.airport-borispol.kiev.ua/hotels/airport/

[alarm_man]

D-2 I leave on Friday  -  Nope you can't wipe the smile from my face !

Well I have my tickets to go at last, but it looks like its the train for me.

My flight gets into Borispol at 14:40  and the plane to Dnepro is at 15:40, too tight for my liking, if I spoke the language I'd be tempted, but the smallest hiccup including on the incoming flight and I'm in trouble.

So any pointers for booking the train on-line? I seem to remember  that it leaves 6pm arriving midnight.  If thats the case then the bus sounds like a fun way to get there

I would also like to take the opportunity of the "down time" to get a phone, any recommendations for the best cover / reception?

Last question, should I wrap the presents, or can I just give them as is? (Candles, choccies, meccano for her boy).  I've seen a lot of comments about being formal ie wearing a suit, am i likely to need one, with just 20Kg bagage allowance it's getting tight....

I am currently w3V2, with a plan B.  and had a very interesting conversation last night, I think it may be time for the trip report to start.

Thanks for any help,
Andy

[Kuna]

D-2 I leave on Friday  -  Nope you can't wipe the smile from my face !

Well I have my tickets to go at last, but it looks like its the train for me.

My flight gets into Borispol at 14:40  and the plane to Dnepro is at 15:40, too tight for my liking, if I spoke the language I'd be tempted, but the smallest hiccup including on the incoming flight and I'm in trouble.

So any pointers for booking the train on-line? I seem to remember  that it leaves 6pm arriving midnight.  If thats the case then the bus sounds like a fun way to get there

I would also like to take the opportunity of the "down time" to get a phone, any recommendations for the best cover / reception?

Last question, should I wrap the presents, or can I just give them as is? (Candles, choccies, meccano for her boy).  I've seen a lot of comments about being formal ie wearing a suit, am i likely to need one, with just 20Kg bagage allowance it's getting tight....

I am currently w3V2, with a plan B.  and had a very interesting conversation last night, I think it may be time for the trip report to start.

Thanks for any help,
Andy

Andy... you're a lucky bugger... I wish I was going back already!

Couple of things...

You can't book train tickets online but this site (http://www.seat61.com/Ukraine2.htm#Train%20times) will give you the name of an agency that will book tickets on your behalf. It's got some good info on Ukraine trains too.  The Express train to Dnepr is very nice though.. no problems there.

You should book ahead because I was lucky to get the last ticket from Dnepr to Kiev when My Girl and I were heading north.  You're right.. It departs at 6pm and arrives around Midnight...

I haven't taken a bus to Dnepr but took one back from Cherkassy.  A lot of people will give you WARNINGS about safety etc but I've got to be honest and say that nothing made me feel unsafe during my bus trip.  Be sensible... don't make a commotion... keep your valuables on you... and enjoy the ride.

There's a phone retailer in a small shop just outside and to the right when you're standing in front of the train station in Kiev.  They have several networks and speak some english. 

You might end up at the Train station if you're getting a bus to Dnepr because the Cherkassy Buses departed and arrived from just out front.

I took a suit but didn't use it.  You should dress smartly but I didn't find an occassion to "suit up"... my girls weren't offended with smart casual (AND CLEAN SHOES).

I think it's nice to wrap the presents... Kinda prolongs the anticipation huh! 

Have fun mate... I'm sure you will!

Oh, try to get to Sparta Restaurant if you can!

Kuna

[FunIndieBloke]

D-2 I leave on Friday  -  Nope you can't wipe the smile from my face !

Well I have my tickets to go at last, but it looks like its the train for me.

My flight gets into Borispol at 14:40  and the plane to Dnepro is at 15:40, too tight for my liking, if I spoke the language I'd be tempted, but the smallest hiccup including on the incoming flight and I'm in trouble.

Thanks for the link, Kuna!

Regarding the quote above, I fly into Borispol at 17:20, then I have to make a Aerosvit connection to Zaporzhiye at 19:00.  Did I give myself enough time?  I also have to pick up my ticket, as they don't deliver my ticket to the UK!  I will not be checking in any luggage.

Thanks!

[Mir]

If you have only hand luggage then you should be OK but it will be close.
Try to leave the plane before everyone so that you are ahead in the queue that can form in front of immigration desk (prey that many flights are not arriving at the same time). You can also think about VIP service where you get ahead of the queue for a fee.
Once you are through immigration and customs and out of the door you run to your right dodging the swarm of taxi drivers who will be trying to tackle you.Out of the terminal door you keep running as the domestic terminal is to the right of the international one as you come out.It is about 200 meters away.
So if all goes well,the flight arrives at 1720 then you should be out by 1750 and at the domestic terminal by 1810 which is fine.However any delays and/or holdups can make it close.
Good luck

[Jack]

FIB, let me make sure I understand this correctly. Your flight arrives into Borispol at 5:20pm and your flight for Zap leaves Borispol domestic terminal at 7pm, right?  If so, and you don't have any lost luggage, you will have no problem.

You should clear customs by 5:55pm, 6:10pm at the latest.  You walk out the main terminal door, turn to your right, walk 180 meters and their is the entrance to the domestic terminal. A flight that leaves at 7pm will many times begin boarding at 6:50, even 6:55.

You should have plenty of time.

Now, if you have one piece of luggage that did not make it with you, then your not making the flight.  If your flight is out of the domestic airport Julianny and not Borispol, then your not making the flight. If your incoming plane arrives into Borispol 40-45 minutes late, your not making the flight.   If you miss your flight you can buy your train ticket for Zap at the airport while you are there.

[groovlstk]

To save yourself some time, try to have your registration card filled out prior to deplaning. I've flown into Borispol several times and sometimes, depending on your airline, they don't give you the card while on the plane and there's a mad rush for the kiosks near passport control.

[Kuna]

FiB,

Jack's right... comfirm the airport you're leaving from for the domestic flight.  Mine was Borispol but it'd be a terrible shock if yours isn't!

When you check in for your International flight ask to sit as far forward as possible.  Getting off the plane quickly will be the most important thing because you won't be able to fight your way forward if you're towards the back.

When I flew in from Riga the plane must have been filled with locals because I walked up to the Passport Control desk and only had 1 person in front of me.  I picked up my luggage and was out in under 10 mintues... but I can't imagine that happens often.

Kuna

[FunIndieBloke]

Hi guys, thanks for the tips.  If I can't read Cyrillic, will it be a problem finding the Aerosvit ticket counter and picking up my ticket?  Also, is there Roman alphabet signage on the Borispol's domestic terminal?

(I made sure all flights were through KBP before I booked!)

[Turboguy]

In the international terminal there is enough English you will not have a problem.   I don't remember as much English in the Domestic but they do anounce in English.   Just walk out the front door of International, turn right, walk to the end of the building and turn right again and you will see a crowd of people in front of a small building.  That is it.  When they anounce your flight go in.

[Kuna]

Hi guys, thanks for the tips.  If I can't read Cyrillic, will it be a problem finding the Aerosvit ticket counter and picking up my ticket?  Also, is there Roman alphabet signage on the Borispol's domestic terminal?

(I made sure all flights were through KBP before I booked!)

FiB there is English on the major signs in the Domestic Airport but don't worry... the domestic terminal not that big so you won't get lost.

The Aerosvit counter is immediately to the left when you walk in the front doors. On the right is a small cafe (and the only cafe in the Terminal).

Check-in will only open 1 hour before departure but just keep an eye on the departure screens.  Again it has English and Russian Language.

Kuna

[chrisb5401]

I just got back from Ukraine.  I used Aerosvit to fly from Kiev to Dnepropetrovsk.  I actually got a round trip ticket for 26 dollars.  Booked e ticket online.  I just handed the paper i printed off the computer to the first person I came to in the Kiev airport after getting through customs.  I don't speak any Russian at all and I made it just fine.  Just have all your travel documents, itineraries etc in an envelope to show people and you will be fine.
Chris

[Simoni]

Welcome home, Chris.

We look forward to your sharing your experiences via a Trip Report