Russian train classes
There are many variations on the carriage classes available on the Russian train network. Generally tickets are split into three categories, with variations within each of these:
- Spalny Vagon (First Class) - Each cabin has two lower berths, that act as seating during the day, with nine of these cabins in each carriage. The best services and staff are usually found on first class. First class is usually the most expensive way to travel.
- Coupe (Second Class) - Each cabin has four berths, two lower, and two upper. During the day, the two lower berths will act as seating. There are nine of these cabins per carriage. Good services and staff are usually found on second class.
- Plaskart (Third Class) - The carriages are open plan, with no doors on any compartment. Within each compartment there are four berths in the same layout as second class, with two additional berths lining the corridor wall, one up, one down. All lower berths act as seating during the day. The most basic of services are offered on third class. Third class is the cheapest way to see Russia by train.
Chinese train classes
The ticket classes on Chinese trains are different than the ones on Russian trains, though they also offer a comfortable experience.
On the bullet trains (G, D, C) you can find the following classes of travel:
- Business class seat: these are the equivalent of first class on an airplane and are available only on G trains and some D train types. There are two sofa-like seats on one side of the aisle and one on the other side. The seats can be adjusted flat for passengers to lie down.
- First class seat: there are four seats in a row, two on each side of the aisle. They are wider and softer than in second class. You can find a small pillow and a foldable footrest.
- Second class seat: there are five seats in a row, three on one side of the aisle and two on the other side. The seats are like those in economy class on an airplane. The backrest can be adjusted to a comfortable angle and has a small, foldable table attached. The seats can be rotated so the passengers can sit facing forward.
On the standard trains (non-bullet ones: Z, T, K, K,Y,S) you can book the following classes:
- Deluxe sleeper - there are two berths on one side of the compartment and a sofa on the other side. The cabin has a lockable door. Comparing with other classes of travel, the berth is 85 cm wide and 200cm long.
- Soft sleeper – the compartment has four berths, two upper and two lower with a lockable door. Compared to a hard class compartment, soft class has wider and longer berths, about 75cm and 190cm respectively. You can also find a small table between the lower bunks, a quality quilt, and pillows. Also, it includes one power socket in each compartment.
- Hard sleeper - has 4 berths per compartment with a lockable door, the berth is 60cm wide and 180cm long. You can find a few sockets in the corridor of each carriage. The provided quilt, pillow and linen is of a more standard quality.