28.07.2006
The Russian Train SystemMost Russians travel by train, which is not surprising since the train system is quite well developed, comfortable, and can be much less expensive than flying. For those interested in experiencing everyday Russian culture, a train trip is a not-to-be-missed adventure! Purchasing Tickets
SRAS now offers a Trans-Siberian Adventure Planner in coorportation with Travel to Russia. See that page for still more info specific to traveling the Trans-Siberian! We hope this page will soon be updated to allow purchases of single train tickets to other Russian cities. What to Expect
For a sample list of ticket prices, click here.
For a list of train tables (searchable in English), click here. There are theoretical weight limits on luggage, but the real limit is if your luggage will fit in the small compartment below your bench with one other person’s. Carrying much more than one larger suitcase is discouraged – if you are only going for a weekend, take a backpack and save yourself some hassle. However, don't forget some books and things to entertain yourself.
As soon as they board, many Russians will immediately change into tracksuits or shorts and tapochki (slippers). This is more comfortable and even in winter trains are quite warm, so you don't have to worry about freezing.
There are only two toilets per 35-40 people (second class) and for 18 people (1st class). Mornings and evenings there are lines. Especially in the morning, passengers can take a remarkable amount of time in a space you personally wouldn't want to spend more than necessary in. Carrying your own toilet paper is strongly recommended. Bringing bottled water to brush your teeth with is also a good idea.
The ticket lady will come around to inspect and collect your tickets early on. If you will be crossing a border, you will have someone inspect your passport as well. There will also be a woman that comes by with sheets and hand towels if you are on an overnight train in which "services" are not included in the ticket price – for which there is usually a charge of around 30 RUR or so.
Bring food and water. Of course you can eat in the restaurant car but expect prices to be high, 10-15$ per person per mediocre-quality meal, not including alcohol. A vendor will usually come by at least once selling drinks, chips, peanuts, etc. Tea and coffee are almost always available, just ask the provodnik (wagon attendant). On long-distance trains you will stop for 15-45 minutes at some stations and passengers will disembark to stretch and buy food from the babushki that make extra money selling pirozhki, etc there. But the quality here can be questionable at times. Lastly, your traveling companions may offer you food – it is impolite not to at least try what you are offered, and you should have something to offer in return (bringing cognac, vodka, fruit, or candy is recommended for the socialable!)
Trains are usually co-ed, and so usually the men step out while women change into sleeping stuff and then vis-a-versa.
Note that the provodnik will make every effort to wake people up an hour before arrival because about 15-20 minutes before arrival they will lock the toilets. Get there while you have the chance. Kupe or Platzkart?
Many single travelers prefer 2nd (kupe) or 3rd class (platzkart) as there are simply more people around and thus theoretically safer. Kupe is more comfortable, however, as you have more room and more privacy and safety is generally ensured by the attendants assigned to each car. There is little reason to believe that train travel in Russia is any more or less dangerous than in Europe or America. Just use common sense and keep your valuables on your body. Your tickets
Tickets for domestic and international travel are slightly different, but all contain the same information. Please note that most times for Russian cities are given in Moscow time and cities outside Russia are given in local time. Ask the cashier or information booth at the train station what time you need to be there. Tickets for Russian domestic rail travel:
1 - Train Number
2 - Date of Departure
3 - Time of Departure (MOSCOW TIME)
4 - Wagon Number
5 - Class
6 - Departure City | 7 - Destination City
8 - Seat Number
9 - Passenger Name
10 - Date of Arrival
11 - Time of Arrival (MOSCOW TIME) |
The Station
Make sure you understand your tickets and know what station you will be leaving from (larger cities often have a few!) Look for the long-distance train timetable and not the prigorodni (commuter rail) schedule. This timetable will indicate train number, destination, scheduled departure time, actual departure time, and track number. At each track there will also be a sign with the train number, time of departure and destination. Be aware of arrival and departure delays or last minute track number changes. Although any delays or last minute changes are announced, they are usually announced only in Russian. If you do not understand the announcements or feel uncertain about anything, address the Spravochnaya (Information) window. You may find that they also only speak Russian, but just show them your ticket and they will point you in the right direction. You can also try asking other travelers in this manner. When looking for your wagon, look for numbers that are on a white sign in the window near the door of each wagon. Don't be alarmed if train cars don't appear to be in order or skip a number. The provodnik (wagon attendant) might collect your ticket either as you board or a bit later, and keep it until you disembark. This is also normal. If you are disembarking mid-route (not at the end of the line), you should remind the attendant, as it could require waking you up in the middle of the night.
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