I’m a retired U.S. professor who is used to the complexities of academic research, but trying to figure out international train travel in Eastern Europe has left me perplexed! In September 2011, I embark upon a trip I’ve been planning my entire life (64 years) to find family I’ve never known (I’m first generation American). Because my maternal grandfather was a train conductor, I want to ride the train from Budapest to his home station, about 50 km across the Hungarian border into Ukraine, where I will stay for the majority of my visit. I finally figured out that it is the Budapest to Moscow train route I need for an international “fast” train, but it is an overnight trip through Chop, dropping me in Mukachevo Ukraine about 5:30 a.m., with the return trip leaving Mukachevo for Budapest at about 2 a.m. I wanted to see the western part of Hungary and those 50 km on the Ukraine side during daylight, but that doesn’t seem possible with the overnight trains. I’m resigned to the not-so-reasonable arrival and departure times. So, here are my questions.
1) Are there alternative train combinations to get me from Budapest to Mukachevo in a reasonable amount of travel time and in reasonable comfort during daylight hours, and/or back again from Mukachevo to Budapest? I’m willing to accept only one direction during daylight if that is the best combination. I’m willing to go first class if necessary for the best combination.
2) Will the Moscow to Budapest train be of a different design or comfort?
3) How can I buy a round-trip ticket from Budapest to Mukachevo while I’m still in the U.S.? I’m trying to pay for as much as possible before my trip.
Many thanks for your help.
MagyarRoots
Show Posts
