Hi, Guys.

I am sure many people on the forum traveled to Kharkov (a.k.a. Kharkiv or Харьков) and I am looking for some feedback on my plans.  I need to take a short trip from Krasnodar to Kharkov and trying to come up with the best mode of travel.

The options are:

1. Train. 15-16 hour on train. 
2. Plane.  No direct flights, so will have to go with a stop at either Kiev or Moscow.  High possibility of delays.
3. Plane and Bus.  Going to Kiev and taking a bus to Kharkov.  6 hour bus ride

So far I like option #1 the most.  I am using http://www.pz.gov.ua/ to see schedule and fares for Trains to Urkaine.

What do you think?  Maybe there is a faster train...Any other sites that have train schedules?

Thank you,

http://www.kharkovforum.com/ 

 Kostya tam tebe naverno bol'she pomogut.

Innochka, spasibo za ssilku.  Tam kucha kategorii, no po moei teme nichego ne nachel :(

I would fly. My last train experience (May, 2007) Moscow-Rostov, fancy "Ataman Platov", wagon kupe ended up with one way ticket and air travel on the way back. No more trains.

I flew a lot recently witin Russia. Never was delayed for 5 min...

But if you are not scared of trains and would stay couple of days in Khar'kov to have rest from the trip that sounds really an option. Don't bother with tickets. You will get them upon arrival easy. Agencies are everywhere including airports. For that you would need a valid passport. Take kupe only. Be careful of what you bring as there is a customs on the way (somewhere around 2 am :).

TallSally:

My last train experience (May, 2007) Moscow-Rostov, fancy "Ataman Platov", wagon kupe ended up with one way ticket and air travel on the way back. No more trains.

TallSally, what was wrong with your train experience?  I was planning to get Luxury ticket, which is the most expansive option available on the train.  Was safetly an issue?  I am not planning to take much stuff with me other then a laptop.  It takes about 15-16 hours from Krasnodar to Kharkov.

Thank you for advice about buying tickets from local agency.  I will probably do that.

No safety issues, but defintely don't leave laptop (and any other easy to sell belongings - cellphone and obviously wallet) openly when you go to the bathroom. And lock kupe overnight.

Luxury doesn't mean much. Unless you take SV.

I was very unlucky with the neighbors.

Agency charges from $2 to $15 more than you would buy at railway station. Such ticket should be in the range of 2,500-3,000 RU one way...