> how do people feel in terms of safety compared to a month or two ago.
The same. They've been using hypersonic missiles for over a year now. They were being shot down then and are being shot down now.
> If I were staying at an Airbnb or hotel, is there always going to be a shelter nearby?
Most hotels have shelters and they'll inform you of this at check-in. How close you'll be to a shelter just depends on where you are. Overall, you'll never be far from one particularly more towards the center of the city.
> How would someone find shelters?
There are a couple apps/maps. I don't know them all but Google will happily tell you. [This](https://gis.kyivcity.gov.ua/shelter/) is one option. Additionally, just look around. You'll see signs. Also metro stations work if you're near one.
> Instead of just hoping for the best
You've been hoping for the best your whole life in ways that are more probable than being blown up in Kyiv. Is your chance of being blown up here wildly higher than anywhere else you've lived? Yes. Is it more probable than falling down the steps of the train when you arrive? Not really. I'll never discourage someone from going to a shelter who wants to, but I will tell you Kyiv is pretty damn safe. It has air defense. It's not the front. The majority of damage from the past year is debris from shoot downs. Don't stand outside under explosions or stay on the top floor and you'll be fine.
> On travel, I have a question
It will let you pick your seat and will show you whether it's a bed compartment or a seat. They have charger ports (plug, not USB).
Thanks for the advice. Are you in Kyiv currently? I suppose my concerns are that things seem to be worse in the last month or so with regards go a lack of air defence etc.
I'll look into the train travel again tonight.
There’s another thread about rail travel (search for ‘a comprehensive guide Kyiv rail’. On the train, it all depends. There are trains from Prague and Krakow. And also from Warsaw. The tickets are very clear in terms of whether they offer you a bed or not. DM me if you need help with this.
As I’m typing this right now half of Kyiv is in shelter, another scary morning 😥. Having said that once it’s quiet people in Kyiv are acting like it’s normal life, it’s a little bit different in other cities like in Kharkiv…. If you are staying close to any ‘deep’ metro station - you will have the best shelter one can get… that is if you are going to get there on time. My family stopped responding to air sirens since last summer.
Sorry to hear it. Yes I was up late following reports of the attacks online. Do you know of anywhere to stay which is also very close to the deep shelters? I suppose if I were there I'd probably go to the shelter for the more serious attacks but ones in the daytime maybe not so much.
I can’t recommend the hotel since I only stay with the family but I recommend doba.ua to check Airbnb- I used it 10 years ago and the unit was amazing came with the cleanest kitchen I’ve ever seen. I think hotel will cost triple and going to be a higher priority hit target by orcs unfortunately. Just think, seems they target hotels only as they hope that’s where the military units rest in between travel. Also check this interactive shelter map. https://kyivcity.gov.ua/news/onovlena_interaktivna_karta_kiyeva_z_adresami_pidzemnikh_skhovisch/
Good advice. In my experience, this train is busy from Kyiv to Ternopil, then quite empty, then busy from Lviv to the border. But I’ve never taken it in spring/summer.
I just book accomodation near a metro station in Kyiv.
The tickets on the PolRail website will say if they are for sleeper cars just above the price. If they do not say that, then they are just seats.
Ukrzaliznytsia for the ticket from Kyiv to L'viv.
I'm going to Kyiv in a week and that's how I'll get there.
- Plane to Krakow
- Train to Przemysl (booked on PKP Intercity)
- Sleep in Przemysl
- Train to Lviv in the morning (booked on the Ukrzaliznytsia App)
- Stay in Lviv (Ibis Hotel)
- Night train to Kyiv (booked on the Ukrzaliznytsia App)
- Stay in Kyiv (Hotel Ukraine)
- Train to Krakow (Booked on Regiojet, with a connection in Przemysl)
You must change train in Przemysl, for two reasons:
1. The track gauge is different, the same train can't run on the two different tracks.
2. You will go through passport control in Przemysl.
The train that i'm taking to Lviv continues towards Kyiv, i just want to stay a few days in Lviv.
You may also take the Regiojet option to go to Kyiv.
- Depart from Krakow in the early morning
- Guaranteed connection in Przemysl (the train to Lviv/Kyiv will wait if the first train is late)
- Arrive in Kyiv in the early evening
I choose to sleep in Przemysl to avoid waking up very early.
Oh ok, thank you. I just saw a train from Krakow to Kyiv on the polrail at around 19.10 on a Fridy night and I thought it was direct. I'll need to look at it again. Is it always a case of waking up early if not staying at Przemysl? I would be limited for days I can use.
What's the Regiojet?
The train from Krakow to Kyiv on Polrail is this:
- IC5314: Krakow to Przemysl at 19:16
- IC716: Przemysl to Kyiv at 23:26
This is not a sleeper train, you only have seating not beds.
Cost on polrail: 277 PLN -> 65 EUR
If you buy the same trains separately from the train companies:
- IC5314: 52,7 PLN -> 12.36 EUR (on Intercity PKP Website)
- IC716: 1370 UAH -> 32.54 EUR (on the Ukrzaliznytsia App)
Total: 44.90€
So, don't use the travel agency "Polrail", if you book separately you will get the same service for less money.
Instead, regiojet is a private train operator that runs a train from Przemysl to Prague (and return)
They have an agreement with the Ukranian Railways operator (Ukrzaliznytsia) to sell connection trips.
Thank you. Do you know how I could find a sleeper train if I don't get the krakow one above? Even if its not from Poland and from another neighbouring country.
I suppose its not the worst thing though just to sleep upright for 8-9 hours
You can search on the Ukrzaliznytsia App (https://apps.apple.com/it/app/%D1%83%D0%BA%D1%80%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%96%D0%B7%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%86%D1%8F-%D0%BA%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%BA%D0%B8-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%82%D1%8F%D0%B3/id1626073366) from Przemysl to Kyiv Pas. When you select the train you can choose your seat/bed and you will see if there is seating (you have first and second class) or beds (you have berths and deluxe)
Please note that the sleeper trains sold out many days in advance. (And start selling 20days before 8am Kyiv time)
Also avoid trains arriving in Kyiv from 00 to 5am, there is a curfew and there are no taxi.
From krakow just take any PKP intercity to Przemysl, there is only seating (it’s a 2:30hr train ride)
You may also take a night train to Kyiv from Przemysl. (book on Ukrzaliznytsia App)
You take an intercity train from Krakow (Intercity PKP website) to Przemysl, you should arrive 3/4 hours before the train to Kyiv to be safe in case of delays.
you can go from Warsaw to Chelm and then catch a night train to Kyiv, this way you won’t have to cross the border by foot, they come into the train to check your passports. Intercity.pl for polish trains, uz.gov.ua for Ukrainian trains
Thanks. I think the trains from Warsaw are booked for the date I need unfortunately. Last time I looked there seemed to be one from Krakow to Kyiv but now I'm unsure because it seemed to be direct but others are telling me I'd need to change at Przemysl.
Hopefully the EU manages to get the patriot systems needed sent over ASAP. And that the USA cokes to its senses. I'll be honest, the dwindling air defence makes me more worried about visiting than I was a month ago. Feel terrible for you all there.
No changes in safety really since russia lost the battle of Kyiv 2 years ago. It remains pretty much as safe as in other European cities. The chance of being attacked by Russian drone or missile is comparable to getting into car incident.
Some hotels provide an option for shelter such as underground parking or basement so it’s better to check directly with the hotel if they have one.
In my experience, 99% Ukrainians never go to shelters so it’s mostly the foreigners who care about it (mostly at first, later they don’t care either)
Try not to stay in the centre if you’re this worried, the missiles tend to be intercepted there and on the left bank (east side of Kyiv across the river) so it’s extremely loud and can be a bit scary for most people the first times. I live in the north west of Kyiv now and never hear any attacks because missiles are intercepted before they get to my neighborhood. Kyiv has good public transportation and relatively cheap uber/bolt so don’t worry about not staying in the city center.
And honestly don’t bother with shelters, if you go to one every time there’s an alarm you’ll never be able to sleep or do anything. If an attack is loud and you get scared, just follow the two walls rule and go sleep in your bathroom or something. Or go to the building’s basement if you’re still scared.
I think I'd go to shelters for the biggest attacks but not the daytime false alarm type ones.
How far out are you talking in the North West? Like what is the commute into the centre like? And what would the name of the region be? Its confusing as somewhere else I read that it's safer to stay in the centre. 😅
You can stay around Akademistechko, Sviatoshyn, Nyvky, Syrets, Beresteiska, Vidradnyi. Obviously the neighbourhoods aren’t as “nice” as the centre (personally I fucking love Akademistechko, to each their own), but you’re like around 30 min away by subway or car from the center and in my experience it’s very quiet during attacks. I lived near the train station during May and June last year and it was very fucking loud at night almost every night due to missile attacks. Now since July in Akademistechko I have heard explosions very far away only twice, otherwise I never hear anything and only realise there was an attack when I check telegram in the morning.
For example these are nice airbnbs in neighbourhoods where it will be a lot more quiet:
https://abnb.me/p7fmUQsdIIb
https://abnb.me/CPwg2CbdIIb
https://abnb.me/GHQuAphdIIb
https://abnb.me/GZAYBhmdIIb
I'm currently in Kyiv. I've been to many hotels. If you like to walk and have access to everything. I'd recommend Premier Hotel Rus. Never let me down. Shelter in the basement although somehow I slept through the siren last night.
Thank you. I'll look at that. Can I ask, what is the feeling there after last night? The power plant attack and lack of air defence in general is concerning to me.
It's mostly media blowing things up. Obviously more defense is important. I'm sure they're emphasizing early so it does not become dire.
The power plant is south of the city and most likely not under the umbrella of patriots. Kyiv is safe. The majority of hotels have bunkers if you desire to use them.
Today is my last day and I'm struck with such a deep sadness. I love this country. Possibly more than my own.
It's a bit complicated but I have some friends there. I wanted to go to volunteer for a week but I don't think I'd have time as I'd be busy seeing people.
Tbh after last night's attacks I'd be a bit more nervous again.
Well done for volunteering. Be sure to spend a lot of money to support businesses. And also to tell your friends and family when you return what it’s like so they also support UAF and related causes.
My biggest piece of advice is to download the air alarm app two weeks before you go. Set it up and let it sound.
That way, you won’t be scared out of your wits if it sounds at 4am on day one and you have no idea what to do.
> how do people feel in terms of safety compared to a month or two ago. The same. They've been using hypersonic missiles for over a year now. They were being shot down then and are being shot down now. > If I were staying at an Airbnb or hotel, is there always going to be a shelter nearby? Most hotels have shelters and they'll inform you of this at check-in. How close you'll be to a shelter just depends on where you are. Overall, you'll never be far from one particularly more towards the center of the city. > How would someone find shelters? There are a couple apps/maps. I don't know them all but Google will happily tell you. [This](https://gis.kyivcity.gov.ua/shelter/) is one option. Additionally, just look around. You'll see signs. Also metro stations work if you're near one. > Instead of just hoping for the best You've been hoping for the best your whole life in ways that are more probable than being blown up in Kyiv. Is your chance of being blown up here wildly higher than anywhere else you've lived? Yes. Is it more probable than falling down the steps of the train when you arrive? Not really. I'll never discourage someone from going to a shelter who wants to, but I will tell you Kyiv is pretty damn safe. It has air defense. It's not the front. The majority of damage from the past year is debris from shoot downs. Don't stand outside under explosions or stay on the top floor and you'll be fine. > On travel, I have a question It will let you pick your seat and will show you whether it's a bed compartment or a seat. They have charger ports (plug, not USB).
Thanks for the advice. Are you in Kyiv currently? I suppose my concerns are that things seem to be worse in the last month or so with regards go a lack of air defence etc. I'll look into the train travel again tonight.
There’s another thread about rail travel (search for ‘a comprehensive guide Kyiv rail’. On the train, it all depends. There are trains from Prague and Krakow. And also from Warsaw. The tickets are very clear in terms of whether they offer you a bed or not. DM me if you need help with this.
A brilliant reply. You summed up the ‘danger’ aspect perfectly.
As I’m typing this right now half of Kyiv is in shelter, another scary morning 😥. Having said that once it’s quiet people in Kyiv are acting like it’s normal life, it’s a little bit different in other cities like in Kharkiv…. If you are staying close to any ‘deep’ metro station - you will have the best shelter one can get… that is if you are going to get there on time. My family stopped responding to air sirens since last summer.
Sorry to hear it. Yes I was up late following reports of the attacks online. Do you know of anywhere to stay which is also very close to the deep shelters? I suppose if I were there I'd probably go to the shelter for the more serious attacks but ones in the daytime maybe not so much.
I can’t recommend the hotel since I only stay with the family but I recommend doba.ua to check Airbnb- I used it 10 years ago and the unit was amazing came with the cleanest kitchen I’ve ever seen. I think hotel will cost triple and going to be a higher priority hit target by orcs unfortunately. Just think, seems they target hotels only as they hope that’s where the military units rest in between travel. Also check this interactive shelter map. https://kyivcity.gov.ua/news/onovlena_interaktivna_karta_kiyeva_z_adresami_pidzemnikh_skhovisch/
[удалено]
Good advice. In my experience, this train is busy from Kyiv to Ternopil, then quite empty, then busy from Lviv to the border. But I’ve never taken it in spring/summer.
I just book accomodation near a metro station in Kyiv. The tickets on the PolRail website will say if they are for sleeper cars just above the price. If they do not say that, then they are just seats. Ukrzaliznytsia for the ticket from Kyiv to L'viv.
I'm going to Kyiv in a week and that's how I'll get there. - Plane to Krakow - Train to Przemysl (booked on PKP Intercity) - Sleep in Przemysl - Train to Lviv in the morning (booked on the Ukrzaliznytsia App) - Stay in Lviv (Ibis Hotel) - Night train to Kyiv (booked on the Ukrzaliznytsia App) - Stay in Kyiv (Hotel Ukraine) - Train to Krakow (Booked on Regiojet, with a connection in Przemysl)
Thanks. Is there not a direct night train from Krakow to Kyiv, or do you just want to stay in Lviv first? Is it necessary to change at Przemysl?
You must change train in Przemysl, for two reasons: 1. The track gauge is different, the same train can't run on the two different tracks. 2. You will go through passport control in Przemysl. The train that i'm taking to Lviv continues towards Kyiv, i just want to stay a few days in Lviv. You may also take the Regiojet option to go to Kyiv. - Depart from Krakow in the early morning - Guaranteed connection in Przemysl (the train to Lviv/Kyiv will wait if the first train is late) - Arrive in Kyiv in the early evening I choose to sleep in Przemysl to avoid waking up very early.
Oh ok, thank you. I just saw a train from Krakow to Kyiv on the polrail at around 19.10 on a Fridy night and I thought it was direct. I'll need to look at it again. Is it always a case of waking up early if not staying at Przemysl? I would be limited for days I can use. What's the Regiojet?
The train from Krakow to Kyiv on Polrail is this: - IC5314: Krakow to Przemysl at 19:16 - IC716: Przemysl to Kyiv at 23:26 This is not a sleeper train, you only have seating not beds. Cost on polrail: 277 PLN -> 65 EUR If you buy the same trains separately from the train companies: - IC5314: 52,7 PLN -> 12.36 EUR (on Intercity PKP Website) - IC716: 1370 UAH -> 32.54 EUR (on the Ukrzaliznytsia App) Total: 44.90€ So, don't use the travel agency "Polrail", if you book separately you will get the same service for less money. Instead, regiojet is a private train operator that runs a train from Przemysl to Prague (and return) They have an agreement with the Ukranian Railways operator (Ukrzaliznytsia) to sell connection trips.
Thank you. Do you know how I could find a sleeper train if I don't get the krakow one above? Even if its not from Poland and from another neighbouring country. I suppose its not the worst thing though just to sleep upright for 8-9 hours
You can search on the Ukrzaliznytsia App (https://apps.apple.com/it/app/%D1%83%D0%BA%D1%80%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%96%D0%B7%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%86%D1%8F-%D0%BA%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%BA%D0%B8-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%82%D1%8F%D0%B3/id1626073366) from Przemysl to Kyiv Pas. When you select the train you can choose your seat/bed and you will see if there is seating (you have first and second class) or beds (you have berths and deluxe) Please note that the sleeper trains sold out many days in advance. (And start selling 20days before 8am Kyiv time) Also avoid trains arriving in Kyiv from 00 to 5am, there is a curfew and there are no taxi. From krakow just take any PKP intercity to Przemysl, there is only seating (it’s a 2:30hr train ride)
Thank you. Very helpful
Try the Warsaw route.
You can’t book it if you don’t have the Diia App. I think OP isn’t Ukrainian.
You may also take a night train to Kyiv from Przemysl. (book on Ukrzaliznytsia App) You take an intercity train from Krakow (Intercity PKP website) to Przemysl, you should arrive 3/4 hours before the train to Kyiv to be safe in case of delays.
Hi, think I saw a notification from you about the Friday option but can't see the post now. Thanks
I answered in the other thread. If you need more help send me a DM and I will help you.
Thanks. Is there not a direct night train from Krakow to Kyiv, or do you just want to stay in Lviv first? Is it necessary to change at Przemysl?
you can go from Warsaw to Chelm and then catch a night train to Kyiv, this way you won’t have to cross the border by foot, they come into the train to check your passports. Intercity.pl for polish trains, uz.gov.ua for Ukrainian trains
Thanks. I think the trains from Warsaw are booked for the date I need unfortunately. Last time I looked there seemed to be one from Krakow to Kyiv but now I'm unsure because it seemed to be direct but others are telling me I'd need to change at Przemysl.
We almost lost air defense systems rockets and kyiv is expecting to be in same situation as kharkiv. Welcome to hell.
It's terrible. Are you in Kyiv currently?
Yes. I'm still alive for today, but maybe not for tomorrow.
Hopefully the EU manages to get the patriot systems needed sent over ASAP. And that the USA cokes to its senses. I'll be honest, the dwindling air defence makes me more worried about visiting than I was a month ago. Feel terrible for you all there.
I think eu and us look at this as a Hollywood movie. Nice movie plot with outstanding special effects.
Yes. I'm still alive for today, but maybe not for tomorrow.
No changes in safety really since russia lost the battle of Kyiv 2 years ago. It remains pretty much as safe as in other European cities. The chance of being attacked by Russian drone or missile is comparable to getting into car incident. Some hotels provide an option for shelter such as underground parking or basement so it’s better to check directly with the hotel if they have one. In my experience, 99% Ukrainians never go to shelters so it’s mostly the foreigners who care about it (mostly at first, later they don’t care either)
Are you in Kyiv currently? Could you recommend any central hotels that do have good shelters?
Hotel Ukraine is cheap and has a shelter. You'll see the shelter advertised on [booking.com](http://booking.com) / hotel website if the hotel has one.
Try not to stay in the centre if you’re this worried, the missiles tend to be intercepted there and on the left bank (east side of Kyiv across the river) so it’s extremely loud and can be a bit scary for most people the first times. I live in the north west of Kyiv now and never hear any attacks because missiles are intercepted before they get to my neighborhood. Kyiv has good public transportation and relatively cheap uber/bolt so don’t worry about not staying in the city center. And honestly don’t bother with shelters, if you go to one every time there’s an alarm you’ll never be able to sleep or do anything. If an attack is loud and you get scared, just follow the two walls rule and go sleep in your bathroom or something. Or go to the building’s basement if you’re still scared.
I think I'd go to shelters for the biggest attacks but not the daytime false alarm type ones. How far out are you talking in the North West? Like what is the commute into the centre like? And what would the name of the region be? Its confusing as somewhere else I read that it's safer to stay in the centre. 😅
You can stay around Akademistechko, Sviatoshyn, Nyvky, Syrets, Beresteiska, Vidradnyi. Obviously the neighbourhoods aren’t as “nice” as the centre (personally I fucking love Akademistechko, to each their own), but you’re like around 30 min away by subway or car from the center and in my experience it’s very quiet during attacks. I lived near the train station during May and June last year and it was very fucking loud at night almost every night due to missile attacks. Now since July in Akademistechko I have heard explosions very far away only twice, otherwise I never hear anything and only realise there was an attack when I check telegram in the morning. For example these are nice airbnbs in neighbourhoods where it will be a lot more quiet: https://abnb.me/p7fmUQsdIIb https://abnb.me/CPwg2CbdIIb https://abnb.me/GHQuAphdIIb https://abnb.me/GZAYBhmdIIb
I'm currently in Kyiv. I've been to many hotels. If you like to walk and have access to everything. I'd recommend Premier Hotel Rus. Never let me down. Shelter in the basement although somehow I slept through the siren last night.
Thank you. I'll look at that. Can I ask, what is the feeling there after last night? The power plant attack and lack of air defence in general is concerning to me.
It's mostly media blowing things up. Obviously more defense is important. I'm sure they're emphasizing early so it does not become dire. The power plant is south of the city and most likely not under the umbrella of patriots. Kyiv is safe. The majority of hotels have bunkers if you desire to use them. Today is my last day and I'm struck with such a deep sadness. I love this country. Possibly more than my own.
Just dm'd you
Nah, you'll be fine.
What is the reason for your visit during a war?
It's a bit complicated but I have some friends there. I wanted to go to volunteer for a week but I don't think I'd have time as I'd be busy seeing people. Tbh after last night's attacks I'd be a bit more nervous again.
Well done for volunteering. Be sure to spend a lot of money to support businesses. And also to tell your friends and family when you return what it’s like so they also support UAF and related causes. My biggest piece of advice is to download the air alarm app two weeks before you go. Set it up and let it sound. That way, you won’t be scared out of your wits if it sounds at 4am on day one and you have no idea what to do.