Trains between Moscow and St Petersburg

2nd Class cabin

Make the most of your stay in Russia

If you want to do more than just get from A to B, choose the Sapsan line to transport you between Moscow and St. Petersburg.

The Sapsan (Russian for Peregrine), travels as fast as 250 km/h making it the fastest way to travel by land between Moscow and St. Petersburg. What’s more, the large windows on the Sapsan reveal the unique beauty of the Russian countryside as you speed along.

You have the choice of 2 available classes to travel by: 2nd, and 1st.

2nd includes: A designated seat with folding footrest, folding or window table, adjustable backrest and individual lighting. You can also purchase the daily newspaper, internet access, audio-visual units, and hot food from the bistro service but this is not included in the ticket price.

1st includes: Same as 2nd class with added extras including the daily newspaper and a hot meal included in the ticket price; a travel set containing ear plugs, eye masks, and slippers (with additional, smaller travel sets for passengers travelling with children); hot tea, fresh coffee, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks; a built in audio-visual unit for entertainment; plug sockets to recharge your laptops, mobile phones and other electronic equipment; access to the internet through an on-board WiFi service.

Sapsan in station

Sapsan on the move

Sapsan: Moscow to St Petersburg

This timetable is correct for regular services from January 11th 2018. During public holidays extra services may be made available. Visit our Live Schedules page to view up to the minute rail times.

Sapsan: St Petersburg to Moscow

This timetable is correct for regular services from January 11th 2018. During public holidays extra services may be made available. Visit our Live Schedules page to view up to the minute rail times.

1st Class cabin

There's no finer way to travel

The most luxurious overnight journey available between Moscow and St. Petersburg (by land, air, or river). It takes around 9 hours to get from Moscow to St. Petersburg, which is time well spent on the Grand Express. Most of our passengers tend to get a good meal in the dining car before settling down for the night in their compartments. If you prefer to stay up all night, you’ll witness the sunrise over the Russian countryside and you’ll have food and drink available to order to your compartment at any time.

You have the choice of 4 available classes to travel by: 1st, Premium, Grand, and Grand De Lux.

1st includes: A cabin for 2 with magazines and bed linen provided.
Premium includes: Same as 1st in addition to a private toilet and sink area.
Grand includes: A cabin 1 ½ times the size of 1st and Premium cabins. A wardrobe, DVD player, TV, air conditioning, WiFi, heating and noise insulation, dressing gown and slippers are also included.
Grand De Lux includes: Same as Grand and the cabin is 2 times the size of 1st and Premium cabins.

Restaurant carriage

Leningradskiy station

Grand Express : Moscow to St Petersburg

Grand Express : St Petersburg to Moscow

2nd Class cabin

The famous Red Arrow train

The Red Arrow is perhaps Russia’s most historic train, serving famous passengers including the likes of Lenin, Stalin, and countless other esteemed members of the old Communist Party. Today, it remains one of the most popular choices for travel between Russia’s two capitals (Moscow and St. Petersburg) and with over 80 years of dedicated service under its belt, the Red Arrow’s reliability is second to none.

Wake up at your chosen destination feeling rested and rejuvenated. Every type of available ticket includes a place for you to sleep in comfort, with Deluxe class tickets also including showers.

You have the choice of 3 available classes to travel by, 2nd, 1st, and Deluxe:

2nd includes: A cabin for 4 people with pull-out sofas, bed linen and magazines. Lunch box available to purchase.

1st includes: A cabin for 2 people with pull out-sofas, bed linen, TV and magazines. Hot meal available to purchase.

Deluxe includes: Same as 1st with an added shower.

St Petersburg station

Red Arrow attendant

Red Arrow : Moscow to St Petersburg

Red Arrow : St Petersburg to Moscow

1st Class cabin

Non-stop luxury travel between Moscow and St. Petersburg

A luxury train journey between Moscow and St. Petersburg that leaves later than most. Experience the city until closing time before hopping on the Express, settling down and waking up fresh to your next adventure in a new city.

You have the choice of 3 available classes to travel by, 2nd, 1st and Delux.

2nd includes: A cabin for 4 people including bed linen, magazines, and a lunchbox.

1st includes: A cabin for 2 people including bed linen, magazines, and a hot meal.

​Delux ​includes: A cabin for 2 people including bed linen, magazines, a hot meal and a shower.

Restaurant carriage

Express attendant

Express : Moscow to St Petersburg

Express : St Petersburg to Moscow

2nd Class cabin

Reasonably priced and quick

The Smena-Betankur train (formerly just Smena) is named after A. A. Betankur, the architect responsible for the construction and planning of many famous Russian buildings and monuments, particularly in St. Petersburg and Moscow.

A cross-country train spanning from Moscow to St. Petersburg, the Smena-Betankur is an overnight sleeper service with brand new carriages offering a comfy journey and a good night’s sleep.

You have the choice of 2 available classes to travel by, 2nd and 1st.

2nd includes: A cabin for 4 people with bed linen, magazines, air conditioning, and a lunch box included.

1st includes: A cabin for 2 people with bed linen, magazines, air conditioning, and a hot meal included.

2nd Class cabin

Smena-Betankur Steward

Smena-Bekantur : Moscow to St Petersburg

For general information on booking Russian rail tickets through Real Russia please see the following links:

• Booking tickets
• Reading a Russian rail ticket and other useful information

If you need information on visas for these journeys, please see the following link:

• Trans-Siberian, Mongolian and Manchurian visas

We try to make the information and services on our site as clear, complete and honest as possible, if you have further questions please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help, or browse through our forums and ask others who may have the answers you are looking for.