Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree3Likes
  • 1 Post By motoreiter
  • 1 Post By motoreiter
  • 1 Post By Russki Guzzi

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 29 May 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: East Yorkshireman...in the Chum Phae area, Thailand
Posts: 1,346
Latvia Russia Border Crossing

Does anyone know any info on where to cross the border from Latvia in to Russia. I am looking at stopping in Moscow for a couple of days before heading to Kazakhstan and Mongolia.
Still in the planning phase so open to suggestions. Did a search on Google and this road to the border was suggested E22 / A12 / M9 near Zilupe
Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 29 May 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
Yes, that is one border crossing, I exited/entered there in late April. Nothing special, pretty boring road, but OK. If you have time, take a detour up to Pskov, it is a nice town.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 29 May 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
One more comment about that road--there actually aren't that many places to stay for long stretches of the road, so you need to pick a place to stay. There is a newish motel on the main highway at Velikiye Luki; I stayed there, it was OK although the restaurant was pretty weak.

I've never stayed in Rzhev but have read that it is a tough town, so if you stay there be sure to have secure parking for the moto.

Also, for some reason a lot of people say that that road is horrible--one person even said that it basically doesn't exist--but at least on a GS the road was absolutely normal. Note that there is also a fair bit of construction going on, so be prepared for delays.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 29 May 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 41
Quote:
Originally Posted by Caps View Post
Does anyone know any info on where to cross the border from Latvia in to Russia. I am looking at stopping in Moscow for a couple of days before heading to Kazakhstan and Mongolia.
Still in the planning phase so open to suggestions. Did a search on Google and this road to the border was suggested E22 / A12 / M9 near Zilupe
Cheers
As an alternative you might want to consider the crossing a bit further north near Karsava. I used it last July because I’d heard that Zilupe can have long queues while the Karsava crossing is pretty empty. The day before I crossed I had a look at both and while Zilupe was busy Karsava was empty, so I opted for the latter: crossing took 2 hours & border guards were very friendly & helpful.

Quote:
Originally Posted by motoreiter View Post
One more comment about that road--there actually aren't that many places to stay for long stretches of the road, so you need to pick a place to stay. There is a newish motel on the main highway at Velikiye Luki; I stayed there, it was OK although the restaurant was pretty weak.

Also, for some reason a lot of people say that that road is horrible--one person even said that it basically doesn't exist--but at least on a GS the road was absolutely normal. Note that there is also a fair bit of construction going on, so be prepared for delays.
Probably me that said it didn’t exist: last July that was pretty true for the stretch between Kunya & Shakhovskaya, about 300km. I was warned not to take it, but didn’t have an alternative; I remember I didn’t see another bike on that stretch of road. The problem was that was where the repairs were, it was often reduced to a single lane & the surface was terrible & made worse by days of rain. A better rider than me and a more appropriate bike - like a GS - would have found it easier. But you still have to deal with all the deathwish maniacs in trucks, buses, beat-up Zhigulis & SUVs with blacked-out windows: there are a lot of very nasty accidents on that road.

It may well have improved since I was on it. The construction work is temporary - at least in theory - and the bits where work was completed were fine: there just weren’t very many of those last summer. I’m reluctantly planning to ride back on it to Estonia in a couple of weeks: can you remember where the construction work was in April? It may help my planning.

For accommodation I stayed at the Volyn Country Club, which is about 30 km south of the M9 between Velikiye Luki & Kunya. It’s on a hard to find dirt road, turn off is at a GAI post. All wooden houses by a lake, much nicer than the usual Russian motel.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 29 May 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
Quote:
Originally Posted by Russki Guzzi View Post
...I was warned not to take it, but didn’t have an alternative; I remember I didn’t see another bike on that stretch of road. The problem was that was where the repairs were, it was often reduced to a single lane & the surface was terrible & made worse by days of rain.
I've ridden a lot here and you won't see other bikes on most stretches of road, so that doesn't mean much.

I don't recall where the construction was, but am pretty sure it was somewhere between Rzhev and Velikiye Luki. At most of the construction sites they have traffic lights directing traffic; if the light is red when you approach, ride up to the front and when it turns green you can zip right through the construction sites, getting stuck behind a truck is a nightmare because they go about 10kph.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 3 Jun 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 41
Quote:
Originally Posted by motoreiter View Post
I've ridden a lot here and you won't see other bikes on most stretches of road, so that doesn't mean much.

I don't recall where the construction was, but am pretty sure it was somewhere between Rzhev and Velikiye Luki. At most of the construction sites they have traffic lights directing traffic; if the light is red when you approach, ride up to the front and when it turns green you can zip right through the construction sites, getting stuck behind a truck is a nightmare because they go about 10kph.
Thanks for the info. I think I may well take the St Pete highway and cross at Ivangorod/Narva. Haven't ridden that route before, so at least any roadworks/traffic jams will be different ones.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 Jan 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 26
Narva Crossing

Hi,

can you tell me if you did the Narva crossing and any suggestions? A couple of us are planning a trip to St Petersburg in June this year.

Thanks

Bob
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12 Jan 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
Last time I checked, Narva is in Estonia, not Latvia...

I haven't crossed the Estonian-Russian border at Narva, but crossed it somewhere else last year; nothing special, standard border crossing.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12 Jan 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Jyvaskyla
Posts: 135
When going from Narva to Russia make sure to prebook your exit. it is busy border exit during summer and you will save lot of waiting time doing it. See following text


https://www.politsei.ee/en/nouanded/...ugust-2011.dot


Address to book your time in border queque
https://www.estonianborder.eu/yphis/index.action
__________________
www.samiv.org - My webpage
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 15 Jan 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tirpse View Post
When going from Narva to Russia make sure to prebook your exit. it is busy border exit during summer and you will save lot of waiting time doing it. See following text
Good point, there is that weird little pre-border waiting area for that border crossing. I crossed the border in southern estonia in the middle of August (2014) without pre-booking and only had to wait a few minutes, although that does not seem to be a major crossing, and it was also pretty early in the morning (8?).
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 25 Jan 2016
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Tartu, Estonia
Posts: 1,111
The border crossing, like other border crossings between Estonia and Russia, have special conditions for motorcyclists. If you click on Tirpse's last link and try a booking, you will see that there are always spaces for Category A vehicles. The border guards are allowed to spend 10 minutes in every hour letting motorcycles through ahead of everyone else. (However, I believe you still need to go to the staging area outside of town first, not the actual border crossing which is right in the center of Narva, next to the castle.)

If going to St. Petersburg, it might also be practical to cross at Luhamaa south of Lake Peipus. Unlike Narva, that crossing is never really busy. You have to spend more time riding in Russia, but you get the opportunity to check out the old castle at Izborsk, for example.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 25 Jan 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Jyvaskyla
Posts: 135
Quote:
Originally Posted by motoreiter View Post
Good point, there is that weird little pre-border waiting area for that border crossing. I crossed the border in southern estonia in the middle of August (2014) without pre-booking and only had to wait a few minutes, although that does not seem to be a major crossing, and it was also pretty early in the morning (8?).
I might have used once that same border crossing. It is quite small and goes to Pskov, Velikiye Luki and then to Moscow.

I remember there were few petrol importerds with cars before us but not much else. It was also quite early in morning.
__________________
www.samiv.org - My webpage
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 26 Jan 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tirpse View Post
I might have used once that same border crossing. It is quite small and goes to Pskov, Velikiye Luki and then to Moscow.
Yes, that is the one. If you stay in Tartu and leave fairly early in the morning, it is a nice ride to Moscow that day.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Finding Freedom...World Wide Ride saralou Ride Tales 3565 2 Weeks Ago 18:23
Complete Central America/Mexico/Colombia Border Crossing Information sellheim Central America and Mexico 30 7 Mar 2023 00:33
Georgia to Russia border crossing at Kazbegi LimaOne Northern and Central Asia 4 10 Jul 2022 11:55
Border crossing Russia to Kazakhstan near Caspian sea Hemuli Northern and Central Asia 2 29 Jun 2012 21:04

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:29.