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Travel - Internal
AIR: Fuel shortages used to result in sharp reductions in flights within Ukraine and erratic timetables. However, the situation has improved recently. Air Ukraine’s repainted Aeroflot aircraft are far from comfortable and buying tickets is extremely difficult and almost guaranteed to involve complicated negotiations with the local travel agencies. Pre-booking through Intourist Travel Ltd in London is advised (see Contact Addresses section). Winter weather frequently grounds aircraft. The most reliable flights are from Kyiv to Lviv, Donetsk and Odessa.
RIVER: Cruises between Kyiv, Sevastopol and Odessa are very popular and can be booked through various tour operators.
RAIL: Again, pre-booking through Intourist Travel Ltd in London is advised, as buying tickets is a difficult undertaking. Journeys are slow, though trains are more reliable than air travel in winter.
ROAD: Bus: There are services to most cities and towns although they are not always recommended due to overcrowding and uncleanliness. Taxi: Hiring a driver for a long-distance destination is a realistic option, costing about US$200 from Kyiv to Odessa or a similar journey. Car hire: Not recommended. Self-drive hire cars are, so far, extremely rare. Traffic regulations: Speed limits are 60kph (37mph) in built-up areas, 90kph (55mph) in outside areas and 110kph (69mph) on the motorways. Traffic drives on the right; righthand-drive cars are prohibited. Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited. Heavy fines are imposed if traffic police smell alcohol on a driver’s breath. Documentation: An International Driving Permit is necessary.
URBAN: Kyiv and Kharkiv have clean, efficient and cheap metro systems, where tickets can be purchased at vending machines inside the stations. Buses and trolleybuses are extremely crowded and are best avoided. Taxis are easy to find in the cities. State-owned taxis have yellow and black signs on the roof and are metered. Fares should be negotiated in advance for private taxis. Some shared taxis and minibuses exist on fixed routes. Hitchhiking is very common, although not recommended. Travellers can indicate the need for a lift and the driver will take them to their destination cheaply by Western standards, but prices should be agreed in advance. There are no public transport services from 0100-0500.
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