I am flying into Budapest this summer and spending a few days there. Afterwards I am planning on going to Lviv, Ukraine but am having problems finding a train/bus route to get there. Does anyone know of a way to get to Lviv that doesn't include driving? Thanks!
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
There are several trains going there. One (overnight) is direct. Takes over 14 hours. You can find schedule on Deutsche Bahn website.
Posted by
OP
Clayton, CA
5 posts
Thank you! It sounds like a little more than what I thought it was going to be going solo. Are there any other places people would suggest in eastern Hungary or Poland for two days?
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1591 posts
Things to keep in mind - this is a difficult route to travel. The train guages between Ukraine and other parts of E Europe are different - hence the border crossings take a lot of time since the wheels of the train need to be switched on some of the runs. Also note, Lviv had different spellings including Lvov and Lwow. Dbahn shows shorter connections than the 14 hr ride but will require you to switch trains twice. I did this same journey about 4 years ago but didn't want to subject myself to the long ride so broke the journey in a couple of places. I first did Budapest to Eger and stayed a night, then went to Kosice in Slovakia and spent another night there. Then did a bus combination to cross the border and get to Uzghorod in Ukraine and then connected on a train (6 hrs) to Lviv. One other option to look at is possibly going to Krakow in Poland and then getting to Lviv. Also check if Carpatair or Aerosvit or Ukraine Airlines fly close to where you are traveling. Lastly, you may want to check out the thorntree forum on the Lonely Planet website - you will get a lot more info there.
Posted by
San Francisco
14792 posts
Elise, Which ever way you cut it, going to Lviv (Lvov, Lwow, or Lemberg) is going to be a long ride. I would go by way of Krakow. Budapest to Krakow, spend the night there, then Krakow to Lviv direct.
Posted by
Sycamore, IL
2 posts
I would suggest an airplane. They redid their airport last year. So, it should be easier to get a flight there along with the fact that the world soccer cup is going to be there. You might have to fly through Vienna. I was there last summer and ended up having to take an 11 hour train ride from Kiev due to some missed air connections and the fact that they were closing the airport certain days of the week for construction. At that point, there were nonstop flights to Munich, Kiev, and Vienna. Not sure what is available now. It is a beautiful city and not overrun with tourists! So, enjoy it. Since the world soccer cup is being held there this summer, that could change.