Author: Brooke Schoenman
Source: ezinearticles.com

The overnight train from Kiev to Budapest is a common route for those travelers exploring Eastern Europe, but train travel in this part of the world can seem a bit out of this century. The task of traveling this route can seem daunting, unsafe and strange, especially when the traveler cannot speak the same language, so many questions may arise. In order to shed some light on this activity, I have answered five common ones below.

1. How often do trains run from Kiev, Ukraine to Budapest, Hungary?

Trains run from Kiev to Budapest daily. There is actually one direct train every day that starts in Kiev and ends in Budapest, while there are also many other potential routes, involving train changes, that can get you to the final destination in Hungary.

2. How long does the train take to travel from Kiev to Budapest?

On average, train travel from Kiev to Budapest will take 24 hours to complete. The direct, daily overnight train will progress for 25 hours, while other variations involving changes can take as little as 20 hours if timed correctly. Ukraine is a surprisingly expansive country in Eastern Europe causing travel to run slower than one would hope.

3. Is there food available on the overnight trains?

Food carriages are usually available at one end of the train, but bringing your own snacks is a more convenient way to travel, but be aware that some people might expect you to share. Coffee and tea are available in each carriage by asking the attendant, as well as hot water for those wanting to cook some instant noodles.

4. How many people will be in my sleeper cabin?

Sleeper cabins can have from 1 to 6 people depending on the class and rate of pay. Second class will have four sleeping units with a sliding door for more privacy. There will be one large window, a small table and usually luggage storage under both of the bottom bunk beds.

5. What do I need to do to prepare for the border crossing?

The border crossing between Ukraine and Hungary will vary depending on the type of route you are taking from Kiev to Budapest. If taking the direct overnight train, the train will usually stop at the border for a while as border guards get on to check passports and possibly search for signs of smuggled goods. If no visa is needed for travel to Hungary, then the passage is generally easy, but no one is able to leave the train during this time. If taking an indirect route, the border crossing may occur at Chop, Ukraine. You will have to pass through customs and passport control where they will check your passport and belongings before entering the train. Once across the border, everyone will remain on the train until guards in Hungary also check passports and belongings.

After spending countless hours myself trying to figure out the ins and outs of travel from Kiev to Budapest by train, I thought these little tidbits could at least give someone else a bit more direction.

Brooke spent 5 months in 2008 – 2009 living in Kiev, Ukraine while teaching English. To learn more about Ukraine travel, take a look at these articles on Kiev to Budapest by Train, which further explains an alternate train route, and Overnight Trains in Ukraine, which explains more of what to expect.