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How to Travel the Trans-Siberian Railway

I’ve always wanted to travel on the Trans-Siberian railway. It seems like an amazing adventure that literally spans the width of an entire continent. Until I make the journey myself, Katie Aune is here to share her experiences on the Trans-Siberian Railway.

In this guest post, Katie shares everything you need to know for the journey. She is a frequent traveler to Russia and knows this journey well. She’s here to share her wisdom with you to help you make the most out of your trip across Russia!

The Trans-Siberian Railway is one of the most famous train journeys in the world. For me, it was the highlight of the three months I spent in Russia. I traveled in reverse, going from Vladivostok to Moscow (most people start in Moscow) and went slowly, taking nearly a month to complete the journey and stopping in five cities along the way.

In this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know to plan your trip. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

• Planning Your Route
• Booking Your Tickets
• How Much Should You Budget?

What to Expect on the Train

Step one: planning your route.

The traditional Trans-Siberian route stretches 9,288 kilometers between Moscow and Vladivostok. Two variations are also popular: the Trans-Mongolian (between Moscow and Beijing via Mongolia) and the Trans-Manchurian (between Moscow and Beijing, bypassing Mongolia). All three routes take 6–7 days if going non-stop.

Most travelers start their journeys in Moscow and go east. If you are anxious to interact with locals or improve your Russian skills, consider starting in Vladivostok or Beijing and heading west. You will likely encounter fewer tourists and more locals who are simply taking the train as a means of transportation, not as an adventure.

Beijing is probably a more attractive bookend to the journey than Vladivostok and likely provides easier onward connections — the best options from Vladivostok are to either fly back to Moscow (about $250 USD) or take a ferry to Japan or South Korea ($400 USD and up).

Chances are you will need to get a visa to travel to Russia, Mongolia, and China , so that may factor into which route makes the most sense for you. Rules vary by nationality, so I encourage you to visit the consulate website for your home country several months in advance to learn what is required.

Where to Stop Along the Way?

Unless you love the idea of spending a week straight on a train, I recommend making a couple of stops along the way. One of the best things about the Trans-Siberian is the opportunity it affords you to see more of Russia than just Moscow and/or St. Petersburg. The most interesting people I met and the best experiences I had along the way came not on the train, but during my stops, which included the following:

Kazan’s Kremlin is a UNESCO World Heritage site and in my opinion, has much more character than the Kremlin in Moscow. A large mosque dominates the scene, the main drag is lined with pine trees, and vendors gather along the Kremlin walls, selling mostly Islamic and Tatar-themed souvenirs. I spent several hours there, including a visit to the Museum of Islam, the Russian Orthodox church, and the natural history museum.

Now considered holy ground, seven chapels have been constructed on the site, one for each member of the royal family. I was most touched by a photo display showing the family in their daily lives — it really personalized the tragedy of their deaths.

My guide, Vitaly, provided sometimes inappropriate stories about the rocks, a much-needed hand as we climbed a few for incredible views, and some cognac for warmth before we started!

If you have at least 3 days, Olkhon Island, the largest island in the lake, is a must-see. Its main town, Khuzhir, takes you back decades, with sandy dirt roads and cows roaming the streets. The ride there is half the fun — I shared the six-hour marshrutka (mini-van) trip to the island with a cute Belgian couple, a couple of babushkas, and a large Russian man chugging vodka out of a bottle stashed in his jacket pocket.

Once in Khuzhir, the couple and I split the cost of hiring a van and driver to take us around the island for an afternoon. Dipping my hand in the near-frozen lake, sliding on the ice that formed on its shores, and playing in the fresh snow on the north end of the island provided some of my best memories from my entire time in Russia.

Ulan Ude is also a center of Buddhism in Russia. I hired a guide (about $12 USD/hour) to accompany me to the Buddhist monastery in Ivolga, about 40 minutes outside of the city. She taught me the basics of Buddhism and, being a Buryat, she gave me insight into their culture. It was well worth the price!  

Step Two: Booking Your Tickets

If you are on a tight schedule, it makes sense to book your tickets ahead of time. Tickets can be issued up to 45 days in advance and many travel agencies can do this for you. I used Real Russia and highly recommend them — they can also help with obtaining a letter of invitation for visa purposes. It is also possible to book online yourself at www.poezda.net if you can read a little Russian.

For more flexible travelers, you can purchase your tickets at the stations as you go along. However, be prepared for the possibility that the train you want may already be sold out, and don’t be surprised if none of the cashiers speak any English. And schedules posted at the stations will be on Moscow, not local, time.

Most trains offer three classes of sleeper service:  spalny vagon (1st class), kupe (2nd class), and platskartny (3rd class). Spalny vagon compartments have just two berths, with both beds at the lower level. Kupe are four-berth compartments consisting of two upper and two lower bunks. Finally, platskartny are open six-berth compartments with both upper and lower bunks.

Both spalny vagon and kupe have doors that lock, while platskartny compartments are open — this makes third class a little more social, but a little less secure.  

Step Three: How Much Should You Budget?

How much you spend on your train journey will depend on all of the factors mentioned above, but I would say around $1,000 for tickets, accommodations, and food is a good starting point.

For example, booking through Real Russia, a kupe ticket from Moscow to Vladivostok might run about $900, while platskartny would be less than half, at just $360. On the other hand, splurging on first-class would cost you nearly $1,800. Prices for the nonstop trip to Beijing are similar. You can save up to 33% by taking one of the lower-quality passenger trains instead of the cosmetically nicer firmenny  trains.

Note that breaking up the journey into separate legs may add some additional cost to your trip. For example, making stops in both Yekaterinburg and Irkutsk en route to Vladivostok would increase the total to $1,130 for kupe .

Price can also vary by day and time of departure, so if you are on a tight budget, be sure to play around with the schedules and note that not all types of trains are available on all routes or run on all days. Russian Railways offered a sale this fall that offered up to 50% off fares booked at least 30 days in advance but also imposed a 5% penalty on tickets purchased less than 10 days before departure. Keep an eye out for similar deals in the future.

When I boarded my first train, I felt a bit lost. Everyone around me seemed to have their routines down, from the clothes they changed into and the food they neatly set out on the small table, to the way they effortlessly made up their bed. I just tried to watch and follow their lead, and by the time I departed on my second leg, I felt like an old pro.

Toilets Each carriage has a toilet on each end, and they will be locked shortly before, during, and shortly after most station stops (and border crossings if you’re heading into China or Mongolia). The toilet doors usually have a schedule showing these closures. Despite my fears, they were kept quite clean and well stocked with toilet paper (though this is not always the case, so be prepared with your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer).

Food and water: You will find a samovar with boiling water on one end of the car, usually opposite the attendant’s compartment. If you bring your own water bottle, you can also refill it with drinkable water from the attendant. While food is available for purchase in the dining car and from vendors roaming the halls, it can be overpriced and the selection may be limited. You may be better off bringing your own provisions, especially for a multi-day journey.

Electronics: Outlets for charging cell phones and the like are available in the hallways, though some of the newer cars have their own plugs. Most carriages have fold-down seats so you can sit with your device as it charges, although it was not uncommon for people to leave theirs hanging unattended.

During my time on the train, I shared my kupe compartment with Russians ranging from businessmen and babushkas to members of a girls’ volleyball team. Some of my “roommates” boarded and went straight to sleep; others were traveling with people in other compartments and spent most of their time elsewhere. One guy stood in the hallway staring out at the passing landscape for hours at a time. Just a few really wanted to talk.

A babushka flashed her gold teeth as she rambled nonstop to anyone who would listen. An orphanage teacher was wonderfully patient as I practiced my Russian with her over our two days together, while an engineer was anxious to try out his English, paging through my dictionary and asking me carefully formulated questions. None were looking to party — the drink of choice for most was tea, not vodka, which is contrary to many of the stories you hear about the Trans-Siberian.

By the end of my journey, I was exhausted, relieved, satisfied, and immensely grateful. My fears prior to the trip were unfounded, the people I met were some of the friendliest in my three months in Russia, and the experiences were unforgettable.

And back in Moscow, sharing my stories with friends there, I began to really appreciate the fact that I had just seen more of Russia in one month than most Russians will ever see in a lifetime.

Traveling on the Trans-Siberian Railway is truly a magical experience and I hope this guide helps you in your planning!

Katie Aune is a Minnesota native and former attorney who recently quit her job in nonprofit fundraising to spend a year volunteering and traveling through the 15 countries of the former Soviet Union. You can follow her adventures on Katie Aune  or on Twitter @katieaune .

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner or Momondo to find a cheap flight. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. Start with Skyscanner first though because they have the biggest reach!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay are:

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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TOP 5 TRANS-SIBERIAN PLANNING FAQs

How long does it take to ride the trans siberian railroad, can you hop on and off the trans siberian express, what are the most popular stops on the trans-siberian, which countries does the trans siberian railway go through, is it safe to travel on the trans siberian railway, information you need to plan a trans-siberian tour, choose an option below to start planning your trans-siberian holiday.

Map of the Trans-Siberian railway showing the major stops and popular places to visit as well as the Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian routes.

The Trans-Siberian Travel Company's selection of the best places to visit in Russia, Mongolia and China for your trip of a lifetime.

The best months of the year to take a Trans-Siberian rail tour - and when not to! Do you prefer the idea of a summer trip, a winter trip or fall colours of autumn?

A guide to the main trains used in our The Trans-Siberian Travel Company's tours, differences between first and second train classes and life on board.

The staff of The Trans-Siberian Travel Company came up with this list of the best experiences on offer though Russia, Mongolia and China.

From modern to soviet hotels, Mongolian Gers, Siberian Home Stays to traditional style Chinese courtyards, the right hotel selection can make your trip!

What currency to take on a Trans-Siberian tour - Russian Roubles? Mongolian Tugrik? Chinese Yuan RMB? US Dollars? Euros? Find the answers here.

Most nationalities will need a visa for their Trans-Siberian trip - find out more information about Russian, Mongolian and Chinese visas here.

Vaccination and inoculations needed or recommended for a Trans-Siberian trip visiting Russia, Mongolia and China. Updated for Covid-19.

Our guide to the most frequently asked questions when planning your rail tour and holiday along the Trans-Siberian routes.

Top Tips for a Trans-Siberian railway adventure based on experiences both good and bad from the trips we have done with specific lists for Mongolia and China.

The Trans-Siberian Travel Company's suggestions for a good read as you travel along the greatest railway in the world including reading lists for China, Russia and Mongolia.

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Real Russia - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

How to plan and pack for the Trans-Siberian Railway

Dec 15, 2019 • 7 min read

The Trans-Siberian train near Lake Baikal © Serjio74 / Shutterstock

Watching thousands of miles of snow-kissed forests fly past your window, alighting in remote cities across Russia – it’s no wonder that travellers are captivated by the Trans-Siberian Railway . Embarking on a train journey from Moscow to Vladivostok or Beijing  requires good planning and a sense of adventure, and packing the right gear can make or break a trip. Here’s a handy guide to help you get started.

Advance planning

First things first: for all the romantic images associated with the Trans-Siberian Railway, it’s not a spontaneous hop-on/hop-off affair. You’ll need to decide your route, secure relevant visas, and buy tickets for each leg of the journey (either in situ or from your home country through an agency). The route from Moscow to Vladivostok requires only a Russian visa (apply at least one month in advance). Some nationalities will need a Mongolian visa for travel, and if you’re starting or finishing in Beijing you’ll almost certainly need a Chinese visa.

Unless you’re planning a non-stop journey, reserve accommodation anywhere you’re stopping along the way. In summer, popular Lake Baikal guesthouses may book up; in winter, some hotels shut down – either way, plan ahead.

Finally, get your head around the Cyrillic alphabet and Russia’s multiple time zones. Even if you don’t graduate to conversational Russian, the alphabet is essential to decipher train departure boards. Russian train tickets list your departure following Moscow time (even if you’re five hours ahead in Ulan-Ude ). Consider setting up a couple of clocks on the home screen of your phone or tablet, referencing a couple of time zones you’ll be crossing.

Hands-free luggage

If you’re able to carry gear on your back, a rucksack keeps your hands free to flash tickets and passport. Duffel bags and rucksacks are best for squashing into on-board luggage storage. If you must go with a roller suitcase, choose a slender, lightweight case – train corridors are narrow. There's little elbow room aboard the train to dig through your luggage, so organise essentials into a small rucksack for easy access: include your toothbrush, wet wipes (you'll need them), snacks and the paperwork for your trip.

Your ‘train uniform’

It's a good idea to pack a ‘train uniform’: light, comfortable clothing you can snooze in, but not so scruffy you’ll attract gasps in the dining carriage. Whatever the season, Trans-Siberian train carriages are often kept toasty warm – sometimes stiflingly so. Loose cotton slacks and a T-shirt are ideal, plus a light sweater or hoodie. And don’t forget flip-flops or slippers to wear aboard. Trust us, there’s nothing like stepping on the floor of a well-frequented 3rd-class toilet stall to make you want to burn your socks.

Gear for all seasons

Outside the train, think layers. Alongside a selection of T-shirts, jeans and undies bring a woollen base layer and thick socks – even in summer, the evenings can get chilly. Summer travellers stopping by Lake Baikal won’t want to forget insect repellent and a head net for lakeside hikes.

Be thoughtful when selecting your footwear. Comfortable, broken-in hiking boots will see you from city sightseeing to outdoor exploring. Resist the urge to weigh down your luggage with flashy shoes and your best threads. Outside Moscow there is less ‘face control’ (where door-staff admit or reject people based on their attire) and more casual bars that won’t balk at backpackers in jeans.

For a journey in winter, add a fleece, down-lined coat and/or ski jacket, leggings to layer under your jeans or even padded trousers (the kind suitable for winter sports). The winter chill is felt most painfully in your extremities, so don’t forget a hat and quality gloves. You might want to invest in ski gloves, designed to protect your digits down to -30C.

Keen photographers should consider buying ski gloves and separate merino glove liners. Wearing just the liners gives you enough dexterity to wield a camera and protects your hands for a few precious seconds while you point your lens at a snow-dusted cathedral.

Food and drink

The fountain of sustenance aboard your Trans-Siberian train is the samovar, a tureen brimming with hot drinkable water. With nowhere on the train to refrigerate food, pack snacks that only need hot water for preparation: pots of instant noodles, sachets of oatmeal and soup, and a treasure chest of tea bags and coffee. Anything perishable you’ll have to eat within the first few hours of your journey, before your cheese and yoghurt start sweating in the warm air.

Bring your own drinking vessel, ideally a reusable insulated cup with a fitted lid. You can borrow or buy mugs on board but they don’t have lids, which means a delicate samba back through the jolting train compartment as you attempt not to scald yourself.

Don’t try to cram your rucksack with food for the entire trip. There’s plenty of opportunity to restock at stops along the way, even if you’re travelling Moscow–Beijing in a single journey. Before disembarking, double-check the timetable (usually pasted by the carriage door) or ask your provodnitsa (carriage attendant) how long the train is pausing – watching your train rumble away is a heavy price to pay for instant noodles.

Vendors ply the station platforms with snacks (although there are fewer in winter) and shops inside train stations offer fresh food, dumplings, and samovar-friendly instant snacks. The usual street food rules apply: follow local norms (queues for cooked food are a good sign), choose peelable fruit, and beware unrefrigerated dairy. 

Snack trolleys on board can tide you over (although they’re comparatively expensive) and when you buy some train tickets, it's possible to package in meals, which are brought to your compartment. The quality varies and you’ll enjoy much more choice if you bring cash for a couple of meals in the dining carriage.

Travel apps and books

Travel apps can make on-board life even more rewarding. Download them before you go – there’s no on-board wi-fi. Google Translate has an offline translation function, just download the necessary languages. This is immensely useful when asking carriage attendants questions, ordering in the restaurant car, or making small-talk with fellow travellers. If time zones scramble your brain, keep track with an app like Time Zone Converter ; add your main stops for an at-a-glance guide. While some travellers bring a headlamp – especially useful in 3rd class at night – others use their phone’s in-built torch function or an app like Flashlight .

Download books to an e-reader or phone app before you travel, too. Good intentions to read  War and Peace  can get eroded by bleary-eyed 3am passport checks, so bring along your guiltiest literary pleasures: true crime, erotic sci-fi, there’s no judgement on a long-haul train. If you prefer not to stare at a screen, consider hostel book swaps along the way, to avoid hauling heavy paperbacks across the tundra.

Entertainment: ways to stay sane on the train

Feeling the strain of 15 hours spent staring at birch forests? These lightweight items will make your trip all the merrier.

Sleep kit Even if you aren’t a light sleeper, bring earplugs and eyeshades to guard against the bright beams of oncoming trains and snoring bunkmates.  Headphones Fellow passengers may be generous enough to share their taste in frenetic Russian pop music. Quality headphones can block it out where earplugs fail.  Knife and spork An all-purpose spork, ideally heatproof, will help you shovel down soups, slurp noodles and stir up drinks from the samovar. A small penknife is handy if you're making multiple stops and envisaging a lot of picnics.  Spare toilet roll You may not need it, but you’ll never regret squashing this into a corner of your rucksack.  Portable battery  First-class compartments have sockets (and they usually work), but in 2nd class and lower you may be competing with someone for use of the very few charging points in your carriage. Consider bringing a portable battery pack and don't forget a universal plug adapter.   Tipples to share  Yes the stories about sharing vodka with your bunk mates are true, and bringing a bottle is an easy way to make friends. If you don't drink alcohol, fruit tea bags are happily received, too.  Notepad Even if you don’t rate the quality of your scribbles, bring a notebook and pen. It’s a handy way to communicate with train staff or other travellers by doodling or jotting down numbers. And as miles of taiga unfurl, with lake-shore villages and turquoise-painted houses rushing past your window, thoughts may bloom in your mind that you’ll want to capture forever.

You might also like:

Female Solo Travel: taking the Trans-Siberian railway alone   Beyond the Trans-Siberian: travelling Russia's unexplored northwest by train   Russia for first-timers: dos and don’ts   The Siberian welcome: the best guides along the world’s longest train journey

Article first published in April 2015, and last updated by Anita Isalska in December 2019

This article was first published Apr 9, 2015 and updated Dec 15, 2019.

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• Great Russia by Train

12 days and 11 nights

• Trans-Siberian Express
• Schedule Tour can be started on any day
• Route Moscow - Irkutsk - Vladivostok
• Languages English-speaking guide is guaranteed. Other languages are on request.
• Accommodation The following hotel options are available: 3 stars
• PRIVATE TOUR This is a private tour, there won't be other people in your group
• Sightseeing

Moscow - Irkutsk - Vladivostok This tour will take you along the full route of the Trans-Siberian railway to 3 of Russia’s most interesting cities – Moscow with stunning Red Square, the Kremlin and Cathedrals, Irkutsk located in the heart of Siberia and home to the great Lake Baikal and Vladivostok – the King of the East with its harbor of the Golden Horm and Amursky Bay on the Pacific Ocean.

Day 1 Moscow

Moscow , the capital of the Russian Federation, is the starting point of your great Trans Siberian journey.

On arrival in Moscow, you will be met by our friendly representative who will escort you by car or mini bus to your hotel. On the way to the hotel, you will have the opportunity to get your first glimpse of this truly unique city.

Moscow is the capital and the largest city in Russia as well as the largest metropolitan area in Europe with a population well over 10 million. This amazing city has served as the capital of the Soviet Union, the Russian Empire and the Grand Duchy of Moscow. Moscow has had a tumultuous history dating back to medieval times when it was founded by Prince Yuri Dolgoruki (Yuri of the Long Arms, known for the length of his arms!) in the early 12th century. It has seen numerous invasions and sieges from the Mongols to the Poles and Lithuanians to the Crimean Tatars to Napoleon and finally the Nazi’s but it has persevered and today is a thriving metropolis. The city is filled with unique architecture from the Kremlin and Red Square to giant Stalin skyscrapers to new office blocks built during the economic boom of recent years and it contains a strikingly beautiful metro system. The city is the center of political as well as economic power in Russia and visitors can feel the energy in the streets. There is always something going on in Moscow and there is so much to see.

After breakfast at the hotel you will have some free time to become oriented. In the afternoon, you will check out of the hotel and meet with your guide. Your excursion program starts with a  city tour  by car or minibus.

On Panoramic City Tour , our professional guide will escort you on a route that includes  Vorobyevi Hills  where you will get an incredible view of the city from an observation point.  You will proceed to  Moscow State University  which is an example of architecture from the time of  Stalin  and one of Russia’s leading schools of higher education, then on to  Novodevichy Convent , Victory Park , the  Triumphal Arch and  Kutuzovsky Prospect.  You will get a chance to see from the outside, the Russian seat of power - the Kremlin and Red Square  and continue on to see much more of this storied city.

Departure by rail to Irkutsk .

Almost all the cities along the way date back to 11 th – 13 th centuries. The first city where the train will stop is  Vladimir , one of the cities comprising the  Golden Ring , famous for its history and beautiful gold-domed churches. The next city is  Nizhny Novgorod  with its stunning Kremlin set on the banks of the majestic  Volga river .

At night you will also pass the Vyatka River, the towns of Kotelnich, Vyatka and Balyezino and then arrive at the foot of the Ural Mountains. In the morning, the train will stop in  Perm , an old, Russian city known as a center of ballet and literature. It will then take about 6 hours to travel to  Yekaterinburg . The stop is 40 minutes.

On this part of your journey, you will travel through  Siberia  with its mighty taiga and rivers. The route to  Novosibirsk  has many stops in scenic small and large towns.  Tyumen , Russia’s oil capital, is the first. The next large city is  Omsk  – another major industrial center. Leaving behind the river Irtysh, you will continue passing through amazing natural surroundings. After crossing the bridge across the Ob River, you will soon arrive in  Novosibirsk . The stop is 22 minutes.

This part of Trans Siberian route is considered by many to be the most beautiful. You will understand why just by looking at a map of the region. You will spend almost a whole day on the train, passing the Kam, Chuna, Lya, Oka and Angara rivers. You will also pass the famous Yenisey river with the city of  Krasnoyarsk  settled on its picturesque banks. The stop is 20 minutes.

Day 6 Irkutsk

In the morning, your train arrives in Irkutsk  where our representatives will meet and take you to  Lake Baikal , the largest body of fresh water on earth. On the way from Irkutsk, we will make a stop at the  Ethnographical museum “Taltsy”  consisting of examples of Siberian wooden houses from the past centuries.

We will also make a stop to see the lake from the  “Cherskiy Peak” observation point . On arrival to a hotel we will have lunch (optional). This is not the end of the day; we will also visit the  Limnological museum , where exhibits of the unique fauna and flora that surround the lake are displayed. There is also an aquarium where you can see different species of local fish and the Baikal nerpa – the earth’s only fresh water seal. And we will visit the functioning  St. Nicolas the Miracle-Worker Orthodox Church .

Lake Baikal  is the largest freshwater lake in the world with an average depth of 744.4 m (2,442 ft) and contains roughly 20 percent of the world´s surface fresh water. The body of water is also known as the “Baikal Sea” and the "Pearl of Siberia". At 1,642 meters (5,390 ft) Lake Baikal is the deepest, and among the clearest lakes in the world. At more than 25 million years old, Baikal is also the world´s oldest lake. Baikal is home to more than 1,700 species of plants and animals, two thirds of which can be found nowhere else in the world and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. It is also home to the Buryat people who follow the Tibetan Buddhist religion and reside on the eastern side of the lake rearing goat, camel, cattle and sheep.

After breakfast you will travel by comfortable car or mini bus to  Irkutsk  where you will drop off your luggage in the luggage room of a hotel and continue on with your tour.

After this you will be taken on a  city tour . The tour includes a visit to the  Cathedral of the Holy Sign (Znamensky Cathedral) . Apart from ornate and rich iconostasis, the cathedral is famous for its graveyard where you will see the graves of the  Decembrists  Mukhanov, Beschasnov, Trubetskoy and the Russian Columbus Shelekhov. We will then proceed to the  Museum of the Decembrists . The museum is housed in a mansion belonging to one of the leaders of Decembrist Revolt. The Decembrists were Russian aristocracy who were banished to Siberia after their ill-fated attempt in December 1825 to overthrow the Russian Tsar in favor of a Constitutional regime. The museum evokes the period of 18th century Russia.

Irkutsk  began as a small settlement in the mid 17th century for gold-trading and for the collection of the fur tax from the Buryats (the local inhabitants of the area). The settlement officially became a town in 1686 and the first road between Moscow and the new city was built in 1760. With the road construction, many new products, often imported from China, were widely available in Irkutsk for the first time including gold, diamonds, furs, wood, silk and tea. In 1821, Irkutsk became the seat of the Governor-General of East Siberia. In the early 19th century, many Russian officers and nobles were sent into exile in Irkutsk for their part in the Decembrist revolt against Tsar Nicholas I. Due to this influx of individuals from St. Petersburg, Irkutsk became the Siberian center of intellectual and cultural life. By 1900, the city had earned the nickname “The Paris of Siberia.” Today Irkutsk has become a college town with many young people studying at the university and other institutes of higher education in the city.

After breakfast you will be taken to the train station to continue your journey. The train leaves at 7:56.

The journey from Irkutsk to Khabarovsk will be longer than the other legs of your trip, more than 2 days. So, make yourself at home in your compartment. The scenery outside your window is quite repetitive - the endless Siberian taiga, rivers and lakes but this intense nature is now very close – you honestly will really begin to feel the massive scale of Siberia. The 20-25 minute station stops are a good time to replenish your supplies.

After Khabarovsk, it will take approximately 13 hours to reach Vladivostok - the Lord of the East. The route will take you very near the Chinese border and the Ussuri River. On the left side of the train, you can admire the Pacific as it appears from time to time and feel the fresh and salty wind as you get closer to Vladivostok.

Day 11 Vladivostok

On arrival at the Pacific Coast city of  Vladivostok , you will be met at the train station by our representative and will be taken by car or mini bus to your hotel. The expedition to discover the  "Lord of the East"  now begins.

Vladivostok  Russia’s largest port city on the Pacific Ocean is situated at the head of the Golden Horn Bay and near the border of China and North Korea. The city is home to the Russian Pacific Fleet. The territory on which modern Vladivostok is located has been part of many nations, including the Mongol Empire and China and in the past was populated by Chinese, Manchu and Koreans. Russia acquired the region in 1858 at the end of China’s Opium War with Britain. The naval outpost was founded in 1859 by Count Nikolay Muravyov Amursky who named it Vladivostok, translated as “Lord of the East.” An elaborate system of fortifications was erected between the 1870s and 1890s and a telegraph line from Vladivostok to Shanghai and Nagasaki was opened in 1871. The city´s economy was given a boost in 1903, with the completion of the Trans-Siberian Railway. The city was fiercely fought over during the Russian Civil War but finally taken by the Red Army in October 1922. This battle marked the end of the Russian Civil War and consolidation of power by the Soviets. Since that time, Vladivostok has been Russia’s main cultural, trade and militarily important city on the Pacific Coast.

Breakfast at the hotel

After the breakfast, get ready for the  city tour . During this panoramic tour of Vladivostok, you will see all the main attractions and highlights of the city: the  Vladivostok Railway Station  – terminus of the Trans-Siberian railroad, the  S-56 submarine  on the harbor embankment and the area on which the city was founded 142 years ago. You will also visit the highly regarded  Arseniev Museum  to view exhibits of the region’s rich treasures of flora and fauna as well as the culture and history of the Vladivostok area.

After the tour, you will be taken to the airport. This ends your Trans-Siberian journey. We hope that you had a wonderful time and we look forward to welcoming you back to Russia sometime in the future!

Included Sightseeing

These sights are included into the standard package:

The foundation stone of the station was laid by the architect Bazilevsky in 1891 in the presence of Crown Prince Nicholas, future Emperor Nicholas II. In 1893, the station was officially opened and trains on Vladivostok - Ussuriysk route were launched. In 1910-12 Yaroslavsky Railway Station in Moscow was built, and it was decided to rebuild Vladivostok station in similar style so as to created architecturally completed stations on both ends of Trans-Siberian Railway. There were several more changes in the ensemble in the course of the 20th century, and finally in 1994-1996 the station was restored to the original pre-Revolutionary look.

Arseniev Museum was founded in 1884 and opened to the public in 1890. It belonged to the Society of Study of the Amur region. Major part of the collection was formed in the XIX century and it consists of ethnographic and archaeological exhibits. Today the museum is a large-scale exhibition space where traditional and new museum technologies co-exist. The museum building is located in the heart of the city and is a monument of town-planning architecture of the early XX century.

This architectural and ethnographic museum opened its doors to the public in 1980. On the territory of 67 hectares there are over 40 architectural monuments (fortress wall, churches, barns, water mills, parish school, peasant houses) and over 8,000 exhibits that tell about life in the Siberian villages XVII-XIX centuries. The museum often hosts folk festivals, and is also often used by filmmakers because of its authentic look.

The museum is housed in a mansion belonging to one of the leaders of Decembrist revolutionaries - these were Russian aristocracy who were banished to Siberia after their ill-fated attempt in December 1825 to overthrow the Russian Tsar in favor of a Constitutional regime. The museum is truly evocative of 19th century Russia.

Apart from ornate and rich iconostasis, the cathedral is famous for its graveyard containing the graves of the Decembrists Mukhanov, Beschasnov, Trubetskaya and the Russian Columbus Shelekhov.

Major Moscow highlights include: Vorobyevi Hills with an incredible view of the city from an observation point; Moscow State University which is an example of architecture from the time of Stalin; Novodevichiy Convent, the Diplomatic Village, Victory Park, the Triumphal Arch, Kutuzovsky Prospect, the Arbat and much more.

Listvyanka is a small settlement located on the shore of Lake Baikal. On the way from Irkutsk to Listvyanka there are 3 places of interest. The first is the obo - a sacred place for the local Buryat people. The second is Taltsy - an open air Museum of Russian Wooden Architecture. The third is the famous Shaman Rock (another sacred site) located on the headwaters of the Angara river. Listvyanka is also home to the Church of Saint Nicolas the Wonderworker - the guardian angel of travelers, and the Baikal Ecology Museum with exhibits of the unique fauna and flora that surround the lake. There is also an aquarium which contains different species of local fish and the Baikal nerpa - the earth's only fresh water seal.

Prices and Terms

Prices are per person based on double occupancy in a specific hotel. If you travel in a group but decide to stay in a single room, please add the single supplement to the price. We offer discounts for groups of 7 or more. To inquire about group rates, please contact us.

Please note:

Train fares and schedules are subject to change without notice and the program may be slightly changed in this event. However, this will not influence the quality of the services and we will do our best to make your trip unforgettable!

Regular trains are used for these tours. On these trains, there is no WC your individual cabins and no shower on board. A different train is used for each leg of your journey. There is no guide accompanying you during your time on the train. A new guide will meet you by the train on arrival in each city and they will  accompany you back to the train station on the last day in that particular city.

Every effort will be made to adhere to tour pricing, however, currency fluctuation is beyond our control and may affect final costs.

Prices include:

• Transfers airport to hotel / hotel to airport or train station to hotel / hotel to train station;
• Train tickets 1st (2-berth compartment*) or 2nd class (4-berth compartment);**
• Russian visa invitation (single entry).
• Bilingual guide for all programs (Russian/English);
• Accommodation in 3 star hotesl, DBL, B&B;
• Excursions according to programs;
• Entrance tickets to museums.;
• Free visa invitation - the document necessary for obtaining a Russian visa when applying for one at the local Russian Consulate in your country. PLEASE NOTE: your passport should be valid for no less than 6 months after the planned departure from Russia and it should have at least 2 blank pages. The process of applying for a visa may take a long time and we recommend that you start the process 3 months before your trip. In case you are booking the trip last minute, we recommend that you check with the Russian Consulate in your country to determine if you have enough time for the visa application process. In case you have to cancel your trip because of visa issues, our standard cancellation policy will be applied.

Single compartment in the train is available on request

Not included:

• Meals and snacks not listed in the program or listed as “optional”;
• Visa fees levied by the Russian, Mongolian and/or Chinese Embassies. For US, UK and Canadian citizens, our company offers Full Visa Support . With Full Visa Support, you send your passport and other documentation to us or our visa agent and we obtain the Russian visa for you.
• International airfare. Our Russian tours are offered as land only.  Please arrange your own airfare and we will meet you at the airport and handle everything else on the ground in Russia.
• Fee for oversized and overweight luggage;
• Travel insurance. We highly recommend to purchase travel insurance before embarking on your trip to Russia. It’s always good to have extra protection while traveling far from home. Click here to learn more.

Payment policy:

To book a tour, a 30% deposit is required at the time of booking. The trip must be fully paid 61 days before departure.

Cancellation policy:

• 61 or more days before departure - a fee equal to 15% of the entire package will be charged.
• 60-15 days before departure - a fee equal to 30% of the entire package will be charged.
• 14 days or less before departure or no-show - a fee equal to 100% of the package will be charged.

Our travel brands include

Express to Russia

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The Man in Seat 61

A beginner's guide to

Train travel in russia.

• Buy train tickets
• Buy ferry tickets
• Book a hotel
• Privacy & cookies
•   Home

Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, times, fares & tickets in russia....

The Russian rail system is one of the largest in the world, and trains serve almost every town and city in Russia.  Train travel is a safe, comfortable and inexpensive way to get around.  In fact, it can be safer to use Russian trains than internal flights!  It will certainly be cheaper and far more interesting.  This page will help you understand Russian train system, choose the right train & on-board accommodation for you, and buy your train tickets securely online from a reputable source.

IMPORTANT UPDATE:  The Foreign Office now advises against all travel to Russia because of the war between Russia & Ukraine, see www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/russia .  I have left this page as is, but Real Russia is no longer trading because of sanctions and the Russian Railways website www.rzd.ru is currently unreachable.

On other pages

How to check russian train times & fares, booking tips, moscow to st petersburg by train :  a quick guide....

Traveller Ian Newberry reports:   "on May 19 I travelled from Moscow to St Petersburg on high-speed Sapsan train 156 leaving at 13.00.  Departure was punctual and the staff greeting passengers could not have been better - they all speak English as well as Russian.  The service on the train was extremely good and in business class a full 3 course meal was served with wines and spirits all included in the price of the ticket.  Information was supplied through screens and announcements in English as well as Russian. The train is very comfortable and arrived 5 minutes ahead of schedule at 17.40.  If one wants to avoid a night train then this is a very civilised way to travel, on a par with any equivalent TGV or ICE available in western Europe."

Moscow to St Petersburg option 1:  By Sapsan high-speed train in 3h55

All baggage is X-rayed before you board a Sapsan, so arrive in good time for your train...

Moscow to St Petersburg option 2:  By sleeper train, including the famous Krasnaya Strela (Red Arrow)

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Buy tickets online from Real Russia

You can buy tickets online in plain English from www.trains.realrussia.co.uk , with good after-sales service if you need it.  This system is good for checking Russian train times, too, even if you plan to buy tickets at the ticket office.  You can use it to buy Russian train tickets wherever you live in the world.  If you live in the UK they can also sort your Russian visa & visa support .

Which tickets can Real Russia sell?   They sell tickets for any mainline train journey within Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Estonia, Belarus, Lithuania, Kazakhstan and the other ex-Soviet states, also for international journeys to or from those countries, for example Moscow to Berlin or St Petersburg to Helsinki, and also for Russian sleeping-car services within Europe, for example Paris-Moscow, Paris-Berlin or Budapest-Sofia. 

Reservations officially open 60 days before departure, but Real Russia allow you to request tickets up to 180 days ahead and they will contact you for payment when the price is confirmed.

Can anyone buy tickets using this system?   Yes, you can buy tickets online with a credit card whether you live in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, or wherever.

How are tickets delivered?   If your train is e-ticketable, an e-ticket will be emailed to you.  If it's not, tickets can be collected free of charge at Real Russia's offices in Moscow or St Petersburg or they can be sent to any address worldwide.  Postage to a UK or EU address costs around £12-£15.

Who run this service?   Is it reliable?   This service is provided by Real Russia, a reputable joint UK-Russian company which has got very good reports from users.  Real Russia can also sort out your Russian visa & if necessary, Belarusian visa .

Booking tips :  Look for a train marked Firm if there is one. Firmeny trains are the best 'quality' trains, with modern coaches and good on-board service.  'TBC' means the system cannot provide a price for that particular train automatically, but they'll contact you with a cost by phone or email.  Note that even babies & infants need to have a ticket booked for them, even though they travel for free.

Buy tickets online at rzd.ru

You can also now buy Russian train tickets direct from Russian Railways at www.rzd.ru which now has an English version.  It's a bit fiddly and not as user-friendly as Real Russia, but there are no fees and it does work if you persevere.  It accepts some overseas credit cards, though not all.  It may currently reject US-issued cards, though perhaps not all.

How to buy tickets at the station

Other agencies who can arrange russian train tickets, svezhy veter - www.svezhyveter.ru/sv/rutrains.htm, way to russia - www.waytorussia.net, what are the trains like , the three types of train, the three classes of accommodation, life on board russian trains.

Whichever class of travel you choose, each coach is looked after by a pair of attendants called a 'provodnik' (male) or 'provodnitsa' (female).  The provodnik will check your ticket at the door to the sleeper when you board.  Shortly after departure, the provodnik will come round to take your ticket and the small bedding fee (less than £1).  You may be asked if you would like a glass of black Russian tea ('chai') - this costs about 15p.  Bedding (two sheets, pillowcase and towel) is then handed out in sealed packs - blankets and mattresses will already be stacked in your compartment.  After a few journeys, you will become quite proficient at making up your bed!

A samovar with unlimited free hot water is available at the end of the corridor - pack some tea or coffee, sugar, cuppa soups or water-based drinking chocolate and bring your own mug.   Most long distance trains have a restaurant car serving drinks, snacks, and inexpensive full meals - reckon on less than £7 for two courses and a couple of bottles of beer.

Security.  Are Russian trains safe for families or single women?

Yes!  There is no need to worry unduly about security on Russian trains, even for families or women travelling alone. How do you think Russian families or solo women travel?  By train, of course, like everyone else!   Just use common sense as you would in a hotel, locking your door at night and not leaving valuables unattended in your compartment.  In addition to the normal lock on the compartment door, 'Spalny Wagon' and 'kupé' compartments have a security latch which stops the door opening more than an inch or two, and which cannot be released from outside.  There's also a safe place for your bags at night - if you have a bottom bunk, there is a metal box underneath the bunk which you can only get to by lifting up the bunk - in other words, for anyone to get to your bags, they will have to shift you off your bunk first..!  Your provodniks will probably also lock the access doors at each end of the corridor at night to prevent unwanted guests.  Men and women share the same compartments in Russia, but it's generally quite safe for women travelling alone.  If you're a woman and find yourself in sharing with three men that make you uncomfortable, just ask the provodniks (carriage attendants) if they can move you.

European Rail Timetable & maps

Rail Map Europe is the map I recommend, covering all of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow & Istanbul in the east, Finland in the north to Sicily & Athens in the south.  Scenic routes & high-speed lines are highlighted.  See an extract from the map .  Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide) or at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses).

Recommended guidebooks

Click the images to buy the book from amazon.co.uk, hotels in moscow & russia, backpacker hostels.

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.

Travel insurance & VPN

Always take out travel insurance.

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here .  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  There's no need to buy a physical SIM card!  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I also get some commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone.  You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or Buy from Amazon.com .

Touring cities?  Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa.  They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities.  My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

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Raising a glass to Portugal’s best wine regions

The Trans-Siberian Railway is a 5,772-mile railway line connecting Russia’s capital city Moscow  with the port city of Vladivostok in the far east of the country. Spanning eight time-zones, it takes a full seven days to complete the train journey from Moscow to Vladivostok without stops. It remains today, the longest railway line in the world.

Once hailed “the fairest jewel in the crown of the Tsars”, people from all over the world have embarked on this famous train journey and continue to do so. Perhaps, it is a longing for times past, or perhaps it’s a curiosity towards a wonder of engineering, a staggering symbol of man’s triumph over nature. One thing remains certain – like no other, the Trans-Siberian merges a romantic notion of travel with extraordinary landscapes and experiences into the journey of a lifetime.

To give you the ins and outs of this alluring adventure, we’ve teamed up with Phebe Bay from The Travelling Squid , who shares learnings from her own trip aboard the Trans-Siberian along with plenty of essential tips for when it comes to planning.  

A symbol of hope and a common identity

Local couple in Inner Mongolia – the autonomous region in north of China where the train passes through

While the Trans-Siberian was built for a practical reason – a means of transporting goods across Russia – it has become more than just a transport locomotive. Amidst the harsh winters, Siberia is often associated with incredible beauty. The Trans-Siberian offers those living in the small towns along the railway a connection to the rest of Russia, the largest country in the world. It is a symbol of hope, and, perhaps, a common identity.

There are two other lines which branch from the Trans-Siberian; the Trans-Manchurian and the Trans-Mongolian. Instead of passing through Russian territory for the entire journey, the Trans-Manchurian branches out to Chinese cities such as Harbin and Changchun, while the Trans-Mongolian passes through Mongolian border towns and Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia.

If you are into dramatic changes in scenery, from snow-covered hills to vast stretches of plains, take the Trans-Mongolian route, which starts from Moscow, passes through Ulaanbaatar, and then carries on to Beijing . The scenery from Russia to Mongolia and then on to China changes drastically, making the train ride very interesting.

When to go and how to plan an itinerary

Beautiful view of Olkhon Island on Lake Baikal

Planning for a Trans-Siberian trip can be a mind-boggling exercise as there are many aspects to consider. One useful resource is website  Seat 61 , offering detailed information and advice with regards to purchasing tickets and itinerary planning.

Eastbound or westbound?

The suggested direction of the train would depend on whether you are planning to stay and visit Moscow or Beijing after the train ride. There is a sense of romanticism to traveling eastbound, as it is possible to get connecting trains from major European cities into Moscow. Being the more popular route, you might be able to meet like-minded travelers along the way.

Stops along the way

Statue of Vladimir Lenin’s Head in Ulan Ude

A two-week trip is sufficient if you are looking to make just one stop midway through the journey, and spend some days in both Moscow and Beijing. A suggested stop midway would be the  Russian city of Irkutsk . It is the nearest city to view  Lake Baikal , the largest freshwater lake in the world. When you are there, be sure to try local fish (omul) on sale at the nearby market, freshly caught from the lake.

Travelers are also encouraged to stop by Ulaanbaatar, should they wish to experience nomadic life. From Ulaanbaatar, it is possible to get transportation to the suburbs, for overnight stays in a Mongolian ger (traditional portable home, which are round tents covered in animal skin or cloth for insulation). Bring lots of warm clothing as it can get very cold at night.

For another stop on the journey, Ulan-Ude is located 62 miles south-east of Lake Baikal and is the capital city of the Republic of Buryatia, Russia. The most famous sight in the city is the bronze statue featuring the head of Vladimir Lenin. It is said to be the largest of its kind in the world. The architecture in Ulan-Ude is generally interesting due to both Russian and Mongolian influences.

The best time to visit

It depends on the type of landscape and scenery you are looking for – a popular time to go would be during the summer months between May and August. There will be a variety of landscapes to look out for, such as the rolling hills of Mongolia and the coniferous forests of Siberia. If you are into snow-covered winter landscapes, visit during the winter months between November and February.

Now, let’s get practical

Provodnitsas – train attendants in front of the Trans-Siberian train

Booking tickets can be a bit tricky. There is not one specific Trans-Siberian Express but many domestic ones as well as a few international trains crossing the borders to Mongolia and China. If you are planning to make a lot of stopovers, it might be cheaper to book smaller but slower domestic trains on the route. If you, however, are planning to spend a few days on the train there is an option of taking the Rossiya from Moscow to Vladivostok – a more comfortable and quicker train that only stops at bigger stations.

Tickets are most affordable when purchased through the Russian Railways official site . It takes a fair bit of linguistic finesse, as most of the crucial information is in Russian, but, as always, Google is there to help you. From Moscow to Irkutsk, it will cost around $350 for a second-class berth – in a compartment of 4 sleeper berths. Third-class tickets cost about $160, which is very affordable given the three-day ride. Just note that the system only allows you to book seats 60 days in advance.

A caveat is that booking tickets via the Russian Railways site can be a tad frustrating and certain credit cards are not accepted. Should you face issues, you could consider booking the tickets through a travel agency. If you’re pressed for time or are planning to make multiple stops along the way, an online travel agency could also help make all the necessary bookings for you. Do note that there will be a markup of about 15% – 20% on the price, should you choose this option. Apart from Real Russia, Seat 61 recommends a number of Russian online travel agencies – do check them out.

If you are on a really tight budget, it is possible to spend less than $610 on the train ride, if you go for third-class tickets and avoid dining at the restaurant car on the train. Doing so means that you have to stock up your own food before the trip, or hop off the train at major stops to purchase food before the train leaves. Hot water is provided on the train.

If you prefer more privacy and comfort, be prepared to spend slightly more than $1000 on the train ride. Such a budget gives you the option of visiting the restaurant cart from time to time, where one meal can set you back $25 per person. There is a plus when you travel in second-class, or the ‘compartment class’. The ticket is slightly more expensive, but you get a compartment to yourself if you travel in groups of four – great for privacy and security.

Note that the Russian ruble is a restricted currency, and it is not possible to get rubles outside of Russia. But there are several exchange offices and ATMs at the Sheremetyevo International Airport. It will be useful to bring some USD or EUR with you, as they are readily accepted by major exchange offices. Small-denomination notes in these currencies will be useful as contingencies.

Seat selection

Local passengers playing cards on the train

For seat selection, it is suggested that you get both a lower and upper berth seat if you are travelling in pairs. The lower berth seats are for resting during the day, and you get a good view of the scenery outside. Should you get upper berth seats only, you might have to ask for permission to sit on someone else’s lower berth seat during the day. Most importantly, avoid selecting seats too close to the toilet. You know why.

One of the main reasons to go on this journey is the people you meet on your way. If you’re up for a local experience, travel on third-class. That’s where you’ll find most Russians, and, if you’re lucky, their children, who can be a breath of fresh air on a journey this long. On the Mongolia to Beijing leg, you may meet Chinese businessmen heading back to China from Ulaanbaatar. The train company typically groups travellers together, increasing the chances of you meeting like-minded folks.

Traditional wooden house in Irkutsk

Getting a Russian Tourist visa is probably the most tricky of the three countries. Before applying for one, you will need a visa support (tourist confirmation) letter. This is a letter from a Russian travel agency or a hotel which has the license to invite foreign tourists to Russia. Do note that this document is essential in the visa application process. It is not the same as a hotel booking confirmation. Note that some hotels may not be licensed to issue such documents. You can still stay at these hotels, by getting a visa support (tourist confirmation) letter from an online travel agency like Real Russia .

Chinese visas are required for citizens of most nationalities including the UK. You can refer to the Chinese visa guide for more information. For Mongolian visas, a visa is required for UK citizens. Visit the Real Russia site to find out more on the requirements by selecting your nationality.

It is generally safe to travel on the Trans-Siberian. However, it’s advisable to travel in pairs and to purchase a second-class ticket, which gets you a berth in a compartment of four with doors that can be locked from the inside, for added safety. Drinking does occur among passengers, but should you ever feel uncomfortable, do not hesitate to inform the staff, who might be able to move you to another compartment based on availability. You’re a smart traveler, but just a reminder: always keep your valuable belongings right next to you when you sleep.

Essentials to bring on the train

Stock up on snacks on the platform on one of the stops

The absolute essentials for you to bring on the train ride would be toilet paper and wet wipes. It is essential not just for hygiene purposes, but for wiping and keeping the area around you clean after meals. Earplugs and an eye mask are a must, should you happen to be sleeping near a crying baby (that happens), or just feel like taking a nap in the middle of the day (that also happens).

The toilets are basic and come with a sink. There is no soap available so you’ll have to bring your own. Note that there are no shower facilities for the second and third-class trains, in which case the wet wipes come in very handy. Also, bear in mind that the train’s toilets are best used after a stop at a major station, where they are cleaned. Remember, it’s all an adventure.

Second-class berths come with bedding but do bring a sleeping bag if you prefer. Should you plan to stock up on your own food on the train, remember to bring along a can opener and a pair of scissors for opening food packages. There’s nothing worse than being hungry and not able to open your food.

Of course, a good camera is always a good idea when traveling. Additionally, bring along a flashlight for the dark nights as well as an iPad and a good book  for entertainment.

Food options

Experience Russian food in the second-class dining car

The restaurant car changes at various legs of the trip. For instance, the restaurant car at the Chinese leg serves simple Chinese food, such as steamed rice, cabbage, celery, and chicken. Some quality trains, such as the Rossiya, offer tickets with or without ‘services’. ‘With services’ just means that one or more cooked meals is included in the price, either served in your compartment or eaten in the restaurant car. Other meals you’ll need to pay for in the restaurant or bring your own supplies.

The Russian restaurant car serves a wider variety of food, such as fried potatoes, soup, and dumplings. You can get snacks such as chocolate, potato chips, and instant pasta, but that is sold at a premium. The bar sells beer and Russian vodka as well, but the prices are steep, hence it may be a good idea to stock up on some food of your own.

Some suggested food to bring on board include snacks, tea/coffee bags, instant noodles, a loaf of bread, and most importantly canned food. You may be surprised at how delicious canned food can taste on the train. It bears some resemblance to a proper meal and can be great spread on bread. Do remember to bring along disposable cutlery, and a mug for hot tea on a cold night.

The journey of a lifetime

Landscapes seen from the train between Irkutsk and Ulan Ude

From the rolling Mongolian plains to the icy snow-capped peaks of Siberia, the Trans-Siberian Railway offers a lot of promise. But the Trans-Siberian isn’t just about the scenery. A large part of the journey is about living on the train – sleeping, eating, reading, and, perhaps, dreaming of a hot shower and a home-cooked meal. As the old saying goes, “Life is a journey, not a destination”. The Trans-Siberian is a way of slowing down, enjoying the moment, taking a chance on life and its unpredictability instead of rushing to the finish line. It is a good way of getting to know the world around you, and an even better way to learn about yourself. The Trans-Siberian is not for tourists or destination seekers. But if you have an urge to go on an adventure, coupled with a thirst for self-discovery, this is the trip for you.

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Trans-Siberian Winter Fairytale

Duration 16 days

Price from USD $4,390 ? Currency Conversion Converted from USD based on the latest exchange rate. Final amount and payment will be in USD. Final conversion rate is determined by your bank.

Trip Style Trans-Siberian

Time of year Feb - March

Home / Russia Winter Tours / Trans-Siberian Winter Fairytale

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In Russia, life is as vibrant in winter as it is all year round. Explore Russia's Golden Ring city - Suzdal, which features dozens of exceptional architectural monuments, including Russia’s iconic onion domes. Go on a troika sleigh ride or stroll through a snow forest under the winter morning sun. Sleep snugly on the Tsar’s Gold, your heated private train, on this 13-day private journey from Moscow to Ulan Bator via Lake Baikal!

Trans-Siberian Winter Fairytale tour highlights:

• Explore Russia and Mongolia in a fairy-tale setting and experience a very special night in a Mongolian yurt
• Marvel at rare Russian architecture and the impressive landscapes of Siberia
• Enjoy the indescribable atmosphere and views of Lake Baikal in the winter. Take a stroll and a snowmobile or dog sled ride on frozen Lake Baikal
• Explore some of the most essential Trans-Siberian destinations
• Get insight into the rich tapestry of local culture, heritage and history
• Warm-up in a real banya , a traditional Russian sauna
• Enjoy traditional regional food, including dinner with a Russian family. Also keep warm with a proper vodka tasting on board, with typical Russian snacks and authentic toasts

Accomodation

Moscow / Ulan-Bator

Ulan-Bator / Moscow

Tsars Gold private train

Trans-Siberian

Action rating ?

Type of tour

16 days / 15 nights

Guaranteed Departures

DAY 1 Moscow

It’s a beautiful winter’s day in Moscow, where you are transported from the airport to your first-class hotel in the city centre. That evening, you take a stroll through the city and feast your eyes on the stunning illuminations of Red Square before enjoying a dinner at the hotel.

DAY 2 Moscow

Your second day in Moscow starts off with a panoramic city tour , where you experience this metropolis from end to end—enjoying its mix of traditional golden domes and modern skyscrapers. Later you have lunch in a Russian history-themed restaurant before you board your private train to continue your unforgettable journey.

DAY 3 Suzdal

After breakfast, you arrive in Vladimir where you take a bus to Suzdal, one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Russia’s Golden Ring (a group of historic, ancient towns). There, you see the Suzdal Kremlin , the Cathedral of the Nativity and the Monastery of Saint Euthymius , a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Around noon, you return to your private train and travel east through the vast plains of old Russia, crossing the Volga and Kama Rivers before climbing the Ural Mountains—usually covered in massive deposits of snow this time of year.

Later on board, you enjoy talks about the Cossack conquest of Siberia, Russian life in winter, and the last of the Tsars.

DAY 4 Yekaterinburg

Today you stop for a city tour in Yekaterinburg , where Tsar Nicholas II and his family were assassinated in 1918. The Cathedral of All Saints is a memorial to their murder and a part of your tour. Later you board your private train once again and continue through western Siberia.

DAY 5 Onboard

Your private train continues through the endless, snow-covered Siberian wilderness. You become familiar with the lesser-known Russian dining and drinking customs with a delicious vodka tasting on board.

DAY 6 Krasnoyarsk

In the morning, you reach Krasnoyarsk. During an informative city tour , you learn revealing facts and stories about the city’s history. As you stroll through the city’s old and new streets, you walk through Peace Square, enjoy views of the Yenisei River, and visit the Paraskeva Pyatnitsa Chapel.

DAY 7 Irkutsk and Listvyanka

Today you reach Irkutsk, one of the largest cities of eastern Siberia. On your guided city tour , you see the Ethnology Museum, the Trans-Siberian monument, the Drama Theater and a bustling market hall. Your city tour continues to one of the largest monasteries in eastern Siberia and to the Europe House.

That evening you reach the Baikal town of Listvyanka and have the opportunity to enjoy the warmth of a real Russian banya (sauna).

DAY 8 Lake Baikal

Today you take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage and a dog sled on frozen Lake Baikal. You also have the opportunity to get a panoramic view from the sky in a ski lift (during business hours). You enjoy a delicious Russian dinner with a local family. Also on the agenda is a visit to the Baikalian Research Center, where you learn about studies being conducted on the lake. In the evening, your private train departs from Irkutsk

DAY 9 Onboard

Today, your private train arrives at the original track of the Trans-Siberian Railroad. For several hours, you travel along the coast of the lake and have the opportunity to take a walk on its frozen surface. Later, you enjoy a short presentation about the area.

DAY 10 Ulan-Ude

You continue on your way through the steppes of eastern Siberia—through the gorgeous, snow-covered Selenga Valley. You make a stopover in Ulan-Ude where you tour the city , then continue on to the Russia–Mongolia border, where border checkpoint formalities take place.

DAY 11 Mongolia

In the morning, you reach Ulan Bator . Here, you can spend the night in either a hotel or in a heated nomadic felt tent outdoors in the near-freezing wilderness—an extraordinary experience! In the afternoon, you visit the Mongolian National History Museum .

Later, if you choose to stay overnight in the hotel, you have the opportunity to watch a traditional folk performance , which features throat singing, costumes, dances and the horse head fiddle—the morin khuur, a symbol of the Mongolian nation (entrance fee payable on-site).

If you decide to spend the night in a traditional tent (requested in advance), you enjoy Mongolian folk tales by the campfire.

DAY 12 Ulan-Bator

Today, you see the Gandan Monastery and the otherworldly Choijin Lama Temple—a unique example of worldwide Buddhist architecture. In the afternoon, you visit with a cattle breeder family at the edge of the city.

DAY 13 Departure

Today is the last day of your winter’s tale on the Trans-Siberian Railroad. On your way to the airport, you reflect on your magical journey through Russia and Mongolia and all the great memories you have made.

*** If you would like your winter’s fairytale to continue on from Ulan Bator, you can board the regular train to Beijing on the morning of the thirteenth day. The Chinese train to Beijing takes you on a scenic ride through the Gobi Desert and the Mongolian Steppes over the course of about 35 hours and your last night on the train.

DAY 14 Beijing extension*

In the afternoon, your train pulls into Beijing, where shuttle service brings you to your first-class hotel. After making yourself comfortable, you have time to explore China’s capital on your own.

DAY 15 Beijing extension*

Today, you enjoy a thorough guided tour of the Forbidden City and a sightseeing tour that includes the Temple of Heaven. That evening, you dine well at one of the capital’s top-ranking restaurants for the city’s most famous dish—Peking Duck.

DAY 16 Departure

After sixteen days through a winter wonderland on the Tsar’s Gold private train, your journey has come to an end. The sights you have seen and the things you have learned will stay with you forever. 

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Accommodation on the private train in the chosen cabin category

1 night in Moscow in 5* hotel

1 night in a mid-range hotel in Listvyanka

1 night in Ulan Bator in a centrally located mid-range hotel

All transportation according to the itinerary

Doctor on board (Moscow to Ulan Bator)

Experienced tour manager throughout the journey from Moscow to Ulan Bator

All excursions and sightseeing with local English-speaking guides for groups of 6 or more

All meals according to the itinerary

Vodka tasting with classic Russian snacks and toasts

Snowmobile or dog sled ride on frozen Lake Baikal

Travel insurance

Russian visa and visa fees. *Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for concierge visa service  here .

Optional excursions

Individual transfers

Moscow / Ulan-Bator to Ulan-Bator / Moscow

*Price per person, based on share cabin

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From USD $4,390

DAY 1: Moscow

Day 2: moscow, day 3: suzdal, day 4: yekaterinburg, day 5: onboard, day 6: krasnoyarsk, day 7: irkutsk and listvyanka, day 8: lake baikal, day 9: onboard, day 10: ulan-ude, day 11: mongolia, day 12: ulan-bator, day 13: departure, day 14: beijing extension*, day 15: beijing extension*, day 16: departure, not included, start planning your tour.

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