Tag: Travel

Jordan in photos

by Anna Powaska, posted in Asia, Jordan, Photography, Travelling

Such a cool place in the Middle East. Famous for Petra, the Dead Sea, and the desert vibes of Wadi Rum. Amazing mix of history and landscapes!

Bedouins are nomadic Arab tribes who traditionally lived in the deserts of the Middle East, known for their hospitality, resilience, and deep connection to the land.

The Bedouins know the Wadi Rum desert, which covers about 720 km², like the back of their hand. They told me they recognize the paths across the desert, and at night they navigate by the stars.

Their food is simple but full of flavor. One of the most famous dishes is zarb, meat and vegetables cooked in an underground oven. Too bad I didn’t take a photo, but they showed us how it’s done. Evenings with them by the campfire were amazing, they were so honest when we asked questions.

How to book a hotel in Syria

by Anna Powaska, posted in Syria

❌ Why Booking.com, Hostelworld and other platforms don’t work

Websites like Booking.com, Hostelworld, Agoda, Expedia, and most major booking platforms do not support reservations in Syria due to international sanctions and payment limitations.

It’s not a glitch, they legally and technically cannot offer services there.

This means travellers book accommodation directly, using local Syrian platforms. Using a VPN won’t change anything, I tried. Even with different locations and IPs, global booking platforms still block Syria entirely. The restriction is on their side, not on the user’s side, so no workaround helps.

✅ Best method: booking through local Syrian websites

The most reliable option is to use local booking sites that operate normally inside Syria.

Recommended website: HalaSyria

🌐 https://www.halasyria.com/

I personally used this website. The reservation was confirmed quickly, and everything was respected at the hotel.

At check‑in you usually only need your passport. Hotels don’t ask for anything complicated, they just register your stay in their system. It takes 1 – 2 minutes.

Price difference

I paid 40 USD, but when I arrived, I noticed the price at reception was 35 USD. Most likely the extra 5 USD is a booking fee, which is completely normal.

Even so, I highly recommend having a reservation, it makes the border process smoother and looks more official.

Alternative hotel booking option in Syria

After publishing this guide, I was contacted by Abdullah Dabab from Ahleen Booking, a Syrian travel and accommodation booking service. It is a booking platform that only lists hotels in Damascus and Homs.

Every hotel page states, as it is, whether the air conditioning runs during power cuts and whether a car can reach the door in the Old City. They also write a step-by-step guide for travellers booking from abroad:

Contact:

If you’re struggling to find accommodation through international booking platforms, contacting a local Syrian booking service may be another option worth exploring. As always, compare prices, verify recent reviews, and communicate clearly about payment methods and cancellation policies before making a reservation.

Compare Prices Before You Book

Hotel prices in Syria can vary depending on the booking platform, so it’s worth comparing offers before making a reservation. While researching accommodation, some hotels are listed at different rates across booking sites.

One useful option is Mudief.net, which compares hotel offers from multiple booking platforms and provides booking links in one place. If you’re planning a trip to Syria, it can be a handy way to check whether you’re getting the best available price before booking.

What if you arrive in Damascus without a hotel booked?

Don’t worry, Damascus is full of hotels, especially in the central area. If you don’t have anything reserved, just head to this part of the city and you’ll be completely fine. Google Earth link of the spot.

Here. There are many hotels next to each other, honestly, if you turn around once, you’ll probably spot five or six immediately. You can easily tell from the signs whether a place is more budget‑friendly or more upscale.

Prices can start from around 20 USD per night, so it’s very possible to find something affordable on the spot.

The area also has currency exchange office, ATMs, cafés, shops, taxis, and everything you might need. It’s a very central and convenient location, so even without a booking you won’t be stuck.

There are also many hotels around the Umayyad Mosque (the Great Mosque of Damascus), hidden in those narrow, atmospheric streets. It’s a great area to walk around, you’ll spot plenty of places just by wandering a bit. The hotels are close to each other, easy to compare, and you can quickly see from the signs whether they’re budget or more upscale.

If you arrive late in the evening, just keep in mind that many streets in Damascus are not well‑lit at night. It can feel very dark, but it doesn’t mean the area is unsafe, it’s simply how the city works. Hotels in the central area are still open, and staff are usually available, but it’s better to know in advance that the streets themselves may look very quiet after dark.

Staying near the Umayyad Mosque or in the Old City area is ideal. everything is walkable, safe, and full of cafés, shops, and taxis.

🗺️ Using Maps.me (free app) to find hotels

If you arrive without a reservation, Maps.me (free app) is super helpful. All the hotels in Damascus are marked there with their names, so you can easily check what’s around you.

You can also try googling the hotel names and contacting them via WhatsApp, I tried a few this way, but the replies I got were around 100 USD per night, which was way too expensive for me. That’s why I ended up using the website I mentioned earlier, and it worked perfectly.

My hotel: Shahryar Hotel Damascus

I stayed at Shahryar Hotel Damascus, (right here on mapps me) (approx here on google map) in the heart of the old city. It’s truly beautiful, almost like a small palace, with that magical Damascus atmosphere everywhere around.

The man at the reception was incredibly kind and helpful (I didn’t ask for his name, unfortunately), but he made my stay even better with how warm and welcoming he was.

Sending warm greetings to the whole team there. 🙂

Bus from Amman to Damascus here

Bus from Damascus to Amman here

Bus from Damascus to Amman

by Anna Powaska, posted in Amman, Damascus, Jordan, Syria, Travelling

My Experience end of 2025 – Summary

✔️ Departure: Buses leave from the station here starting around 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM.

✔️ Companies & Prices: There are several operators and prices vary, usually up to $20, depending on the company. I personally paid 15 JOD (21 USD) for a round trip Amman–Damascus–Amman.

✔️ Arrival: In Amman, buses typically arrive at the International Bus Station mostly. My bus stopped at here, and it was very convenient.

✔️ Duration: The journey takes about 8 hours, mainly because of long border procedures, around 6 hours of passport checks, searches, and scans.

I arrived very early, before 7:00 AM, and that turned out to be a great decision. At the station, I was directed to the first office on the right here exacly. I handed over my ticket and passport, and from what I understood, they told me the Jett bus wasn’t running that day. Instead, they pointed me to another bus. They took my ticket and passport, showed me the bus, and surprisingly it left at 7:15 AM. Just before departure, we got our passports back. I didn’t have to pay anything extra, my Jett ticket was accepted, though I still have no idea how that worked. Honestly, I was a bit stressed because I don’t like leaving my passport anywhere, but everyone had to do it for border control data collection. And off we went.

For the info on the bus from Amman to Damascus, click here.

✅ Where it departs from

The bus from Damascus to Amman departs from the bus station here. When I arrived, I was directed to the first office on the right after entering. I handed over my ticket and passport

✅ Timing

I had a Jett ticket for 8:00 AM, but arriving early (before 7:00 AM) was the best decision. Online sources say that buses from different companies usually leave between 7:00–7:30 AM. So I strongly recommend being there before 7:00, even if your ticket says 8:00. In my case, the alternative bus left at 7:15 AM.

✅ Price

I didn’t have to pay anything extra, my original Jett ticket was accepted, even though I ended up on a different bus. I purchased my return ticket at the Jett office in Abdali, Amman for 15 JOD (21 USD) for a round trip Amman–Damascus–Amman. More about this in my post here.

Prices can go up to 20 USD, depending on the company.

✅ Stops on the way

The bus made a few stops between Damascus and the border to pick up additional passengers.

✅ Border experience

At the border, our passports were checked around 8 times, the bus was searched twice, and all bags were scanned like at an airport. The whole process takes time. We had two stops of around 30 minutes each: one to stamp out, and another to get a visa in the office. Just follow the crowd or ask the border officers, they will guide you.

On the Jordanian side, go first to the cashier to pay for your visa or to activate your Jordan Pass. They will give you a receipt, and with that you can join the queue for your entry stamp.

Important: There is no exit tax when leaving Syria.

For Jordan VISA:

I had a Jordan Pass, so my visa was included. If you plan to visit Petra, it’s much cheaper to get the Jordan Pass, as it includes both the visa and major attractions.

Otherwise:

1) Single Entry – Visa 40 JOD Valid for 1 month. Available on arrival at most borders and airports

2) Double Entry – Visa 60 JOD Valid for up to 3 months. Not available on arrival, must be obtained at a Jordanian embassy

3) Multiple Entry – Visa 120 JOD Valid for up to 6 months. Also only available at an embassy

Jordan Pass options (all include visa if you stay min. 3 nights):
  1. Jordan Pass Wanderer – 70 JOD (1‑day Petra) + entry to 40+ attractions (Jerash, Wadi Rum, Amman Citadel, Roman Theatre, etc.)
  2. Jordan Pass Explorer – 75 JOD (2‑day Petra) + entry to 40+ attractions (Jerash, Wadi Rum, Amman Citadel, Roman Theatre, etc.)
  3. Jordan Pass Expert – 80 JOD (3‑day Petra) + entry to 40+ attractions (Jerash, Wadi Rum, Amman Citadel, Roman Theatre, etc.)

How to book hotel in Syria here

Delhi–Agra Express & Delhi–Varanasi Sleeper: Complete Train Guide 2025

by Anna Powaska, posted in Asia, Delhi, India, train

My Train Booking Experience in India

You can technically buy tickets through IRCTC, the official Indian Railways website. But full KYC (KYC stands for Know Your Customer, it is a verification process used by banks, financial institutions, and online platforms like IRCTC or PayTM to confirm a customer’s identity and address) is now required for certain IRCTC features, especially bookings.

Instead, I switched to 12go.asia, which I can honestly recommend. The tickets are about 20% more expensive, but the process takes just two minutes: instant confirmation, and the actual ticket arrives a few days later.

Once you receive your ticket, it’s important to double‑check the departure time the day before. Go to the IRCTC website or ConfirmTkt , enter your PNR number (found on the ticket) and travel date, and you’ll get the updated schedule. That part works flawlessly – no glitches at all.

Railway stations – you can also buy tickets directly at the station. Expect queues, a bit of chaos, and sometimes limited English, but it works. For foreign travelers, there’s often a Foreign Tourist Quota counter at major stations like Delhi, Agra, or Varanasi.

⚠️ Be Aware of Scams at Indian Railway Stations

When you arrive at the station, you might encounter people approaching you with “helpful” advice. They’ll say things like:

  • “You need to come with me to a special counter for foreigners.”
  • “There’s a different queue for non‑Indians.”
  • “You can’t enter without my assistance.”

All of that is a lie.

Once you have your ticket, you don’t need anything else. You simply go to the platform and board the train exactly the same way as Indian passengers. There is no special cashier, no separate queue, no mandatory guide.

Taj Express → My Delhi to Agra Train Experience

On September 1st, 2025, I took the Taj Express (Train No. 12280) from New Delhi Main Station (NDLS) to Agra Cantt (AGC). The train departed at 06:55 and arrived at 09:25, covering 195 km in just under 2.5 hours. I booked a Second Sitting (2S) seat – confirmed, window side, and perfectly comfortable for a short morning ride. Return train was delay around 1h.

Booking Details

  • The train departed on time at 06:55 from Platform 13
  • Ticket fare: ₹110 + fees (total ₹128.66)
  • Coach/Seat: D1/54 – window side, confirmed (CNF status)
  • Once you receive your ticket, double-check the departure time the day before using your PNR number. I recommend ConfirmTkt – it works smoothly and updates are reliable.

Travel Notes

  • The train coach stopped exactly where the platform screen indicated – no chaos, no guessing. Just follow the signs and you’ll be right where you need to be (see the photos below).
  • My coach was packed – it was crowded, noisy, and absolutely wonderful.
  • I shared a tiny seat with a lady.
  • I ended up talking to almost everyone around me – it felt like a rolling living room full of stories and smiles.
  • No AC, but the windows were open and the breeze was enough.

Delhi → Varanasi Sleeper 3A class– My Overnight Train Experience

On September 2nd, 2023, I boarded the Swatantrata Senani Express (Train No. 12562) from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) to Varanasi Junction (BSB). The train departed on time (21.15 in my case) at night from Platform 13, just like my Taj Express to Agra. The coach stopped exactly where the screen said it would – no chaos, no guessing.

My Experience

  • I had a confirmed sleeper berth 3A class in coach B2, and it was surprisingly comfortable. Bedding and pillow are provided.
  • I paid 1 469 INR ₹ (15 $) at 12go.asia.
  • I slept 8 full hours – no interruptions, no noise, just the gentle rhythm of the train.
  • The coach had AC, and charging sockets everywhere – both regular and USB.
  • There was an option to order meals, tea, coffee, which made the journey even smoother.
  • At night, everyone respected each other’s space – no loud talking, no chaos. Just quiet, shared rest.
  • On the return trip, it was exactly the same – peaceful, punctual, and respectful.

Booking & Practical Tips

  • This train is in high demand, so book well in advance – especially if you want a confirmed sleeper berth.
  • Use 12go.asia. It is much easier for foreign cards and no Indian numer needed.
  • Always check your PNR status the day before – ConfirmTkt is your best friend or IRCTC site.
  • Platform 13 again – same as Agra, and again the coach stopped exactly where the screen showed.

Most Popular Trains on the Delhi–Varanasi Route

  • Shiv Ganga Express (12560): Fast (~11 hours) and always in high demand.
  • Kashi Vishwanath Express (14034): Slower, but considered a classic choice.
  • Swatantrata Senani Express (12562): My pick – a traditional overnight sleeper.

Ticket Price Range

  • Sleeper Class (SL): from ₹743 ≈ $9
  • 3AC (Air‑Conditioned, 3‑tier): ₹1,200–1,500 ≈ $15–18
  • 2AC (Air‑Conditioned, 2‑tier): ₹1,800–2,200 ≈ $22–25
  • 1AC (Air‑Conditioned, 1‑tier): ₹3,000+ ≈ $35+

Convincing photos to choose an organized trip from San Pedro to Uyuni

by Anna Powaska, posted in Bolivia, Chile, South America

  If you are still thinking whether you should cross the border between Chile and Bolivia yourself, please stop right now! Magnificent Salar de Uyuni is a must see place while in Bolivia or in northern part of the Chile. Tourists usually do visit this absolutely stunning and unique place from Uyuni, the town in Bolivia, or from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. It is not so difficult to get to salt flats without any guide, but tour agencies, that can be found in many towns all around, came up with a wonderful 3 or 4 days tours that include Salar de Uyuni, as number one attraction, along with many more wonderful places that you can see only with a guide and by 4×4. Dry salty area, as a highlight, will become just like an addition next. Salar de Uyuni will get overshadowed by beautiful lagoons, geysers, deserts, volcanoes, truly remote villages, you will spend a night in (including a hotel made of salt), and interesting rock formations. It is one of the most bizarre and beautiful places in the world you just can not miss, especially while so close to it. Paying only 180$ (inc everything as accommodation, all meals, guide, 4×4 transport) for a 3 days tour is just a bargain we have to grab. Unluckily, I have lost loads of my photos from the trip, but I hope the remaining ones will be convincing enough for you to book this trip.

How to Get from Chișinău to Tiraspol – The Border-Bending Mini Adventure (Updated November 2026)

by Anna Powaska, posted in Europe, moldova, Tiraspol, transnistria, Travelling

Quick Facts

  • Destination: Tiraspol – capital of Transnistria, an unrecognized autonomous region within Moldova
  • Best transport: Marshrutka (minibus)
  • 🛂 Border control: Yes, prepare for migration card, but takes around 5-10 minutes
  • Ticket price: 85 MDL (~€4)
  • Travel Duration: ~1.5 hours
  • Departure point: Chișinău Central Bus Station, right next to the market

Finding the Right Marshrutka

Head to Chișinău’s Central Bus Station, next to the buzzing market stalls. Exact spot on map here. Look for signs (or people shouting “Tiraspol!”). And here’s the golden tip:

The ticket booth is literally 2 meters from the marshrutka – you can’t miss it unless you’re distracted by roadside plums.

They run very often (every 20 minutes or so) from 6.00 am till late.

Cash preferred, but card payments were accepted on my trip. Cost: 85 Moldovan lei, confirmed by photo – no guessing!

Say “Tiraspol?” with confident curiosity – locals respect head-tilts.

Updated ticket price and a fresh photo thanks to Renzo, who recently made the trip, grazie, Lorenzo!

🍚 The Most Important Tip (More Important Than Your Migration Card)

Inside the market next to Chișinău’s Central Bus Station, hidden among stands and shouting sellers, there’s a food stand: A man who serves Uzbek plov that’s straight-up 10/10.

No fancy sign.

Location: Inside the market hall , follow the scent. Price: Budget-friendly, but you’ll pay in loyalty, because you’ll come back daily. Quantity: Measured in kilograms (not exaggerating, I did exactly that)

Border Crossing into Transnistria

Yes, Transnistria has its own de facto border, but no visa needed.

At the checkpoint:

  • You’ll receive a migration card (white paper with Soviet-style fonts) – guard it like treasure.
  • The border officers are neutral, almost theatrical in their seriousness – no drama if you keep calm.
  • Your driver usually collects all passports on the way back and returns them after inspection – strange but normal. But on arrival, you go through the office for the card and passport check.

Want to stay overnight? Tell the officer! Otherwise, you might get a same-day transit permit.

Returning from Tiraspol – The Escape Plan (but make it casual)

If you’re ready to head back to Chișinău after exploring Lenin, nostalgia, and beach vibes by the Dniester – don’t panic, the marshrutka is always waiting here (exact spot of the stand), by the train station or just outside the Green Market, if you walk about 100 meters, you can catch the marshrutkas to head back to Chisinau or go to other places. You don’t need to go all the way to the main station in Tiraspol. (September 2026)

Return ticket? Buy it at the railway station in Tiraspol – look for the kiosk next to the waiting area. I paid in Molvodan lei with no problem. It’s got that time-stood-still aura and the staff are surprisingly efficient.

Departures: Marshrutkas leave every ~20 minutes, give or take a philosophical pause. No need to book in advance, just show up, say “Chișinău?”, and hop in. Ticket price should match your arrival fare: ~85 MDL

Tip: If you liked the plov in Chișinău, you’ve got just enough time to crave it again by the time you’re back.

Language, Currency & Vibe

  • Everyone speaks Russian
  • Local money = Transnistrian rubles – they’re plastic coins, like arcade tokens from a Soviet theme park
  • Moldovan lei are not widely accepted, so it’s a good idea to exchange some money into Transnistrian rubles after arriving in Tiraspol.

Reader Update (September 2026)

Special thanks to Lorenzo, a reader of this blog, for sharing additional information after his visit to Tiraspol.

Local SIM Card in Tiraspol

Lorenzo purchased a local SIM card at the IDC Centre located at 149 Karl Marx Street in Tiraspol. The process was straightforward: he took a queue number and was served at the counter, where staff helped replace the SIM card.

One useful tip is to ask the staff member to restart your phone immediately after inserting the new SIM card. According to Lorenzo, this can save time and help avoid connection issues.

Public Transport Card

Lorenzo bought his public transport card inside Green Market, near Agroprombank. After entering through the main entrance, head left to find the ticket window.

The card itself cost 50 Transnistrian rubles, and he added 10 rubles of credit, bringing the total cost to 60 rubles.

He used the card on the trolleybus route to Bender Fortress and recommends estimating the number of journeys you plan to make before adding credit.

Returning to Chișinău

According to Lorenzo, marshrutkas heading to Chișinău can be found approximately 100 metres from Green Market, so travellers do not necessarily need to return to Tiraspol’s main station before leaving the city.

Don’t Forget to Exchange Your Transnistrian Rubles

Before leaving Transnistria, make sure you exchange or spend any remaining Transnistrian rubles.

Reader Update (September 2026)

Special thanks to Lorenzo, a reader, for sharing additional information after his visit to Tiraspol.

Buying a Local SIM Card in Tiraspol

If you need mobile data while visiting Transnistria, Lorenzo recommends visiting an IDC service centre. He purchased his SIM card at the IDC office located at:

149 Karl Marx Street, Tiraspol

According to Lorenzo, the process was straightforward. Visitors take a queue number and wait to be called. Staff can help remove your current SIM card and install the new one.

One useful tip is to ask the employee to restart your phone immediately after the SIM installation. Lorenzo noticed this can save time and avoid unnecessary troubleshooting.

In September 2026, he paid:

  • Mobile package: 100 Transnistrian rubles
  • USIM card: 40 Transnistrian rubles
  • Registration: free

Total cost: 140 Transnistrian rubles

(Prices may change over time, but these were the rates paid in September 2026.)

Queue ticket and receipt from IDC (Interdnestrcom) in Tiraspol. In September 2026, a local SIM package cost 140 Transnistrian rubles (100 rubles for the package and 40 rubles for the SIM card).

Public Transport Card (September 2026 Update)

Thanks to Lorenzo for providing photos and updated information from his trip.

If you plan to use public transport in Tiraspol, you’ll need a Klever prepaid transport card. The card can be purchased at a service window inside Green Market. Enter through the main entrance and turn left. If you’re having trouble finding it, look for the Agroprombank sign nearby, which serves as a useful landmark.

The card itself costs 50 Transnistrian rubles (around €2.80). You can then top it up with additional credit depending on how many journeys you plan to make. For example, adding 10 rubles (around €0.55) brings the total cost to approximately 60 rubles (roughly €3.35).

It’s worth estimating how many trolleybus trips you’ll take before adding credit. It is also unclear whether the card can be used on local marshrutkas, so you may want to ask when purchasing it.

If you’re planning a visit to Bender Fortress, a trolleybus is one of the routes on which you can use the card.

Some locals may suggest simply paying another passenger in cash and asking them to tap their card for you. While this might work in practice, it can create complications during ticket inspections, especially if you don’t speak Russian.

Inspectors occasionally board trolleybuses with electronic readers to check whether passengers have paid. If the person who tapped in on your behalf leaves the vehicle before an inspection takes place, proving that you’ve paid could become difficult. For that reason, buying your own transport card is generally the safest and simplest option.:

Interestingly, his Airbnb host suggested avoiding the card altogether and instead paying another passenger to tap their card on his behalf. While this might work in practice, it could create problems during ticket inspections, especially for visitors who do not speak Russian. Buying your own card is likely the simplest and safest option.

During Lorenzo’s visit, he used the card for a trip from Tiraspol to Bender Fortress.

Klever prepaid card purchased in Tiraspol’s Green Market in September 2026. Cost: 50 rubles plus initial credit of 10 rubles.

Don’t Forget to Exchange Your Transnistrian Rubles

Before leaving Transnistria, make sure you exchange or spend any remaining Transnistrian rubles.

Lorenzo accidentally left the region with 160 Transnistrian rubles still in his wallet. Fortunately, after arriving in Chișinău, he managed to negotiate an exchange with his driver using a translation app. However, not all drivers may be willing to do this, so it is much safer to exchange your money before leaving Transnistria.

“It’s Moldova, but not Moldova. It’s legal, but not official. It’s chill, but politically confusing.”

Why Tiraspol (Without Saying “Why Tiraspol”)

This is a country that never made it to the UN. Tiraspol is strange, safe, quiet and mildly cinematic – perfect for those who enjoy layered maps and unexpected detours. No bucket list hype, just curiosity, Cyrillic and clouds of cold-war nostalgia.

How to Get from Chișinău to Comrat in Gagauzia

by Anna Powaska, posted in comrat, Europe, Gagauzia, moldova

Comrat – capital of Gagauzia. It sounds mysterious, and it is. But it’s also reachable. Here’s the breakdown for fellow wanderers.

Why Comrat?

Comrat isn’t just a stop, it’s the capital of an autonomous region where ethnic Turks speak Russian, wave Moldovan flags, and drink ayran. It’s where geopolitics gets cozy with kebab, and where you’re never quite sure if you’re closer to Istanbul or Moscow…

🛂 Border Crossing & Travel Requirements

Gagauzia is part of Moldova, so traveling to Comrat does not involve any border control, passport checks, or special permits. It’s just like going from Katowice to Wrocław, but with more grapevines and unexpected kebab stands.

This is the opposite of Transnistria, where entry does require a quick stop at a de facto border, and you’ll usually fill out a migration card upon arrival. While Transnistria isn’t internationally recognized, it functions with its own rules, including border formalities, checkpoints, and a charm straight out of a Cold War novella.

So if you’re heading to Comrat, relax: your passport can stay buried in your backpack.

Option 1 (and best?): Marshrutka from Gara de Sud (Stand 16)

  • Link to map of bus station here.
  • Departures are roughly every hour – mine left Monday at 9:00 or 9.10 AM (cant remember)
  • Marshrutkas leave from Stand 16 at Chișinău’s Southern Bus Station (Gara de Sud)
  • Tickets: buy them at the booth right next to the number 16 stand – card payment accepted. The marshrutka ticket from Chișinău to Comrat costs 67 Moldovan lei, which is around $3.80 USD. I don’t think you can buy a ticket in advance. When I arrived in Comrat, I tried to purchase a return ticket, but the woman selling them didn’t want to sell it to me, I couldn’t understand her. Then the bus driver who had brought me arrived, talked to her, and she ended up selling it to me
  • Just say: “Comrat?” – smiles and head nods
  • Duration: 1h 30min to 2h 30min, depending on traffic, road karma, and whether the driver feels
  • The main bus stop in Comrat is located at Strada Victoriei 2, right in the heart of town. Locally, it’s known as the Comrat Bus Station, and it’s just a short walk from the central park and Lenin Street, so if you see a statue or a cathedral nearby, you’re probably close!
  • From Komrat to Chișinău’s Southern Bus Station at: 6.00, 6.30, 6.50, 7.00, 7.15, 7.30, 7.36, 7.55, 8.15, 8.20, 8.45, 9.00, 9.15, 9.55, 10.00, 10.25, 11.20, 12.20, 13.05, 13.35, 14.15, 14.26, 15.00, 15.30, 16.00, 16.30, 17.50, 18.20, 19.00.
  • 💡 Pro tip from the road: if you have time before departure, there’s a tiny spot around the corner serving delicious borscht – comfort soup

Option 2: Taxi

  • Duration: around 1h 20min
  • Cost: $26–31 USD
  • Not sure YandexGo will take you all the way, but it’s worth checking
  • Great for chats about local politics or sharing sunflower seeds with the driver

Getting to Gara de Sud from Chișinău City Center

If you’re staying near the city center (like around the Cathedral Park or Boulevard Ștefan cel Mare), here’s how to reach Gara de Sud:

Public Transport Options:

  • Bus 120, 124 or 186 – all stop near Gara de Sud
  • Trolleybus 9, 17 or 36 – also good options if you’re near a trolley line

🕒 Travel time: 20–40 minutes, depending on traffic. Cost: ~6 MDL (~$0.30 USD) and you can buy it inside the bus from conductor ;)– pay onboard or via e-ticket app (I paid in cash, not sure about card). Stop to look for: Gara de Sud / Autogara de Sud

How to Travel from Almaty to Bishkek by Bus

by Anna Powaska, posted in Uncategorized

If you’re planning a journey from Almaty to Bishkek by bus, here’s all you need to know:

  1. Departure Point – Sayran Bus Station (mine was from stand 1) In Almaty, the buses to Bishkek depart from the Sayran International Bus Station. Known locally as “Avtovokzal Sayran,” this terminal is the main hub for long-distance travel. You can reach the station conveniently by local buses, a taxi, or ride-hailing apps like Yandex Go (very very cheap “central Asian uber”).
  2. Ticket Price and Schedule
    • Cost: A one-way ticket typically costs around 3,280 KZT Webside(Kazakhstani Tenge), which is approximately 7.50 USD.
    • Web: https://ma-sairan.kz/
    • Frequency: There are usually several departures a day, with typical departure times at roughly 08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, and 18:00. (Keep in mind that schedules may vary, so it’s wise to check ahead or purchase tickets online.)
  3. Journey Duration and Border Crossing The bus covers approximately 320 km and the journey generally takes about 5 to 6 hours. This time frame includes the drive and the process of crossing the Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan border at Korday. Make sure to have all your travel documents handy, as border formalities might add a little extra time. Go troug two border checks and fallow the people to wait for the bus (3 mins walk to the parking – you will know). I waited 20 mins only.
  4. You will arrive at New Bishkek Bus Terminal HERE. You can take a bus or taxi to the center (no cash machine at bus terminal, but the driver can stop at cash point on the way).
  5. Additional Tips
    • Ticket Purchase: You can buy your tickets online directly through the Sayran Bus Station website or in person at the station. Purchasing in advance is advisable if you plan to travel during peak times and you can pick a nice sit :).
    • Plan Ahead: Allow extra time around departures, and be prepared for slight schedule variations or delays, especially at the border.

This comprehensive guide should help you confidently plan your bus trip from Almaty to Bishkek. If you need more details about the route, tips on navigating the border, or any other travel insights, feel free to ask!

Getting from the Airport to the city center in Wrocław (updated June 2018)

by Anna Powaska, posted in Europe, Poland

 Welcome to Wrocław, the coolest city on Earth. The best place on the planet. Most beautiful, amazing, interesting, with the tastiest food ever and the best nightlife, you will experience. Yes, you guessed it right, I am from there. Been born there, raised, studied and worked. Welcome to my home. However, since I wont pick you up from the airport, at least I can guide you on getting from there to your hotel.

Bus

  • Update April 2018. New bus available from the airport to the city center called WRO AIRPORT EXPRESS, a nice and easy option for tourists.

A shuttle bus operates on the route Airport –  City Centre (Plac Dominikański) – Dworzec Wrocław (Central Bus and Railway Station). A ticket will cost PLN 10 or 2.5 Euro (to be paid directly to the driver by cash or by card). The journey will take about 30 minutes. Bus is waiting just outside the airport, blue colored, can`t be missed.

Departures from the airport:

04:10 05:00 05:50 06:40 07:30 08:20 09:10
10:00 10:50 11:40 12:30 13:20 14:10 15:00
15:50 16:40 17:30 18:20 19:10 20:00 21:05
22:55* 23:40* 01:00*        

* departure time depending on the aircraft’s’ arrivals

Price: 3$ or 2.5 Euro or 10 PLN (but paid only in Polish currency PLN) 

Length: 30 minutes

  •   Nice, easy and cheap option. The bus stand is located just outside the main entrance on the right hand side and runs very frequently (mostly every 20 minutes). The number is 106, but no need to remember that, as it is the only one there anyway. Night bus 206 is also available available. See the timetables below.Here are the current MPK Wrocław ticket prices (as of January 2025) in both Polish złoty (PLN) and approximate US dollars (USD). The prices below represent the full-fare (normal) ticket; discounted fares (for students, seniors, etc.) are generally about half the price.
    • Single-use ticket: 4.60 PLN ≈ $1.15
    • 15-minute ticket: 3.20 PLN ≈ $0.80
    • 30-minute ticket: 4.00 PLN ≈ $1.00
    • 60-minute ticket: 5.20 PLN ≈ $1.30
    • 90-minute ticket: 7.00 PLN ≈ $1.75
    • 24-hour ticket: 15.00 PLN ≈ $3.75
    • 48-hour ticket: 26.00 PLN ≈ $6.50
    • 72-hour ticket: 32.00 PLN ≈ $8.00

    Note: These USD values are approximate using an exchange rate of about 1 USD ≈ 4 PLN.

    . You can buy a ticket at the kiosk inside the airport, from the dispenser close the stand, or just from the machine inside the bus that is, actually, inside every public transport in Wroclaw, but accepts only cards. The bus will terminate at the main railway and bus station (called Dworcowa), from where you can continue your journey, if Wrocław is not your final destination. The railway station will be just in front of you, and the main bus station, called Wroclavia (with shopping mall), is hidden behind it.

  For the city center (where your hotel/hostel probably will be) you have to get off just one stop before the last one. The stand is called Renoma, and from there you will, I assume, just walk to your accommodation. It takes around 30-40 minutes to get to the city center, unless traffic is very bad.

106: PORT LOTNICZY (Airport bus stop) Day Bus

PORT LOTNICZY – DWORCOWA

Airport-Main railway/bus station
Time Slot Weekdays (Mon–Fri) Weekends (Sat & Sun)
05:00 :14, :29, :44, :51 :21, :36, :51
06:00 :00, :06, :12, :27, :42 :05, :20, :35, :50
07:00 :01, :20, :32, :47 :05, :20, :35, :50
08:00 :02, :20, :35, :50 :05, :20, :35, :56
09:00 :03, :18, :33, :48 :14, :29, :44, :59
10:00–12:00 Every hour at :03, :18, :33, :48 Every hour at :14, :29, :44, :59
13:00 :03, :18, :33, :53 :14, :29, :44, :59
14:00 :01, :10, :24, :39, :53 :14, :29, :44, :59
15:00–16:00 Every hour at :10, :25, :40, :55 Every hour at :14, :29, :44, :59
17:00 :15, :30, :39, :55 :14, :29, :44, :59
18:00 :09, :22, :37, :57 :14, :29, :44, :59
19:00 :12, :27, :42, :57 :14, :29, :44, :59
20:00 :07, :19, :34, :49 :19, :34, :49
21:00 :02, :19, :34, :49 :02, :19, :34, :49
22:00 :00, :07, :19, :34, :40 :00, :07, :19, :34, :40
23:00 :09, :19, :39, :43 :09, :19, :39, :43

206: PORT LOTNICZY (Airport bus stop) Night Bus

PORT LOTNICZY – DWORZEC AUTOBUSOWY

Airport-Main railway/bus station
Time Slot Weekdays (Mon–Fri) Weekends (Sat & Sun)
00:00–01:00 00:07, 00:37 00:07, 00:37
02:00–03:00 02:07 02:07
03:00–04:00 03:37 Z (no direct city center) 03:37 Z (no direct city center)
04:00–05:00 04:37 Z (no direct city center) 04:37 Z (no direct city center)
05:00–06:00 05:03 Z (last departure; transfer required) 05:03 Z (last departure; transfer required)

PLEASE NOTE that the night bus 206 with Z letter does not go straight to the city center, you have to change, so during the night I really would suggest taxi or Wro Airport Express buss!!

Length: 30-40 minutes

Taxi

  Nice, quick and comfortable way. Please always agree on the price before getting in! You shouldn’t pay more than 50-60 złoty to the city center area. That`s around 15$. Taxis are just outside the main entrance, and driver should speak good/enough English.

Price: 15$

length: 15-20 minutes

Other

I am sorry, but there are no more options, unless you want me to come and pick you on my bike. The tram does not go there, and we do not have an underground. Walking is not an option too, since the airport is on the edge of the city.

Please contact me if you need any tips. I will be more than happy to help and thank you for visiting my city 🙂