In this episode Michael Portillo catches the night train from Krakow to Kiev. On the way he learns about Ukraine’s history and the country’s recent troubles.
Buses are environmentally friendly and take fewer liters of fuel than airplanes or cars. Plus they have more legroom and seats, making the trip more comfortable.
How to Get There
The best way to get around the city is on public transportation, which is a lot cheaper than renting a car. It’s also a great way to see the local neighborhoods and save your legs for walking up those many flights of stairs in the subway stations. Purchasing MTA tickets is super simple: You can buy a single ride, an unlimited rides pass, or a multi-day pass at any public transit station or MTA ticket booth, and you can reload them for free whenever needed. The MYmta app is frequently updated with service information, and Google Maps is also a handy tool for trip-planning.
The subway system is well-marked, with an entry sign at each station that indicates which routes stop there, as well as the distance to the next stop (local stops are about eight to ten blocks apart, while express trains skip several). You can pay for your ride using a contactless payment card or device equipped with OMNY, a MetroCard, or a pay-per-ride prepaid stub. Once you’re onboard, scan your pass or device through the turnstile to activate the barriers, and exit at the same gates or doors (a transfer from a bus to the subway costs the same as a new ticket).
Riding buses is a great way to see the city: Both touristy bus lines provide a nice overview of major landmarks in the center of town, while regular buses allow you to hop off and explore the different neighborhoods. They’re very affordable, and you can just jump on and off as desired – making them a good option for families with kids. Just make sure to check the route map before boarding, and be aware that some routes have “Limited” stops, which mean they don’t stop at all.
A single fare covers any distance on the bus (you can also transfer for free between a bus and subway within two hours of paying your initial fare); look for a red route map on the front of the bus to find out if it is limited or not. Most buses are wheelchair accessible, and most buses also “kneel” to lower to the curb for easier boarding.
Preparing for the Trip
Train travel is a great option for those who want to get off the beaten path and visit remote locations. It also provides a more environmentally friendly option than flying or driving, reducing the carbon footprint of your trip. Whether you’re traveling on a regional or high-speed train, a trip by train will help you reduce your environmental impact and protect the beauty of natural landscapes along the way.
In order to make the most of your trip, you’ll want to spend some time preparing physically before the journey. Exercise will help you build strength and endurance that will be essential for your comfort while on the train. While it may be difficult to find the time to workout when juggling work, family and other obligations, the effort will pay off as you begin your adventure.
One of the first things to do is to consider what type of luggage you’ll be taking on your train expedition. You’ll probably want to bring a backpack or duffel bag for the most versatile and lightweight packing options. Depending on the length of your trip, you might need a sleeping bag or tent for additional warmth and protection. In addition, if you’ll be spending time hiking on your expedition, you’ll want to invest in some good hiking shoes.
Once you’ve decided on the type of luggage to bring, it’s important to pack well. Using compression bags can help you save space and prevent items from shifting during transit, which could damage them. You should also make sure that your luggage is well-padded to protect it from scratches and other damage.
Another important step is to prepare mentally for your trip. Before leaving for your train adventure, it’s a good idea to read up on the history of train travel and learn about some of the famous people who have taken the long train ride. This will give you a better understanding of the challenges and rewards of the journey ahead, and can help you feel more confident about your ability to complete it.
Once you’re ready to embark on your train adventure, it’s time to book your trip! You can easily compare prices and book your ticket online on Busbud. Just be sure to purchase your tickets well in advance to ensure you have a seat.
The Journey
Traveling by train from Krakow to Kyiv provides the opportunity for a leisurely trip with plenty of time to rest. The trip takes about 13h 52m and is a very environmentally friendly choice, emitting up to 30 times less carbon dioxide than traveling by car or plane. If you plan to book a train ticket, it’s best to do so as early as possible. Prices tend to increase closer to the departure date, so booking in advance will save you money.
Many emigrants traveled via Lemberg (Lviv) and Przemy
The emigrants that arrived in Oswiecim often had to face some unpleasant situations at the railway station. In particular, local emigration agents exploited them by convincing them to buy tickets to Germany instead of going to the city of Brzezinka. Those who refused to do so were ripped off by smugglers operating in the area. These smugglers charged 10 guldens per person for a horse cart and packed them in groups of 8-10 people. They would then leave them in an area near Biezanov, not far from the Czech Republic.
Other problems arose during the journey, including the poor quality of food served on the trains and the slow pace of the trip. On average, trains only traveled nine miles an hour over hastily built sections, but accelerated to thirty-five miles an hour on smoother tracks.
Today, comfortable daytime trains are used to connect the main Ukrainian cities and rural areas. Polrail Service is an authorized agent for UZ Ukrainian Railways, which operates this extensive passenger rail network. On some routes, you can even travel while sleeping.
Arriving in Kiev
There was excitement at the station as Mr. Biden’s train rolled into the city. Locals had hoped for his visit and gathered at barricades erected to block off the city center, eager to meet him and get their pictures taken with him. Speculation swirled about what he would say and do, given that his trip came at a critical time for Ukraine. He was due to meet with Zelensky and attend a memorial service for the country’s fallen soldiers, while at home some of America’s staunchest allies were pushing him to supply the nation with more sophisticated weapons that could be used to go deeper into Russian territory.
Whether you’re here on business or leisure, there is plenty to see and do in the capital of Ukraine. The city’s historic center is a must-visit, and one of the best ways to get there is on foot. Begin your journey at St. Sophia’s Cathedral, which dates back to 1037 and is a popular tourist attraction that is a stunning sight to behold. The church is a major pilgrimage site, and many travelers bring gifts to place in the church’s donation boxes.
Another iconic landmark is the Motherland Monument, a striking monument that sits high on the hill overlooking the Dnieper River. You can also explore the massive Museum of Ukraine in World War II, which has 18 different galleries that catalog the country’s torrid war history with relics like uniforms and letters as well as larger pieces of history, such as airplanes and tanks.
Other must-see attractions in the city include Podil, which is one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city; its quaint cobblestone streets are filled with trendy cafes and bars. You can also visit Independence Square, which is where many parades and festivals take place throughout the year.
Crime is prevalent in the country, particularly in central Kyiv, so it’s important to stay safe at all times and keep valuables close at hand. Avoid carrying large sums of cash, and if you must take a taxi, only use a designated booth or trusted ride-sharing app. Also, don’t walk alone at night.
