Trains between Moscow and St Petersburg

Sapsan train 2nd class train carriage

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.

Available classes

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 earplugs, 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.

Why choose the Sapsan

1. Fast train – Sapsan trains can reach the speed up to 250 km/h. The average run time between Moscow and Saint Petersburg is just 4 hours!
2. Low noise levels and high comfort – The Sapsan offers the highest level of comfort and safety including an ergonomic seat design and modern insulating materials that ensure low noise levels throughout the carriages.
3. Pets allowed – There are special seats for travellers with pets in Economy Class cars.
4. Good for travelling with children – There is a children’s area available in certain carriages with special seats for parents and children as well as baby-changing facilities.
5. Has multiple trains running daily – Several departure options run daily starting in the early morning and running until 21:00-22:00pm. 
6. Good choice for disabled passengers and wheelchair access – The train has special seats for people with limited physical abilities and is suitable for wheelchair users.

Sapsan in station

Sapsan on the move

Sapsan: Moscow to St Petersburg

This timetable is correct for regular services from February 5th 2020. 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 February 5th 2020. During public holidays extra services may be made available. Visit our Live Schedules page to view up to the minute rail times.

Grand Express 1st class train carriage

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.

Available classes

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.

Why choose the Grand Express

1. Best choice for luxury train travel between Moscow – St Petersburg – Grand Express is a premium service train known as a ‘5-star hotel on wheels’.
2. Perfect for business travelling – Free Wifi is available throughout the train regardless of class. Passengers of the luxury, premium and business class carriages can use the personal transfer service included in the ticket price.
3. Best selection of features and on-board services – No other train can boast the same services. The train cabins include comfortable soft furniture, wide beds, power sockets, and individual reading lights, as well as a shower and private WC in Grand and Grand de lux classes.
4. Considered to be the safest of all Moscow – St Peterburg trains – The train is safety-checked daily to assure its technical serviceability.
5. Pets allowed – It is possible to transport pets on Grand Express.
6. The best choice for passengers with disabilities – The highest level of service and technical equipment make the train a good option for people with physical disabilities or that require wheelchair access.

Grand Express train restaurant carriage

Grand Express train at Leningradsky station

Grand Express: Moscow to St Petersburg

Grand Express: St Petersburg to Moscow

Red Arrow 2nd class train carriage

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.

Available classes

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.

Why choose the Red Arrow

1. Ideal for tourists interested in Russian history and nostalgia – The first Firmeny train in the history of Russia and USSR (running since 1931). This legendary train has left its heritage in Russian culture (popular songs, movies) and provides an authentic and nostalgic experience.
2. Great service and security – the train was an exclusive choice for political leaders and media artists of the USSR who travelled between Moscow and St.Petersburg.
3. Good features and amenities – the train is fully set with modern technology, including air-conditioning, individual screens and automatic doors. Every compartment is equipped with 2 power points (220v).
4. Suitable for passengers with disabilities – Red Arrow trains have special compartments for people with physical abilities and is suitable for wheelchair users.

Red Arrow train at St Petersburg station

Red Arrow train at station with attendant

Red Arrow: Moscow to St Petersburg

Red Arrow: St Petersburg to Moscow

Express train 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.

Available classes

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.

Why choose the Express

1. Overnight train offering Red Arrow service – The train was established in 1976 as a “twin brother” of the Red Arrow. So, if you didn’t manage to get tickets for the Red Arrow, you can get the identical level of service here.
2. Great choice for business travellers – The train includes an Individual climate control system in every compartment along with free Wi-Fi and a hot breakfast. Shower facilities are available in every carriage.
3. Less noisy than other Moscow – St Petersburg trains – The train offers a superior level of soundproofing.
4. Suitable for passengers with disabilities – The train includes access for passengers requiring wheelchair access.

Express train restaurant carriage

Express train carriage with attendant

Express : Moscow to St Petersburg

Express : St Petersburg to Moscow

Smena-Betankur 2nd class train carriage

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 running between Moscow to St. Petersburg, the Smena-Betankur is an overnight sleeper train with brand new carriages offering a comfy journey and a good night’s sleep.

Available classes

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

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

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

Why choose the Smena-Betankur

1. Student-friendly train service – The train has an important tradition where all conductors on this train are students or graduates of the St. Petersburg State Transport University. In 2009, the train’s name was changed to Smena-A.Betankur in honour of Agustin de Betancourt, the first rector of the university.
2. Fastest overnight train – the Smena-Betankur has an overnight run time of 8 hours.
3. Good value for money – The Smena-Betankur is a great value train service compared with other Moscow – St Petersburg overnight trains.
4. Good features and amenities – Each carriage is equipped with air conditioning and heating systems, energy-saving LED lights, a video surveillance system and 3 WCs at the end of the car.
5. Private cabin for disabled passengers – A cabin for disabled passengers and accompanying passengers is equipped in the staff car.

Smena-Betankur 2nd class sleeper train carriage

Smena-Betankur train at station with steward

Smena-Bekantur: Moscow to St Petersburg overnight train