Russia
General train travel information for RUSSIA. Rail travel tours, accommodation, sightseeing.
Brief History
The history of public railroads in Russia begins in the 1830s. In 1834, at the invitation of the mining department an Austrian engineer Franz von Gerstner came to Russia and made a proposal to Emperor Nicholas I to build a railway line. In 1835 count Alexey Bobrinsky, a relative of the emperor, created a joint-stock company aimed at financing the construction of railroads. In 1836 the emperor issued a decree on the construction of the Tsarskoselskaya railroad. In a few months was built start-up section from Bolshoi Kuzmin to Pavlovsk, which by the end of the year was launched traffic, and the official opening of the road took place in late 1837[28].
The official grand opening of Russia's first public railroad: St. Petersburg - Tsarskoye Selo took place on October 30 old style (November 11 - new style) 1837. Gerstner himself became the driver of the first train, which consisted of "Provorny" steam locomotive and eight cars. Members of the Board of the road invited Emperor Nicholas I and other distinguished guests to the opening. The passengers took their places, and at 2:30 in the afternoon, the train slowly left the platform. After 35 minutes, under the loud applause of those who greeted and shouts of "Hurrah!" first train arrived at the station Tsarskoe Selo. The trip from St. Petersburg to Tsarskoe Selo took 35 minutes and the return trip took 27 minutes; the maximum speed reached 64 km/h, while the average was 51 km/h.
General Information and Statistics
"Russian Railways (JSC Russian Railways) is one of the country's largest employers. In 2022, Russia's railroads carried more than 1.14 billion passengers. In addition to Russian Railways, rail companies such as «Grand Service Express» and «Tverskoy Express» are present in Russia. These companies are much smaller than Russian Railways and are used by a minority of travellers.
Overseas travel to neighbouring countries is serviced by such companies as: Belaruskaya Chygunka - the state carrier of Belarus, Kyrgyz Temir Jolu - the state carrier of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan JSC NC KTZ serves passengers under the brand of JSC Passazhirskie Transporta, Tajik Railways - the state carrier of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan Temir Yullari - the state carrier of Uzbekistan
The total length of railroad tracks in Russia is 159 thousand kilometers. There are 13746 railway stations in Russia.
51% of tracks are fully electrified as of 2022.
What connections to other countries there are.
The following countries can be reached by train from Russia: Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.
Are trains fast in Russia in general? How much time to cross the country?
Today, the fastest trains in Russia are the «Sapsans», which run between St. Petersburg and Moscow, as well as Nizhny Novgorod and Moscow. They are capable of reaching speeds of up to 250 km/hour. To travel from Moscow to Vladivostok, you have to cover a distance of 9,259 km, and in time it takes 6 days and 4 hours.
What railway companies are available?
The main provider of long-distance services is «Russian Railways» (JSC Russian Railways).
What train types are available in Russia
«High-speed» trains
High-speed trains are «Sapsan», «Lastochka», «Allegro», «Nevsky Express». By a high-speed train you can get from one city to another in 2-3 times faster than by other trains. For example, a fast train takes 7-11 hours from St. Petersburg to Moscow, while a high-speed train takes about 4 hours.
«Fast trains»
Most Russian trains are «fast trains». They should run at an average speed of at least 50 km/h (including stops)
«Signature trains»
Signature trains differ from other trains by their comfort.
«Passenger trains»
«Passenger trains» are all trains with a running speed of less than 50 km/h. They are the cheapest, make more stops, and each stop is longer than for fast trains.
Are there high-speed-trains available?
"Sapsan".
In just 3.5-4 hours, the Sapsan can cover a distance of more than 700 km, which separates Moscow from St. Petersburg. In terms of speed, the train is indeed unrivaled among the trains of Russian Railways: not without reason it is named after the fastest bird of the falcon family.
These trains can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h, but when they move along Russian railroads their speed is limited by the figure 250 km/h. And yet, the Sapsan is the fastest train in Russia.
Most important train stations / hubs.
The main railway hubs in Russia are Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Sochi, Samara, Tver, Rostov-on-Don and Krasnodar.
Websites to buy train tickets for Russia?
You can buy tickets on the official website of Russian Railways https://www.rzd.ru
You can also buy on such aggregates as: tutu.ru , onetwotrip.com , travel.yandex.ru, www.ozon.ru/travel/railway/, https://poezd.ru, https://infobus.eu/train, https://zhd.ufs-online.ru
Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Russia?
«Russian Railways» has an app «RZD Passengers».
Possible to buy a ticket at a railway station in Russia?
You can buy tickets on the official website of Russian Railways, at various agents. There is also the possibility of buying tickets at the ticket offices of railway stations and by phone.
Can I buy my ticket by phone?
«Federal Passenger Company» (a subsidiary of Russian Railways, RZD) has made a telephone booking service for long-distance trains available throughout Russia.
Return the ticket.
The ticket can be returned, you can do this on the site, as well as at the ticket office of the railway station.
not later than 8 hours before departure - the total price of the journey, consisting of the price of the ticket and the price of the coach fare;
less than 8 hours, but no later than 2 hours before departure - the fare plus 50% of the price of the coach fare;
Less than 2 hours before train departure - only the price of ticket. The price of the coach fare is non-refundable;
In case of being late for the train within 12 hours after departure or due to illness/accident (with confirming documents) within 5 days after departure - only the cost of the ticket. The price of the coach fare is non-refundable.
Train ticket prices
Tickets for most long-distance trains are on sale 90 days in advance, some 45 or 120 days in advance. The earlier you buy tickets, the lower their price will be. Plan a trip on weekdays, before or after vacations and vacations. Follow the shares of Russian Railways. For example, there are discounts on the top seats in the second floor compartment of double-decker trains, or with the redemption of the entire compartment, or on the tariff "Single" (redemption by the passenger of the entire SV). A Sapsan ticket from Moscow to St. Petersburg can be purchased for 32 euros.
Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?
The cheapest way to get from Russia to Belarus by train. The cost of the trip from Moscow to Minsk is about 40 euros.
Where to find timetables.
Find train schedules on https://ticket.rzd.ru
Buying tickets in advance or right before the train
The earlier you buy your tickets, the lower their price will be. There are trains with a fixed price for tickets, it depends only on the coefficients that apply at different times of the year. There are trains with dynamic pricing, where the cost depends on the season, day of the week and the number of seats sold. These include compartment, SV, luxury and high-speed trains with seating.
Types of tickets.
The most common types of rail tickets include:
«Single ticket» - allows you to travel once on a particular route line.
«Round-trip ticket» - allows you to ride both ways on the same route.
«Preferential ticket» - designed for people with disabilities and senior citizens.
Interrail/Eurail Passes in Russia
There is no possibility to buy Interrail/Eurail tickets in Russia.
Saver price.
Tickets that cannot be refunded (non-refundable) are usually cheaper than regular tickets (with a refund option in case of a change of plan, trip cancellation, etc.) - a discount of up to 10-20%.
Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?
Save about 20% of the cost of return travel, when buying a ticket for a round trip is possible only on high-speed trains "Sapsan".
Flexible tickets.
Flexible tickets are not available.
Rules of boarding.
In addition to your train ticket, you will need an identity card or passport to prove your identity.
Discounts for group travel.
For organised groups of passengers on regular JSC FPK trains on 21 routes (from Moscow to St Petersburg, Kazan, Samara, Nizhny Novgorod, Cheboksary, Saransk, Izhevsk, Rostov-on-Don, Volgograd, Yoshkar-Ola, Petrozavodsk, Pskov, Vorkuta, Vologda, Penza, Orsk, Ulyanovsk and Tolyatti, from Vladivostok to Khabarovsk, from St-Petersburg to Smolensk and Murmansk), and in most tourist trains the company offers a special fixed rate in compartment cars and cars with seating in the 2nd class of fast trains.
Special fares are formed depending on the destination, train type, date of travel and number of days before train departure.
Age groups and discounts.
Citizens over 60 years old get a discount on long-distance trains. The fare "For passengers 60+" gives a 15% discount
Families with many children save 15% from the price of tickets in the compartment carriages of long-distance trains (3 or more children).
A child under 5 years old can travel with parents for free if they don't need to sit separately. In "luxury" the age limit for free travel is 10 years. In other carriages, a children's fare applies for children under 10 years of age: 35% of the basic fare.
"Russian Railways" have established two grace periods for schoolchildren aged 10 years and older: January-May and September-December. For pupils of comprehensive schools there is a 50% discount on travel on long-distance trains.
Graduate and postgraduate students can travel to long-distance destinations with a 25% discount. It applies to compartments.
Disabled citizens with Group I disabilities, disabled children and one accompanying person can travel on long-distance trains for half price. Discounts on SV - up to 50%, on compartment cars - up to 55%.
Age limitations for minors.
Children under 10 years of age may not travel unaccompanied on a train. An exception is for children who travel by train to general education institutions. Children from 10 to 16 years old can already travel independently, and an adult ticket is issued for them.
Handicapped passengers.
Russian Railways services for accompaniment and assistance at railway stations are available free of charge to all disabled passengers, including those who move around without a wheelchair.
Seat reservations in trains in Russia.
Buying tickets for long-distance trains involves reserving a seat.
Comfort classes on the trains.
• Russian Railways' long-distance trains offer the following classes of service:
Third Class (Platzkart): The most economical class, with an open floor plan and three bunk beds. The cars do not have separate compartments, there are common toilets and a social area.
Second Class (Coupe): A more comfortable class, with separate compartments for four berths. The compartment has a door, outlets, lighting and storage for luggage. Common restrooms.
First Class (SV or Sleeper Wagon): The highest level of comfort. There are separate compartments for two berths, with beds, lighting, outlets, and a private toilet. Additional amenities such as linens, towels, and toiletries are offered.
• The following classes of service are available on high-speed trains such as Sapsan with only sitting seats:
First Class: This class offers the highest level of comfort and luxury. First Class passengers have spacious individual compartments with comfortable seats that can be transformed into fully horizontal beds. Catering and beverage services are also available for a fee.
Business Class: Business Class has comfortable seats with plenty of legroom, adjustable backrests and footrests. Business Class passengers can enjoy complimentary beverages and light snacks during their travels.
Economy Class: Economy class is the most affordable option. In this class passengers sit in regular seats with limited legroom. Payable meals and drinks are also available in Economy Class.
All classes on Sapsan trains offer free Wi-Fi, sockets for charging devices and other facilities. Passengers can also make use of public toilets and lockers on the train.
Food and drink in Country trains / train restaurant.
Russian Railways (RZD) trains usually have a dining car. The dining car offers passengers a variety of meals, drinks, and snacks during the trip. Here you can have a snack, lunch or dinner while enjoying the dining car environment. Usually the dining car offers a varied menu, including dishes of Russian, European and Asian cuisine. Some trains may also have a bar or café-bistro where passengers can purchase drinks, snacks and light snacks. The dining car usually provides a comfortable place to spend time during the trip and creates a pleasant atmosphere for passengers.
For example:
Milk oatmeal porridge with butter costs 2.31 euros.
Borscht with chicken 4 euros
Caesar salad with chicken 4.75 euros
French Pork 4.75 euros
Night trains in Russia?
Travel on long-distance trains involves overnight travel. There is no separate category of night trains in Russia.
Are there trains transporting cars?
Recently there have been car transporter cars on passenger trains.
The list of regular trains, in which you can arrange car transportation, expands. Already now it is possible to go together with a car from Moscow to Adler, St. Petersburg, Petrozavodsk, Pskov and Astrakhan, and from St. Petersburg - to Moscow, Adler and Astrakhan.
Important train routes in Russia.
Moscow - St. Petersburg / 3:40 hours / from 17 EUR / every 30 minutes (August 2023)
Moscow - Nizhny Novgorod / 3:45 hours / from 12 EUR / every 2 hours (August 2023)
Moscow - Sochi / 23:00 hours / from 44 EUR / every 2-3 hours (August 2023)
Krasnodar-Sochi / 6:00 hours / from 13,15 EUR / every 30 minutes (August 2023)
Moscow-Anapa / 22:00 hours / from 47,30 EUR / every 2-3 hours (August 2023)
St. Petersburg - Voronezh / 14:00 hours / from 35,30 EUR / every 2 hours (August 2023)
Moscow-Vladivostok / 6 days 3 hours / from 160 EUR / every day (August 2023)
International train routes.
There are international routes from Russia to such countries as: Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
https://www.rzd.ru/ru/9280
Tourist / scenic routes in Russia.
Retro-train "Ruskeala Express" - tourist train on steam traction Route: Sortavala - Ruskeala Mountain Park (Karelia). In time takes about an hour and a half. The train runs twice a day. Ticket prices start at 10 euro.
"Baikal Express".Route: Irkutsk/Ulaan-Ude - Slyudyanka - Baikal port - Ulan-Ude/Irkutsk (Irkutsk region and the Republic of Buryatia)
Travel time: 3 days (2 nights)
Ticket price: from 63 euro.
The «Trans-Siberian Express» is one of the most famous and longest train journeys in the world, stretching over 9,000 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok. It is a symbol of Russia and its railway system.
The Trans-Siberian Express allows passengers to immerse themselves in a unique atmosphere and experience the diverse landscapes that pass through the breathtaking natural beauty of Russia. The route traverses various regions of the country, including the Urals, Siberia, and the Russian Far East, offering a unique opportunity to explore different cultures, traditions, and attractions.
During the journey on the Trans-Siberian Express, passengers can enjoy comfortable train cars with various levels of comfort, from simple compartments to luxurious sleeping cars. The train provides onboard dining and entertainment facilities and makes stops in various cities and towns, allowing passengers to disembark and explore local attractions.
The Trans-Siberian Express is a popular choice for travelers seeking an adventurous trip and a chance to see many amazing places in Russia. It is a journey that leaves unforgettable impressions and provides a unique opportunity to learn about the culture and history of this vast country.
In summary, the Trans-Siberian Express is an iconic train journey that spans Russia from Moscow to Vladivostok, offering passengers a chance to experience diverse landscapes, cultures, and attractions along the way.
Luggage information.
In long-distance trains you can carry hand luggage that weighs less than 36 kg and does not exceed 180 cm in the sum of length, width and height. In the sleeping carriages you can carry up to 50 kg
If you have more than 50 kg of hand luggage, you can buy an additional ticket for the full price and carry another 50 kg.
Bicycle on the train.
Disassembled and packed bicycles can be carried in the hand luggage seats. For each bicycle you have to pay an extra fee as for 10 kg of luggage;
Ski or snowboard on the train.
Snowboards, skis and poles can be carried in the carry-on baggage seats free of charge and without additional paperwork.
Luggage lockers on the stations in Russia.
In 2023 it is planned to install more than 2.5 thousand automatic luggage storage cells at 215 station complexes, including Saransk, Togliatti, Murom, Vladikavkaz and Stavropol. Thus, by the end of the year the service will be available at 346 major railway stations in Russia.
Lost and Found Items.
To search for forgotten items, the passenger will need to fill out an electronic application. After the application is processed, the passenger will be asked to identify his/her belongings by photo. The search is possible within 30 days from the beginning of the trip.
https://lost.fpc.ru
Pets on the trains.
Small pets (pets), dogs (except large breeds and guide dogs) and birds are carried in crates, baskets, cages, containers, which should be placed on the seats designed for hand luggage.
Large dogs are carried in muzzles and with a leash under the supervision of their owners or escorts in a separate compartment of the compartment car, except cars of high comfort. For the carriage of large dogs is necessary to buy all compartments, and the number of dogs and passengers in the compartment must not exceed the number of seats in the compartment.
Guide dogs on trains in Russia are carried in all types of carriages for free. Transport documents are not required. Guide dogs must have a muzzle and a collar, and must be at the feet of the passenger they are accompanying.
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