Long distance train travel across Russia, and the Trans-Siberian, can be a daunting prospect, whether it’s the language barrier, the cultural barrier or the potentially complex nature of ordering the tickets. Our guide is designed to answer all the frequently asked travel questions to help make the process that bit simpler.
We also have a handy Trans-Siberian guide with help and advice on packing for your Trans-Siberian trip, choosing the best route, as well as guides to specific trains, and previous customer experiences.
Should you need help purchasing your tickets you can also visit our guide to buying Russian train tickets
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, or have experiences you think would help other travellers, feel free to contact us.
Millions of people travel across Russia, China and Mongolia safely every year, locals and tourists alike. In many ways, the Trans-Siberian trains are some of the safest trains to travel on.
Trains can vary a lot based on the class you are travelling, the age of the train, and the train provider. Each train has its own style and quirks that become part of the adventure that is long-distance rail travel.
You may find differences you didn’t quite expect, such as heating for the train! Efficiency of the heating will depend on the age of the train and is entirely down to the carriage attendant’s discretion, who may be used to different temperatures than you. We recommend packing a variety of clothes to prepare and reading up on other traveller’s experiences.
If you’re unsure of the amenities available on the trains you have booked, feel free to check with our travel specialists so you’re fully prepared before travelling. You’ll find the amenities available on the train will vary depending on which class you have booked. In second class there will be more available plug sockets than in third class for instance, although there may still only be one or two per carriage.
One of the biggest, and most exciting, variances on the Trans-Siberian is the people you’ll meet, from locals taking the train across the country to other travellers from all over the world.
You can find travel guides written by travel writer Matthew Woodward on some of the Trans-Siberian’s most famous trains here:
Kaliningrad is a part of Russia that is separated from the main bulk of Russia by three countries, Belarus, Lithuania and Latvia. Because of this, in addition to purchasing a train ticket to make the journey, you may need to apply for additional visas.
All tickets to and from Kaliningrad can only be booked locally 10 days before the departure of the train due to paperwork that needs to be filled out at the train station.
Before planning your journey to Kaliningrad, you should contact one of our visa specialists to ensure that you have all the correct documentation to make the trip.
Trains 801 and 803 from Saint Petersburg to Veliky Novgorod, and their returning trains 802 and 804, can also only be booked locally 10 days before the departure of the train.
While we cannot book these specific tickets, if they are a part of your trip our travel specialists will still be happy to advise.
The views vary greatly depending on the time of year you’re travelling and the specific route you’re taking. If there is a specific view you’re really looking for, like the landscape as you head towards Lake Baikal, have a look at your train stop times to make sure that you’re awake to see them! In some areas, such as travelling in Mongolia through the Gobi Desert and open expanses, you may find windows will get dirty on the outside and views may not be crystal clear – the desert is a dusty place! To combat this, many regular travellers will unlock the windows and pull them down. Officially, this is against the rules, but you will probably see plenty of travellers doing it anyway!
Window Views through Irkutsk
Moscow has nine major train stations (Belorussky, Kazansky, Kievsky, Kursky, Leningradsky, Paveletsky, Savyolovsky, Yaroslavlsky and Rizhsky) which are all served by the Metro Circle line. Each station serves a different direction, making turning up at the right station before you travel slightly easier.
If you are worried about turning up at the wrong station, remember to take the English-language itinerary Real Russia will send with your tickets as it will state your departure station.
For a complete no-worry experience, you can book a transfer from your accommodation to the station through us.
The Russian translation for both the station name and its nearest Metro have been included to help when navigating in Moscow.
Station | Belorussky Station |
Translation | Белорусский |
Serves | Kaliningrad, Lithuania, Belarus, Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic and some trains to Latvia. |
Address | Tverskaya Zastava Sq., Moscow, Russia |
Phone | (495) 251-6093 |
Metro | Belorusskaya |
Translation | Белорусская |
Station | Kazansky Station |
Translation | Казанский |
Serves | Central Asia, Ryzan, Ufa, Samara, Kazan, Ulan-Ude and Novorossiysk. |
Address | 2 Komsomolskaya Sq., Moscow |
Phone | (499) 266-3181 |
Metro | Komsomolskaya |
Translation | Комсомольская |
Station | Kievsky Station |
Translation | Киевский |
Serves | Western Ukraine, Southeastern Europe and Vnukovo Airport. |
Address | 1 Kiyevskogo Vokzala Sq., Moscow |
Phone | (499) 240-0415 |
Metro | Kievskaya |
Translation | Киевская |
Station | Kursky Station |
Translation | Курский |
Serves | Southern Russia, Caucasus region, Eastern Ukraine, and Crimea. |
Address | 29 Zemlyanoy Val Str., Moscow |
Phone | (495) 266-5310 |
Metro | Kurskaya/Chkalovskaya stations |
Translation | Курская / Чкаловская |
Station | Leningradsky Station / Oktyabrskaya |
Translation | Ленинградский / Октябрьская |
Serves | Estonia, Finland, St. Petersburg and Northwestern Russia. |
Address | 3 Komsomolskaya Sq., Moscow |
Phone | (495) 262-9143 |
Metro | Komsomolskaya |
Translation | Комсомольская |
Station | Paveletsky Station |
Translation | Павелецкий |
Serves | Voronezh, Tambov, Volgograd, Astrakhan and Aeroexpress trains to Domodedovo Airport. |
Address | 1 Paveletskaya Sq., Moscow |
Phone | (495) 235-0522 |
Metro | Paveletskaya |
Translation | Павелецкая |
Station | Savyolovsky Station |
Translation | Савеловский |
Serves | Kostroma, Cherepovets, some trains to Vologda. |
Address | 2 Savyolovsky Vokzal Sq., Moscow |
Phone | (499) 266-8901 |
Metro | Savyolovskaya |
Translation | Савеловская |
Station | Yaroslavlsky Station |
Translation | Ярославский |
Serves | Siberia, the Russian Far East, Mongolia and China. |
Address | 5 Komsomolskaya Sq., Moscow |
Phone | (800) 775-0000 |
Metro | Komsomolskaya |
Translation | Комсомольская |
Station | Rizhsky Station |
Translation | Рижский |
Serves | Latvia. |
Address | 1 Rizhskaya Sq., Moscow |
Phone | (495) 631-1588 |
Metro | Rizhskaya |
Translation | Рижская |
Saint Petersburg has five major train stations (Moskovsky, Finlyandsky, Baltiysky, Vitebsky and Ladozhsky) which are easily accessible by the Metro. Each station serves a different direction, making turning up at the right station before you travel slightly easier.
For a complete no-worry experience, you can book a transfer from your accommodation to the station through Real Russia.
The Russian translation for both the station name and its nearest Metro have been included to help when navigating in Saint Petersburg.
Station | Moskovsky Station (also known as Glavny station) |
Translation | Московский |
Serves | Moscow, far north, Central Asia, Crimea and the Caucasus region. |
Address | 85 Nevsky Av |
Phone | (812) 457-4428 |
Metro | Ploshchad Vosstaniya or Mayakovskaya |
Translation | Площадь Восстания/ Маяковская |
Station | Finlyandsky Station |
Translation | Финляндский |
Serves | Helsinki and other destinations in the Northwest. |
Address | 5 Lenin Square |
Phone | (812) 436-6746 |
Metro | Ploschad Lenina |
Translation | Площадь Ленина |
Station | Baltiysky Station |
Translation | Балтийский |
Serves | Local and suburban services. |
Address | 120 Odnogo Kanala Emb., St.Peteresburg |
Phone | (812) 457-2859 |
Metro | Baltiyskaya |
Translation | Балтийская |
Station | Vitebsky Station |
Translation | Витебский |
Serves | Poland, Belarus, Ukraine and Odessa. |
Address | 32 Zagorodny Av |
Phone | (812) 457-5939 |
Metro | Pushkinskaya |
Translation | Пушкинская |
Station | Ladozhsky Station |
Translation | Ла́дожский |
Serves | Murmansk, Vologda and Yekaterinburg. |
Address | 73 Zanevsky Av., St.Petersburg |
Phone | (812) 436-5310 |
Metro | Ladozhskaya |
Translation | Лáдожская |
Station | Nizhny Novgorod |
Translation | Станция Нижний Новгород-Московский |
Serves | Moscow, Siberia, Mongolia and China. |
Address | 2 Revolyutsii Square |
Phone | (831) 248-3723 |
Metro | Moskovskaya Station |
Translation | Московская |
Station | Yekaterinburg–Passazhirsky |
Translation | Екатеринбург-Пассажирский |
Serves | Moscow, Siberia, Mongolia and China. |
Address | 22, Vokzalnaya St., Yekaterinburg |
Phone | (343) 358-3210 |
Metro | Uralskaya Station |
Translation | Уральская |
Station | Vokzal-Glavny |
Translation | Вокзал-Главный |
Serves | Moscow, Siberia, Germany, Mongolia and China. |
Address | 43 Shamshurina Street |
Phone | (383) 229-2039 |
Metro | Garina Mikhailovskogo Station |
Translation | Гарина Михайловского |
Station | Irkutsk Train Station |
Translation | Иркутск |
Serves | Moscow, Siberia, Mongolia and China. |
Address | 1 Chelnokova Street |
Phone | (3952) 6370-22 |
Station | Vladivostok Train Station |
Translation | Владивосток |
Serves | Siberia and Western Russia. |
Address | 2 Aleutskaya St |
Phone | (4232) 2477-51 |
|
Station |
Ulaanbaatar Train Station |
|
Translation |
Улаанбаатар |
|
Serves |
All domestic and international routes. |
|
Address |
1 Khoroo |
|
Phone |
21-243856 |
Station | Beijing Railway Station |
Translation | 北京火車站 |
Serves | Manchuria, Shanghai, Inner Mongolia and international routes. |
Address | Beijing Station E St |
Phone | 5105-9999 |
| Metro | Line 2 – Beijing Railway station |
| Translation | 北京火車站 |
Station | Kazan Passazhirskiy Station |
Translation | Казань Пассажирский |
Address | 1A Privokzalnaya Sq., Kazan |
Phone | (843) 294-04-00 |
Station
Vosstanie Passazhirsky (Kazan-2)
Translation
Восстание Пассажирский
Address
1 Vorovskogo St, Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia, 420039
To find out more about e-tickets, including the difference between e-registration and e-ticket, how to exchange them and where, you can use our Electronic Tickets and Registration page.
All Russian stations offer self-service ticket machines. These are reasonably easy to use, and often lack the queues that are common at the manned ticket kiosks. They also have the advantage of being available 24 hours a day.
To find out more about paper tickets you can use our rail tickets page. This will explain how to purchase tickets, delivery and cancellation options as well as general station info.
Up to 40 minutes before its departure time. We recommend boarding early so you’re not in a rush and have time to get settled.
You’ll need to purchase a new ticket for the next train if you would still like to make your journey.
If your travel plans have changed, please see details on how to cancel tickets in our Buying Rail Tickets Guide, and contact us so we can assist.
If you have stored your baggage on board before getting off again, to buy snacks or stretch your legs, and are not back in time for departure you’ll need to contact the Station Master immediately. They will attempt to help you resolve this.
If you require any help, call our 24-hour emergency support service on +44 (0) 207 100 4981.
If you have an Electronic Registration voucher you can reprint your voucher. If you have an Electronic Ticket and you haven’t exchanged for your paper ticket, you can also simply reprint your voucher.
If you have already exchanged your e-ticket for a paper ticket, or originally purchased a paper ticket, and it has been lost or damaged you will need to pay a fee to have it replaced. When travelling late at night, the ticket offices may not be open, but it is still worth trying as staff will be as helpful as they can.
If you require any help at all, call our 24-hour emergency support service on +44 (0) 207 100 4981.
Unfortunately, if you have already booked your train tickets it is not possible to update the passport information on your tickets if you used another passport when making your purchase. The only way to do this is by cancelling your existing tickets and then repurchasing using the other passport.
However, it is possible to travel with both passports so long as they are both valid, you will simply need to show the passport linked to your train tickets to train attendants and border officials who will then check the passport alongside your visas to ensure these are correct.
There are several common train carriage layouts across the Trans-Siberian. Some vary slightly and privately-owned trains, like the Grand Express, can vary significantly.
You can find more detailed information on our Russian train classes page
Possibly! But you’ll have a good idea of this in advance, and if you are unsure just ask one of our travel specialists who will be happy to help. 1st class train carriages will have smaller compartment sizes for more privacy. With 2nd class train carriages you can book two berths, so if you are travelling with someone you could book an entire compartment between yourselves. If this is of interest to you, make sure to contact one of our travel specialists who can check if this is an option on your train and guide you through the process. You can use our helpful carriage maps above to see the size of the compartment in each class.
You’ll also need to be aware that you may not be getting on the train at its starting point, the train may start in Moscow but you are boarding in Yekaterinburg, so there may already be travellers in your cabin. This is especially important if you’re boarding late at night or early in the morning as passengers may be sleeping.
Regardless of if you have booked sole use of a cabin or have carriage mates, you will have to share certain amenities. If you’re lucky enough to have a shower, as some first-class cabins do, they are generally shared between two cabins. Toilets will be shared between the carriage, so we advise that you bring your own toiletries and towels. The samovar and plug sockets will also be shared between the carriage.
Many trains on the Russian and Trans-Siberian routes have the option of gender-specific cabins. This means when you are booking if there is an empty cabin available, you can book a bunk in it and specify it as single gender. This means only travellers of the same gender will be able to book places in that cabin. Once a cabin has been specified as gender-specific, it cannot be changed for that leg of the journey.
You can also book a bed in a cabin that has been specified gender-specific by looking for the 
symbol on our booking system.
Not all countries that have connections with the Russian rail network have gender-specific cabins. Bear this in mind if you’re travelling outside of Russia as gender-specific cabins may become mixed-gender when you cross the border.
We cannot guarantee that single gender cabins will be available. The earlier you book the more likely it is that you will be successful in creating a single gender cabin or contact our travel experts for further advice.
You can also read our blog from HowDareShe travel writer Jessica about her experiences as a solo female traveller here.
Disabled facilities are available on most popular trains and major stations across Russia, especially those travelling between Moscow and Saint Petersburg, such as the Sapsan.
Carriages with disabled facilities will be equipped with a lift at the carriage entrance to help passengers with limited mobility get on and off the train. The cabins themselves will have wider corridors and larger cabins to accommodate wheelchairs or other walking aids.
The wider hallways are not present across the whole train so people who use wheelchairs will have difficulties accessing other parts of the train, such as the restaurant carriage.
For passengers with visual impairments, all switches, power sockets, call buttons etc. have braille instructions and special audio devices that make it easier to contact the provodnitsa.
Each disabled cabin will have its own bathroom facility with enough room for those with limited mobility or wheelchairs. They’re also installed with handrails, lighting and sound boards for passengers with visual or audio impairments.
Most stations have facilities for passengers with disabilities, including disabled toilets, and wheelchair ramps.
You can found out more information about specific equipment available at stations, requests, and accessibility on the trains on the Russian Railways website.
To discuss your exact travel requirements please contact our travel experts for further advice.
Children are welcome to travel the Trans-Siberian and depending on their age may receive discounted tickets, this will vary depending on the route and rail provider.
It’s worth remembering, several sections of the Trans-Siberian will have no stop for several hours and the train will not be equipped with entertainment so you’ll need to bring your own.
At border crossings, restrooms are likely to be closed so you’ll need to look up the timings prior to travel to work around these times.
When boarding the train, children must have their own passport or be listed in their parents passport, or have a copy, and translation, of their birth certificate. If children are listed in their parent’s passport, a photo of the children must be included.
Find out more about travelling on the Trans-Siberian with children. Alternatively, Speak to our travel experts if you require more information.
Yes. In both second and third class, you will find these either on your bunk, or they will be passed out upon boarding the train. They will come in a sealed packet, and you will need to make your own bed. In first class your bed should be made for you.
The bedding will include a top and bottom sheet, as well as a pillowcase.
You can see examples below of bedding in 2nd class carriages.
On most long-distance trains there will be a restaurant carriage serving freshly cooked local dishes and a variety of hot and cold drinks. Opening times will change during your journey as you change time zones so make sure you keep a note of them throughout your journey.
When you cross into a new country the restaurant carriage will be changed to match the country, so the style of food and staff will change – so will the currency! Restaurant carriages will only accept local currency. This can be tricky on Mongolian restaurant carriages as Mongolian currency can only be obtained in Mongolia. If you are not stopping on your journey in Mongolia, you’ll need to make sure you have packed enough food to see you through that portion of the journey.
Price and availability can vary so we would still always recommend bringing a good supply of your own food. Because there is always a samovar with hot water available we would recommend bringing lots of instant noodles and soups, dried fruits, granola bars and other foods to see you through the journey.
Traditionally, Russian trains have operated on Moscow time within Russia, however, journeys have now moved to local time so the restaurant carriage time will be adjusted to local time. You’ll be able to find opening hours in the restaurant carriage and can always ask the provodnista for help.
On some trains, there will also be snack trolleys wheeled through the train at regular intervals. If there’s no snack trolleys you can often purchase snacks and drinks from the provodnitsa cabin.
Each carriage will have a samovar for hot water so you can take tea, coffee, instant noodles and soups. You can pack them in advance or buy them along the way, they’re available at most stations or supermarkets near the larger stations.
Station shops won’t open 24/7 so be sure to stock up on supplies during daytime stops.
One of the more interesting places to shop, especially at smaller stops, is with local traders who sell local produce from the train platform or through the window of each carriage. The goods on sale will be varied so should be seen as a bonus.
It’s also necessary to pack your own cutlery and travel mug.
No, smoking has been banned on Russian trains and at stations since 2014. Be aware, some locals may smoke in the space between carriages but it is illegal and carries a hefty fine so we would not recommend joining them.
It’s illegal to smoke within 15 meters of the entrance to any rail station in Russia. This ban is extended to all platforms for suburban trains.
Signs will be very clear where you can, and cannot, smoke. There are severe fines for breaking these rules so make sure to pay attention.
There are bike rules for Russian trains, but from personal experience, we know that how these rules are enforced can vary depending on the provodnsita. It is generally okay to carry bikes on board and the smaller they are, the better, with fold-up bikes being ideal. You will need to store your bike in the baggage car of the train. An attendant will check-in your bike and give you a receipt/ticket which you must show when you leave the train to retrieve your bike. You cannot purchase space in the baggage car when buying tickets as the cost will depend on the weight and size of the bike; this must be purchased at the station.
How to store your bike on a Russian train
In first class there is an electrical charge point in every room, in addition to low power outlets in each bathroom.
In second class there are generally two power sockets in the corridor in addition to low power outlets in each bathroom. In some older carriages, you may only find one outlet. This will be in the corridor, at the top of the bathroom door.
In third class, you will only find low power outlets in the bathrooms.
If you are able, we would advise taking spare batteries where possible or portable travel chargers for your electrical devices to minimise how much you’ll need to rely on plugs. Taking a travel adapter with multiple USB charging ports is also useful.
WiFi is generally not available on the train, but most of the larger train stations will have WiFi.
The availability of WiFi is increasing constantly but because of the remote areas of the train routes you should not expect to have WiFi on your journey. We would recommend saving as much information offline, like maps and phrase books, as you can before you leave.
Across Russia, Mongolia and China you’ll find use of English and non-native languages is limited so we’d recommend memorising a few stock phrases. You’ll find that knowing at least a few phrases will help endear you to locals who will appreciate your efforts. Carriage attendants will be used to working with a language barrier so you will find they’re well practiced at helping with minimal shared languages.
Before leaving for your trip, buy a simple phrase book or download an offline version on your phone.
We also offer a variety of guided tours and day trips with English speaking guides to make sure you can get the most of your travels.
If the language barrier does cause any problems for you, contact one of our travel specialists and they should be able to advise you of the best course of action.
Yes. For any journey within Russia, or along the Trans-Siberian Railway, visas will be required. There are a variety of different visas depending on how long you intend to stay in a country, and how many times you intend to leave and re-enter.
Real Russia can assist with several visas, offering professional support at every stage of the visa process.
To make the process even easier, if you are planning on travelling through more than one country on the Trans-Siberian Railway, we have put together a guide outlining the process.
Traditionally, trains within Russia have operated their train schedule on Moscow Time (MT), however, journeys made from 1st August will now be operating on local time.
Tickets for journeys from 1st August, will be printed to display arrival and departure times in local times, however, tickets before this date will still show arrival and departure times in Moscow time.
Train stations will continue to have clocks that display both Moscow and local time for the current time.
Staff in the stations will also be happy to offer any help you may need.
When booking your train, you will find that our system you will have the option to display times in Moscow or local to make planning as convenient as possible for you.
When boarding the train, you will be asked to show your ticket along with your identification document used to book it. If your identity document number does not match the information on your ticket, you will not be allowed to board the train.
If at the time of travel, you are receiving a new passport, make sure you have both documents with you (your new and old one). If you do not have the old passport with you, we would need to cancel your train tickets and re-book them under the new document details. Please take into consideration that this is subject to cancellation fees, plus the value of a new ticket. The exact cancellation fees are confirmed at the time of cancellation.
Please note: If you have a booking in progress or completed, inform our Travel Specialists in the case your identification document details change.
Popular travel writer, and Real Russia friend, Matthew Woodward has written a very helpful Trans-Siberian Guide on what to pack.
You’ll find that the right kind of luggage, a mixture of clothing and the right gadgets are a good start. You don’t want to leave packing until the last minute and Matthew Woodward’s guide will give you all the information you need. Adapter plugs are an absolute necessity if you have any electronics that will need charging like a mobile phone, laptop or kindles. Having a multi-plug so you can charge multiple things at once is amazingly helpful and if you’re willing to share will make you very popular indeed.
Universal charging devices
symbol and are only available in second and third class.
Small pets, such as small dogs, cats or birds must be kept in a cage or pet carrier of some kind. Owners of large dogs will need to buy an entire cabin of 2nd class, and use a muzzle and leash to secure. An exception to these rules is made for guide dogs who are allowed anywhere on-board free of charge. You can find details of available train discounts here.
There is a small chance of catching the tick-borne disease Encephalitis from May until the end of July when trekking in Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk or other rural locations. Vaccination is recommended for those that have planned outdoor activities. Other than this, please consult a qualified medical practitioner for advice relevant specially to you.
Border crossing takes several hours, with waits of up to four hours on either side of the border.
Several uniformed border guards will board the train, one group of guards will go cabin to cabin checking visas and passports. These guards will also check customs declarations are completed and handed over. The other groups will check bags and cabins. During these checks you’ll be asked to remain seated in your cabin.
This process will happen on both sides of the border.
Once the passenger border checks have been carried out you’ll be allowed to leave the train. If you do, make sure you take any valuables and have what you need for the next hour or two. This is because new carriages will be added or removed.
It may seem a little worrying when the train moves off without you, but this is standard and will happen three or four times. when the train leaves for the final time the provodnista will make sure you’re not left behind. This process will also happen on both sides of the border.
You can find a full guide on the border crossing written by travel writer Matthew Woodward here.
Changing the bogies at the Chinese border
Real Russia is your travel specialist for Trans-Siberian journeys between Moscow and the Far East.
For further questions about buying Russian rail tickets, how to pay for your tickets, please visit Real Russia Rail ticket page.
If you are in need of any assistance while you are travelling, we offer a dedicated 24-hour telephone support service.
For all emergencies, you can call us on +44 (0) 207 100 4981 where our operators are available to provide help 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
If you experience any problems while you are away, our team can offer guidance and support. If, for example, you are experiencing difficulty boarding a train, collecting your train ticket or any number of other travel issues, you can call our emergency helpline for immediate assistance.
If you have any further questions, you can do one of the following:
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