TRAIN

While riding on the Russian train network, whether you are travelling from city to city, internationally or on one of the Trans-Siberian routes, you will find yourself riding on one, or more, of several types of train. These varying types are employed for a number of different reasons, whether that be a desire for speed, luxury or budget, among other things.

High speed

The fastest trains on the Russian network serve Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Nizhny Novgorod, running under the brand name Sapsan (which is Russian for Peregrine, the fastest member of the animal kingdom). They can reach speeds of up to 250kmh making the journey from Moscow to Saint Petersburg in under four hours!

They have a, only slightly, slower counterpart on the Saint Petersburg to Helsinki route running under the brand name Allegro.

These trains are all seated (there are no sleeper carriages) and are very similar to European trains in their layout; with a single seat, or two seats side by side, either side of a middle aisle. They are very modern trains, all of which are no more than a few years old.

Firmeny trains

Firmeny trains run throughout the Russian rail network, particularly on the most popular or prestigious routes. They are generally low numbered trains and have names to signify their prestige, such as train 2, ‘Rossiya’, from Moscow to Vladivostok or train 20, ‘Vostock’ from Moscow to Beijing.

They are the most modern sleeper trains on the network with the best facilities, services and on-board staff. They make the fewest stops of all Russian sleeper trains, meaning that they usually have a shorter journey time than either Skory or Passenger trains. Because of this they tend to cost more than regular Skory or Passenger trains.

First, second and third class are all available on-board along with a comfortable dining car with an extensive selection of culinary delights.

Passenger trains cover a variety of routes, both long and short.

They tend to stop at most stations along their route and, as such, they are the slowest train to get you to your destination; though this does offer you the opportunity to see the more rural stations, towns, cities and villages close up. They also tend to have a slightly lower quality than Fast/Skory trains. This is reflected in the price; passenger trains are generally the cheapest train on any given route. An advantage of this is that you will find that locals will use these trains more, and there is a greater chance of being able to share culture and stories.

First Class is unavailable on these trains, making all carriages Second and Third Class.

Type of train cabin

First class (also known as SV) is the comfortable and exclusive option most commonly available on Russian trains. The cabin is designed to accommodate two people, with two long couches which can be converted into sofa-beds, and a table.

On some services, first class compartments can include showers.

Second class (coupe)

The cabin has four beds (two low and two high) and a table

Comfort:

Two berths low and two berths high

Adjustable table between beds

Reading lights

Storage place (shelves upon the door, under the bunks, racks on the wall)

Sliding door

There are special compartments only for women or only for men for your safety and comfort.

Third class (Platskart)

It’s the cheapest one on the train

The total number of bunks is 54 with 4 beds on one side and 2 on the other and an aisle between them. At every end of the car you may find toilet rooms.

It is not a very comfortable class on the train because you don’t have any privacy and it is always very noisy, but it helps you to save your money on the train tickets.

Are there any food and drinks available on the train?

Usually only trains that are listed as Fast/High Level of Service have Restaurant cars. The restaurant will offer Russian and European dishes, alcoholic and soft drinks, snacks, cigarettes. For tea and coffee you can always ask the train attendant. You are also allowed to bring your own food. But please, keep in mind that there are no refrigerators on the train.

Are there non-smoking compartments in the Russian trains?

All the trains are non-smoking.

Are there lavatories, showers and bed linen in the Russian trains?

There are two lavatories at each end of every car. The showers are provided on long-distance trains (more than 24 hours); only in kupe or 1st class carriages. If your train doesn't have a shower, you can ask a conductor to allow you to use a shower in another carriage for a small fee.

The bed linen is provided in the train (it can be included in the ticket price, or the fee can be charged on site, it depends on the car class).