Travelling to Odesa

About Odessa

Odessa is now part of Ukraine but has had a turbulent history since its foundation in the 13th century. Its historical roots make Odessa an interesting destination. The old town has wide tree lined avenues and large open parks and is home to, possibly, one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world.

How to Get to Odessa

Flights to Odessa

Odessa International Airport is 7.5 km from the city centre. A regular minibus service operates between the two. Taxis and rental cars are also available. Flights, some of which are seasonal, arrive at destinations in Europe, Russia and Dubai. Major airlines flying into Odessa include fly Dubai, Aeroflot, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines.

Trains to Odessa

International and long-distance trains arrive at Odessa Glavnaya Station in the city centre. Trains run from St Petersburg and Moscow three times a week. Currently, arrivals from destinations in Europe are irregular and all involve a change at Kiev. A journey from London will involve Eurostar, ICE, Thalys and Euronight to Kiev. The Kiev Express completes the journey to Odessa.

Buses to Odessa

Eastern European Travel operates a weekly bus from London to Kiev. From here local buses run to Odessa Central Bus Station six times a day. Buses also arrive in the city from major towns across the Ukraine.

How to Get Around Odessa

The best way to enjoy the historic city centre is on foot. Public transport in Odessa is provided by trams, trolleybuses and minibuses. There are no pre-set schedules, and the minibuses can be flagged down like taxis. Driving in Odessa is tricky as there are few street signs. Parking is, however, easy and generally free. Cycling is possible in the city, but many road surfaces are poor. Taxis are readily available, but it is advisable to negotiate a price before starting a journey.

About Odessa

Odessa is now part of Ukraine but has had a turbulent history since its foundation in the 13th century. Its historical roots make Odessa an interesting destination. The old town has wide tree lined avenues and large open parks and is home to, possibly, one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world.

How to Get to Odessa

Flights to Odessa

Odessa International Airport is 7.5 km from the city centre. A regular minibus service operates between the two. Taxis and rental cars are also available. Flights, some of which are seasonal, arrive at destinations in Europe, Russia and Dubai. Major airlines flying into Odessa include fly Dubai, Aeroflot, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines.

Trains to Odessa

International and long-distance trains arrive at Odessa Glavnaya Station in the city centre. Trains run from St Petersburg and Moscow three times a week. Currently, arrivals from destinations in Europe are irregular and all involve a change at Kiev. A journey from London will involve Eurostar, ICE, Thalys and Euronight to Kiev. The Kiev Express completes the journey to Odessa.

Buses to Odessa

Eastern European Travel operates a weekly bus from London to Kiev. From here local buses run to Odessa Central Bus Station six times a day. Buses also arrive in the city from major towns across the Ukraine.

How to Get Around Odessa

The best way to enjoy the historic city centre is on foot. Public transport in Odessa is provided by trams, trolleybuses and minibuses. There are no pre-set schedules, and the minibuses can be flagged down like taxis. Driving in Odessa is tricky as there are few street signs. Parking is, however, easy and generally free. Cycling is possible in the city, but many road surfaces are poor. Taxis are readily available, but it is advisable to negotiate a price before starting a journey.