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Anyone have experience with a service in Kiev other than R.J. Tours? Nothing against you RJ, really. But I need a 2nd class berth from Kiev to Simferopol in 10 days and $60 for this is a little steep, after all the berth in $10. Anyway, thanks in advance.

... in response to Train ticket help, posted by RRH on Jul 7, 2002

Prices have been reduced considerably, and the number of flights increased.  More flights are available from Borispol to Simferopol, also.  Still more expensive than the train, but not much more.  I've taken the train from Keiv to Simferopol in the Summer, it's a long, hot trip.  Just a thought.

Dan

... in response to Have you considered flying?, posted by DJD on Jul 7, 2002

My wife visited her family in April, before Ukraine International and Aerosvit announced increased flights and lower fares for Ukraine domestic flights.  She arrived in Kiev about 1:30 pm and the next flight to Simferopol was at 11 something the next day.  Instead, she caught the train at about 5:30 pm and arrived in Simferopol shortly after 9 am.  When the flight left Kiev for Simferopol she was already in her parents home in Yalta.  Hopefully, there are now more flights and connections are better, but then the 18 hour train trip was the fastest route.

... in response to Re: Have you considered flying?, posted by John F on Jul 7, 2002

At the time of your wife's trip in April, that was the case.  Now, depending on the day, there may be a flight around 1:00pm, and/or another around 6:00pm.  There are also daily flights from Jhulyany, with the added expense and inconvenience of the cross-town cab ride.

Dan

... in response to Train ticket help, posted by RRH on Jul 7, 2002

Let's see - You want some assistance in purchasing train tickets in advance - but you feel that Robert's quote of $60 is too high.

Hmmmm - you also say that the price of a ticket (2nd class) should be $10. Is that for one of the 4 berths in a 2nd class  compartment - or is it $10 apiece (I think I know the answer to that one)? Is Robert's price of $60 for one berth or for all four?

Out of curiousity, if you are buying only one berth, do you speak Russian and feel yourself comfortable traveling with strangers in a closed compartment?

Also - why even bother with getting advance assistance? Is it that you know the summer is 'high-season' from train travel between Kyiv and Simferopol and you run the risk of not getting a reserved berth?

If that is the case, what do you think is reasonable to pay someone for:

* their time standing in line waiting to purchase your ticket?
* their travel to/from the train station to purchase the ticket on your behalf?
* the convenience of knowing that someone responsible and professional is handling things for you and all will be in order on your arrival?

Robert is among the few fully-qualified and professional travel agents that serve North Americans traveling to Ukraine. Seems to me you've been given a pretty good quotation - all things considered.

- Dan

... in response to Train ticket help, posted by RRH on Jul 7, 2002

RRH, WHY would you take a second class berth?  You like the smell of several other people's feet? Don't care to move around much during your EIGHTEEN hour trip?

True the second class berth is about $10, the first class berth is about $23. Why don't you get a first-class berth for the little extra money?

If you were to send me a copy of your passport, plus the either $10 for second class (I don't believe it) or the $23 for first class, and you send $15 to cover my peoples time and expense, we can get your train ticket in advance.

At this time of year the 3rd and 2nd class tickets sell out quickly, as this is what how most Ukraine's will travel. The first-class are usually the last to sell out, but you are now in peak season and they do sell out often, so I recommend getting your ticket in advance.