How do I get to Sochi?
Nov 19, 2013, 9:40 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Mileage Plus
Posts: 13
How do I get to Sochi?
I'm planning on going to Sochi, Russia in Feb. 2014 for the Winter Olympics and the process is proving to be difficult (hotels in particular), so I thought I'd pick your brains.
My friend and I hoped to spend a few days outside of Russia first before heading to Sochi. My question to you is: from which international cities is it convenient to fly into Sochi? Convenient meaning, direct or one short layover (under 3 hours). Istanbul and Kiev are possibilities, but are there others? We've both already been to Istanbul, so would want to try somewhere new.
We're flying from SFO. I'm Premiere Gold, so I'd prefer to fly UA or Star Alliance, though not a requirement.
Thanks in advance!
My friend and I hoped to spend a few days outside of Russia first before heading to Sochi. My question to you is: from which international cities is it convenient to fly into Sochi? Convenient meaning, direct or one short layover (under 3 hours). Istanbul and Kiev are possibilities, but are there others? We've both already been to Istanbul, so would want to try somewhere new.
We're flying from SFO. I'm Premiere Gold, so I'd prefer to fly UA or Star Alliance, though not a requirement.
Thanks in advance!
Nov 19, 2013, 10:11 pm
#4
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: PDX
Programs: DL Plat, UA Plat 1MM, AS MVP, Hyatt Discoverist, Avis Presidents Club, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 3,938
In reality from SFO you are going to have to transit at least twice, so you might as well stay on Star and fly the final leg on Turkish into Sochi -- assuming you can get in (no idea what availability is like). You can:
1) Always see more in Istanbul (though know you have been there)
2) Stop anywhere in Europe (could do CDG, LHR, FRA, MUC, ZRH, CPH from SFO and then onto IST and Sochi) in addition to or instead of IST
1) Always see more in Istanbul (though know you have been there)
2) Stop anywhere in Europe (could do CDG, LHR, FRA, MUC, ZRH, CPH from SFO and then onto IST and Sochi) in addition to or instead of IST
Nov 19, 2013, 11:11 pm
#5
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 855
There are LH nonstop flights from Frankfurt.
http://www.examiner.com/article/luft...-2014-olympics
http://www.examiner.com/article/luft...-2014-olympics
Nov 19, 2013, 11:19 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 290
here's how i'm doing my sochi trip, with costs (for better or worse):
positioning flight: SFO-LAX on UA: $78.90
to moscow: LAX-IAD-GVA-DME on UA, UA, LX: W fare, GPU'd, $928.90
to sochi and back to moscow: DME-AER-DME on S7: $334ish (ugh, but it was the cheapest when i booked)
week in Rome after Sochi: DME-ZRH-FCO-MUC-DME: 25,000 miles
back home: DME-ZRH-IAD-SFO (from that W fare above, also GPU'd)
for now i'm spending a couple days in moscow, then basically flying into sochi for my evening event (curling), dawdling to kill time and then heading right back to the airport for the flight back to moscow since hotels are so expensive and my flight leaves at like 5 AM.
enjoy the games!
positioning flight: SFO-LAX on UA: $78.90
to moscow: LAX-IAD-GVA-DME on UA, UA, LX: W fare, GPU'd, $928.90
to sochi and back to moscow: DME-AER-DME on S7: $334ish (ugh, but it was the cheapest when i booked)
week in Rome after Sochi: DME-ZRH-FCO-MUC-DME: 25,000 miles
back home: DME-ZRH-IAD-SFO (from that W fare above, also GPU'd)
for now i'm spending a couple days in moscow, then basically flying into sochi for my evening event (curling), dawdling to kill time and then heading right back to the airport for the flight back to moscow since hotels are so expensive and my flight leaves at like 5 AM.
enjoy the games!
Nov 20, 2013, 2:04 pm
#8
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: Plat Prem Marriott, HHonors Diamond, ExPlat AA
Posts: 14
United's site will map the whole thing out for you if you do the search. It is kinda tricky to get into Sochi right now, most flights are pretty booked.
Try KRR, Krasnodar, from Moscow.
Try KRR, Krasnodar, from Moscow.
Nov 20, 2013, 6:07 pm
#9
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: DCA or IAD (originally DUB)
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM, Hertz PC, Marriott Platinum/Lifetime Gold
Posts: 7,657
Agreed. There are a limited number of flights in and out of Sochi and the fares are going way up, particularly if you want to arrive before the games start and/or leave right after they're over. Don't be surprised to see fares north of $3k!
Nov 21, 2013, 6:48 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Mileage Plus
Posts: 13
Looks like taking a layover through IST is best option. Can't hurt to have the opportunity to stop by the Turkish lounge! I'm checking LH and SAS routes as well. Thanks for the replies, everyone.
uastarflyer - I've been skiing almost my whole life but will need a couple more years to be Olympic-ready.
uastarflyer - I've been skiing almost my whole life but will need a couple more years to be Olympic-ready.
Nov 22, 2013, 5:56 pm
#12
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Zurich
Programs: BA GGL, TK*G EL, KL P ELPL, ex AB P, ex LH/LX Sen, HHonors D4L, Bonvoy P
Posts: 1,647
here's how i'm doing my sochi trip, with costs (for better or worse):
positioning flight: SFO-LAX on UA: $78.90
to moscow: LAX-IAD-GVA-DME on UA, UA, LX: W fare, GPU'd, $928.90
to sochi and back to moscow: DME-AER-DME on S7: $334ish (ugh, but it was the cheapest when i booked)
week in Rome after Sochi: DME-ZRH-FCO-MUC-DME: 25,000 miles
back home: DME-ZRH-IAD-SFO (from that W fare above, also GPU'd)
for now i'm spending a couple days in moscow, then basically flying into sochi for my evening event (curling), dawdling to kill time and then heading right back to the airport for the flight back to moscow since hotels are so expensive and my flight leaves at like 5 AM.
enjoy the games!
positioning flight: SFO-LAX on UA: $78.90
to moscow: LAX-IAD-GVA-DME on UA, UA, LX: W fare, GPU'd, $928.90
to sochi and back to moscow: DME-AER-DME on S7: $334ish (ugh, but it was the cheapest when i booked)
week in Rome after Sochi: DME-ZRH-FCO-MUC-DME: 25,000 miles
back home: DME-ZRH-IAD-SFO (from that W fare above, also GPU'd)
for now i'm spending a couple days in moscow, then basically flying into sochi for my evening event (curling), dawdling to kill time and then heading right back to the airport for the flight back to moscow since hotels are so expensive and my flight leaves at like 5 AM.
enjoy the games!
Just as warning for everyone: for this itinierary you will need a Russian visa which allows for three entries. Such visas exist - but they are quite expensive and hard to get ...
Nov 22, 2013, 6:00 pm
#13
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 290
Yeah if it helps anyone I believe it cost around $250 or so but the one I got is good for multiple entries over three years. I want to say it's the default option now for tourist visas for US citizens but don't quote me on that.
