Hi,In case of Bari-Ukraine you might consider as well planes to Poland (or even Romania). Another air option is directly to Ukraine, since there are a lot of ukrainians work in Italy, thus you can find quite a number of regular and charter flights to Lviv and less so to Kyiv. Fares are rather high, but in some cases you might find a good deal (same applies to CarpatAir flights to Ukraine via Timisoara and WizzAir Treviso-Kiev)
In case of train option from Budapest, then obviously Zahony-Chop-Kyiv is simplest and cheapest way. Budapest -> Chop (return ticket) - around 37-38 euro and better not to split (Budapest -> Záhony + Záhony -> Chop), because after MAV raised domestic fares it is cheaper to buy one direct international ticket.Bus connections in that are are extremely bad, besides daily Nyíregyháza-Uzghorod (arrives to Uzghorod around 6pm) and Vienna-Budapest-Kiev once or twice per week there is nothing else.
Do you really want to take 3rd class (known as 'platskart')? It might be not the best option for the foreigner, unless you are experienced one
Another interesting, but more expensive rail option is CityStar Slovakia-Ukraine. Definitely more comfort, so you can consider it as well.
I'm sure I can't get a 100€ Bari - Kyiv return plane ticket with other airlines
And is this train with a seat reservation? I guess it's a Hungarian wagon?
and I really liked the 3rd class. Much better than Italian overnight 'espresso' trains with a seater place.
Quote from: OCCASVS on August 04, 2010, 10:34:14 pmI'm sure I can't get a 100€ Bari - Kyiv return plane ticket with other airlines You are probably right, if we are talking about standard non low-cost airlines. In order to say more about low-cost airlines options some needs +/- exact dates of travel.
Quote from: OCCASVS on August 04, 2010, 10:34:14 pmAnd is this train with a seat reservation? I guess it's a Hungarian wagon? No, it is just ticket. If you want to use Hungarian InterCity train, then you will need to buy seat reservation (app. 2 euro) separately, but you can always use regular trains and don't pay anything extra. And yes, on the route Budapest-Zahony-Chop all the carriages (besides sleeping ones in "Tisza" #15 train) are Hungarian (MAV).
Quote from: OCCASVS on August 04, 2010, 10:34:14 pm and I really liked the 3rd class. Much better than Italian overnight 'espresso' trains with a seater place. especially ticket fare
Everything makes sense now! And in your first post you wrote that it costs 37-38€ round-trip. Shouldn't it be exactly half that? Doesn't a 50% reduction apply?
And I know that Ukrainian students can get a 50% discount! That's even more wonderful
Quote from: OCCASVS on August 05, 2010, 12:51:29 amEverything makes sense now! And in your first post you wrote that it costs 37-38€ round-trip. Shouldn't it be exactly half that? Doesn't a 50% reduction apply? It is already fare with discount from standard East-West tariff, so it is final quote. If you intend to purchase this ticket anywhere else - you will pay twice as much. The only cheaper option - hitchhiking.
Quote from: OCCASVS on August 05, 2010, 12:51:29 amAnd I know that Ukrainian students can get a 50% discount! That's even more wonderful But unfortunately ISIC doens't work, only Ukrainian student cards.
...should I by the train ticket online, and if so, where